Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
China	APRIL INTERVIEWS in GUZ	QUOTE (turbo2253 @ Apr 4 2009, 11:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We will have a busy 15 days in April, there are 7 interviews between the 14th and the 28th. There is 1 - IR-5, and 6 - IR-1/CR-1's. Brian @ CFL, you are our leader, 4/14, you are in charge of re-con. Lock @ CFL, 4/20 IR-5 Rod, "Gakuken" @ VJ 4/21, IR-1/CR-1 IVLP @ CFL, 4/21 IR-1 Trudger24 @ CFL, 4/22, CR-1 JBHYPNO @ CFL, 4/28, IR-1/CR-1 turbo2253 @ VJ, mikepellicore @ CFL, 4/28, IR-1 after K-3(8/8/2007) It seems like the CR-1/IR-1 is growing in popularity, probably because the time difference is getting so small. Good luck to all, maybe we could exchange some contact #'s for getting together or helping each other while we are in GUZ. We can also use CFL if you have internet access. Mike & Yizhen I wish all great success in this process and please tell the resr of us not far behind all you can I appreciate it!	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-04-05 10:55:00
China	Email inquiry response	Ok after another week I got a response from wifee's email changing her address. Again very polite and caring email :-) Dear Ms. X Thank you for your email and update contact information. According to our records, your case file is still in transit from the National Visa Center (NVC) and may need more time to arrive at this Consulate office. Please be assured that once we receive it, we will process to schedule a visa interview for you, and send an appointment packet with instructions to your update Chinese address. Your patience and understanding is appreciated at this moment. Sincerely, Immigrant Visa Unit U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-06-11 18:01:00
China	Email inquiry response	I am a little disappointed in the response I got from the consulate. I posted an email request for making sure my wife, the beneficiary's mailing address was accurate, since she does not receive china post at her home, but at her school where she works, and after 5 days ( of the standard 5-7 day response) I got an answer that was generic and didn't even answer my question! My question was just "this is the mailing address in this case". I know case is not physically present but woe form letter city sucks Thank you for your email, our records indicate that we have not yet received your xxxxx's physical file. The case was electronically loaded by the National Visa Center (NVC). It is likely that the file is still in transit from the NVC. In general, the transmission of an approved petition from the NVC to the Consulate can take up to 3 to 4 months. Which is largely due to unavoidable delays in clearing official documents at Chinese customs. Once we receive the physical file we will start processing and schedule her for an interview after the processing is completed. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions. Sincerely, Immigrant Visa Unit U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou This email is UNCLASSIFIED based upon the provisions of E.O. 12958	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-06-02 02:10:00
China	Chinese Wedding Photography	QUOTE (usagroom @ May 25 2009, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Okay, that was too fun. How about this? OMG I didn't even look at the pictures until now those are GREAT funny cool ha ha ha For clarification, none of our photos were photoshopped every picture is a real background but they photoshopped the album put pictures together put in captions and lovey dovey effects! Edited by Dan & Juan, 29 May 2009 - 09:48 PM.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-05-29 21:44:00
China	Chinese Wedding Photography	QUOTE (usagroom @ May 25 2009, 03:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> very beautiful! 3000Y for just one book? It included 12 hours of shooting with a whole team, costuming, transportation around the beautiful scenic areas, lunch, snacks, and creative photoshopping and they also included the pictures electronically with no water marks or restrictions of use. They took well over 100 pictures and we could have chosen many, but my wife is really selective and only chose 28. I could never match this service for about 400 bucks in the USA with a pro !	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-05-25 20:39:00
China	Chinese Wedding Photography	well I have a lot of trouble editing the post so I will have a new photo post Edited by Dan & Juan, 25 May 2009 - 02:54 AM.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-05-25 02:52:00
China	Chinese Wedding Photography	My wife hates pictures in general, but on this we agreed it was nice to have. She shopped around for good deal. We had a driver, a photographer, 2 make-up people, assistants, etc a big crew type experience! We went in at about 8 am and didnt finish until 8 pm. Cost about 3000 rmb and they took one picture at a time literally one at a time no shooting a bunch in fast mode every shot set up, and my wife had exclusive editorial choice and she didn't like most but she decided to choose about 28. I haven't seen the actual album even though I just left there yesterday, I will see it later, it's heavy and glass book.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-05-25 02:00:00
China	ACH at Guangzhou	I have interview time Monday morning so I cannot make it to the ACH. I would like to go mostly to get a look around and talk to my wife about it, and say hello to the officers. I figure the interview is what I am in the country for, so i wish my timeline matched up but I am not too concerned. I am leaving in about 9 hours yikes I am really not packed I am very excited and tired should snooze on the flight well!	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-08-09 00:25:00
China	Who's going to China this June/July/August?	QUOTE (Mike and Yan @ Aug 26 2009, 06:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Dan & Juan @ Aug 26 2009, 11:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (endoftheroad @ Aug 26 2009, 09:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So flight to HK, train to and from GUZ is okay? Sorry to hear about the flight home problem, I take it your fiancee was not with you? shhhh don't tell my wife about my fiancee No My wife will come in some weeks she didn't resign her job or make any plans in case and she will spend time with her family and friends before leaving. It is tough enough to leave your life for a new country i didn't want to put pressure of time on it too Dan My wife makes her grand appearance 9/12. She has the same isues as yours. It really sucks now....knowing she has the visa, BUT also must say her goodby to family and boyfriend(s) ha! Regarding the China inbound... JFK has Cathay Pacific and Air China. I think Newark has Continental. You came in on Continental? Sorry it stunk like that...I must say that Cathay Pacific is cooooool in flight entertainment and great food. Mike I flew Continental. My past trips cathay pacific which is owned a big chunk (omg i typoed chink) by Air China. Air China's planes are not equiped with technology but cathay out of L.A. was very pleasant. The Continental crew is usually all American so the flight seems more like a US flight, where the Air China flights are very Chinese geared, with English as a second language. The Continental fleet are very new and the screens and choice of media are Ok but Cathay really was superior. The continental staff was adequate, but I really did take exception like it was a pain to serve us and at times rude about things like the electronics or asking what we wanted to eat. The price was certainly right, and the counter staff in Hong Kong of Continental was really excellent and helpful, with my seating as well as luggage overage. I had asked for aisle seat and the flight was full but they pulled me aside and asked me to wait and then eventually changed my seat and assured that I liked it. I like sitting in the back area of the 727 and they accomidated me and were very helpful.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-08-26 19:06:00
China	Who's going to China this June/July/August?	QUOTE (endoftheroad @ Aug 26 2009, 09:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So flight to HK, train to and from GUZ is okay? Sorry to hear about the flight home problem, I take it your fiancee was not with you? shhhh don't tell my wife about my fiancee No My wife will come in some weeks she didn't resign her job or make any plans in case and she will spend time with her family and friends before leaving. It is tough enough to leave your life for a new country i didn't want to put pressure of time on it too Dan	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-08-26 10:54:00
China	Who's going to China this June/July/August?	QUOTE (steveltx @ Aug 14 2009, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Dan & Juan @ Aug 13 2009, 02:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Eric & Jin @ Aug 3 2009, 01:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Going through Customs/Immigration is nothing to worry about when taking the train between HK & GUZ as you do not have to stop at the border and get off the train to go through immigration like you do when taking the bus. You go through exit Customs/Immigration at the HK or GUZ train station (depending where you are departing from) and then go through entry Customs/Immigration when you arrive at either GUZ or HK. Both check points are quick and easy to get through. I actually transited between HK and China 3 separate times via the train on my last trip (we took a shopping trip to HK while waiting for the visa to be printed) and had no problems on either end. Very easy going they gave out water and it was not crowded at all. Hi Dan, Have fun! I am here watching you. I will leave in a week. Steve Ok I am back home I now have reality staring at me I have to move by Sunday and I slept some but woke up at 4 AM. The train ride back to Hong Kong was very nice. I then traveled around HK on the Rail system, it is so very very nice and efficient. I basically went door to door to disneyland for $3 and clean bright trains very positive! My flight back to Newark was quite annoying the average age of the attendants was about 60 and for a 16 hour flight I'm sorry these old gals were worn and snotty and condescending and sometimes quite rude. The inflight entertainment system wouldn't power up on about 7 rows of seats and they basically looked under our seats to see if some plug was out but come on they had no clue so 16 hours on the plane with no screen, no reading lights what a crummy time. I am lucky I always prepare with 3 ipods and can always amuse myself but others were quite sad to see.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-08-26 04:55:00
China	Who's going to China this June/July/August?	QUOTE (Eric & Jin @ Aug 3 2009, 01:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Going through Customs/Immigration is nothing to worry about when taking the train between HK & GUZ as you do not have to stop at the border and get off the train to go through immigration like you do when taking the bus. You go through exit Customs/Immigration at the HK or GUZ train station (depending where you are departing from) and then go through entry Customs/Immigration when you arrive at either GUZ or HK. Both check points are quick and easy to get through. I actually transited between HK and China 3 separate times via the train on my last trip (we took a shopping trip to HK while waiting for the visa to be printed) and had no problems on either end. Very easy going they gave out water and it was not crowded at all.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-08-13 02:31:00
China	Who's going to China this June/July/August?	I will try to let you know how it goes. My plan seems to be simple enough, I am flying into HK in the evening, and taking hotel shuttle to a hotel right next to the train station, then I will sleep or whatever overnight until checkout, then I will leave the hotel walk a minute to train station and take a 12:30ish or afternoon train to GZ and then end up at the east train station in GZ where my wife will be waiting to meet me. I don't know how long customs will be on any part of this but I have been to China in the Olympics and during the first over done month of H1N1 checks multiple forms temperatures taken etc, and nothing could be as bad as those experiences. I thought during the Olympics I would not be allowed to stay the airport officers pulled me and my stuff into the back and interrogated to me at length. When I gave them my girl's phone number they called her and they let me go immediately. I have not made plans for return yet as I only have flight booked out of HK and after the interview with the visa in our sweaty hands we will decide exactly what to do. [/quote] I was thinking about the train from HK to GUZ. Never thought about the ferry. Anyone else do it that way? Thanks for the indepth reponse! [/quote]	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-08-01 19:25:00
China	Who's going to China this June/July/August?	I got plans through flychina.com columbus-newark-hong kong round trip 1075 all included. I will figure out how to take train to GZ the next day	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-07-21 00:30:00
China	Who's going to China this June/July/August?	QUOTE (Tom and Jasmine @ Jun 30 2009, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (usagroom @ May 19 2009, 09:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (OKIE2 @ May 19 2009, 04:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We just sent back pack 3 yesterday the 18th may my best guess is that we will get interview mid July. the cheapest air tickets I have found are with SINGAPORE AIRLINES Hong Kong to San Francisco $518.84 and they are the same price all year not going up and down like all other airlines don't fly to Los angles it cost more from sfo to Tulsa $149.20 American Airlines.Total HKG to TUL $668.04 EACH. this way I will have to book 2 different tickets and it is saving me about $1500.00 going this way for the 3 of us. After you reach USA you can fly about any where for about $150.00. JUST BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR CONNECTION TIMMING IN SFO. You aren't going there for the interview? I was going to mention the Singapore Airlines deal. $1k is also good. I fly Cathay Pacific out of SFO and pay $1,200. That is direct to HK then train to GZ cuz the lay-over is like 10 hours. A friend flys Singapore Air often and says the service is good. Cathay Pacific is always excellent. I might be going during this time period cuz I can tell my Fiancee is having mild freak-out. Ok so now I am trying to make plans to go for interview. I want to fly into HK and then train it into Guangzhou. From what I can figure the trains only run until 7:30 at night. If I come in in the evening I guess I would have to stay overnight in HK, but I am concerned about cost, because if I am sitting at the airport in HK and need to stay somewhere it is probably very expensive. I like th eidea of training it for the view and experience, but is it cheaper and better just to fly into GUZ? Last year I flew to HK and took the train and stayed at the disneyland hotel and that was fun in the sun, but I am more interested in the good advice on what to do. Thanks	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-07-18 15:38:00
China	Who's going to China this June/July/August?	I'm not sure what a good price is I needed to get to China with only a couple days planning due to illness i went on flychina.com and just picked whatever they threw up there which seemed crazy now that I flew it Columbus - New York - Los Angeles - Beijing - Guiyang and return Guiyang - Beijing - New York - Columbus for 1398 all included.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-05-24 10:25:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	So Juan got the P4 yesterday woot we were a little worried because the address at her school and the fact that they are on holiday but after checking every day it showed up!! I have to find a place to live still, work, print out all my stuff wow this time goes quickly	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-07-24 08:32:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	QUOTE (Mike and Yan @ Jul 20 2009, 11:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Today my DOS call gave good news. From application to interview took me 5 months and 1 week. 8/13 GREAT to hear everyone !!!! Mike since we will be there at the same time, but you stinker you got earlier date! i am flying into HK on the 10th in the evening then I have to stay over and i want to take the train into GZ the next day. August 12 is our 1 year anniversary which kind of rocks I am quite nervous about travel plans. wife is taking care of hotel and her transport and i told her yangs number we will discuss how to meet and what not!!!	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-07-20 20:18:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	QUOTE (steveltx @ Jul 17 2009, 12:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Dan & Juan @ Jul 16 2009, 05:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Steve yes I am thinking exactly what you said but also just peeves me that it is interpretation for some operators to guess, I mean it's an information screen they should be trained on, why is it so hard to tell? But I know what is going on I just wonder why they don't I'm ready for some news don't mind the wait but as middle of July comes the dates get pushed back Got the date. Interview date is set on 08/31/2009. Steve Holy Carp!! I called DOS today was on hold a long time but I said I hope you have some good news for me today and then she said yes an interview has been scheduled. I said ok when (thinking Steve's timeline) and the answer is August 17th at 7:15 AM ack ack ack that is so quick!!!! Oh yea now I have to finish a big work project before this, and get off work (too bad I can't take off a month) And I am not sure I will be able to make an ACH session since we have a Monday Interview. So they mailed out the P4 today I hope she gets it quick thru China Post or that it arrives at all.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-07-17 15:42:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	Thanks Steve yes I am thinking exactly what you said but also just peeves me that it is interpretation for some operators to guess, I mean it's an information screen they should be trained on, why is it so hard to tell? But I know what is going on I just wonder why they don't I'm ready for some news don't mind the wait but as middle of July comes the dates get pushed back	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-07-16 17:07:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	Every day when I call I am only going to ask about an interview date. I talked to Joanna or joetta today and she said that the no interview date is showing still, so I asked what the status showed she said the file has not even arrived yet. I said that conflicts with what I was told before and those conflicted with other operators. I said I understand Guangzhou is a tough consulate to read anything could be happening but I think operators giving out false or conflicting information are a problem, but in the end we both agreed that when an interview date is set it will be very clear on the computer. So now I don't even care how the operator interprets the tea leaves on their screens, as long as it says "INTERVIEW DATE” she also told me not to call every day but once a week yea right I'm going to call every day pray I don't call 5 times a day at this point! In the meantime all my co-workers have submitted their vacation request and since I am last to do it I don't think I will have along visit in China maybe will have to make a couple trips maybe just come back with visa and wife. Oh that’s the whole point of this journey!	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-07-15 18:15:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	QUOTE (pushbrk @ Jul 13 2009, 09:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (David Lee @ Jul 12 2009, 12:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi, Mike I wish........I can only say....smaller package might get it's STAMP quicker. But, unless consulate ready to pickup the packages and work on them........we are all in the same boat now. David My wife's sister's case also cleared NVC May 6. This morning they confirm the case status change from loaded to open shows a July 11 date but no interview has been scheduled. If you speak to Hans at DOS, you might want to hang up and call back again. He told me the case open date was April 28. When I tried to get clarification on that, explaining the case was not yet complete at NVC on that date, he hung up on me. I also will not speak to this guy. he may be helpful for other consulates but he seems to not want to help in China. I found that "Kay" is nice but firm and doesn't let you ask questions unless you know 1 2 3 4 5 exact to the point, or she says "thank you sir" and hangs up. When the interview datew is set doesn't matter who we talk to I imagine it will show up on the computer	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-07-13 18:27:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	I could be out to lunch BUT I think the projections may be good. Time will tell. Eric is my guide!! [/quote] Hi Mike, Hang in there. It will be soon for all of us. I hope we will all be in Guangzhou the same week. That should be fun. It's coming!!!!!! Steve [/quote] I hope we can be "out to lunch " together My wifee maybe was too excited last week she's asking "any news today" "how about now" so I hate to disappoint her	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-06-29 06:51:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	QUOTE (steveltx @ Jun 8 2009, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just an update to our case. Called DOS, the paper files left Guangzhou custom and was received by the consulate today on June 8. It took about a month inside Chinese custom for clearing. The file left NVC on May 6. Steve I called the DOS this morning and the guy was very pleasant, and helpful in his own way, unfortunately he was quite confused. I said that I was waiting to hear about an interview date and if the package has arrived yet. He said the package has arrived April 30. I said this is not possible it physically didn't leave nvc until may 6. he said oh wait these fields are all messed up and disregard what he said. So then he gave me a standard spiel that Chinese customs was holding up the package and until they released it it was stuck there blah blah blah like there is this giant Chinese government conspiracy to check every package and make the poor US bureaucrats made to wait. I cried a little. but bottom line is nothing to report no news stuck in clearance etc.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-06-09 08:30:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	QUOTE (steveltx @ Jun 8 2009, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just an update to our case. Called DOS, the paper files left Guangzhou custom and was received by the consulate today on June 8. It took about a month inside Chinese custom for clearing. The file left NVC on May 6. Steve Steve!!!! I have not called DOS yet but you give me incentive! keep us informed	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-06-09 02:54:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	Mine went out same day I want this I want this!!!! [/quote] I saw that!! I was hoping you would respond. ! As you know, I've been observing your signiture for a while . . I'm only 2 weeks behind you. There are some that contend package size makes a difference! My DHL package is 5 lbs. Is it rude to ask 'How big is yours???' [/quote] hmm I'm not sure about it I used the DHL searching process to track package going out that day I haven't verified anything but the one I have tracking on is 9 pounds. how do you know how much it weighs?	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-05-25 06:59:00
China	China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!?	QUOTE (Mike and Yan @ May 24 2009, 09:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Guangzhou people, I am reading in 'A Candle for Love" and found very interesting news . . A CR1 Visa for member 'mei3935' : Case sent to Guangzhou: 2009-05-06 Case received by Guangzhou: 2009-05-21 If you're not good at math . . that's about ... 2 weeks in Customs! and that has made my day!!!! Mine went out same day I want this I want this!!!!	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-05-24 22:12:00
China	GUANGZHOU INTERVIEW DATES ISSUSED	QUOTE (Mike and Yan @ Jun 27 2009, 05:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Dan & Juan @ Jun 27 2009, 03:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> When I get my interview date I will plaster it all over the forums and Candle4love and anyone that asks walking down th street or says hi to me AGAIN,,,, and I can't stress this enough please pester the ####### out of them... there is nothing for me until you get yours SO PLEASE do WHATEVER...knock down the doors !!!!!! The DOS call line sure are super friendly folks, I had a really nice conversation with a lady today, she said to bug them all i wanted, they would rather have to talk to DOS than the consulate especially since Guanzhou can be working on 8000 cases at a time and they needs ta be workin on cases not answering questions. Well besides the nice conversation really nice actually, She didn't have any infomration except like "oh she's eligible for an interview everything is in order don't worry about it" BUT call back next week like on the 6th and hopefully there will be news of an interview or something to tell, the case loooks like it is ready to progress just can't say for sure what's happening with it etc. and she really knows how frustrating waiting and not knowing can be, and I think we talked about everything but red white and blue fireworks cookies recipes So as of this week no news yet no mail sent no email sent just nice pleasant conversation with teh visa line at DOS *sigh* happy birthday America the office is closed for holiday and vacations be prepared to wait oh wait you been doing that already oh well	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-06-30 19:51:00
China	GUANGZHOU INTERVIEW DATES ISSUSED	QUOTE (Mike and Yan @ Jun 26 2009, 12:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (OKIE2 @ Jun 26 2009, 11:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> why can't we have a pined topic here where every one can just enter name dates for p3-p4 & interview date then we all could see what the consulates latest actions are. then we would know of what to expect a whole lot better than what we have now. you should check out what the Mike and Yan guy did on the thread: China Customs: 2-3 months or is it unclogged ?!?!? It's for the CR1 people, but I bet he could help you out..... just a thought.... When I get my interview date I will plaster it all over the forums and Candle4love and anyone that asks walking down th street or says hi to me	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-06-27 14:28:00
China	Flights back from GUZ	QUOTE (Azzudiin @ Sep 2 2009, 10:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Your SO does not have to fly immediately after interview, most likely a more sensible plan would be, you plan regular RT to Guz for the interview. Once SO gets pink they return home and prepares to leave for US in 4-6 weeks roughly. If SO lives a long way away from GUZ and they are packing for going to America, thats a ton of luggage to be hauling around when you really do not have the big fat VISA in hand. Me and my SO plan is pretty much, I go to GUZ with her, I fly home, she flys back home (Chongqing). I return in 2 months empty handed (no luggage) except for a few changes of clothes. We fly back to America together so I can go through POE with her and also she gets to bring along 2 extra bags of stuff on my ticket. I know we all want to be together as fast as possible, but take some time and think it through, what happens as another poster above stated if they get pink, but you get the black hole 2 week wait on VISA? what about blue slip for additional documentation? Or worse yet the dreaded white. You have waited a long time, another month or 2 to make preparations without flying by the seat of the pants (no pun intended) will make a lot less stress on your SO, and they are going to have a ton of that anyway with interview, saying goodbye to family and friends, entering a vastly different culture etc etc. Summation of this longer then intended post: Don't rush This is exactly what we did, we got pink and visa in hand in 2 days but she lives in another city and hadn't resigned job or visited with family and its only fair to let her say goodby to her whole life she's lived for over 30 years and deal with anything that comes up. I wish I could go and fly back with her but I can't believe rushing there and coming right back is good money to spend, I would rather visit with her in future	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2009-09-03 02:23:00
China	Any suggestions for a great Tour company and places to see (mountains,rivers)?	Since my wife is from Guiyang we were fortunate enough to be a bus ride away from really beautiful areas. I might suggest Huangguoshu Waterfall is located in Southwest of An Shun City in Guizhou Province. As the largest waterfall in China Of course china is vast and has many beautiful areas the most important thing is your time together cherish wherever you go it is a lifetime of memories so sometimes it's not the destination that matters it's the journey	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2011-08-20 23:30:00
China	Approved ok. What about transcripts & diploma translations?	My wife was also originally not classified as resident for tuition reduction but I just made an appointment with an administrator and had to bring in info proving only 2 things. My status as a resident and proof of our marriage. At least in Ohio marrying an established resident automatically grants her resident for purpose of tuition rate. I am always looking for the BBD ( bigger better deal) or angle and it was worth a little research. Juan ended up taking almost 40 quarter hours and the price was very reasonable at resident rate of 79 per credit hour	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2011-08-20 23:40:00
China	Approved ok. What about transcripts & diploma translations?	This subject hits home with us. My wife has junior degree in english business or business english or some hoohaa, and achieved a bachelors in english. She became certified as a teacher in some odd subject that didnt even make sense, but i guess the headmaster just rounds out his staff by mumbo jumbo. She taught primary and middle school for 8 years mostly as an English teacher. fast forward to coming to USA. So now even though she has a degree in english, her spoken english and desire to function opposite her experience of teaching english to chinese native speakers becomes teaching chinese to native english speakers So after much research about accelerated teaching certifications, and looking for programs tailored for this type of person, we realized the hard economy hit foreign language programs really hard. No scholarship or private/ public funded teaching degree programs currently available. The path we chose was she entered community college and took a total of about 35 credit hours of esl to boost her ability to take college level courses taught in english then proceed to attend ohio state university (where I work and receive 50% tuition and fee employee benefit thank you very much) in an intense masters of education and teaching certification program in foreign language that gets you all that and a bag of dumplings in one year. The strange thing is since she did not major in chinese in undergrad, she has to take 45 hours of chinese classes (no language obviously) in culture, literature, and other areas before she even qualifies to enter a program because again she is a native chinese speaker with teaching experience but since she is teaching foreign language to native english speakers it is the path she must take. So now in the midst of taking the 45 hours of prerequisites then hopefully qualifying for the masters program, while in the meantime switching from quarters to semesters, with any light at the end of the long dark tunnel, how can she get a teaching job when in this economy every school is laying off experienced teachers and staff and cutting everything? Any advice or steps where she can maybe even work in the field now to get a leg up would be appreciated. Oh by the way, She is able to enter OSU under continuing education non-degree status so transcripts, TOFL, or even past grades are not a factor. She must establish history now as she studies to move into mainstream status. Somethings to think about and maybe having a network here would be nice Thanks! Edited by Dan & Juan, 16 August 2011 - 12:21 AM.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2011-08-16 00:20:00
China	Potential Guangzhou schedule	Of course, the mere fact that your wife brings your US passport to her interview is enough to show that you are there. This is the golden advice. One of the questions asked at interview for us ws first question "is your husband here with you" answer yes here is his passport. That goes a long way!!	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2011-10-22 07:56:00
China	Calling plans	I have found that having wife call her family is best rather than them trying to call from China. If someone needs to talk to her they can send a single text message and she can call back using google voice for about 2 cents a minute. google voice allows you to ring you any number you choose, cell, landline etc so I like that feature. I also have used skype via wifi when i was traveling and that also has function. When I was in China I brought my magicjack and used it like having my US number calling out, which worked great too. There are many options to choose, I like portability of google voice over something like vonage, which needs hardware. google voice is virtual. I also used tak2china extensively for texting when we were living apart during CR1 process, i bought like 1000 units and never ran out of messages Edited by Dan & Juan, 22 October 2011 - 07:51 AM.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2011-10-22 07:49:00
China	Address verification and changes contact?	Just to beat a dead horse more, I changed the address at least 20 times everywhere I could email, phone, certified letter, etc with address request verification even at the POE repeatedly wife asked address is correct. Evey answer I got said yes address changed. Green card never received at new address sent to old. Delayed us several months then they wanted us to pay lost greencard replacement fees because we were lying and lost card cause thats what everyone does. My I-90 was thick with documented proof of my effort and named confirmations from clerks, operators to customs entry officer and then they sent GC unceremoniously finally for no cost. Moral of the story: persistence, patience, documentation, names dates, times replies etc. CYA I don't trust inter-agency communications as far as I can throw a $600 toilet seat I hope it has changed in a couple years	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2011-11-18 12:51:00
China	CCP Blue update	Visa is approved and in the mail via EMS Flight changed and I'm going to get the better half Tuesday............Woohoo!! Christmas with family and wedding on the 29th. It all came together. WOW great to hear congratulations. Happy holidays and wedding all together!	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2011-12-18 07:45:00
China	Curious about the old ACH at GUZ	I never intended nor did I go to the ACH. I planned everything to the period on every document I prepared and had no desire to pay high fees for a notarization to just say "hey I'm here" I rather spent my hard earned money on bad hot chocolate on the 4th floor this is the story of the universe.. a few people ruin a good pure idea by circumventing process and rules and try to adjudicate their denials in any forum they can think of. I don't fault people from wanting access to the only people who have decided their lives in a blink of an eye, just saying it ruined this nice service for everyone.	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2012-01-12 20:31:00
China	CR1 success rates at GUZ if US citizen can't make the interview	Well I guess I got the date and my schedule is open so I will go be with her for her interview ANY updates?	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2012-01-14 15:32:00
China	CR1 success rates at GUZ if US citizen can't make the interview	I'm curious about you seeing your wife last month. Didn't you know last month you would be interviewing soon? I just think it is prudent to plan our lives around the visa process, because this is the single most important thing to worry about period. With that said you cannot change the past so brings to the next question, "does it matter if the spouse is present or not" In my case I know it weighed in very very heavily. I had married on my first visit after knowing wife only 8 months. Did not visit again another 9 months then 3rd visit for interview. That meant that if I was not there for days together with wife going over every conceivable question and scenario, bringing a suitcase full of evidence, I probably would not have succeeded. To say you cannot " get off work" is too convenient. If you used up all vacation already on visits can't you take even a brief leave, no one said you had to stay in Guangzhou for weeks just go and come right back. My wife had a major operation and I took a few days off work but had a very short visit but still she is my life and that trumps anything else going on. My personal experience and gut says go be there for her, and stack the deck on the interview give her confidence and show the CO you really mean your love and bona fide relationship. If your supervisor won't allow you to take off, what kind of job do you have? If you were sick do they want you going to work with your appendix hanging out? Cant you work remotely a few days? I had great internet in the apartment we rented in Guangzhou and I was able to do an awful lot of work related stuff and keep in contact. It is your choice, don't give other people power over you, there is always a way!	Dan & Juan	Male	China	2011-12-18 07:38:00