ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWaiver - Consent letter from bio-father
Now that our NOA2 has arrived, I'm focused more on another hurdle. My fiancee has some bad blood with her ex, so we may not be able to persuade him to provide a consent letter to let his son leave China (despite the fact that she has provide 100% support for her son without any help from ex for the entire 7 years of her son's life). Is there a waiver process for bypassing the father's consent letter?

I've already reviewed the Hague Convention article that was established to prevent child abduction, but I think this is far from child abduction. In our case, the bio-father has chosen not to take part in the child's life. In 7 years, he's only seen the child 4 times (and only because the ex's mother wanted to see him). He's never sent gifts or provided financial aid in any shape or form. He has never expressed an interest in actually being the child's father. Given his lack of care, it's not far-fetched to think he may wish to decline signing a consent letter simply out of spite (some people are just bad people).

The country we're dealing with is China, since I know that rules vary from country to country. How can we justify a waiver to the consent letter?
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-05-14 02:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNVC to Guangzhou delays
QUOTE (goodluck @ Jul 18 2008, 07:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I once read something about that it takes 2 to 3 months for packages from NVC to be sent to Guangzhou embassy due to the fact that Chinese custom is restricting how much official documents go through every day. That's why there is such a long delay.


Took mine two months. My fiancee just received her P3. Now we are wondering, do we need to send form 230 for her and a separate one for her son?
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-07-18 11:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNVC to Guangzhou delays
QUOTE (gyi @ Jun 9 2008, 03:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (donmerlin @ Jun 9 2008, 06:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (gyi @ Jun 9 2008, 03:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Guangzhou recevied my packet from NVC, April 19th 2008, no P3, yet..


When did NVC actually send out your packet? I'm looking for the delay between NVC and Guangzhou receiving.

Around the 24th-26th February 2008..


Okay, so that's about 2 months just before the consulate receives it. I guess I have another month to wait before they receive it, and even longer to wait before the P3 is sent. ranting33va.gif

What is your section number? This is the number after the GUZ2008 on your NVC letter. My section is 62.
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-06-09 18:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNVC to Guangzhou delays
QUOTE (gyi @ Jun 9 2008, 03:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Guangzhou recevied my packet from NVC, April 19th 2008, no P3, yet..


When did NVC actually send out your packet? I'm looking for the delay between NVC and Guangzhou receiving.
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-06-09 17:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNVC to Guangzhou delays
Hi All,

After a long long wait of getting our NOA2 approved, now I find myself checking the DHL status of my petition's delivery to the Guangzhou consulate daily. It actually arrived in Guangzhou on 5/11, and here it is 6/9, and DHL's status still shows "Clearance Delay" (meaning that the consulate has not yet even accepted the documents). DHL indicated that the weight had a factor (my petition came in a 53 pound box of other petitions and documents from the US State Dept), but it's almost a month now. It seems unreasonable to me.

I was just wondering if others had experienced wait periods this long. How long did it take between NVC sending your petition and the consulate actually receiving and processing the delivery?

Thanks!
Bill

PS: Here's a terrific slideshow on the heroes of Sichuan.
http://excaliburworld.com/hero.pps.zip
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-06-09 17:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionYay! P4 received!
QUOTE (dan0321 @ Aug 12 2008, 07:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (donmerlin @ Aug 11 2008, 11:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee just received her P4 with interview date in Guangzhou. We received it on 8/8/08... lucky number 888!

To our surprise, the interview date is 9/3/08, which is way earlier than we anticipated. I already have a vacation planned to visit her from 8/14-8/25, and now I just bought another ticket for 9/1-9/7.

Looks like I won't be there for the American Citizen Day, since that is on a Friday only, correct?

Wish us luck!

(and if you have suggestions you want to share, now is the time smile.gif)


good luck!!!! I went last june, joan's interview was on tuesday the 3rd, and the meeting at the embassy was on mondays at 2:00p.m, I went there and had a very good talk with them, maybe the day has been changed again. hope it all works out.

dan


Thank you.

Regarding the ACH, I have confirmed it is still on Monday at 2:00 PM. Unfortunately, I do not get into China until Monday at 6:00 PM, so it is unlikely that I'll attend. I might attend this month. I suppose it doesn't matter how far in advance I attend.
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-08-12 12:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionYay! P4 received!
My fiancee just received her P4 with interview date in Guangzhou. We received it on 8/8/08... lucky number 888!

To our surprise, the interview date is 9/3/08, which is way earlier than we anticipated. I already have a vacation planned to visit her from 8/14-8/25, and now I just bought another ticket for 9/1-9/7.

Looks like I won't be there for the American Citizen Day, since that is on a Friday only, correct?

Wish us luck!

(and if you have suggestions you want to share, now is the time smile.gif)
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-08-12 00:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPre-interview questions
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Aug 16 2008, 03:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (donmerlin @ Aug 12 2008, 05:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Looks like I'll be missing the ACH, so I thought I'd ask my questions here.

1. What are the fees? In the P3 packet describes a visa application fee of $131USD, but I thought I'd seen the cost was much higher. What are the other fees associated with the K1 visa that I should be prepared for?

2. We are applying for K1 and K2 (for her son who is 7 years old). Her son cannot speak English. Is he required to go to the interview? He is, after all, one of the applicants. If it's optional, is it favorable that he attends (from the POV of the consulate)?

3. Part of the P4 packet, there are DS-156, DS-156K, and DS-157. Which one of these do we need to complete?

Thanks in advance!


The fee for the visa is $131 for each which you will pay prior to the interview and take the receipt with you, P3 should tell you where to pay the fee, it is usually a local bank. After she arrives you will file for AOS and that is $1010.00 maybe that is the higher fee you referred to. The fee for her son is $600 IF you file both at the same time.

Her son does not have to go to the interview. Under age 14 and they do not have to go. The consulate does not care one way or the other. In Kiev our "interview" was really nothing except returning her original documents and giving her the "pink slip" so I can see why they don't require it.

You will need TWO copies of DS-156 for EACH her and her son and passport photos for each. You will need an I-134 for her son also. You will need ONE copy of DS-156K for HER only. And she will not sign this until at the consulate. She can sign all documents for her son. Have her sign her name and write "for (name of son) minor child" This is how we did ours. I do not know what form DS-157 is, never heard of it.


Thank you, that was very helpful! What does AOS stand for? Is that the medical exams?

The 157 is a supplemental form for 156 (one page only).

Thanks for much for your response!
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-08-16 11:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPre-interview questions
Looks like I'll be missing the ACH, so I thought I'd ask my questions here.

1. What are the fees? In the P3 packet describes a visa application fee of $131USD, but I thought I'd seen the cost was much higher. What are the other fees associated with the K1 visa that I should be prepared for?

2. We are applying for K1 and K2 (for her son who is 7 years old). Her son cannot speak English. Is he required to go to the interview? He is, after all, one of the applicants. If it's optional, is it favorable that he attends (from the POV of the consulate)?

3. Part of the P4 packet, there are DS-156, DS-156K, and DS-157. Which one of these do we need to complete?

Thanks in advance!
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-08-12 04:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionForm 134 vs Form 864
QUOTE (Carol and Bruno @ Aug 16 2008, 09:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (donmerlin @ Aug 16 2008, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've been reading conflicting advice/suggestions regarding preparation for our K1 visa interview. From preliminary reviews of materials, it would seem that the I-134 form for support is all that is needed for the interview. However, now I'm reading some materials that indicate that 864 form is actually required, and 134 is only optional. I also noticed that the 864 form is where you make a 10 year promise of support (slightly more dramatic than the 134). Reading the 864 form carefully, I get the feeling that this form may be *after* the interview, when applying for permanent status in the US (which makes more sense to make a 10 year promise after the actual marriage). But I'm no lawyer, and cannot afford a lawyer, so I was hoping that I could get some advice the old-fashioned way... from people who have already done this.

Both before interview? Or 134 before interview and 864 when we're in the US applying for change of status?


You need the I-134 for K-1 and the I-864 for AOS.


Forgive me for asking stupid question, but what is AOS?
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-08-16 12:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionForm 134 vs Form 864
I've been reading conflicting advice/suggestions regarding preparation for our K1 visa interview. From preliminary reviews of materials, it would seem that the I-134 form for support is all that is needed for the interview. However, now I'm reading some materials that indicate that 864 form is actually required, and 134 is only optional. I also noticed that the 864 form is where you make a 10 year promise of support (slightly more dramatic than the 134). Reading the 864 form carefully, I get the feeling that this form may be *after* the interview, when applying for permanent status in the US (which makes more sense to make a 10 year promise after the actual marriage). But I'm no lawyer, and cannot afford a lawyer, so I was hoping that I could get some advice the old-fashioned way... from people who have already done this.

Both before interview? Or 134 before interview and 864 when we're in the US applying for change of status?
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-08-16 11:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBill and Angel and Peter... soon to be together in the US!
Our Interview Experience:

We arrived at 7:00 AM to a see of umbrellas waiting in line to get into the building. I waited with my fiancee's son, Peter, up on the steps while my fiancee, Angel, waited in the queue. After about 20 minutes, they started letting people through the queue (the 1st three lines were for the visa office, which were let through first). One at a time, they checked the visa invitation letter and passports of the people, so the line came through slowly. Once they let Angel through, Peter and I joined her up to the 4th floor, where there was a short fast-moving queue through a checkpoint. This is where I left them, to my place in the coffee shop on the other side of the wall.

As Angel and Peter went up to the 5th floor, they first went through security (no cell phones are allowed in at all). Then they sat in the area where there were rows of chairs, waiting for her name to be called. After 15 minutes, they called her name, she went to the window and provided the sealed medical results. They opened the package and checked the records, then they added these records to the original I-129F package we had originally submit for the petition (send from California to DOS to Guangzhou). Then they gave her a number, and she sat down again.

The numbers are called in random order, not numeric order (similar to how it's done at the ACH). After about 30 minutes, Angel's number was called. At this time, they only called her up for fingerprinting (using a fingerprint scan, not ink). She then went back to her seat, with the same number, to wait to be called again.

After the fingerprints were done, everyone was asked to stand up to take the US oath.

Angel and her son waiter another 35 minutes before their number was called again. Angel was engaged in conversation with her fellow applicants, and Peter was in deep reading (he loves to read). When she noticed her number had been called a few times already, she quickly grabbed the bag of forms and documents we had put together, woke Peter out of his "reading" bliss, and stammered to her assigned window.

She was greeted by an American Visa Officer, blue eyes and blonde hair. At this time, he was very serious looking, no smile at all. She was asked to scan her left and right forefingers for fingerprint verification (pretty snazzy system for ensuring there is no pass-up to a different person). And so the interview began, first in English, but later changed to Chinese (see notes):

1. When did you first meet?
Angel asked, "In person, or on internet?"
VO responded, "Internet, then in person."
Angel provided the exact date we met on the internet, and then provided the exact date we first met on my first trip to China.

2. When did you get engaged?
Angel was not sure of the English word "engaged", but she was thinking maybe she knew. I told her not to assume anything, and if she was unsure, to ask. She showed the VO her engagement ring, and asked, "Do you mean this?"
The VO responded, "Yes."
Angel has trouble remembering the month of October, which is when I gave her the ring. She stuttered an "August", quickly followed by a mis-pronounced "September", then quickly corrected again, "October, October."

NOTE: This is the point at which the VO changed to speaking Chinese. Angel then also changed her answers to Chinese, except where noted. The VO's command of the Chinese language was decent for an American, but not flawless, as the following notes will show.

3. Did you fiance get divorce?
Sensing a trick question, Angel smiled and retorted "He has never been married." Her attitude coupled with her correct response appeared to have changed his dimeaner at this stage, as a smile gleamed over his face as well.

4. How many times did your fiance come to China?
Angel responded, "Including this time trip, 7 times."
VO responded, "Did he come to the interview with you?"
She answered, "Yes".
He then replied, "Can you show me his passport?"
She give him my passport, and while he flipped through the many stamped pages, she also told him about how she met me in Hong Kong once to help me renew my Chinese visa when my first visa had expired and I couldn't enter the mainland (note, I probably provided more details here than she actually provided to the VO).

5. What is your fiance's job?
Angel responded that I was a "Computer Programmer", but as I indicated earlier, her answers were all in Chinese at this point, and he didn't understand this particular Chinese. He asked for the English translation, but Angel could not remember the English for my job. There were native Chinese speakers on-call for all of the VO's, so he consorted with the one standing behind him, and this is how he came to understand what my job was.

6. What is your job?
After the last question, Angel decided to answer this question in English, and stated "Police."

7. He asked for the I-134.
Angel gave him the I-134 forms (one for her and one for Peter). He did not want any of the documents we had put together supporting the I-134 (such as letter from employee, paycheck receipts, deed to house, tax forms, etc.).

8. He then specifically asked for a copy of my 2007 income taxes.
Angel quickly provided this (we had organized all of the documentation by category in 7 different bags, and she knew the tax forms were in the same bag as the I-134).

8. Do you have any pictures of you and your fiance together?
Angel handed him the pictures of us together. As he feathered through all pictures relatively fast, Angel was preoccupied trying to chase down Peter who, now restless, was wondering off in various directions.

9. Where does your Peter's father live?
Still speaking in Chinese, Angel responded, "Yunan, very far away."
The VO replied, "Is that in China?"
"Yes," she answered.

10. Do you have pictures of you and your son since he was a baby?
Angel handed him a different stack of pictures showing her and her son together since he was a baby up until now.

11. Now the VO wanted to ask Peter a question. The VO's Chinese pronunciation was not spot on (what American's is?), so what Peter heard is "Ni xihuan chi mang guo?" (translates to "Do you like to eat Mango?"
Peter was confused by this question, and just looked to his mother for guidance. She quickly corrected the Chinese for him, "Ni xihuan qu Meiguo? ("Do you want to go to America?")
Once he understood the question, he replied, "Yes." The VO smiled some more.

Angel noted that the VO had a very nice smile, as he starting working on some of the paperwork. As she anticipated another question, she was also trying to corale Peter as he continued to get restless. She then heard him staple some papers together and say something in English to her. She did not understand the English. He then switched back to Chinese, "Ni de mian shi tong guo la." ("You passed your interview.")

Then he handed Anger her P4 package with the red paper stapled to it.

Thinking only of ensuring completion rather than running like the win with the red paper, she bravely asked, "You forget something?" As she said this, she handed him the notarized agreement she had obtained from Peter's father agreeing to let Peter go to the US. She didn't want any issues to arise later from not providing this. The VO looked at the document, and said "okay" as he included it with the documents that the VO kept.

Now she feels the fire of "run like the wind" before he changed his mind. "Thank you, thank you, bye bye," and off she went with most of the documents still in the bag, along with the red paper.

Meeting me down on the 4th floor coffee shop, she walked up with a serious smile. Of course, as soon as I see Peter break out in a smile after being told not to laugh, I immediately knew she was also trying to hide her smile as she tried to tell me she got the white paper (handing me an arbitrary piece of paper that happened to be white). I quickly rifled through the bag to find the red paper that had Chinese and English writing, the key phrase being "You have been approved."

We checked out of the hotel and took a train back home. I think we were in a dream state for a day or two, as the culmination of all this documentation and paperwork finally came to a head. She and her son would soon be on a plane to the US. She was still reserving some excitement until she actually saw the visa show up in her mail. A quick check of the EMS tracking website (they provide the EMS receipt) shows that it was just dispatched from Guangzhou (about 2 days after the interview). We expect to see it arrive either today or tomorrow.

Lastly, I just want to thank everyone for their advice and help during this process. I will be here to help others as much as I can while I start planning for this huge life-changing adjustment.
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-09-04 18:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGuangzhou interview
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Aug 11 2008, 10:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Paulblue @ Aug 11 2008, 10:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
my fiance said she needs a receipt , she said the the hospital where she is getting her exam told her this. the list says she needs a NIV application fee receipt. does anybody know what this is?


She needs to pay the visa fee at a branch of Bank of China and bring the receipt.


Just to make sure I understand you correctly, you are saying that we can go to any Bank of China branch prior to the interview, and pay for the visa fee there?
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-08-12 00:19:00
Philippinesquestions about k-1 visa requirements
QUOTE (Primie & Ryan @ Mar 2 2008, 10:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello, I am US citizen and I never been married. My question is do I need that Certificate of No marriage, because my fiancee need it.


Certificate of No marriage? What is that?
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-03-03 01:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-129 Approval!!!!!!
QUOTE (us11857 @ May 13 2008, 12:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Rest assured California filers, they are actually moving now (at least a little bit). Our Jan 16 petition got approved on May 12.


Consider yourself lucky! We filed our petition on Oct 18, 2007, and didn't get approved until May 1, 2008. They were very quick to move the I-129F along, as I received a letter from the NVC dated May 9, 2008. Now we wait for the P3 package to be sent to my fiancee in China. smile.gif
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-05-14 02:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFinally, NOA2 received! Yay!
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ May 21 2008, 04:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (donmerlin @ May 15 2008, 01:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>


I wish I could say with confidence this was true, but it's not certain. My fiancee's father was traveling through Sichuan during the time of the earthquake, and her family has not heard from her dad for 4 days now. We could really use everyone's prayers.


So sorry to hear this. I wish your extended family the very best.


Well, here's the story (for those who may be interested)...

The China earthquake was 7.9, with the epicenter in Sichuan province. With over 32,000 dead, they are expecting the total to exceed 50,000 since many are still unaccounted for. 100's of thousands are insured, and millions are homeless. It's incredibly bad.

I just left China the day before the earthquake hit, and I talked to my girlfriend the next day. I knew her parents were in Kaifeng, and she lived in southern China, so I didn't think there was any worry to her family. However, I found out that her father, for the first time in many years, decided to go traveling. His wife was unable to travel, so he went alone with a tour group, and they happened to stop in Sichuan province the day of the earthquake. Talk about bad timing!

For several days, no one in my fiancee's family had heard from him, and all were beginning to worry that they lost him to the quake. They were having dreams that they interpreted to mean he was gone. After a few days, my fiancee and her brother flew to Chengdu to look for their dad. Mind you, Chengdu was not actually hit nearly as bad as the rest of the province (i.e., the topic of this thread really should be "MAJOR earthquake in Sichuan province").

For many days, it felt hopeless. Death and destruction were all around them, and they still did not hear any word from their dad, even after many telephone services were brought back up. Finally, on Saturday (a week after the quake hit, and after 3000+ after shocks), they were able to track down the tour bus guide's phone number, and talked to him. He told my fiancee that all 30 travelers on the bus were safe, including her father. This was a great relief, of course, but now they need to get him home.

A couple of things that some of us may not be aware of. One is that the government was giving first priority to foreigners in trying to get people home. If you are a foreigner, or a family of a foreigner traveling in the area, this is probably a good thing. But if you are Chinese, and have Chinese family stuck in the area, this feels like a stab in the back by your own government. Also, while my fiancee waited in her Chengdu hotel, she continued to watch the news and began to notice that they were only showing the good stories, and replaying them day after day. Her and her brother would exclaim, "this is the same story from two days ago!" They wanted to see the latest, untainted stories. They knew things were still bad because they were in the area, and had friends on the police that told them what was going on. This angered them, because all they could do was wait and watch the news, but the news was not providing them any useful updates.

There was also a shortage of fuel in the area, so they could not fuel the bus to move the travelers. I forget the city where her father was stranded, but it was 130 miles from Chengdu, and the roads to Chengdu were impassable. They had to bus them to a different airport (one that was 500 miles away from Chengdu), and then put them on a plane to Chengdu. After finally get the fuel, and making the bus ride to the airport, they had to sleep at the airport due to not having flights available. Again, earthquake relief and foreigners were taking precedence. Then, at last, her father got on a plane and was reunited with his family in Chengdu. My fiancee said he was very dirty (no shower for over a week) and very hungry. Then, just as he thought he was finally going to get to sleep in a bed, they heard from the hotel management that everyone in the hotel had to be evacuated that night due to the increase in after shocks. So once more, he had to sleep outside, along with his son and daughter.

The next day the were unable to get train tickets (sold out), so they stayed in Chengdu another night, this time they did sleep in the hotel. They finally were able to get train tickets the next day, and her father and brother took a train home to Keifeng last night. My fiancee took a flight home the same night, and is now back with her son. Due to the stress and lack of sleep, she ended up getting sick, but she still feels extremely lucky to have her dad back, in good health, and their homes in tact. A lot of people were not so lucky.
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-05-21 21:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFinally, NOA2 received! Yay!
QUOTE (donmerlin @ May 14 2008, 12:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
kicking.gif

Received NOA1 on 10/24/07, received NOA2 on 05/01/08!

Approved petition forwarded to NVC on 5/9/08, and hopefully on it's way to the consulate in China as I type!

Wish us luck!
whistling.gif


Many thanks to all that have sent us good wishes and congratulations. It feels great, as this process is very slow, and sometimes feels lonely, so all the voices out there are being heard and appreciated.

It turns out that the NVC sent my package off to China on May 8, which is actually the day before they drafted my letter (if only the whole process worked that fast).

Edited by donmerlin, 21 May 2008 - 06:48 PM.

donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-05-21 18:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFinally, NOA2 received! Yay!
QUOTE (n@W @ May 20 2008, 05:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats!
expect your P-3 in two months from leaving NVC and
6 weeks to 2 months for interview!
good luck
good.gif


Thanks! I did find out today that the NVC sent the package out on May 8, so that would indicate P3 on July 8. I noticed in your signature you had a lot of details about the processing. Who did you call to get the status of the petition once is left the NVC? Did you call the US consulate directly?

Thanks,
Bill
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-05-21 18:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFinally, NOA2 received! Yay!
QUOTE (Glen&Teresa @ May 14 2008, 04:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (donmerlin @ May 14 2008, 02:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
kicking.gif

Received NOA1 on 10/24/07, received NOA2 on 05/01/08!

Approved petition forwarded to NVC on 5/9/08, and hopefully on it's way to the consulate in China as I type!

Wish us luck!
whistling.gif


Well done - I hope your friends and family are far enough away from the terrible destruction thats visited your country


I wish I could say with confidence this was true, but it's not certain. My fiancee's father was traveling through Sichuan during the time of the earthquake, and her family has not heard from her dad for 4 days now. We could really use everyone's prayers.
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-05-15 00:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFinally, NOA2 received! Yay!
kicking.gif

Received NOA1 on 10/24/07, received NOA2 on 05/01/08!

Approved petition forwarded to NVC on 5/9/08, and hopefully on it's way to the consulate in China as I type!

Wish us luck!
whistling.gif
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-05-14 02:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsjust sent in I-129F today
QUOTE (humblestudent @ Aug 20 2007, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

I just sent the I-129F petition this morning by certified mail to the CSC. Now comes the long wait. Wish me luck and thanks again for the helpful posts on this website.


What was the initial problem with the first I-129F rejection?

NOTE: Even with your initial delay, your processing is a lot faster than many of us who filed in Oct '07, so maybe that gave yours some priority due to the original mishap.
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-06-30 16:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion for Guangzhou applications
QUOTE (Lucy Keeling @ May 4 2008, 02:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I read about something about P3 & P4 but still have no idea about them.
What documents are included in P3 package and what do we should send back to Guangzhou Embassy?
What is P4? When do we need get medical inspection? Right before Visa Interview? So many questions, thanks a lot for your help.

Lucy


You can download the P3 and P4 forms now:
http://guangzhou.use...and_packets.htm

I recommend waiting for the P3 and P4 sent from the consulate just to make sure you have the latest, but the downloadable versions will at least give you a good idea of what to expect. smile.gif
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-06-09 17:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetition approval times inconsistencies
QUOTE (Roy99 @ Mar 3 2008, 08:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey do not worry about the time you seen on the site when they received it that will stay that way until it is approved. Do not follow the date on the service center mine said August 07 too but I got approved febuary 29. So do not freak out yet. I called so many times and got no answers from them I am sure you will see an update soon. You can creat an account and you will see your case number. They will send you an e-mail when they approve it and you can check to see if your case was updated since they recieved it. I hope you read this because I went through the same worries too but everything is moving on to the next step


I did create an account, and this does show the last date they worked on it (despite the status never changing). Apparently they last worked on it on 1/17/08, so it appears that it may be held up for some reason. I wish they would update the status to indicate what the hold-up is. wacko.gif
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-03-04 12:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetition approval times inconsistencies
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ Mar 3 2008, 06:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've never heard of a case where an interview wasn't required...


I know there is an interview at the US consulate in my fiancee's country. I was referring to the US interview with USCIS for the petitioner before the petition is approved. The documentation says it is very rare to have this interview, and others hear have said they've never seen it happen, so it may be something I need not worry about. (knock on wood) headbonk.gif
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-03-03 11:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetition approval times inconsistencies
QUOTE (BigCityDave @ Mar 3 2008, 08:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Your fiance's friend probably sent the petition to the VSC making it faster for reasons unknown.


They definitely used the CSC. However, I have seen a few others in my timeline also get their NOA2, so maybe mine will come soon. whistling.gif
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-03-03 11:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetition approval times inconsistencies
I submit my I-129F petition last year, and received the receipt notice on Oct 19th (which I believe is referred to as NOA1 on this board). My case status still shows "Pending" on the USCIS website, and the last time I checked for processing dates at the California Service Center, it showed Aug 2007 for the I-129F (which would indicate that they would not start working on my petition for another 2 months). Recently, however, my fiancee talked to her friend who is also waiting for her K1 visa. They received their NOA1 in Nov 2007, and their I-129F has already been approved (NOA2). They did not do anything to expedite the process, so I'm just curious if anyone understands the factors that cause inconsistencies in processing times. When I call the USCIS, they tell me that the petitions are processed in order.

During the petition approval process, are they doing background checks on just me (the US citizen / petitioner), or on both me and my fiancee? I'm trying to get a grasp as to what effects the processing time, especially since my fiancee got a little upset when she found out her friend's petition was approved so fast (happy for her friend, but like me, she feels like our future hangs in the balance as we wait for the USCIS to approve the petition).

Also, I've heard that sometimes the petitioner must go for an interview before the petition is approved, and sometimes no interview is required. What factors are involved in this requirement? I'm worried because I have a trip planned to be with my fiancee in May, and that might actually coincide with a possible interview. If an interview is required, is it set by the USCIS, or do I get to choose the date?

Thank you!
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-03-03 00:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBringing the parents over for the wedding
QUOTE (Bill & Angel @ Mar 8 2008, 09:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I did find a helpful checklist on the other website, which I'll post her for others.


BTW, here's the link to the actual post I am quoting:
http://candleforlove...?...ost&p=94823

Edited by Bill & Angel, 08 March 2008 - 02:04 PM.

donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-03-08 14:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBringing the parents over for the wedding
QUOTE (Steve @ Mar 4 2008, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
[b][color=#008080]I'm not an expert when it comes to China, but I'm in a similar situation, hoping that my best friend from Egypt will be able to obtain a visa to attend our wedding. She was told that when applying for a tourist visa she should bring the wedding invitation (or document signed by me and my fiance confirming the wedding date), letter from employer, letter from the bank showing sufficient funds for traveling, any other documents as evidence for her ties to Egypt. Obviously, there is no guarantee that the visa is granted, but let's hope for the best.


I did find a helpful checklist on the other website, which I'll post her for others.

QUOTE
List (??)

PART I - INVITEE (????) (????)


1. Passport (??, ??)
2. DS 156 Form (DS156?, ??, ??????)
3. DS 157 Form (DS157?, ??, ??????)
4. Receipt of Visa Application Fee (??????????, ??)
5. Resident Booklet (???)
6. National Identification Cards (???)
7. Evidences of Properties’ ownership (????)
8. Evidences of Bank Saving (??????)
9. Retiree’s card and Certificate of pension (?????????)
10. Verification of Son’s Employment
(???????)
11. Copies of National ID of Son (????????)
12. Family Photos (????)
13. Letter of Dad’s Employment(?????????????)




PART II ( ???? ) - INVITER ( ??? )

1. Invitation Letter (English & Chinese) (?????????)
2. Affidavit of Support I-134 Form (?????? I-134?)
3. Ella’s I-94 copy (??????)
4. Copy of Income Tax Return 2003 (2003???????????)
5. Copies of Ella & Tine’s passport (???????????)
6. Copy of Ella’s Visa (???????????)
7. Copies of Daughter & Granddaughter’s Green Card, SSN (????????????????)
8. Copy of Driver License: Son-In-Law and Daughter (???????????)
9. Copy of Marriage License (??????)
10.Letter of Tine’s Employment (Tine???????????)
11.Photos (????)
12.Notarial Certificate of relationship (?????????)
13.Letter for VO. (??????????)

Letter For VO.
To: American Counsulate General
Mei Long Zheng Plaza 8th Floor
Shanghai, China 200001



Subject : Issuance of visiorts visa for my mother-in law.


Dear Visa Officer,


We would like to invite our mother, XXXX(here is mother’s name) to visit our home in XXXXX(here is address of your home) for 4-6 months, so she may visit her daughter and grandchildren. While here we would like to take her to visit New York city, Washington DC, Orlando, FL. Her husband can not join her due to his work schedule and she also has a son and daughter-in-law in Shanghai.

During her stay here we will bear all financial responsibilites during her stay including her round trip air fare from Shanghai to Indianapolis and back, medical insurance while here, and all travel expense.



Tine XXXX & Ella XXXX
(sign your names here)

Letter for Mom:Chinese & English

?????????

??????????????????????????????6??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????


5?
??????????Tine????5??8????????????????????????????????????????

7?
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

8?
????????????????????????????

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

?????

?????

2004?12?
Tine & Ella XXXX
XXXXXXX(here is your address)
Dec.30th 2004


Ref: To XXX(here is your mom’s Chinese name)

Dear Mom: (here is your mom’s name, type “PinYing”)

This letter is invite you to come USA to see us ,and live with us for 6 months in Indianapolis Indiana, USA. We will pay all the fees for your living and traveling in USA, and the plane ticket for coming USA and returning to China. During your stay in USA, We will visit several famous cities in the world:

May 21st-22nd & May 29th
Indianapolis: Indianapolis 500 Car Race ,It is the most famous car race in the world.

July 9th- 18th :
New York: Walk in Walt Street and to visit the Statue of Liberty; China Town, Atlantic City and Nigara Falls.
Washington DC: Our nations capitol, The White House our Presidents home, and many other sites.

Aug 14th~30th :
Florida: Disney World, Miami 1 week and one week on the beach in Ft. Myers Florida.


You will know that how the persons in USA are living and how we are Living in USA.
We believe that you will feel pleasure during your traveling in USA.

Your Daughter:

Your Son-in-law:

Dec30th, 2004

donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-03-08 12:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBringing the parents over for the wedding
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Mar 4 2008, 09:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
http://candleforlove...?...c=29933&hl=

http://candleforlove...?...ic=8469&hl=

We had an engagement party in China for family and friends, much like a wedding without the legal paperwork.


We are considering doing something like that too, but after 5 trips to China, I'm a little burnt on the traveling. Plus, it would be really nice to bring her parents her considering they've never left China before. I'll check out those other links... thanks!
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-03-08 12:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBringing the parents over for the wedding
Hi All,

Once my fiancee gets her K1 visa and comes to the US, we would really like to bring her parents to the wedding. Is there anything I can do from my side to help get them here? Or are they pretty much on their own in obtaining a visitors visa from the US consulate in China? I would think (hope) that here is some special "attend their daughter's wedding" fast track, but I cannot find anything of the sort.

Anyone else find themselves in this position? What's the best way to go about it?

mellow.gif
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-03-04 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProper preparation for sons and ex-husbands
When I filled out my I-129F to petition my fiancee for a K1 visa, it had specifically stated that if she had a son, her son would automatically be included, and that I did not have to fill out any further forms. I read this several times to ensure that I understood the instructions correctly.

However, it did not cover the consulate process, and so I'm not sure if there is something extra that must be done to include my fiancee's son. When she applies for her K1 visa, will her son automatically be included, or does he have to file separately? I think I may have seen a post that mentioned a different kind of visa for the child. Also, will the consulate officer question the child during the interview as well? My fiancee's son is only 7, and is just now learning English, so I don't know if he could pass an English interview.

The second half of this question is with regards to the son's father. My fiancee's ex-husband has been out of the picture since the child was born. When her son was still a newborn, my fiancee apprehended her husband having an affair, and it was over. Since then, the father has not shown any desire to take part in raising the son. He has only actually met his son maybe a total of 4 times in the son's lifetime. My fiancee does not have contact with the ex-husband. What kind of rules are in effect with regards to ex-husbands? Does my fiancee need her ex-husband to agree to his son leaving to the US? What happens if he does not? She would never leave her son with her ex-husband, so I know she would not leave China if her son couldn't leave also. What are the requirements, and what could she do if her ex-husband is not co-operative?
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-03-09 20:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresquestion about k-1 visa
QUOTE (mohamed and trina @ May 13 2008, 03:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi guys i have a question for the people who have had success in the k-1 visa process.the question is my fiance lives in egypt.so i wanted to know if the american sends original documents that's not the problem the problem is.i dont feel comfortable sending my original birth certificate overseas if i dont see it again it cost so much for another original.so is it just a copy of my birth certificate.and my divorce papers do i also send the originals of that.why is the copies not good enough.i would send the divorce paper the original but when it comes to my birth certificate is thhe copy not good enough please help


I only sent copies of documents for the I-129F, and my fiancee only sent copies to the Consulate for the K1. I don't even think you need to worry about originals, but it wouldn't hurt to take them to the interview just in case.
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-05-14 02:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurescase still pending at csc,HELP!
QUOTE (sophee_ya @ May 13 2008, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all! its nice to be back again, my case is still pending we filed last year and if you've read my previous thread
this is my second time for k1 ( different petitioner) so here is the situation,I only met my fiance once when i was in USA
when we met in restaurant,he asked for my contact information, after few weeks i flew back to my home country( i went home on time before 90 days) we communicate through online, then after few months we decided to be officially gf/bf(cause before i wasnt ready to commit to serious relationship)
,when he filed for k1 we just sent my boarding pass no photos only my boarding pass, is that enough evidence of meeting for the past 2 years?
He came to visit me in my country but the k1 has already been filed.
So my questions are:
Does USCIS will see it as red flag because we just sent my boarding pass only as proof of meeting in person for the past 2 years??no photos etc?
Does it really an issue for the USCIS that this is my second time for k1 beneficiary?
How come our case doesnt get approval yet?
Thank you in advance


First of all, your case will show "pending" for the entire time, even when they are working on it. It only changes once they Approve (or god forbid, deny). Maybe it also changes if they have a request for more information. In any case, the application instructions was very specific about including pictures, so I wouldn't be surprised that eventually they send you a request for further evidence before approving. You could call the USCIS and ask if you could send the information now to append to your file, but they may tell you just to wait until they determine the need and specifically request it.

FWIW, I sent pictures of us together, airline tickets, letters, emails, phone logs, and anything else I could muster up that showed our intent to be married, and it still took nearly 7 months before the case changed from "Pending" to "Approved".
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-05-14 02:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSupporting evidence - letters vs statements
QUOTE (Stepbrow @ Jul 2 2008, 01:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Don,

I got a letter from the bank and a letter from my employer. I only had to wait a day for the bank letter. It wasn't that big of a deal. I just talked to the branch manager, and she did it for me. Same thing for employer.


Employer letter not a problem.

For my bank (really, Credit Union), they want me to come to the office (far away) and also pay $5. From what I have read, it appears that my salary / employment will be good enough, since it is far above poverty level.
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-07-02 15:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSupporting evidence - letters vs statements
I'm reviewing the instructions for form I-134 with regards to supporting evidence. Previously, I thought that a bank statement and copies of paychecks would suffice, but the instructions explicitly state:

A. Statement from an officer of the bank ...

B. Statement of your employer on business stationery...

For those that have submit their I-134 already (aka, had their interview), did you have letters from a bank officer and your employer (as prescribed above), or did you just provide pay stubs and bank account records? This would probably be a good question to ask at the consulate, but I don't want to wait until the interview to get the answer. All insight is appreciated.
donmerlinNot TellingChina2008-07-01 01:27:00