Hey Everyone!

I have been living and teaching in China for four years. My wife and I were married last year IN China and we are just now thinking of moving back to the U.S. We are in the Shanghai consular district, but I just read that they do not handle immigrant visas...only the Guangzhou Consulate can handle that. A new term begins on Monday and we have no way of traveling to Guangzhou to apply until the summer break. Can anyone confirm this?

Also, I have a job offer at a school in the U.S. and would like to make it by August of 2008 to take the position. Is a DCF (direct consular filing) possible? I know we meet the conditions, but how and where can we accomplish this? Okay, final question and I'll get off your back: If one applies for the DCF and is rejected, do we have to start the process all over again by filing an I-130 (thus losing the mountain of money for going after the DCF)?

I really appreciate any help as I am so overwhelmed!

try PM YuandDan he will send you in right direction.
also www.candleforlove.com can give you guidance.
I believe you have to go the Guangzhou only but I could be wrong.

good luck

sorry
its pushbrk and not yuandDan
thats cfl

Many thanks. Yeah, we were just informed that because of our move to the Shanghai District (after having lived in the Beijing District for a year), we will have to reside for another six consecutive months before we can even apply for the CR-1 visa--and that we must do so in Guangzhou because the Shanghai Consulate only accepts NIV (non-immigrant visa) applications. Bummer. Looks like another year of teaching in China instead of the U.S.

If there is anyone else out there with our same situation, I hope you find this helpful:

*If you are residing in China and got married in China, you must apply for the immigrant visa in your consular district (unless you live in the Shanghai District b/c they don't accept I-130 apps). In other words, direct your attention to the Guangzhou Consulate by default unless you are in the Beijing District.

*However, you must provide proof that you have permission to live in that district (permanent resident or "Z" visa) and have done so for 6 CONSECUTIVE months.

*Never try for a tourist visa if you are married...no matter what (even for a family member's wedding)!

*DCF is the same as CR-1. Unless I'm mistaken, this is what I've only recently learned. They are quicker, but that is no guarantee (still expect 4-9 months--correct me if I'm wrong).

We will continue to post to try to help others, but I believe our situation has just taken a turn for the worse.