We're in the red!

[Andrew_Qin 0]

My wife called me yesterday at 9:30pm (9:30am, China time). I was expecting her to call after the interview and was alarmed that she was calling so early. The phone connection was bad, but I could clearly hear the words "I got the visa, meet me on QQ!" We then logged on to QQ and she told me the story.

Qin's VO was female, caucasian, approximately 35 years. She asked to see our photos, commented that they were lovely and asked my wife what field of business I was in. After my wife answered, the vo offered her congratulations. The whole thing took less than a couple of minutes.

As we all know, the greater part of the decision making process occurs before the interview. Our case had both relational and financial issues that required clarification. My wife and I carefully analyzed these issues and offered a thorough and cogent explanation. I am convinced that a favorable decision was arrived at on the basis of two well-composed letters and the profusion of supporting evidence my wife and I supplied.

As a word of advice to couples going through the process who have possible red flags lurking, get your issues on the table and address them as soon and as effectively as possible. A good EOR letter will reveal the sincerity and depth of your relationship. Photos, affidavits, passport stamps, etc. will serve to support those. If your financial situation is not as bad as Line 22 of your 1040 Tax Return indicates, compose a detailed letter explaining the facts and support the content with profuse documentation. The composer of the written word has the advantage of being able to edit and re-edit until it conveys the precise mood and meaning he intends. If you are not a literary sort of person, get someone that can help you articulate your feelings. Don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted letter.

I want to sincerely thank all the members of this forum for the time and consideration given to me through your advice and answers to my questions. The information I gleaned from this website was my guiding light all the way. If there is anything I can do to help other members, especially those whose cases bear resemblance to mine, I would be happy to do what I can. Although there are always challenges to confront and overcome in the journey of life, at least this chapter I now gratefully close. For those of you still engaged in the struggle, make your best effort and you'll be successful.

Edited July 29, 2011 by Andrew_Qin

[Ryan H 3,813]

Congratulations!

[LADYDARE 28]

Congratulations

[garfield529 47]

haha, you used "cogent" on VJ....awesome. Congrats, brother!

[sichuan red 5]

Congratulations to my brother across the continent for a job well done.

Ignore the time entry on my post to your profile.

[dan_ling 6]

Congratulations to you and your wife for a job well done. I also firmly believe that our EOR helped our case.

[sichuan red 5]

In my case, I believe that the letters from my daughter, as well as from my fiancees friends, in my petition, along with the letters from my son and those from my friend and colleague at document turn in, helped us immensely. We also had many pictures from my trips that were taken with her friends and family as well as pictures from a trip we took with a Chinese tour group. All of this provided proof of a bonafide relationship. I suggest to anyone going down this path that they show proof of support from family and friends from both sides. These need to be provided in the initial petition as well as the interview. This seems to be one aspect that is often overlooked by many. Oh, one last thing, screen shots of us communicating via YIM video chat with my grandson on my lap helped immensely. The VO appeared to focus on and enjoyed seeing these pictures. I will post a full write up soon.

Edited July 31, 2011 by sichuan red

[bobbyA 20]

In my case, I believe that the letters from my daughter, as well as from my fiancees friends, in my petition, along with the letters from my son and those from my friend and colleague at document turn in, helped us immensely. We also had many pictures from my trips that were taken with her friends and family as well as pictures from a trip we took with a Chinese tour group. All of this provided proof of a bonafide relationship. I suggest to anyone going down this path that they show proof of support from family and friends from both sides. These need to be provided in the initial petition as well as the interview. This seems to be one aspect that is often overlooked by many. Oh, one last thing, screen shots of us communicating via YIM video chat with my grandson on my lap helped immensely. The VO appeared to focus on and enjoyed seeing these pictures. I will post a full write up soon.

Vince,

I agree the more proof we can provide the better. I was surprised to find that my EOR was placed at the front of my fiancee's brown envelope. That tells me how important it was.

I can't wait to read your full writeup!!

[harry1 0]

Congratulations!

Would you please share a little more details about the "financial issue"?

I do not have a job yet, so we have a joint sponsor. USCIS or NVC have not had trouble with it. I am wondering if this could be a red flag at the interview (8/10).

Thsnk

[Casprd 167]

Congrats to both of you.

Yep. In our case, the EOR was the only thing the VO read and he looked at the pictures.

A joint sponsor by itsself isn't really a red flag, but in conjunction with some other things could be. To my knowledge Guangzhou isn't as strict as some consulates like Manila where a co-sponsor on a K-1 is almost always a denial.

Edited August 1, 2011 by Casprd

[Andrew_Qin 0]

Congratulations!

Would you please share a little more details about the "financial issue"?

I do not have a job yet, so we have a joint sponsor. USCIS or NVC have not had trouble with it. I am wondering if this could be a red flag at the interview (8/10).

Thsnk

A partnership I was involved in sustained steep business losses from 2007 through 2010. Line 22, which apparently is the magic line on the 1040, on my 2010 tax return showed <$150,000>. I have enough assets to compensate for a lack of income and I also have another business that is profitable. The problem was that there is no hard and fast rule concerning whether or how much they will allow you to use assets to supplement income. Nor is it predictable how they will read into atypical tax returns. Since I had no co-sponsor, I had to make the best case possible for myself. I did this by giving ample evidence of my current, successful business: P/L and Balance Sheets, letters from my accountant and suppliers, international wire transfers, invoices, bank statements, etc. Perhaps I lucked out, but I'm more inclined to believe that the letters of explanation and supporting documentation saved the day.

If you have a joint sponsor with sufficient income, that is not a red flag and you should have no problem.

[harry1 0]

A partnership I was involved in sustained steep business losses from 2007 through 2010. Line 22, which apparently is the magic line on the 1040, on my 2010 tax return showed <$150,000>. I have enough assets to compensate for a lack of income and I also have another business that is profitable. The problem was that there is no hard and fast rule concerning whether or how much they will allow you to use assets to supplement income. Nor is it predictable how they will read into atypical tax returns. Since I had no co-sponsor, I had to make the best case possible for myself. I did this by giving ample evidence of my current, successful business: P/L and Balance Sheets, letters from my accountant and suppliers, international wire transfers, invoices, bank statements, etc. Perhaps I lucked out, but I'm more inclined to believe that the letters of explanation and supporting documentation saved the day.

If you have a joint sponsor with sufficient income, that is not a red flag and you should have no problem.

Thanks for sharing!