UrbanOptimist

I feel that I really got lucky and I must share with others coming to Guangzhou. I found a great place to stay (a room in a high-rise) for anyone that has to stay in Guangzhou for their consular interview and visa issuance. It is a mere three-minute walk to the US Consulate. Our room has air conditioning, television, WiFi and it is very clean with a great view. After seeing what nearby hotels in the areas go for, I feel that the 160 RMB ($25.00 USD?) we paid is truly a great deal. The room is in a private residence and it has a very family-like atmosphere. The man, Mr. Xia, is very accommodating and he abounds with helpful information about what to expect during the visa interview preparation process as he has been doing this for almost ten years. If he does not have any available rooms, he knows how to find others. The two lone downsides; He does not speak English and the bathroom is shared. Nonetheless, in my opinion, I feel that the aforementioned positives by far, outweigh the two lone negatives. We have really enjoyed our week here thus far. I mean look at the back courtyard on my avatar picture! To book a room or to inquire about one of his rooms, please call Mr. Xia at: 13533052997 or 020-38202920

我觉的我很幸运，而且我愿意与大家一起分享。我来广州签证住在一个高层公寓里，它距离美国领事馆只需要步行三分钟。房间很便宜，每天只要160元人民币。而且干净，舒适，还配有空调，电视，无限网络。虽然卫生间是公用的，但是非常干净。在这里居住特别有种在家的感觉。而且房子的主人夏先生特别的友善，还可以提供美国签证咨询，填表，翻译，签证辅导，陪同体检，接站等很多种服务。在这里居住的一个星期我们很满意。如果你也打算住在这里，可以打电话联系夏先生：13533052997 020-38202920

if yer still at one visit, after all of this silliness from USCIS -

get someone to loan you the money, and

--hire a temp caretaker for your mom

--you go to china

nowish.

Don't go the two weeks prior of the interview date.

Gulp. So now you are changing your earlier post, when you said "she will pass this time?"

JK.

So on this note, I must ask:

WHAT CARRIES MORE WEIGHT AND HAS MORE IMPORTANCE?

Who the consular officer will be?

How long my trip is?

Also, I was told that my being there WHEN SHE HAS HER INTERVIEW is of paramount importance? Now, you are saying coming ASAP is MORE important?

I am even more confused...

BUT HERE IS THE BIGGEST QUESTION...

Because my "Notice of Intent to Revoke" got reaffirmed, doesn't the Consular Officer have to read WHY? I mean if my 587 pages had compelling EVIDENCE to make them REAFFIRM their initial decision, it would seem that the consular officer should at least be obligated to read my EVIDENCE?

And if they are too busy to read evidence that can make or break a family's life, don't they at least have to read my OPENING STATEMENT and CLOSING ARGUMENT of each of the five rebuttals? It would seem in fairness THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO AT LEAST READ THAT MUCH.

Do you want the glass is half full response or the glass is half empty response?

I don't think Mr. P was being hash, he responded to what you had stated in your post as to being the reasons why you couldn't perform concert actions to enhance the outside viewer outlook of your relationship with your marriage. Yes you have a lots of reasons as to why you couldn't achieve what was necessary to help enhance the validity of your marriage, but no responses to illustrate what you did to correct the insufficient actions.

Good luck on the rest of your journey.

Thank you for the "good luck." All I have done to rectify this reason given for deeming our relationship "non bona-fide" is to take a two-week trip when I find out the 2nd interview date.

As I have tried to explain, IT IS THE BEST I CAN DO. The hardship factor on a scale of 1 to 10 is an 11.

But I just hope they understand that a second trip, even if for just two-weeks is just as hard (if not harder) as for a man with limited resources as a man with unlimited resources (time and money) who makes four trips in two years.

I hear endless stories of people with lawyers and money always, ALWAYS PASSING. As if the amount of money spent is an exact gauge of love.

If money spent were an accurate gauge of eternal soulful love, then Hollywood would not have such an inordinately high divorce rate.

We can probably all can add a chapter (I've been writing a story about my own joureny for 3 1/2 years so far), but more intriguing to me is the lawyer versus non-lawyer and how much it may or may not matter. We hear plenty of times the message "Do the VOs actually realize they are afffecting peoples lives?"

This is such powerful question when you really look at it.

I wish there were data "out there" that showed conclusively how many times they get it right?

Catch the Green Card Marriage Scammers and allow bona fide soul mates.

VS

How many times they get it wrong; Getting fooled by unscupulous scammers and denying married couples in love.

Anyway, in my real case, I put together nearly 600 pages in my NOIR rebuttal in less than three-weeks. Emotions buzzed through my spiritual core, my heart raced as the clock moved as if in fast motion. I wrote with a stream-of-consciounesness passion like surviving a forefather who is about to save his town from getting bulldozed.

Kind of like the folks here in Arizona trying to prevent a Canadian mining company from razzing the last beautiful mountain utopia and great scenic playground. A very big issue here only because there is not enough water and the jobs are only temporary and area that might get obliterated is a scenic forest area that many families have fond memories of. Oops... there goes the "tree-hugger again, wanting to resurface.

When someone has their lives hanging by other's decisons, we can only fight with every cell is our being... like that spider who refuses to get flushed down the toilet.

Thank You for changing the font to normal!

The thing about visa journey, is allusion is all well and good, but if you want definitive answers you need to state definitive facts.

IF you would still like our help i how to deal with the interview, listing 1-5 of the reasons would be very helpful.

Most of us use VJ as a pseudo-interview. You cannot allude in the interview, so let us help you here (if you want it).

I do appreciate your candor and sincere help. But what I find most demoralizing is... like when I just explained the biggest reason (of the five) in the Visa denials the "HAS NOT BEEN BACK TO CHINA SINCE THE WEDDING," reason, even though I made a compelling case in my rebuttal, the line from pushbrk:

You seem to be full of what a Consular officer is likely to see as "excuses" for not visiting your wife. Just how much time have you spent together, during how many visits? When was the last one? When will the next visit be?

This really stung hard. Saving a family member is an excuse? Even this past few days, I have had serious family drama in helping my mom. Getting the medications in order, trips to the Doctor, I mean serious time and energy that has been emotionally draining. I just think it heartless (ice-water in the blood cold) to disregard ones parents AT THIS PERIOD WHEN MY HELP IS SO NEEDED. My efforts have made a huge difference.

Again, I do stand by stance in another post:

If you meet a multi-millionaire and you ask him how he acquired his riches and he says, "Well, I simply bought Bowflex stock in the mid-1990s when it was selling for 7 cents a share on the Toronto Exchange and I sold my stock when it peaked out at $45.00 a share (after several splits) on the New York Stock Exchange. Of course, this is a great story to hear but seriously, just how REALISTIC is it to just tell others to just DO THE SAME?

Of course, I could have been a heartless person (not in my nature) and bail on my mom and go off to China to strengthen our case by being with my wife.

I am going to be in Guangzhou this time around as I know it is important to be there for the Interview. My aunt in her 70s is willing to drive across Tucson and fill in for me (lately, I have been far more than AM caregiver) for maybe two-weeks at the most.

But will a TWO-WEEK VISIT (given the obvious hardship) be the clincher? WILL TWO-WEEKS MAKE A DIFFERENCE? TIME IS LIKE MONEY. Two-weeks, two visits and two-hundred dollars to a man at the nadir of cash flow and who has no extra time is every bit as important and valuable TO HIM as TWO-YEARS, FIVE VISITS AND 200k to man who has unlimited time and money.

My wife is from China where family is important and being elderly is not a bad and ugly thing. In fact, in China, being old actually holds some reverence. But I am going to China! I know I have to. OF COURSE I WANT TO SEE MY WIFE. We have waited so long!

But it does seem so wrong to use my NOT BEING BACK TO CHINA (during this time I have been here being the ideal son helping mom through a very arduous time) as a big reason as to dub our relationship as non-bona fide.

Anyway, I am making arrangements to be there. I do not know when the interview will be.

But for someone to simply label me as "full of excuses" is so off-the-mark and so wrong (callous) on so many levels. Through all of this, my wife has stood by me, never complaining. She knows what I am going through. She wants so much to help. In her culture, my Mom is her Mom just as her mom is my Mom. But if I mention any of this, it probably looks like I want my wife to help out. I have never asked this of her! Of course I do not want my wife to be burdened with helping my mom. Especially, her first months in America. But she really is the kindest, most noble soul. I have told many people; "She really is the kindest and best human being I have ever known."

Ultimately, the degree of her help will end up being making a healthy dinner that we can bring over as they live a mere four-minute drive. "To an outsider," this might look bad. But the reality is all of us having a healthy dinner is what family is all about. And to my mom, eating healthy Chinese food (vs American junk food, the PM caregiver's comfort-driven) is the difference between six-months and six-years. I kid you not. Why do you think I am cardio-vegan? I have seen excess bad food kill so many family members (way too soon) I have lost count.

Kind of like a guy who has had a dad die from lung cancer or emphysema chooses not to smoke.

Well, at least now you know why I use third-person examples. SPEAKING REAL-TRUTH seems to not matter to "outsiders."

I can only hope that if a consular officer reads my painful narrative, they will have at least more compassion and heart than pushbrk. No offense to him, I know he was being sincere and telling it like he sees it from the consulate's eyes.

A little too post-hippie-tree-hugger for me , but darn it, I like a good love story--so who will write the next chapter ??

Heh-heh, actually part of the point and what made me write about a "different couple" in third person was to illuminate just how much power a Consular Officer really has.

Even if the perfect fairy-tale were happening (as I wrote it or a variation of it) right now, the HAPPY ENDING that human beings generally hope for could be swatted down like a mosquito by someone in a position of power.

Lastly, it appears that so many have abundant resources (the financially independent can hire top notch lawyers and relocate for months at a time) but others do NOT.

In my opinion, the "others" are also worthy of fair treatment, but sometimes, ON PAPER, admittedly, a certain case might look really bad even though it is bona fide (made in good faith) in every way.

What if the things that "Lucky and Lucy" share are so unique? In my example, there is no way they could have been planned?

i.e., the yang mei wine, the father into feng shui, etc...

But their job is not to try and believe WHAT IS POSSIBLE but rather quickly make a decison what fits or does not fit their standard guidelines of bona fide or not.

I have had people disagree with me THAT THINGS SOMETIMES DO NOT APPEAR THE WAY THEY APPEAR (the individual element is rarely factored in) and sadly, looking at each case in detail is probably too time-consuming, at least for the first interview. Sad yet true... but is understandble (given the caseload) as well.

I have always been a big fan of her visiting here, but she keeps telling me her "travel group" won't allow this for her to visit me. Anyway. No problem with the escrow money. So maybe then as a wife, she may have easier time to get the B2? Perhaps that is the better route. At least I can to there, get married and worry later.

It just seems the I-130 is designed for co-habiting couples only. I keep seeing this flash in front of my eyes over and over and over: Evidence of AN ONGOING MARITAL UNION. Geez, we live in 2 different countries, how to get an ongoing marital union if they don't let her in to stay with me? Classic catch-22. I haven't slept all night worrying about this. I going to bed.

Thanks

So far for me, your narrative truly hits home with me and indeed I identify with every facet of your journey. This is partly why I love this forum and over the years, I have read (from afar) many people's stories and I have learned a great deal from them as a result. I have found that 99% of the postings here to be both inspirational and beneficial.

As for the other 1%? Let's just say that not every suggestion or tidbit of advice is applicable or feasible. Of course, hiring a lawyer and moving to our spouse's country helps our case! But is this really an option for ALL OF US? I mean really?

If you meet a multi-millionaire and you ask him how he acquired his riches and he says, "Well, I simply bought Bowflex stock in the mid-1990s when it was selling for 7 cents a share on the Toronto Exchange and I sold my stock when it peaked out at $45.00 a share (after several splits) on the New York Stock Exchange. Of course, this is a great story to hear but seriously, just how REALISTIC is it to just tell others to just DO THE SAME?

I hope that it not inappropriate to create a hypothetical (albeit valuable example to serve as a case study) scenario here to see what would be a reccommended course of action as there are elements that mirror our stories. Why use a hypotherical example? For the sake of privacy and to not be invasive of anyone's real privacy. In true stories that became movies (Raging Bull, Rudy, etc...) they always use dramatic license as it can help create a stronger case to serve as an example.

Who cares that t

I stopped myself right here. I began going on and on and in fact... YOUR POST RIGHT HERE, is the one that prompted me to write my hypothetical example that I just posted as some of the same reasons for visa denial might come up.

I wish you the very best. Believe me when I say, I identify with you!

My God

I am throughly exhausted just reading about it

I pray that this truly is the "home stretch" for you, and that you and your wife are soon re-united!

I have a new found friend that just got a 221g out of Kingston... I have sent her this link to review...

Was it the Congressman who gave you the information on what the 5 reasons for denial were?? I would be interested in knowing what they were also... every little bit helps the ones who come up against the same situation later...

Thanks for sharing your story, I agree go for the CR1 (((hugs)))

Thank you so much! I just learned of this IR-1. When I posted this, I never even heard of the IR-1. I thought I hade TWO CHOICES, the K-3 and the CR-1!

It appears that the IR-1 is the way to go!

I agree with Pushbrk. To simplify this, and for your peace of mind, list the 5 reasons you were denied, and the things you have done to combat those 5 reasons from then until now. Then we can help you further.

You talk of "individual element" and "human circumstances" but you have to remember that the consular officers are people too, and rely on their own perception, and the evidence in front of them to make a decision (granted, not always fairly)

I will share with you the best advice I have ever received on VJ. DONT get angry because you know that your relationship is bonafide. Instead SHOW that it is. You have to remember that the 1am phone calls, personal circumstances stopping you from visiting etc etc are things only YOU and your wife know about. The consular officer sees you as a blank slate. They are there to hunt out fraud, and it is up to YOU to prove the bona fides of your relationship.

Also, PLEASE write normally. The colours, italics, bolds make it very very difficult to read your posts, and I for one am struggling!

Thank you for your help. I am sorry for my late reply. I have been away for a few days and I even forgot how to find this thread... Actually, I pretty much already alluded to the reasons for being denied. However, it appears that if one is not blessed with the resources others may have, a couple's chances for success is bleak.

Being at the "nadir of cash flow" to hire lawyers, quit ones job to have time to travel, etc... is a luxury that not everyone has.

I just posted a hypothetical example in hopes of generating sincere banter for a plight (a trio of reasons for Visa Denial) that I am sure many others have faced:

May I use a Hypothetical Example Here?

This story might be fictional but the obstacles are real. Having read many people's stories on here, I have come across so many parallels that many of us all share. Of course it is human nature to take more of an interest in reading those threads that connect with our own situation (tug hard at our heart-strings?) in some way, just like we prefer certain movies more than others.

My aim in posting this very long, hypothetical case example (using "dramatic license" does not make this insincere) is to realistically present THREE-COMMON REASONS FOR A VISA DENIAL (using composite characters) while asking for suggestions on how this fictional couple's journey (Lucky and Lucy?) can be overcome with limited resources.

[Obviously, we all wish that endless money and lawyers were plentiful, viable and accessible options to travel back and forth and live with our significant other whenever we want for as long as is needed were at our beckon disposal. NOT EVERYONE IS BLESSED WITH THESE IDEAL OPTIONS!]

This is why I am hopeful, some sincere ideas and/or feedback will be bantered instead of just the standard perfunctory, "hire a lawyer," or, "move in with her for a few months," reply. Also, when everything might appear hopeless on paper, sometimes speaking the absolute truth (no matter how far-fetched) seems the way to go. I have read many useful gems on here, but something that appears to be overlooked for many is: THE POWER OF THE NARRATIVE. In the initial K-3 and or CR-1 interview, maybe, it would not get read, but when rebutting the reasons for denial in a NOIR (Notice of Intent to Revoke) the narrative can serve as a great tool to make ones point.

Despite my recently being told that I sound "full of excuses" (perhaps the person was well-intentioned and playing "Devil's Advocate" to paint a 'worst case scenario' to prepare me well?) in my own journey, I know in my heart and soul that my options are not as plentiful as others who might be more financially blessed and fortunate (abundant with available resources) to pursue the more recommended and ideal options. The size of ones bank account really does not have have bearing on the depth of ones love.

What one person chalks off as just "another excuse," to another person, sadly, it might just be the 100% truthful, painful reality of their status-quo.

Okay... here is my HYPOTHETICAL example using factual demographic data, actual geographical locales, intertwined with valid reasons for visa denial. I have my reasons for fictionalizing (protecting others privacy, using dramatic license to emphasize the yin and the yang of various consular guideline criteria, etc...) this account and writing in third person. No, it is NOT MY STORY, but it does incorporate several different potential obstacles that myself and others have faced into one classic sample case study; Lucky & Lucy.

Once there was a man named Lucky who lived in El Centro California. El Centro has the nation's highest unemployment rate (25%) and 22.8% of the residents live below the poverty level. Lucky was 47 years old, single, never married. Lucky lived his life operating solely from intuition while priding himself on not caving into popular trends like fast-food, cell-phones, mayonnaise, ice-cream, Walmart, Starbucks, chocolate and Facebook. Even when he was in kindergarten (way before the advent of the Internet) he had a recurring dream that his best friend and playmate lived on the other side of the world and he communicated with her on a TV screen. No one ever knew this "kindergarten dream" could one day become a reality.

He made it a point to never commit to long-term relationships with any of the local girls, as he knew that none of the ladies in El Centro shared anything in common with him such as organic gardening (the townsfolk preferred Monsanto chemicals and thought that composting was a weirdo green thing to do) Kung Pao Tofu, Jack Kerouac, Alan Watts, Lin Yutang books, Feng Shui, pedicabs, water color painting, homemade wine and computer graphics. The local gals didn't even care about NCAA basketball (March Madness) or Jethro Tull music! They just liked what they liked; Bud-Light, McDonalds, KFC, Marlboro, Nascar, Garth Brooks and ABC Soap Operas which happened to be the anti-thesis of everything that Lucky was all about.

Thanks to the advent of the Internet, Lucky became a student of various international cultures and he did extensive sociological homework and had many romantic prospects and friends alike that he had met online. He compiled over 17,000 pages of Instant Message chat transcripts (for a magazine article he planned to write some day) including several from over half a dozen Asian countries and Australia too.

He knew the "perfect woman" was "out there," across the great Pacific and one day he would use his meager life savings and have his "trip of a lifetime." His job as a farmhand helping out the elderly neighbor, Luther Pike, who was ailing in health and was like a father figure to him paid a meager wage, but Lucky knew that he was lucky to have a job that paid the bills as his humble farmhouse was paid for. In El Centro, any job was a good job.

Lucky decided on China for his ONCE-in-a-lifetime dream vacation. He lived it up and took buses, trains and airplanes from Dongguan to Hangzhou and everywhere in between. He met his many pen pals and dined with his many lady friends all of whom were attractive, sweet, soulful and hospitable. His only regret that he made a snap decision after a few too many beers (at an Internet Cafe near Hooters in Hangzhou) and booked a spontaneous flight to visit Shenyang over Zhengzhou for the following morning. He had believed the free choice either creates, alters or coincides with destiny. He quickly became engulfed with the gnawing sense that by choosing Shenyang over Zhengzhou, he somehow altered his destiny.

Something in him (his growing intuition?) let him know he had made a mistake. After landing in Shenyang, he quickly booked a train to Beijing and began reading, napping and dreaming about the great unknown; the last leg of his trip. After a wild and exhilarating weekend in Beijing, he took the train to Zhengzhou and then took a taxi to see the great Yellow River he had read so much about; esp., the flood of 1938 during the early stage of second Sino-Japanese War. in the While walking on the shore of the muddy river, he met a girl; a girl that caught him off-guard as the intensity of the moment literally knocked him off-balance as her humble, organic beauty permeated his immediate companion-starved consciousness while igniting his romanticist-driven imagination..

SHE THE ONE! Her English was not so great but thanks to a hand-held translator, he found out that her name was Lucy and she was into water color paintings, video editing and Feng Shui and she was from Xingyang. Lucy had the great sense of humor that his soul pined for. Better yet, she had never even heard of Bud-Light and she loathed cigarettes too. She knew about KFC but had never eaten there. He learned she liked Steve Nash, Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts as he did too. Lucky looked up at the sky as if a powerful Universal force had somehow threaded him to that spot at that moment. He had sense that this all omnipotent force was smiling at him catching a glimpse of his obvious lucky destiny.

He had so many questions such as how such an original and soulful mid-30s woman was unmarried and living with her parents. Lucy's sister and nephew, who had went on a walk came and joined them a short time later. They invited Lucky back to their home in Xingyang, a small town that was a mere fifteen kilometers from Zhengzhou. Once at Lucy's home, her family welcomed him and made his favorite staple; Kung Pao Tofu and they even offered him a glass of homemade yang mei wine! He met her father in the back room where he was was recuperating from an appendectomy but he was well enough to smile, shake Lucky's hand and show him his many tattered books on the ancient art of Feng Shui. In his youth, Mr. Huang had learned Feng Shui first-hand from an elderly friend of the family..

Lucky had just three days left. He knew with every cell in his being, Lucy (Lu Xi) was THE ONE! His all-encompassing intuition reaffirmed that his certainty was unyielding; he had nary a doubt. After listening to his fluttering heart, he asked her to marry him the next day. The idea of such a quick marriage shocked her friends and family but they all believed in romance and destiny too. Lucky and Lucy got married on his penultimate day in China before her closest friends and family. As they helped him board the train at Zhengzhou to head back to Shanghai, both of them had tears flowing down their cheeks as they finally unlocked their final lover's embrace.

Once back in California, Luther Pike had fallen ill. He had a few falls and and two trips to ER. He found out that Luther's son, an alcoholic ogre and junk food addict was partially responsible for the rapid decline of Luther's health by bringing him high-sodium, high-fat junk food, as a result, Luther suffered a minor stroke complicated by high-blood pressure, obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Lucky promised to help his dear friend and neighbor make a full recovery by preparing meals including a tofu scramble with carrots, cabbage and nuts. As Luther regained his health, his dependency on Lucky's kindness and nutritional help also increased. Lucky later discovered that Luther's son, Jeb, a stone mason who worked in the city had also developed a dependence on pain-killers and while Lucky was in China, he mishandled Luther's medications and began pilfering Luther's medication.

Under Lucky's care, Luther lost weight and made miraculous strides. Luther thought of Lucky as more of his son that his own son, Jeb. There were several instances when Luther called Lucky late at night to help him get up from a fall. However, as Luther improved, his need for Lucky's assistance also lessened.

While Lucky had did his homework on cultures, women, food and more, he neglected to look into the arduous process of bringing a foreign spouse back home. He had no idea what the process and legalese entailed. In subsequent months, they chatted on MSN webcam for many hours everyday. He got to know her family and they learned everything about each other. They spoke on the phone several times a day too. They grew closer and closer despite being oceans apart. They learned things about each other that reaffirmed their undeniable soulmate connection.

His dream of having children had a deadline as his new 37 year old wife feared that childbirth after 41 was dangerous. He didn't know that on paper, he had a plethora of red flags that would be held against him. In Lucy's first K-3 Interview at Guangzhou, she was denied. The 221 g was given as the reason why. After a lengthy waiting period and thanks to the Freedom of Information Act, Lucky found out that their case, on paper, was full of "red flags," that of course he felt were unjustified. Also, Lucky and Lucy never thought of saving their MSN webcam chats, something he would do in the future. The three main reasons Lucy was denied her K-3 Visa were:

THE PETITIONER MARRIED ON HIS FIRST TRIP TO CHINA. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY MET.

[He did not have a choice. He met the love of his life. He knew it. Love at first sight does happen. He knew his trip of a lifetime was over. Destiny stared at him in the face, he seized the moment. He knew that going abroad again was an absolute impossibility.]

THE PETITIONER HAD WAGES THAT DID MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

[He wondered why not paying a rent or mortgage couldn't be factored in. Wasn't he better off than a man who made $100.00 more a month who had to pay a mortgage?]

THE PETITIONER HAD NOT BEEN BACK TO CHINA AFTER HIS MARRIAGE

[Going back to visit was never an option. If he leaves, Luther, his I-864 sponsor, would never survive as he became dependent on Lucky's voluntary assistance.. If Lucky quit his job, his ability to support a new immigrant would be questionable. Getting a job in the nation's number #1 unemployment city would be unlikely.]

ASSUMING LUCKY WRITES A NARRATIVE FROM THE HEART (EXPLAINING EVERYTHING) AND SOMEHOW GETS A REAFFIRMATION OF APPROVAL, WHAT ARE THEIR CHANCES OF LUCY PASSING THE INTERVIEW THE SECOND TIME ?

WHAT CAN LUCKY AND LUCY DO TO HAVE A BETTER RESULT? WHAT ARE HIS OPTIONS? IN HIS HEART, LETTING LUTHER DIE FEELS SO WRONG AND HEARTLESS. IF HE COULD MAKE IT BACK TO CHINA, IT MIGHT ONLY BE FOR A WEEK, WOULD A ONE-WEEK VISIT REALLY A THE DIFFERENCE?

That hurdle crossed, I finally got my NOA 2 today. On to the next!

Best of luck to you!

A large age difference is definitely a red flag. A couple who only has about a 3 year age difference will most likely have an easier way to go as opposed to a couple with a 15-20 year age difference.

A large age difference is highly subjective. Again, sometimes things might not always be the way they appear.

You say 15-20 years is large. I had always thought that over 28 years (age differential) is starting to look bad.

In cases like Woody Allen and the late Tony Randall (he was 50 years old when his future wife was born) admittedly, the age differences look quite vast.

But as anyone who has ever been to their 25 Year Class Reunion, there are classmates that look 15-20 years older (or younger) and THEY ARE THE EXACT SAME AGE as we are.

I know guys who got bald and grey in their 30s and I know others in their 50s who could pass for 39. Arguably, lifestyle, diet and genetics are offsetting elements that sometimes warrant factoring in to the age differential equation.

So, on this point, I must ask: Is the ACTUAL AGE (what is on the birth certificate) more important to Consular Officers? Or, THE WAY THAT A COUPLE APPEARS TOGETHER?

In my opinion, these are apples and oranges.

For many years, I always thought that 12-20 years (younger) was ideal for me. But then, at a pub, a guy told me his formula which is kind of funny.

HALF A MAN'S AGE PLUS 7.

Think about it.

For a 22 year old guy, half his age is 11, plus 7 = 18!

For a 50 year old guy, half his age is 25, plus 7 = 32!

Of course, I say this in partial jest with borderline humor and tongue-in-cheek subtext.

I am just pointing out that like in anything else, PERSPECTIVE is paramount in looking at other's ages.

At age 49, I met some gorgeous and genteel 22 year old ladies, while I do not care what "others think," in MY HEART AND SOUL, even though I am young in spirit (dance every song and still have not had a grey hair) something wasn't quite 111% right... (deep in my organic core) at least for the long haul (plan on dying at 92 in 2050... whatever the mind harbors, the body manifests) but my wife and I have a mere 15 year age difference (small and insignificant by my accounts) but in your opinion (of course no one is right or wrong as love and romance obviously varies for everyone on here, hence is subjective by nature) we have a large age difference, but no one really has opined this as the fact that we are true soul mates is evident even by most of the lugubrious, glass-half-empty types.

nane1104, on 29 March 2011 - 06:37 AM, said:

Someone on here made the suggestion to discuss the option to life in the alien spouses country instead of the US and see what the reaction is. A person who is out to get a greencard won't be to happy about that idea...

Red flags for me would be:

my SO is unavailable a lot of times I call

doesn't engage much in conversations

seems not interested in how I am doing

usually I am the one who stays in touch while apart

the list probably goes on and on...

I think you missed the point of the question!

The term "red flags" of course can apply to either a Consular Officer or a newlywed petitioner. A "red flag," for a Consular Officer (i.e., proof on an ongoing relationship, etc...) can be different from a "red flag" for a fiancee or a newlywed. In my opinion, BOTH "red flags" are worthy of mention even though the Original Post was probably referring to "red flags" as seen from the Consular Officer's eyes.

What I am most curious about is how many or what percentage of NON-bona fide marriages (scam marriage for green card purposes from the get-go) the officers have found were mutual from the onset? Sometimes, I think that in a Consular Officer's own mind, THEY REALLY BELIEVE that they see things that a naive fiancee or newlywed does not see. However, by an officer being overly cautious (thus protecting our country from the unscrupulous ilk, devoid of character) they are, in essence, not giving the average man or woman (who has at least nominal common sense) credit for having their own extra scrutinizing judgment in marrying their long distance mate.

My alluding to the Consular Officers doing their job in protecting the unsuspecting, innocent types from being victimized by calculating, criminal-minded "bad people" of course is NOT referring to the couples who are BOTH in on the scam from the onset as I would venture to guess that this probably also happens with some frequency as well.

For this reason, I think that the previous poster (who misunderstood the context of the O.P.) mentioning things like below is worthy of brief mention:

my SO is unavailable a lot of times I call

doesn't engage much in conversations

seems not interested in how I am doing

usually I am the one who stays in touch while apart

[Yes, the list probably does go on and on...]

In my opinion, these "red flag allusions" are indeed worthy of inclusion in this discussion as it serves as proof that "most of us" (who are married or engaged to a foreigner) are brighter than we are are given credit for.

I am not embarrassed to avow that in my long life, I have had "would be romantic prospects" (had correspondence with online and in some cases, met them in person) from faraway countries (incl., Russia, Philippines, Thailand, China, etc...) as here in Arizona (a meat and potatoes haven) the average person looks down on vegan males with intolerance and scorn.

[No exaggeration here, a rapist, pedophile, thief, thug, etc... will get accommodated in 100% in Arizona restaurants while a vegan man has only 4% of local eateries who might welcome and accommodate him... sad yet totally true.]

Indeed, I am truly adept of spotting red flags; some are laughable. Esp., after a week of emails, one might profess love and ask for $1,272.13 (they think because of the exact dollar amount they are being clever? lol) for an air ticket or whatever. I am truly shocked that there are guys who fall these blatant scams from the unscrupulous ilk as I quoted above. In other words, I understand that Consular Officers, in most cases, are simply doing their job. Absolutely, there is a sucker born and a victim getting taken advantage every minute (Google "Nigerian scam" for one, no offense to anyone here from Nigeria, just citing a commonly Googled example) so yes, I admit that many "potential scam marriages" were cut off at the pass at the Consulate. Great.

But sadly, just like with anything else, the "bad folks" (scammers) make it exceedingly difficult for REAL SOULMATES who are in love and fighting hard to be together at long last.

As I said on another post, "in criminal law, a man is innocent until proven guilty, but in immigration law, the burden of proof is on the petitioner."

It truly hurts me (I feel the pain of other couple's plight) to ponder the countless parents and other family members who never got to meet (they died waiting?) their first and only son or daughter in-law (or brother or sister in-law) because of endless delays caused by "the system" that is here to protect our country from the unscrupulous ilk who has a crooked agenda and know how to use the system (dollars and lawyers) to accomplish their fraudulent means. Meanwhile, the good and noble and soulful folks who were not born with a "silver spoon" and who's every act abounds with sincere and good intentions are denied several times and end up being entwined in a seemingly endless fight to be with their true soul mate. Such is life.

Good luck to everyone in love and fighting to manifest their great and noble dreams.

Be aware that the interview, particularly a second one after reaffirmation of a petition is only a part of the decision process for the Consular officer. I see a lot about preparation and webcam time but I would use the time between now and the second interview to spend some quality time with your wife IN CHINA. Time spent together in person is the strongest evidence of a bona fide relationship. Don't be surprised if this next interview is VERY short and/or that the Consular officer demonstrates a vested interest in sticking with the original decision.

Definitely take the IR1 visa route at this time.

If you want more help, I suggest you concisely give the "5 reasons" you wrote about in your "book".

You are correct that spending time together is very IMPORTANT in "their eyes" and evidently carries a lot of weight. But in my case, in ALL FIVE REASONS CITED, there were undeniable anomalies that made things APPEAR unfavorable in our particular case.

i.e., I have been instrumental in helping my parents, esp., my mom in her medical recovery; my help has been needed more than ever before. I live a mile away and if were not for my diligent, daily AM help, they might not be around today. How can a man be expected to justify flying off to China when their help is needed most in their hometown? Things happen. In fact, I am taking both of my parent's to their primary care Doctor on Wednesday. Perhaps, a letter from their doctor affirming how instrumental I have been in their recovery would help in some way? Do these Consular Officer's have any compassion for someone helping someone's else medical emergencies that are not the petitioner or the beneficiary? As it is, I might only be able to leave for just two-weeks as my my Aunt (in her 70s) will have to fill in for me and drive across town every day? This is a serious hardship for all of us. It would seem that this reason alone is a reasonable enough justification (it is the absolute truth) for my not being in China? Are they really this heartless?

Also, reasons such as "our pictures looked posed," seemed like a stretch too. ISN'T THIS WHY ONE HIRES A PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER? They are adept helping couples POSE for good pictures? Also, I was lucky that I kept a travel diary and that pictures can (by right-clicking on properties) show that our pictures were not taken all in a short time.

I have worked countless hours preparing a Business Plan, Executive Summary, emails to investors and potential manufacturers to launch a patented invention. But on paper, I know that they would rather see an 8 to 5 paycheck guy? It would seem that working diligently to lay the groundwork for a creating a good business should count for something? Does the I-864 signed by the co-sponsor carry serious weight?

I have to say, that your line, (demonstrates a vested interest in sticking with the original decision) makes me think of the human tendency to deny "they could have made a mistake." Darnell's reassuring words (and she'll pass this time) have seemingly vanished (like a soap bubble) after reading yours. Don't these Consular Officer's know that they have people's lives in their hands? You are saying that they will shatter family's lives out of spite and stubbornness by clinging to guidelines?

If you only knew the countless hours I have worked on everything. I feel pulled in many directions. On one hand, I am glad that you have reinstilled adrenaline-laced fear and pulsating anxiety through every cell in my being as it will prepare me for the final stretch of this arduous and emotionally draining battle. I know that I cannot rest. But, don't they ever look "outside the box" and realize the human beings sometimes have unique circumstances that do not fit into a simple case or guidelines box?

Surely, the individual element has to be factored in sometimes doesn't it? Don't the words, "bona fide," mean "made in good faith without fraud or deceit?" if so, than how does my doing the right thing (helping parents who have helped me over the years in many ways) make our relationship NOT of the "bona fide" variety? It makes no sense to me.

As you said, I should be prepared to "concisely give the 5 reasons"I used as my rebuttal/chapters. BUT in my case, in ALL FIVE REBUTTALS, I made it very clear that "THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY APPEAR TO BE." I worked day and night extracting documentation and putting into words the backbone of my case. And now you are telling me they can choose to simply IGNORE everything to stand behind their decision and say that because I have not been back to China, our relationship is not "bona fide?" This is so unjust. WHY DO 2,500 HOURS ONLINE IN WEBCAM FACE-TO-FACE COMMUNICATION NOT COUNT FOR ANYTHING? IT IS STILL TIME TOGETHER.

Even little things like who will watch my three-legged, 22 pound cat (while I go back to China) is a huge dramatic dilemma. I will probably have to drive to a friend's in Northern New Mexico and fly out of Albuquerque for my two week (or maybe three weeks) trip to China. This is my life story. Everything is an uphill battle. But I do thank you for scaring me and shooting fear back into my entire inner being. I will continue fighting like a rabid dog for what I thought was an ephemeral home-stretch. I will prepare myself well. I had no idea how much more fighting I have to do.

Darnell is right go the I-130 route you won't regret that you did. She'll get a 10 year green card soon after she arrives in the States and can work right away.

I think you did the right thing to contact the Congressman's office and now you know the reasons for your visa refusal. Be well prepared for your second interview. Go over possible questions they can ask at the interview. Know as much about each other as you can if you're both going to be at the interview.

Thanks. I think we are well prepared because we really do know each other well. Thanks to MSN webcam chats (easily over 2,500 hours) we probably know each other as well as many long-time married couples. LOL. Her English has not only improved ten-fold thanks to our online time together, we know our favorite movies, sports teams, meals, colors, hobbies, cities to move to one day, etc...

She could even tell you who is in next week's NCAA basketball Final 4 (VCU, Butler, Kentucky, Connecticut) which is something a lot of ladies here in the states don't even now. But thanks for planting the question preparation seed as I never gave too much thought to specific questions they have been known to ask. Thanks again.

Ok I have a question.

My friend filed for her stepson in Jordan. He went in for an interview, not sure of what was said. However it was later revealed that the case was sent back to the National Visa Center, and that a letter would be sent. We have not received anything. I am thinking that I need to contact the DOS and National Visa Center. Or what should we do.

What is the contact info for both places.

Thanks my VJERS

Good luck. I just recently made an overly long post that addresses mistakes (my petitions were returned almost a year ago) I made.

Prior to my petitions being returned, I asked a Congressman for help.

I honestly do not know if this was a good choice or a bad choice.

In retrospect, it might have been a bad choice as it caused a very long waiting period. My case was sent back to the DOS on April 27, 2010. It was not until last month that I received a NOIR (Notice Of Intent to Revoke) asking for RFE (Request For Evidence) so that is a long time! In other words, OVER NINE MONTHS!

But what I do not know is this: If I had not contacted my Congressman, would my NOIR have cited the FIVE SPECIFIC REASONS CITED BY THE CONSULAR OFFICER FOR DENYING MY WIFE HER VISA? If I would received THESE FIVE SPECIFIC REASONS anyway, then in retrospect, I made bad choice and I wasted a lot of time. But if the "Congressional Inquiry" is what brought to light THOSE FIVE REASONS, then... despite the added delay, I made a good choice as that helped me prepare my FIVE, LONG REBUTTAL CHAPTERS that totaled nearly 600 pages.

I am anxious to hear what happens in your friend's case in the coming months. Best of luck to them.

putting the link here is fine.

I've read your post in the other forum.

*** note to other organizers - leave this one here, for nowish ***

I saw that. Thanks again. I appreciate the wise words; makes sense.

IF I WERE IN YER SHOES,

I'd pursue the I-130 route, doing NVC processing for the Immigrant Visa. (I-864, DS-230, etc)

via NVC Electronic Processing. (click the girls, study left panel)

when she is interviewed (and she'll pass this time)

then she'll have an IR-1 visa

which will 'get her' a 10 year green card 2 to 5 weeks after POE date.

No futher USCIS silliness involved.

Good Luck !

THANKS YOU SO MUCH DARNELL! I had a feeling that the first reply I received on this would abound with brevity and common sense, hence making me feel like a fool for going "over-the-top" in sharing too much information on what has transpired to get to this point. You reaffirmed my biggest concern when you said:

(and she'll pass this time)

I am still curious to hear if my contacting the Congressman's office had any benefit. I know that it slowed things down (long delays) but if it helped bring to light the FIVE SPECIFIC REASONS (instead of the generic 221g line) cited by the Consular Officer that helped me prepare my REBUTTALS, then I guess it served some purpose. I certainly hope so. If not, hopefully, my loss (a big waste of time) can be of benefit to others who got their K3 denied.

Anyway, thanks again.

In most forums, cross-posting (on two different boards) is a taboo. But seeing that my question and post might actually, TECHNICALLY be deemed MORE of a K-3 question, what then? Does a moderator move it over here?

The reason I am asking is my post has received nary one reply on the CR-1 board. I am guessing that it might take a couple of days to receive any feedback or get a reply? Or maybe because it was overly long (TMI) no one will read it....

If so, can understand that but... admittedly, I added more details than I probably needed to because I made a lot of mistakes (contacting Congressman or not, etc...) in my K-3 road (incl., K-3 denial in 2009) that might save other couples a lot of time time... so they will not make the same mistake I did.

Anyway, here is a link to it. I admit it is too long. Is there a way to edit or delete it? I can make it a short paragraph (maybe even a sentence) if I knew how to edit the post.

Reaffirmation of Approval for BOTH the I-129F and I-130...

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.

Evidently, the SAME FORK in the road has presented itself, AGAIN, over a year and a half later. Apparently, I made several mistakes that cost my wife and I a lot of time. I will write the issues I am most dumbfounded in ALL BOLD text (see the latter portion of this post) for the sake of clarity.

I am sorry that this post will be of an inordinate length; but maybe by me sharing my harrowing experience, others can benefit from my past mistakes. I certainly hope so.

To cut to the chase, on September 8, 2009, BOTH of our I-129F and I-130 petitions were approved. I chose (advised my wife) to go the K-3 route. On November 18, 2009, my wife's interview in Guangzhou, China resulted in her being denied her K-3 Visa. The consular officer deemed our relationship to not be of the bona fide variety AKA "221g."

Less than a month later, I contacted my Congressman so his casework staff could conduct a "Congressional Inquiry," in hopes of getting a reversal. In retrospect, it appears that asking for Congressional assistance simply resulted in our case needlessly being delayed for an extra half year. Now, I am totally confused about this entire process. On January 26, 2010, I received a notice from the NVC confirming that I was "the agent" for my wife for our CR-1 explaining how I can pay the $400.00 fees. I felt that sending the fees and opting for the CR-1 might complicate matters as I was waiting to hear something from my Congressman's office, secret hoping for some kind of great news, like a "magical reversal" of the K-3 denial.

On Feb. 5, 2010, I received an email from my Congressman's caseworker informing me that my wife's K-3 was denied because of 221g (not bona fide relationship) which of course, I already knew from their initial denial letter. During this time I was unclear if I was still allowed to go "the CR-1 route," although my guess is that it also would have been denied for the same reasons as the K-3 as "nothing in our situation" really changed, at least "in their eyes."

On April 27, 2010, our case was sent back to the Department of State who sent it to USCIS for further review. This meant that now both the CR-1 and K-3 were no longer an option for us. Our case was in limbo, our lives felt as though they were suspended in freeze-frame. I prepared for the long and tortuous wait of up to 180 days. I was wrong, it was far longer. I contacted the caseworker at the Congressman's office several more times, each time, the delay grew longer and longer. In August (2010) she informed me that I was free to send her anything that would help our case. I sent over a dozen emails with several PDF attachments proving that our relationship was bona fide; she emailed me on 8/31/2010 that she forwarded my documentation to USCIS while confirming to me that they received it from her as well.

I inquired again on November (as 180 days had long passed) on December 2, 2010, I was told to wait at least 45 more days.

Finally, on Feb. 5, 2011 I received a notice (I-797E) from USCIS that is called a NOIR (Notice of Intent to Revoke) giving me until March 3, 2011 to submit more evidence (RFE?) that I guess is like an opportunity to give me side by rebutting the Consular Officer's FIVE REASONS for denying my wife her K-3 Visa.

[This confused me as I thought the caseworker from my Congressman's office already forwarded a lot of what I had prepared back in August 2010.]

To add to our plight, I was in Jury Duty from Feb. 8 through February 11. This left me just over two weeks to provide evidence and state my case. The NOIR letter was dated Feb. 1, 2011. I had no idea the hours of work that were ahead of me. If only I knew what to expect (from an NOIR) I could have carefully been preparing endless supporting documentation for our case all along. I could not think about the past nor could I dwell on any "what ifs." I am not kidding when I say I worked day and night, every spare second, gathering webcam chat screenshots, wedding video stills, putting exact dates on pictures (this meant right-clicking on the pic's properties) printing phone call logs, gathering various records and affidavits from friends and relatives, etc... My heart was pounding this entire time. The clock seemed to move faster than I ever imagined. Each hour of those 20 days went by like two minutes. Each day that I seemed to fall more behind was costing extra money too; Sending a USPS Priority Box (with return receipt) costs under ten dollars. Sending an eight-pound, three-inch ring-binder in EXPRESS MAIL with close to 600 pages cost over $53.00! I kept thinking I had until 8PM March 2, 2011 to get to the main Post Office. I was wrong! I called at 4:21PM and found out that Express Mail had to be in their office by 5:30PM. I no longer had time to scan the rest. I continued scanning on the Lexmark while simultaneously printing on the HP (I could always scan what I printed at a later time) until I had my own copies of everything. The clock was 5:13PM. I arrived at the Post Office at 5:26PM. My heart was pounding out of my chest. I pleaded with a clerk to please hold the Express Mail pick-up an extra minute if possible. By the time I reached the front of the line, the clock was 5:29PM! If I had hit one red light, my life would have been torn apart and put on hold yet again. I MADE IT BY ONE-MINUTE!

The next day I felt relief when I saw that USPS delivered my eight-pound Express Mail package on March 3, 2011 at 11:07AM at the Laguna Niguel facility.

However, all my worst fears and anxiety resurfaced when I entered our case number on the USCIS website. It said March 4, 2011! I thought US Postal Express Mail is guaranteed? I later found out my fears were unwarranted. They allow a couple of days grace period for situations just like I described. I was okay.

FINALLY, on March 19, 2011 I found out (via the USCIS website) that on March 18, 2011, a letter had been sent notifying us that our case was REAFFIRMED FOR APPROVAL!

I received a two letters (one for the I-129F and one for the I-130) notifying me that BOTH of our cases were REAFFIRMED FOR APPROVAL. While I am not allowing my hopes to get too overly high, this appears to be good news. Better than getting our petition(s) revoked.

I apologize for saying way more than I needed to say. But once I started reliving the last half of February, (the task of preparing my rebuttals) I got to thinking; If even one other person is where I was even six-months ago, instead of sitting and idly waiting to hear something, USE THIS TIME to prepare, prepare and prepare!

The intensity of my plight was intensified because I had to prepare close to 600 pages in 20 days. In fact, if I did not change a couple of our MSN Webcam chat screenshots to several per page, I easily could have prepared 2,000 pages. If I had saved and submitted every chat transcript, I could have easily added another 2,000 or 3,000 pages. I heard they once received SEVEN BOXES! So why do they send a return envelope?

All I knew is that I did my absolute best. I have done some difficult things in my life (a couple of 50 mile day hikes, boxing the California Light-Heavyweight amateur champion, running the LA Marathon, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-rim in 24 hours, etc...) but without a doubt, last month's the 20 day preparation of those eight-pounds of nearly 600 pages with five chapters (each with their own opening statement and closing argument) is the most stressful and hardest thing I have ever done. I am stressed just reliving it! Whew! The scanning, the formatting right-clicking on the properties of the dates on all those pictures drained me.

They say that "Everything happens for a reason." Perhaps being lead juror in a criminal trial early last month prepared me well. In my cover letter I even alluded to this by mentioning in so many words, "as a juror, I learned that a person is innocent until proven guilty but I am aware that in immigration law the burden of proof is on the petitioner."

Okay... FINALLY! With that being said, as I ajust alluded to, the unexpected surprise in all of this, the unknown that I did not anticipate was that my I-129F also got REAFFIRMED FOR APPROVAL? WOW! Is this a good thing?

Seeing that the K-3 Visa was what got denied in the first place (at the 11/19/2009 interview in Guangzhou) and seeing that it got reaffirmed for approval, SHOULD WE JUST PREPARE FOR ANOTHER K-3? I mean since I rebutted the FIVE REASONS the Guangzhou Consular Officer gave for denying my wife's K-3 Visa, is our chance for success greater now by going the same route since those issues were all RECENTLY addressed and rebutted?

OR at this point, does it matter? ARE THERE ANY ADVANTAGES TO GOING FOR THE CR-1 now?

I understand that it is a NOT a common occurrence that the Consular Officer will use any of the SAME FIVE REASONS given before, again, the second time around, but it can happen. Also, I am aware that they can always look for new reasons for a denial. But if we opted to go for the CR-1, could any of aforementioned reasons for denying the K-3 Visa be used again? It would seem like that is unlikely.

At this point in time, ALL WE CARE ABOUT IS TIME. We have been apart for such a long time. I know that I have to be there with her for her next interview too. This was part of the reasons for the first denial.; the fact that I had not been back to China since our wedding. This is why I gathered affidavits and medical records relating to my Mom medical adversities incl., trips to ER because of falls and other unforeseen emergencies. Talk about a Catch-22! My mom is our co-sponsor (i.e., I-134, I-864) but she had a few medical emergencies and if not not for me being here and being proactive and needed for her recovery (incl. being her AM caregiver) she would not be here today. It seemed so callous that a person has to make choices like this. This is why my wife is the best! In China, family (esp., on the elderly side) always comes first. My wife fully understood and even called and wrote letters and comforted my mom during this arduous time.

My guess is that the National Visa Center will have our case in their computers and forwarded back to Consulate by July 2011?

Oh yeah, another question. Hopefully, this can help others too. Was asking my Congressman's office for help a total waste of time and energy? WOULD I STILL HAVE BEEN GIVEN A NOIR? But instead of receiving it in February 2011, maybe I might have received it in the middle of last year? OR... was the Congressional Inquiry the driving force behind me finally being given THE FIVE SPECIFIC REASONS why the K-3 was denied? Admittedly, if I did not know these five reasons for the K-3 Visa denial, my preparing the "eight-pound" notebook would have been far more arduous and blind by not knowing what I was rebutting. Am I correct that all people are entitled to know the EXACT REASONS for their Visa being denied (under the Freedom of Information Act?) regardless if they have Congressional assistance or not?

Also, it took me a long time to find out that Wedding Videos are NOT allowed to present. This is unfortunate as I believe that a video speaks loud. Our forty-five minute video could have been edited to three minutes. See the link on my profile. But I am sure this has been said by countless couples in the same position so I will stop now.

After what we have gone through, I am hoping that someone knows, if at this point, if going for the K-3 has any advantages over the CR-1. I realize in both cases, my wife will probably need another Police certificate and another medical exam. I am guessing that BOTH would have a similar interview date as well? I know the CR-1 requires about $404.00 plus another $88.00 but if it takes more time and if the reasons for the K-3 Visa denial have been recently rebutted, I am thinking it might be the better way to go?

THANKS TO ANY AND EVERYONE WHO CAN ANSWER THIS FOR ME.

THANKS AGAIN!

Urban Optimist