canrun

I wouldn't say 3 years is common, but I would def. look into timelines specific to your Consulate, because the Chinese Consulates are taking a seriously long time lately.

Have you looked at the discussion at candleforlove ?

I'm gonna chat with the folks at candleforlove. They seem to really know what's going on in China. Thanks all! I appreciate it!!

-Aaron

I will point out one thing. Neither a K-1 or CR-1 is a "tourist" visa. They are immigrant visas and should be used as such. If your future wife wants to "see" the US, then she should apply for a tourist visa. If she doesn't qualify for a tourist visa, and applies for an immigrant visa to "see" the US, then that is frowned upon and makes any future immigration more complicated.

In my opinion, you must decide where you want to live, in China or the US. That choice will determine your visa plan.

I'm not looking for a tourist visa. My job situation makes it impossible for me to know where I'll be in two years, but I just want the option of being able to live in the US-with my wife-as quickly as possible if my time in China comes to an end.

"1) Have you been filing US tax returns with the IRS. All US CItizens are required to report their worldwide income to the IRS.

2) What have you done to keep your domicile in the US. Do you still have a US Driver License, US Bank Accounts, etc. If you don't, you should take steps to reestablish your domicile during your next visit to the US.

3) Go to the DCF forum and ask some questions there. I believe that you'll have to file the I-130 in Guangzhou as this is the only consulate in China that has an Immigrant Visa unit. The CR1 visa interview will definitely be held there, but you may be able to file the I-130 at a more local consulate."

I think it may be a good idea to check out the DCF, as I cannot be 100% certain of my residence for the next couple of years. To answer your questions...

#1 Yes...always! Have all the records at home...

#2 DL....yes..Bank...yes...ok so far?

#3 I live 1 hour from GZ. Should be ok.

Here's the kicker...any idea how much longer I'll have to wait with a DCF than the K1? I'm hearing up to three years!

Hello all...hope you can help me...

I am an English teacher who has lived in China for the past five years. I've dated a wonderful lady for the past four years and it's time to get married. I'm FINE with that...here's my dilemma...we are not sure if it will be better to get a K1 visa or a DCF visa. I hear from my friends here the advantages of both. Ideally, I THINK I would like to move back to the States in about two years, but I'm not SURE. I like my job here. I'd like my fiancee to see the US as soon as she can...she's waited long enough. So...in short...my question is, is it better to get the K1 and get married in the States or get the DCF, get married here in China and go from there, not exactly knowing what my residence plans will be during the next few years. Any help is much appreciated!

-Aaron

Since I answered my last stupid question...I'll try just ONE more then call it a night...since I've lived in China teaching English for the last five years and have no property in the US, how would I go about filing the I-134 form? I have a few stocks, but all bank accounts and salary are here in China. Here's the VJ quote about this situation:

"You will likely need at a minimum (for the above form) two to three of your most recent pay stubs and a signed letter from your employer listing you job title, start date, your salary, and the status (full-time) of your position. Begin collecting these asap after your NOA2 arrives. You will also probably want to include other evidence such as your banking information and other assets as required by the I-134/I-864. Specifically you will need at least 2 of the 4 options mentioned in Section II-Supporting Evidence of the I-134."

Not sure what I'm to do since I live and work in China. How do I get these things notarized from over here?Any suggestions would be most appreciated!

-Aaron

I think I answered my own question just now...I read the I-129 again very carefully and it allows for foreign alphabets. Guess that's what the Consulate will use! Duh.

One more naive question before I head to bed...should my fiancee's G-325A from be filled out in her native language (Chinese) or should it be in English? I ask because here is a quote from the VJ flow chart:

"Case received by Embassy from NVC

Embassy receives package and processes it. They will then prepare a letter to be sent to the foreign fiance(e)."

If it's in English, how will the Consulate in China be able to contact her? Where is the contact information put to "track down" the foreigner once the package is sent to the Consulate. They have to send her the letter somehow...Hope this makes sense! Thanks, all!

-Aaron

Janice said:

you BOTH also need to submit a G-325A biographic information form. You both need to write letters of intent .... both to say that you are free to marry and intend on doing so within 90 days of arriving in the USA.

Since we both live together in China, should I put my China address on the G-325A or my "OFFICIAL" U.S. address (Mom's house!) back in the US? More questions soon! Thanks for the help so far!

I STILL wasn't clear...sorry...we will get married in AMERICA...not China. See...nervous!

Hi Aaron first of all Welcome to VJ, can I ask because I am not quite clear on it, do you intend to marry before you come to the USA or do you intend to marry once you and your fiancee enter the USA? I am asking because they are two different things (one is a K1 visa the other is a K3 visa). I do not know if you have to have anything special because it is China, if you are going for the K1 you only have to prove that you have met within the last two years. You need to look at the guides at the top of the main page, this will give you a clearer idea of what each visa requirements and what they mean to you personally.

Janice

Thanks for your reply, Janice! We plan to travel to the US on a K1 visa. I'll go back in April to start the paperwork (as I live and work in China). I saw on another site that I'll need a copy of her birth certificate for the initial paperwork-I 129,etc. So...just wondering if there's anything else of her's that I need to take back with me. I am still darn near clueless on all this...that's why I'm reading and asking for others' advice! Cheers!

-Aaron

Hello friends...have been living in China for four years and with a wonderful lady for three. We've decided to finally make it official. She wants to see the US and it's not easy to get a tourist visa, so we're gonna do the whole thing after the wedding on a k1 (hopefully!!!). Which leads me to my question..I'll go back the US this April to visit my folks. While there, is there anything from my fiancee that I need to being with me back to the US to start the paperwork? Anything I need to do while back home that is unique-rule wise- to China? I am so glad for this site, because I feel TOTALLY overwhelmed about where to even begin. We plan to stay in China for a few more years after, I just want her to have the chance to easily go back with me whenever we want to. Any help is appreciated...I know this is all is clear as mud! Ha. VERY nervous....THANKS!!

-Aaron