IR1/IR2 Wife and Step Son Approved (Guangzhou)

[j&v 0]

We are posting this becuse we had not seen too many posts related step children and we hope that it may help some families like ours.

We have not been posting but have been reading many, many, posts for the last few months and want to thank all of you for all the information that you shared. The posted information was not just helpful but reassured us that we had done all that we could do as we approached today’s interviews. All went well and we to say thank you to all. By the way, now there is just a blue sheet (no) and a white (yes) one – NO Pink.

The cumulative time from I-130 to interview date (DCF Beijing) was 5.5 months.

As some posters have suggested (Kyle for sure), front load that I-130 application. We did DCF through Beijing and, except for the documents they wanted us to hand in at the Consulate here in Guangzhou, the VO was looking at that I-130 file. Even though all the pictures were poor quality due to pdf and paper copies, when offered a look at the originals the VO simply said he did not need them.

The VO seemed to be trying to verify whether or not the paper record matched the reality. Each time, my wife offered a document, VO said “I do not need to see it, I trust you.” That was however followed by a series of questions related to some details about the topic (see the house questions below – when my wife offered the contract see the exchange below).

Both Wife and Step-Son spoke English throughout.

Questions to Wife:

Is your marriage registered in Shanghai?

Was wedding in a church?

How long have you been married?

When was your husband divorced?

When were you divorced?

You only have one child?

How many children does your husband have?

What is his job?

Where do you live?

Why are you going to the US?

Where will you live?

Where in xxx will you live?

My wife mentioned that we bought a house then:

How much did you pay for the house?

How much was the down payment?

Question to Step-Son (12 years old):

What is your name?

Which grade are you in?

VO shows him my passport and asks him “Who is this?

Are you excited to go to the USA?

What’s your favorite movie?

Where did you learn your English?

There was one minor snag – VO missed our step-son’s biological father’s declaration that it was OK for him to emigrate. It was in the file nut he missed it. My wife had a second original in her stack of files (message always carry a set of everything with you). That was all he needed to see and it was over.

By the way, some posters have mentioned being early – good advice. The earlier you get there on day one, the earlier you will be done with the fingerprints and on your way. The second day seems a bit more random but early is better if nothing else than to avoid some of the normal confusion.

So now we just wait for the visas in the mail which they say that they will place with the China Post in 2-3 days.

In closing, we are very grateful for all the help that all you posters have given us.

Thanks,

[Ryan H 3,810]

Moved from Process & Procedures to Progress Reports.

Congratulations!

[ekistler 1]

Congrats j&v!

My wife has her interview in GZ on the 27th.

Just one question if you don't mind. I'm assuming since you did a DCF that you were employed in China, qualified on assets alone or used a co-sponsor. What route did you take? This I-864 stuff has been the most confusing aspect for us.

Thanks and best wishes,

Eric

[j&v 0]

Congrats j&v!

My wife has her interview in GZ on the 27th.

Just one question if you don't mind. I'm assuming since you did a DCF that you were employed in China, qualified on assets alone or used a co-sponsor. What route did you take? This I-864 stuff has been the most confusing aspect for us.

Thanks and best wishes,

Eric

Hi Eric,

Thanks a lot!! By the way - the Visas arrived in EMS today!!

Not sure I can be much help as my situation was very simple. I am employed by US company under an expat contract in China. Using my 2010 1040 and 3 years of tax transcripts, along with w-2 for 2011 and my most recent pay stub along with bank accounts and 401k etc. My wife seems to think the more the better.

Then in the 864, only the part filled in was the salary and tax part. The other part on assets and co-sponsors etc was blank.

Hope it helps. Good Luck!!!

Joe

Edited February 16, 2012 by j&v