Visa Received! ....

[heathius 0]

Success!

We received our K-1 visa in Guangzhou on 12/19. Feels good to be done with this part of the process. Entry planned for 1/12 at SFO.

We were a bit surprised with the content of the interview.

They didn't ask any questions about our relationship at all. Perhaps this is because we live together currently, so maybe they figured it was a waste of time. Instead, they chose to key on the tax return.

Since we live in China, I earned a Chinese salary for much of the 2005 tax year, which was below the support guidelines. Early in 2006, my company decided to give me a US level salary which is easily over the support guideline. Since my most recent tax return is for 2005, it shows none of my new salary level. To supplement I also supplied 2 employer letters, pay stubs, and a bank statement with my salary deposits highlighted to show that I make enough to easily satisfy the requirement. One of the employment letters was to show that my company will continue my employment in the US once we move back.

The visa officer pointed out that the tax return showed insufficient funds, but after presenting the remaining support evidence the visa officer was then satisfied with our evidence. However, there was a guy standing behind the visa officer during the entire interview (supervisor perhaps?). From the moment the tax return was presented, the guy repeatedly told the visa officer to deny the visa. Finally there was a deadlock between the visa officer and this guy regarding whether the visa should be granted. The visa officer finally got tired of listening to him yapping, and pulled the guy aside and had a conference with him for about 10-15 minutes. After the conference, the visa officer returned and said that the visa would be granted. The guy was noticably frustrated by her decision to grant the visa.

Not sure what that was all about. We are still kind of amazed that they were this critical of the tax return. Strange series of events.

Anyhow, we are extremely happy that we can put the interview behind us. Just wanted to share our interview experience in hopes that someone will benefit.

[lak&ajm 0]

Congratulations!!