16.12.09
No SSN
I was told you could apply for the Social security Number without the adjustment of status completed, but when we went to apply, we were told she needed her permanent resident card before she could apply. So just remember that. Lots of people are telling me adjustment of status can be done without the lawyer.
11.9.09
So she's here, now what?
You cannot relax yet. You need to do the Adjustment of Status, so that she can get a social security number, a green card, and eventually citizenship. You can get the card within 30-90 days, but the rest can take u to a year. You pay the government $1110, and a lawyer just as much to do this, but this part you can do without a lawyer. I am still considering my options, but we are going to go for the SSN on our own first...
25.8.09
Problems on the flight home!
So, let this be a lesson to all. A Chinese citizen cannot travel from Guangzhou to Taipei on the way to the U.S.A. or any other country. They can do this through Hong Kong, but not Guangzhou. My travel agent did not know this and neither did my travel agent friend in Beijing. So my wife got stuck in the airport at Guangzhou, where they refused to give her the rest of the tickets or let her board the plane. Iwas on the phone for almost 6 hours trying to get her a new flight that took her from Guangzhou to Hong Kong that afternoon, then from Hong Kong to Newark the next day, and from Newark to Denver today. I hope to have some pictures to upload of her arrival, should nothing else go wrong on this trip.
3.8.09
QiXi Festival
The Qixi Festival (Chinese: 七夕節; pinyin: qī xī jié; literally "The Night of Sevens"), also known as Magpie Festival, falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month on the Chinese calendar; thus its name. It also inspired Tanabata in Japan, Chilseok (칠석) in Korea, and That Tich in Vietnam. It is sometimes called Chinese Valentine's Day in recent years.
Young girls traditionally demonstrate their domestic arts, especially melon carving, on this day and make wishes for a good husband. It is also known by the following names:
In late summer, the stars Altair and Vega are high in the night sky, and the Chinese tell the following love story, of which there are many variations:
A young cowherd named Niulang (Chinese: 牛郎; pinyin: niú láng; literally "[the] cowherd"), came across seven fairy sisters bathing in a lake. Encouraged by his mischievous companion the ox, he steals their clothes and waits to see what will happen. The fairy sisters elect the youngest and most beautiful sister Zhinü (simplified Chinese: 织女; traditional Chinese: 織女; pinyin: zhī nǚ; literally "[the] weaver girl", who represents the star Vega) to retrieve their clothing. She agrees to do so, but since Niulang has seen her naked, she must agree to his request for marriage. She proves to be a wonderful wife, and Niulang to be a good husband. They lived happily and had two children. But the Goddess of Heaven (in some versions Zhinü's mother) finds out that Zhinü, a fairy girl, has married a mere mortal human. She is furious and orders her to return to Heaven. (In another version, the Goddess forced the weaver fairy back to her former duty of weaving colorful clouds in the sky because she could not do her job while married to Niulang, a mortal.) Down on Earth, Niulang is very upset that his wife is gone. Suddenly, his cow begins to talk, telling him that if he kills him and puts on his hide, he will be able to go up to Heaven to find his wife. Crying bitterly, he killed the cow, put on the skin. Carrying his two children with him, he went off to Heaven to find Zhinü. The Goddess found out that he had come and was very angry. Taking out her hairpin, the Goddess scratched a wide river in the sky to separate the two lovers forever (thus forming the Milky Way, which separates Altair and Vega).
Zhinü must sit forever on one side of the river, sadly weaving on her loom, while Niulang watches her from afar and takes care of their two children (his flanking stars β and γ Aquilae or by their Chinese names Hè Gu 1 and Hè Gu 3).
But once a year all the magpies in the world would take pity on them and fly up into heaven to form a bridge (鵲橋, "the bridge of magpies", Que Qiao) over the star Deneb in the Cygnus constellation so the lovers may be together for a single night, which is the seventh night of the seventh moon.
It is said that if it rains on the night of Qi Xi, it is the tears of Niulang and Zhinü crying at the misery of their life because the magpies will not come on a night that rains.
On Qi Xi, a festoon is placed in the yard and the single or newly married women in the household make an offering to Niulang and Zhinü consisting of fruit, flowers, tea, and facial powder (makeup). After finishing the offering, half of the facial powder is thrown on the roof and the other half divided among the young women. It is believed by doing this the women are bound in beauty with Zhinü.
Another tradition is for young girls to throw a sewing needle into a bowl full of water on the night of Qi Xi as a test of embroidery skills. If the needle floats on top of the water instead of sinking, it is believed to be an indication of the girl's being a skilled embroideress.
Two other days have, or had, romantic associations in China: Valentine's Day on February 14th, borrowed from the West, and Lantern Festival Day, on which an unmarried girl was traditionally permitted to appear in public unescorted and thus be seen by eligible bachelors. The latter no longer has such implications nowadays, however.
Young girls traditionally demonstrate their domestic arts, especially melon carving, on this day and make wishes for a good husband. It is also known by the following names:
- The Festival to Plead for Skills (乞巧節; qǐ qiǎo jié)
- The Seventh Sister's Birthday (七姊誕; qī jiě dàn)
- The Night of Skills (巧夕; qiǎo xī)
In late summer, the stars Altair and Vega are high in the night sky, and the Chinese tell the following love story, of which there are many variations:
A young cowherd named Niulang (Chinese: 牛郎; pinyin: niú láng; literally "[the] cowherd"), came across seven fairy sisters bathing in a lake. Encouraged by his mischievous companion the ox, he steals their clothes and waits to see what will happen. The fairy sisters elect the youngest and most beautiful sister Zhinü (simplified Chinese: 织女; traditional Chinese: 織女; pinyin: zhī nǚ; literally "[the] weaver girl", who represents the star Vega) to retrieve their clothing. She agrees to do so, but since Niulang has seen her naked, she must agree to his request for marriage. She proves to be a wonderful wife, and Niulang to be a good husband. They lived happily and had two children. But the Goddess of Heaven (in some versions Zhinü's mother) finds out that Zhinü, a fairy girl, has married a mere mortal human. She is furious and orders her to return to Heaven. (In another version, the Goddess forced the weaver fairy back to her former duty of weaving colorful clouds in the sky because she could not do her job while married to Niulang, a mortal.) Down on Earth, Niulang is very upset that his wife is gone. Suddenly, his cow begins to talk, telling him that if he kills him and puts on his hide, he will be able to go up to Heaven to find his wife. Crying bitterly, he killed the cow, put on the skin. Carrying his two children with him, he went off to Heaven to find Zhinü. The Goddess found out that he had come and was very angry. Taking out her hairpin, the Goddess scratched a wide river in the sky to separate the two lovers forever (thus forming the Milky Way, which separates Altair and Vega).
Zhinü must sit forever on one side of the river, sadly weaving on her loom, while Niulang watches her from afar and takes care of their two children (his flanking stars β and γ Aquilae or by their Chinese names Hè Gu 1 and Hè Gu 3).
But once a year all the magpies in the world would take pity on them and fly up into heaven to form a bridge (鵲橋, "the bridge of magpies", Que Qiao) over the star Deneb in the Cygnus constellation so the lovers may be together for a single night, which is the seventh night of the seventh moon.
It is said that if it rains on the night of Qi Xi, it is the tears of Niulang and Zhinü crying at the misery of their life because the magpies will not come on a night that rains.
On Qi Xi, a festoon is placed in the yard and the single or newly married women in the household make an offering to Niulang and Zhinü consisting of fruit, flowers, tea, and facial powder (makeup). After finishing the offering, half of the facial powder is thrown on the roof and the other half divided among the young women. It is believed by doing this the women are bound in beauty with Zhinü.
Another tradition is for young girls to throw a sewing needle into a bowl full of water on the night of Qi Xi as a test of embroidery skills. If the needle floats on top of the water instead of sinking, it is believed to be an indication of the girl's being a skilled embroideress.
Two other days have, or had, romantic associations in China: Valentine's Day on February 14th, borrowed from the West, and Lantern Festival Day, on which an unmarried girl was traditionally permitted to appear in public unescorted and thus be seen by eligible bachelors. The latter no longer has such implications nowadays, however.
15.7.09
Interview
My wife had her interview yesterday and passed.
Some of the tricks were asking where she was going to America to work. The only acceptable answer is "I am only going to America to be with my husband!"
Also to pass you must interview in Chinese, so when the interviewer started asking questions in Chinese, she wisely answered in English. The interviewer let her know this was the right thing to do.
Her interview lasted about 2 minuites, but she answered everything correctly and had all the paperwork organized, both originals and copies, so on Friday she will get her visa!
Most of the ladies at the consulate, however, failed their interview and many crying Chinese girls could be found outside the consulate.
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
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Some of the tricks were asking where she was going to America to work. The only acceptable answer is "I am only going to America to be with my husband!"
Also to pass you must interview in Chinese, so when the interviewer started asking questions in Chinese, she wisely answered in English. The interviewer let her know this was the right thing to do.
Her interview lasted about 2 minuites, but she answered everything correctly and had all the paperwork organized, both originals and copies, so on Friday she will get her visa!
Most of the ladies at the consulate, however, failed their interview and many crying Chinese girls could be found outside the consulate.
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
4.7.09
HUMOUR: Funny Chinese Wife Satire
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3.7.09
Copy your ownership/rental proof!
My wife just got notice on 1 July 2009 that she needs to be at the interview in GuangZhou on 15 July. The hospital says her exam must be at least 4 full days before the interview, so she has an appointment on 9 July. The appointment is about 800 RMB and the 22 vaccinations cost another 800 RMB, plus 500 USD for the Interview. But the consulate also requests that interviewees also bring copies of the deed or rental contract to your house as well as copies of all your utility bills to prove residency. Worker card if you are not a citizen, and if you are a citizen, a copy of your passport and birth certificate.
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
3.6.09
Bad News!
Ok, here is the bad news straight from the embassy website:
The U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou handles thousands of cases every month. Hence, you can expect five months between the time we receive the applicant's DS-230 part one and OF-169 forms and the time an interview is scheduled.
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
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27.5.09
Personal Update: Packet Receipt
My wife received her packet. It only took a week to show up after she received an email response from Guangzhou. Much easier than my lawyer anticipated!
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
13.5.09
Personal Update and Packet Advice
I have returned from China and we filled out all the paperwork requested by the National Visa Center. But this was all for naught, as my lawyer contacted me and told me that my wife's paperwork had been sent, but to the wrong address.
My wife bought the required phone cards (Only available at CITIC Banks in China) and called the American Consulate in Guangzhou, but they were quite useless, so now my lawyer will be calling the consulate and will try to get the packet resent to the correct address!
At this time you need to have a notarized marriage certificate (not the red book), a notarized birth certificate, and a notarized no criminal record certificate. These will be translated in to English by the notary and may cost up to 500 RMB (Chinese Yuan Renminbi) each. She will need to take these to Guangzhou along with your proof of income (The I-864, your bank records for at least 6 months, 3 years of income tax returns with all schedules & documents you filed, 6 months of pay stubs with a letter from your employer saying your job is not temporary and that the pay stubs are correct.) You will also want to have documentation of your meetings (including boarding passes, copies of your visa stamps, dated pictures of the 2 of you together, phone records, etc.).
My wife bought the required phone cards (Only available at CITIC Banks in China) and called the American Consulate in Guangzhou, but they were quite useless, so now my lawyer will be calling the consulate and will try to get the packet resent to the correct address!
At this time you need to have a notarized marriage certificate (not the red book), a notarized birth certificate, and a notarized no criminal record certificate. These will be translated in to English by the notary and may cost up to 500 RMB (Chinese Yuan Renminbi) each. She will need to take these to Guangzhou along with your proof of income (The I-864, your bank records for at least 6 months, 3 years of income tax returns with all schedules & documents you filed, 6 months of pay stubs with a letter from your employer saying your job is not temporary and that the pay stubs are correct.) You will also want to have documentation of your meetings (including boarding passes, copies of your visa stamps, dated pictures of the 2 of you together, phone records, etc.).
5.3.09
From I130 to I-864, but First Time to Pay (Again!)
Now that your I130 and I129 are approved, you or your attorney will get a letter from the National Visa Center in New Hampshire saying it is time to pay again! Read this paper very carefully! You do not fill out any documents yet, that will be coming, a request for a I-864 and a DS-230.
Right now, you will get a bill for $70.00 for the Affadavit of Support (I-864) Fee. You also will get a bill for $400.00 for the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee. This is effect is one payment you must make for $470.00. Here is how it breaks down: The Affidavit of Support Fee is $70.00. The Immigrant Visa Fee is $355.00 and the Security Enhancement Fee is $45.00.
Pay these right away so that your I-130 can be sent to the American Consulate in GuangZhou, GuangDong, China. You can pay both of these fees with one Money Order or Cashier's Check. Just be sure to write your name and the Case Number on the check or money order. Personal or Business Checks are NOT allowed!
The NVC's web site is actually very helpful. You may wish to peruse it at http://ImmigrantVisas.State.Gov
You may wish to fill out a sample I-864 and I-134, although you may not be told, you should have both filled out when requested, and your wife will need an original and copy of these forms for her interview.
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
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21.2.09
Good Chinese Visa News for Americans!
I just found out from the China Visa Mail Service that the 2 year multiple entry visa can be obtained by spouses of China again. The visa only requires the normal Q1 form and a photocopy of the marriage license. No airline itinerary or invitation letter is needed anymore! I am applying tomorrow!
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
20.2.09
Personal Update: I130 Approval Notice Sent
Not only did I receive my I130 approval for my wife, but I also received notice that her I129F just left the FBI office in New Hampshire and is being sent to the Chinese Consulate in GuangZhou, GuangDong, China now. Coming up next: preparing for the interview!
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
29.1.09
Personal Update: I129F Approval Notice Sent
I just got an email alerting me to this step being completed tonight. Of course the American Consulate in GuangZhou has a 120 day waiting period for visa interviews, but this is just one more hurdle cleared! For those who pray, please keep on praying for us!
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
16.1.09
Waiting, Moving, Procedures from Paperwork to Interview to Visa Issuance
There is a 120 day backlog in Guangzhou for the interview. So this means after the 6 months for paperwork processing, there is another 4 month wait for the interview. Then they mail the visa to her in about two weeks after the interview.
If you or she moves anytime after the paperwork has been sent in, you can and need to change your address at http://www.USCIS.gov.
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
If you or she moves anytime after the paperwork has been sent in, you can and need to change your address at http://www.USCIS.gov.
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
15.1.09
What Chinese Girls are Looking for in Dating, Relationships, and Marriage
Four Must-Read In-Depth Articles from "Middle Kingdom Life":
- Dating and Marital Preferences Among Young Chinese Women
- Understanding the Attraction to Foreign Men
- Dating Etiquette, Sex, and Relationships
- What Are Chinese Girls Really Looking For in a Man?
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
3.1.09
A Travel 2.0 Chinese Love Story
I was honored to be interviewed by Winser Zhao of Sino Hotel Reservations' China Travel 2.0. If you would like to read the story about how we met, and about his telling of Fei and I, you can read it at http://www.chinatravel20.com/2009/01/02/china-love-story-fei-and-nik/.
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
Chinese Girls For Dating at ChnLove.com
Chinese dating services that help you find gorgeous Chinese girls for love and marriage. Free to view photos, videos, send Cupid Note, and receive initial contacts. Find Your Match Today. Join Free!
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