China Romance
All About China => Visas, Immigration and Emigration => Topic started by: davidaquincy on March 31, 2009, 10:09:20 am
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Just to let everyone know. I sent in for my Visa on March 20th. I received a year Visa yesterday when I got home. So they are giving year visas at a time.
Just wanted to inform you
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I applied for a 1yr multi entry visa a couple days ago and paid the expidite fee. The travel lady, india native born with very good english, seemed to understand the system well and said most Americans get a 1yr multi entry visa. I asked what would be causes of refusal and she laughed and said that's unusual since they want your money. She seemed to understand the system very well.
I should be picking my visa up today. WOOT!
Got it. 1 yr, multi entry visa.
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Any one needing info on british visa s,
should look up this web site www.ukbahomeoffice.gov.uk.
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Well I went to the Chinese embassy this morning and the girl flat out AGAIN refused me a year visa, she insisted they are only for business visitors not for tourists.
Whats worse is this time is a single entry only visa..so as i've planned on going to Hong Kong, i'm going to have to apply for another visa to get back into China, its totally exasperating.
Its the same girl as last time that wouldn't give me any longer than one a three month one but at least then it was a two entry one so II could go visit Hong kong and go back again without problems, it seems she is on a crusade to make Irish visits to China as difficult as possible!
I dunno , maybe it will work to my benefit, I'm going to ask for a multiple entry one in Hong Kong, maybe they will be more reasonable there.
Which brings me to the next question, how long does it take to process a visa request in HK for the mainland???
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Irish according to the sign my wife seen it only takes a couple of minutes.She seen the sign on the mainland in Zhuhai.
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Thanks maxx, I read up a bunch of websites about this last night. Seems the quickest way to get this done is to pay a travel agent to do it. I bet they'll swing a multi entry visa too just like the mail order firms in the USA seem to be able to. So, I'm taking this as a positive thing actually. Funny, when something negative happens to me regarding China the flip side seems to work out for the better.
Ling and I are going to go to the Oceanpark in HK one day so we'll just visit an agent drop off my passport, go have some fun and collect it that evening, should be no problem .
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Irish yeah that sounds like a good idea.
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Irish , hope it works out well for you .
It seems , finding the right Lady is easier then all this lousy paperwork for everything .
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Irish, it seem this lady does not like tourists. Or Irishmen going to marry a Chinese woman. Or she is taking a cut of the money made by this. I think you are doing the right thing. Any online place in Ireland would probably have to go through her anyway.
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Will my multiple entry Chinese visa allow entry into Hong Kong (from Australia)?
And from there to mainland China (and return the same way)?
Thanks in advance.
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From what I understand, HK does not require a Visa, because it is not part of China...even though it is.
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Canada is NOT part of the USA (United States of America)... LOL. But it IS part of North America.
I think there is a border between the USA and Canada... :-/
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Yes, there is a very distinct border between the two. Mei had to wait for me at the top of an overpass bridge. Very bizarre because all these mainlanders are waiting behind a barrier for thier friends and family coming in from Hong Kong. Mainlanders need a special pass they can get from their birth place to travel to and from Hong Kong. Kind of funny that Chinese cannot even travel to parts of thier own country. Such is life. Pretty sure it also goes for Tibet and maybe parts of Mongolia too.
China Shark Mike
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I see ....
So Hong Kong is not the same as China
and
Canada is not the same as the USA
But Mexico is part of the USA. Just ask Maxx.
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Looks like some of us here missed classes at school... (or asleep) :D
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Macau is also a special zone that Chinese nationals need special visas to enter
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Just a question
I f someone showed up at the Hong Kong China border or at the airport would they be allowed to get a visa for mainland China in minutes just wondering thats all
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Just a question
I f someone showed up at the Hong Kong China border would they be allowed to get a visa for mainland China in minutes just wondering thats all
No - best to get it before you leave. It can take sometime if you try to get one in Hong Kong. The visa becomes embossed on your passport and at the border they do not have the facilities. You would need to go to the embassy in Hong Kong
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Rhonald yes you can get a visa for the mainland at the port of entry in Zhuhai.I dont know about anywhere else.Also I dont know what type a visa it is or how long you can stay.But I have seen the sign nummerse times in Zhuhai ferry terminal.It is open from.;00am to 5:00 pm Also if you are going to the Gombei mall in Macau.You have to buy a visa to go into the mall.Most of the exits are on the mainland side in Zhuhai.And there is no customs control on the mainland side.But there is going into Macau.
If your lady is from Guandong province she doesn't need a special visa just her citizen card.
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Max - not denying but this is from the Canada embassy website in Hong Kong.
"Visas must be obtained prior to departure. The visas must be acquired in the travellers’ country of residence or from the country where they hold a working visa. Foreigners have been fined or expelled for arriving without a visa. Transit visas are not required for travellers who are on continuing international flights, who hold tickets on connecting flights, or who will remain at the airport for no more than 24 hours while awaiting transit. Travellers who wish to leave the airport while awaiting transit must request a stopover permit from the Chinese border authorities at the airport. Travellers visiting Hong Kong or Macao from mainland China should ensure they obtain visas allowing multiple entries. Travellers should be aware that visas for mainland China can no longer be obtained in Hong Kong unless the traveller is a Hong Kong resident. For more information, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Chinese Foreign Ministry. "
This is from Hong Kong Chinese Foreign Ministry
"NOTICE
(2008/04/13)
Visa applicants are increasing in a large number and need longer waiting
time in the visa office recently. If you don't reside or work in Hong Kong
permanently, you are required to apply Chinese visa from the Embassy
or Consulate-General of Peoples' Republic of China in your resident
country. You are welcome to China for tourism, business and visit ."
So the prudent course for Uncle Brucie is to get one before leaving instead of testing fate.
My wife was born in Guandong province but she says she would have problems going to Macau. For Hong Kong she still needed to get a visia issued from her birth city of Meizhou. On my last trip she had only 1 more entry left so she picked me up but I had to make my own way back to Hong Kong. I only booked my trip the weekend before leaving so she did not have time to go to Meizhou to reissue her visa.
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Thanks to Maxx for reviewing this post:-
As the founder of US Visa Toolbox I get lots of questions about the immigration timeline for a spouse of a U.S. Citizen applying for and receiving a K3 Marriage Visa to enter the United States. As you will see, the immigration timeline for a Chinese spouse has increased by a few months over the past five years in part from the work load of our U.S. Consulates overseas. The same waiting time applies to the K1 Fiancee Visa as they are both based on an approved I-129F Petition.
China Marriage For U.S. Citizens 2005 - 2009
To give you an example of the immigration timeline changes I'll give you actual case studies from the couples we have helped at US Visa Toolbox and my own marriage in China in 2005. On February 28th, 2005 I married my wife Xiaoying at her home town in Nanning, China. Two months later when I returned to the U.S. I filed my first paperwork with the United States Citizens and Immigration Service (USCIS). After providing all the documentation and filing the necessary Petitions with my regional USCIS office my case was sent to the National Visa Center in Portsmouth, NH and I was sent an approval notice telling me my case would be forwarded to the U.S Consulate in Guangzhou, China. This phase of the K3 Marriage Visa process took a little over 3 months.
U.S. Consulate in China - Interview For The K3 Marriage Visa
The U.S. Consulate in China received the approved Petitions and supporting documents from the National Visa Center for their review. It was 4 months later that my wife received the first of 2 letters. The first letter came to her with a packet of forms and instructions on how to apply for the K3 Marriage Visa. She was to report for a medical exam, and send back to them the required forms and fees. She was to include a Registered Marriage Certificate, Death or Divorce Certificates from any previous marriages, a Passport to the United States, Proof of Financial Support (Form I-134 Affidavit of Support) provided by the U.S. sponsor, Clear Criminal Law Certificate from all places of residence since the age of 16 along with the forms for the K3 Marriage Visa application.
One month after the U.S. Consulate received the information back from my Chinese spouse they sent her the second letter informing her to appear for an interview. From the time I filed my first paperwork with USCIS to the date my wife received a K3 Marriage Visa to enter the United States covered a timeline of 8 months. She arrived in Chicago on December 23, 2005.
Immigration Timelines For a China Marriage in 2009
A China marriage for a U.S. Citizen and the process for the K3 Marriage Visa has increased by a few months in 2008-2009. The couples we have helped and the many that contact me report 12-14 months before a Chinese spouse receives a K-3 Marriage Visa to enter the U.S. This immigration timeline is the same for U.S. Petitioners applying for the K1 Fiancee Visa. Both the K1 and K3 U.S. Consulate interviews are based on an approved I-129F Petition and there is no advantage to one being quicker. This may go against what some will tell you but in resent years the laws have changed and the facts are in the proof. We find that the final goal of a foreign spouse obtaining the 10 year Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) to Citizenship is quicker and less money by way of the K3 Marriage Visa.
US Visa Toolbox is a resourse of U.S. Citizens who have navigated the process of immigrations. We provide knowledge, experience, and support to a growing community. Your source for first-hand information. http://usvisatoolbox.com
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13 months!, jeeze you yanks must be very patient guys. Hope its nothing like that for here, though i wouldn't bet on it.
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Rhonald yes I agree it is a good idea to have your visa before you leave for your trip.That is along way to go.Just to get stopped at the border for a couple of days.
Ronan it can be real tough 11 to about 13,14 months is about the right time frame.If you get denied or your lady application is rejected.It can run up over 2 years.I met a guy in Guanzghou.Who had ben at it over 2 halfe years.
Can't say this enough hire a lawyer, The paperwork is straight forward and easy to fill out.But there is loop holes false information.They don't tell you all the things you will need in the paperwork packet.A good immagration attourney knows what to watch out for.The average person doing this the first time doesn't
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Well Max I got my fingers crossed as I filed the paperwork myself. My ex-brother-in-law did his own for his wife with no problems. But you are right that experience can uncover problems. I asked for Beijing to processes because 80% get done in 5 months but I was denied. So it will be about 13 months for us with Hong Kong doing the processing.
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I asked for Beijing to processes because 80% get done in 5 months but I was denied. So it will be about 13 months for us with Hong Kong doing the processing.
Why were you denied Beijing? Where in China is she living? I am hoping for Beijing as well. Although she lives in Guangzhou, her household thingy has her registered in Hunan Province which is generally covered by Beijing. I saw the something on foreign affairs website that listed waiting times...Beijing is much faster than Hong Kong.
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Martin you might be lucky. Rats for me but good luck for you then. My wife's household Hakou is from the Guangdong province. Guangdong, Macau, and Hong Kong get processed from Hong Kong. The wait time use to be about 7 months but 2 months ago it changed to 13 months. When I arrived back from my trip I had a phone message from immigration saying that Hong Kong would do it. The agent said that my concern was probably in regards to Parental visas and it should not take that long. However, on their website it shows that Parental visas from Hong Kong take 16 months. So I have a feeling that I might have to wait an other year. This means that I will most likely make another trip to visit her before the year's end.
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I see no one has posted much on here lately. But I have a couple of questions.
One is when I applied for my visa to china I stated in the appropriate box that I was visiting Shenyang. I received a multiple
entry visa. Now if I want to visit again but a different city, does it make a difference. Is my visa good for everywhere.
Also, am I to understand from reading this post, it is just as long to get a fiancee visa as a marriage visa? Any chance for her to
get a tourist visa for the US. Seems like I see Chinese tourists everywhere around here.
Thanks
Don
another question. I have a friend that would like to know if the waiting time is the same for the Philippines
thanks again
Don
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Don , to your first question , yes you can use the Visa again for another City . They don't inforce a strict policy about where you wonder about these day's . I traveled between many City's with no problem's .
A fiancee Visa is quicker than a Spouse Visa . But think of her Family when you marry her . It is worth the extra time waiting for her .
It is almost impossible for your lady to get a Tourist Visa , only in very few cases . either it's for Business or they have Family in the States or Canada already . Hope that helps .
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They also have to deposit in a bank account the sum of $68,000.00RMB to insure they come back to China for a tourist visa to the U.S. of A.
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and they can get that much money from Mr.Chen Guangyuan, as explained in this thread:
http://www.chnlove.info/showthread.php?tid=430
:icon_cheesygrin:
that's a good one MPO4747
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MM at first reading I thought the figure was to high? But after converting it, it's about right (that I know of).
I recently asked my lady to find out. She wrote back it takes much? So I asked for the figure. Maybe the translator edited it? I don't know but waiting on some numbers. I've read it in the 10k area. Then heard property and money? That's why I asked her. Just incase I can't get there? Maybe she could come here? As long as we meet and then want to move forward from there.
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that's a good one MPO4747
Don , you can call him Mike .. like we do 85% of the Guy's here . just remember he is our Pastor ( Mike ) .
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Vince, are you kidding, you seem to be the type of person that will not let much of anything stand in your way, I don't see you NOT going to meet here, I also know the amount because Zhou had wanted her sister-in-law to come here to be here when the baby was born and that was what we found out then, now that being said, remember we are talking about China here so things can and have changed at a drop of a hat.
Good luck Vince and best wishes
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Now Michael has me thinking , why is Vince not ALREADY there , to be with his beautiful Song . Makes you wonder , maybe it's the Food ? Communist Country ? The Swine Flu ? or the LOOOOng flight ? Now we must all know ... Why ?
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It's been no secret. MONEY and COURTS. In the words of the child support (NY) when I asked after I sent payment and asked if it was received and deducted? "We can't tell you, you have to go to court and ask? This wasn't a couple of hundred sent, it was $14,000. and their reply was it's none of my business? It's going to take allot of legal work, lawyers fees, court fees, accounting firm to repair the paperwork (books) and I have to pay it all. Just to get a Passport issued. My ex could pick up the phone and have it all dropped but noooo she wants more money.
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It's been no secret. MONEY and COURTS. In the words of the child support (NY) when I asked after I sent payment and asked if it was received and deducted? "We can't tell you, you have to go to court and ask? This wasn't a couple of hundred sent, it was $14,000. and their reply was it's none of my business? It's going to take allot of legal work, lawyers fees, court fees, accounting firm to repair the paperwork (books) and I have to pay it all. Just to get a Passport issued. My ex could pick up the phone and have it all dropped but noooo she wants more money.
Sorry to hear that Vince. It's strange that just when I finished reading your posting, I heard in my head that song by Alice Cooper and the lyrics " only women bleed" I guess he got that part wrong
I think I might understand why (please accept my appology if mistaken) you are on this site so often; as helping us with your wealth of knowledge also helps you deal with your own frustrations. And by seeing the timing of my post - I am awake this morning 3:00 until now 4:00 am because of my own ex marking her spot. I hate being mistaken as a fire hydrant as she marks her territory.
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Vince, I'm sorry to hear this and I hope every thing works out for and your love, when I was going through my divorce a man that was in court the same day said in a low voice, " A bullet would be cheaper " , I still think about that and wonder sometimes if she will ever get remarried.
Mike MPO, I hope the time will seem short for you.
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I'm not looking to gain sympathy, I've been living with it for almost 17 years. I was scammed by my own wife. Married for $$ not for love. What can you expect from an American Mutt. You would think the justice system would see through her falseness? But no! Just because she's a female the male is automatically wrong? Even though I divorced her. She had the boyfriend now husband on the side. She stayed out till morning during the marriage. She didn't hold a job for 6 of the 7 years married. And still tells my daughters I never worked? They know now what a lie that was, my ex's own brother told my daughters the truth. I started working at age 12 and haven't stopped since. I did the right thing as a husband and father. I can stand proud of it.
So now you all can see how I gained knowledge of scammers, fakes, the laws and all the other ins and outs of life. Experience. Now that I know the way around the legal system, I'll be getting that passport soon enough. One of these posts were right, nothings going to stop me.
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Good for you Vince, go geterdone!!!
So you went to the university of hard knocks too I see, it seems you are going for the class valedictorian, I hope it all works out for buddy
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Vince , you will be rewarded after all is said and done . Your Song will Sing for you and you will all but forget that this Ex ever existed in your Life .
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Is it harder to get a visa for a Chinese wife and child to come to the US than just for the wife. Especially if the child is 16 or 17 years old?
Just wondering.
Don
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Don , my Immagration Lawyer told me , after my Wife get's her Visa and lives here with me , it is not going to be any problem getting her seven year old here . I myself did it this way , instead of bringing them together , because I first wanted to make sure my Wife likes it here . Well if not , you know what my next plan is going to be . Now with 16 - 17 year olds , since they still underage , I see no hassle standing in their way , except the School part .
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I have three ladies to win over .... Jessica, her mother, and her daughter !
and one man, Jessica has an older brother, her father has passed on ...
Mike
Your doing the right thing with her daugther , being so close to finishing grade school at least there . When 18 and an Adult , she can decide what she'll like to do .
Anyway , I think the only one you will have to Win over is her older Brother . I think you have done a great Job on the other three already , to worry about . Remember , most likely you are bigger than her Brother , so it will be a small problem at best . :icon_cheesygrin:
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Please make sure Jessica has a Camera ready , when that happen's . Talking about a Million Dollar Shot :icon_cheesygrin:
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the nearest embassy to me is in chicago. I have to go through a mail order service to get my visa.
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the nearest embassy to me is in chicago. I have to go through a mail order service to get my visa.
Josh , that's no problem . I live 70 miles from Downtown LA , but I also prefer to do it through the Mail . Send it Registered Mail and you'll have it back in about 10 day's . The only drawback is , you need to be at Home to sign for it , or they make you pick it up at the nearest Post Office .
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I have the same problem the nearest embassy is Texas. (from Florida)
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Yeah sweet I thought i was going to have to put a rush on it haha. If i can get it off by friday I should be good then.
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Well I jumped the gun last night on Yahoo chat with my wife. She showed me a letter she recieved from Hong Kong. I first thought she said that she had an interview for July 18 in Hong Kong. I thought that was quick but thought maybe she will get her visa quickly. Man I was excited:icon_cheesygrin: It turns out that June - not July 18th the embassy in Hong Kong received her documents from Immigration Canada and had started processing her file. The letter was just the standard response letter confirming her case number. Well at least another small step taken. The letter did state that she needed to resubmit 4 sets of passport pictures since the previous ones were too small.
I have read Arnold's blogsite and seen the good news of his wife's up coming interview, so I wish all the best for her and Arnold. And I guess I need to show more patience realising that it might still take another year before we are close to reuniting. But in this case I guess small news is still good news.
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Rhonald I don't know Canadian immagration laws.But if the consulat in Hong Kong recieved your wifes application.It should be real soon.
Not unless Canada Does it backwards from the U.S.When the Consulate in Guanzghou recieves the application it is ussually under 90 days.From the day the consulate recieves the application.Till the day the lady has the interview.
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I hope you are right Maxx. My wife figures 3 to 5 months. Its just on the immigration web site that they have 30% of cases being done in 5 months while 80% done in 13 months. It takes about a month for seeing if the sponsor, that is me, qualifies then they send all the documentation to the consulate. So it took about 1.5 months for them to notify me that I qualified. Then they send everything to Hong Kong and Hong Kong will do the back ground check on my wife. So when the website says 5 to 13 months, I try not to be over confident on the time frame.
Well I will cross my fingers and knock on wood, ooww my head hurts, and hope you and her are right. I have to admit Maxx, you have gotten my hopes up. Of course I will keep you posted. By the way, how long did your processes take? And I bet it was worth the wait:icon_biggrin:
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Rhonald it took us a 11 months.From the day I hired the lawyer till the day my wife recieved her visa.I have heard of it taking longer in the states.
It sounds to me like Canada is alot faster.Hopefully you won't run into any delays.Good luck.