Visiting the US with Chinese spouse

[lilongyue]

My Chinese wife and I are preparing to make a trip to the United States, my home country. We aren't planning on moving to America, only going for a visit so my wife can meet my family. I was wondering if there are any other foreigners who frequent this website that have already gone through this process, paticularly Americans, as our government seems the most difficult and demanding when it comes to this kind of thing.

The last month or so we've been getting together all the documents required to apply for the visa. We've also been trying to prepare for the visa interview questions, although we don't really know what they will ask. My wife found postings on different websites where Chinese talk about their visa interviews, so we have some idea of what they might ask, but we're not 100% sure. Anyone have any advice, or experience?

[tony1343]

It sounds like you want a B-2 visa, which is essentially for tourism. Besides the basic paper work, the chinese citizen will have to prove that she will return to China after the trip and not become a public charge. This is shown through social and economic ties to China. Since you are married and plan on returning to China I imagine you can show this. I do believe that getting a B-2 visa though is essentially in the hands of the consulate officer.

You might be able to look into getting her a green card in America. I'm not sure if you qualify since you want to stay in China. I think this would allow you to go back and forth whenever you want. You should be able to find all this information out at USCIS's website.

[cdn_in_bj]

Doesn't the US offer a "fiance visa"? Don't know if it would apply to your situation since you've already married her, but it might be worth looking into.

[tony1343]

I think fiance visa is so that you can get married within 90 days and then she gets a green card. I think it could possibly apply to you though in that just applying to get her a green card based upon you being a citizen takes some time (processing time) and so you can get the fiance visa (K something) to come to America in the meantime, but getting the fiance visa takes some time also, so it's not clear if it actually works in practice (but Congress passed it trying to help out married couples).

[cdn_in_bj]

I think fiance visa is so that you can get married within 90 days and then she gets a green card.

The green card route is worth investigating. There are certain advantages for her to hold a US green card even if you both decide to reside in China for the near future.

[lilongyue]

Thanks for the suggestions. Anyone know if its possible to get a green card while living in China? Do you have to be in the States when you apply, or plan to move there soon after applying? I wasn't able to find any satisfactory answers online.

[shanghaikai]

You know, my father (the old coot) would be a great person to ask as he is in immigration law in the states. E-mail him and ask these questions: newromeinc@gmail.com. I think he may be looking to retire soon so better exploit him while you can. Cheers.