This repository contains a comprehensive, bilingual (English/Chinese) guide and document tracking system for US citizens sponsoring their Chinese spouse for permanent residence (green card). It includes:
- ✅ Complete checklists for all 4 stages of the immigration process
- 📄 All required USCIS forms (PDFs included in repository)
- 🇺🇸/🇨🇳 Bilingual instructions in English and Chinese
- 📊 Progress tracking with visual progress bars
- 📁 Document templates for affidavits and cover letters
- 💰 Cost breakdowns and timeline estimates
- 📍 Specific guidance for the US Consulate in Guangzhou
- All USCIS forms (I-130, I-130A, I-864, etc.) as PDFs
- Template documents for supporting evidence
- Interactive checklists with 41 total tasks
- Timeline: 6-18 months total process
- Total cost: ~$1,420-1,520 USD
This comprehensive guide helps US citizens navigate the process of sponsoring their Chinese spouse for a green card (permanent residence). The guide includes both English and Chinese sections, interactive checklists, and links to all required forms.
本综合指南帮助美国公民了解如何为其中国配偶申请绿卡（永久居留权）。该指南包括中英文部分、互动清单和所有必需表格的链接。
6-18 months from start to green card in hand | 从开始到拿到绿卡需要6-18个月
- USCIS I-130: $675
- NVC Fees: $445 ($325 + $120)
- Medical Exam: ~$300-400
- Total: ~$1,420-1,520 (not including travel)
- Stage 1: File I-130 with USCIS (14.8 months)
- Stage 2: NVC document processing (1-3 months)
- Stage 3: Interview in Guangzhou (1-2 months)
- Post-Approval: Enter US & receive green card
Overall Progress: ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ 0% Complete
已完成进度: 0/41 tasks | 0/41 项任务
- Stage 1 (USCIS): ░░░░░░░░░░ 0% (0/11 tasks)
- Stage 2 (NVC): ░░░░░░░░░░ 0% (0/10 tasks)
- Stage 3 (Interview): ░░░░░░░░░░ 0% (0/10 tasks)
- Post-Approval: ░░░░░░░░░░ 0% (0/10 tasks)
- [[#📋 Master Checklist|Master Checklist]]
- [[#📝 Stage 1 USCIS Form I-130|Stage 1: USCIS I-130]]
- [[#🏢 Stage 2 NVC Processing|Stage 2: NVC]]
- [[#🏛️ Stage 3 Consular Interview|Stage 3: Interview]]
- [[#
✈️ Post-Approval Steps|Post-Approval]] - [[#⚡ Expediting Your Case|Expediting]]
- [[#📁 Document Downloads|Documents]]
- [[#💡 Special Considerations|Special Tips]]
- Gather US citizen proof documents → [[#📄 Required Documents Checklist|What you need]]
- Obtain marriage certificate with translation → [[#📄 Required Documents Checklist|Requirements]]
- Collect relationship evidence photos → [[#Relationship Evidence|Photo guidelines]]
- Open joint bank account → [[#Relationship Evidence|Financial evidence]]
- Get affidavits from friends/family → Template
- Calculate I-864 income requirements → [[#💰 Financial Requirements Preview|Income calculator]]
- Complete Form I-130 (US citizen files) → Download | Instructions
- Complete Form I-130A (spouse fills out) → Download | Required supplement
- Pay $675 filing fee → [[#📮 How to File|Payment options]]
- Submit petition online/mail → File online | [[#📮 How to File|Mail instructions]]
- Receive receipt notice → Check status
- Receive NVC welcome letter → [[#📨 After I-130 Approval|What to expect]]
- Create CEAC account → CEAC Portal | [[#🏢 Stage 2 NVC Processing|Instructions]]
- Pay NVC fees ($445 total) → [[#Pay Fees Online|Fee breakdown]]
- Complete DS-260 online → CEAC Portal | [[#📋 Required Documents Checklist|Guide]]
- Submit I-864 Affidavit → Download | Instructions
- Upload civil documents → [[#Beneficiary Civil Documents|Document list]]
- Get police certificates → [[#Beneficiary Civil Documents|Requirements]]
- Receive interview date → [[#✅ Step 5 NVC Review and Interview Scheduling|Timeline]]
- Book travel to Guangzhou → [[#📍 Interview Location|Consulate address]]
- Prepare interview documents → [[#🎒 What to Bring|Complete list]]
- Schedule medical exam → [[#🏥 Medical Examination|Find approved doctors]]
- Complete medical exam → [[#What to Expect|Exam details]] | Cost: ~$300-400
- Organize all originals → [[#🎒 Interview Day Checklist|Document list]]
- Practice interview questions → [[#❓ Common Interview Questions|Question list]]
- Travel to Guangzhou → [[#📍 Interview Location|Consulate location]] | Metro: Lines 3&5, Exit B1
- Pass security screening → [[#Interview Process|What to expect]]
- Complete interview → [[#📅 Interview Day|Process overview]]
- Receive decision → [[#Interview Process|Timeline]]
- Get passport with visa → [[#Immediate Steps (1-2 weeks)|Next steps]]
- Receive sealed packet → [[#Immediate Steps (1-2 weeks)|DO NOT OPEN]]
- Book flight to US → [[#Before Travel|Preparation checklist]]
- Enter US within 6 months → [[#US Entry Process|What happens at airport]]
- Give packet to CBP → [[#At US Airport|Entry process]] | DO NOT OPEN PACKET
- Update USCIS address → Change address | [[#First Month in US|Timeline]]
- Receive green card → [[#Green Card Timeline|2-4 weeks delivery]]
- Get SSN → [[#First Month in US|Apply at SSA office]]
- Open US bank accounts → [[#First Month in US|What you need]]
- Get driver's license → [[#First Month in US|State DMV]]
- File I-751 (if conditional) → [[#Green Card Timeline|90 days before expiration]]
- Apply for citizenship (after 3 years) → [[#Green Card Timeline|Eligibility info]]
Timeline: ~14.8 months | Cost: $675 | Form: I-130
- US passport copy OR birth certificate
- Previous divorce decree/death certificate (if applicable)
- Passport photos (2)
- Chinese passport bio page
- Birth certificate + translation
- Previous divorce/death certificates + translation (if applicable)
- Passport photos (2)
- Marriage certificate + certified translation
- Photos together (minimum 10-20):
- Dating period
- Wedding ceremony
- With family members
- Different locations/times
- Financial evidence:
- Joint bank statements (12 months)
- Joint lease/mortgage
- Insurance policies
- Communication proof:
- Chat logs/emails
- Phone records
- Children's birth certificates
- Affidavits from friends/family (2-5)
- Create account at USCIS.gov (US citizen creates account)
- Complete Form I-130 online (petitioner fills)
- Complete Form I-130A (spouse fills, no signature needed if overseas)
- Upload all documents
- Pay $675 online
- Get instant receipt number
- Download Form I-130
- Complete and sign form
- Include cover letter
- Mail to correct address
- Include $675 check
For I-864 Affidavit of Support, you'll need to show income of:
- 2 people: $26,437/year
- 3 people: $33,312/year
- 4 people: $40,187/year
- 5 people: $47,062/year
Can't meet requirements? Options:
- Use assets (3x the shortfall)
- Add household member (Form I-864A)
- Find joint sponsor
Timeline: 1-3 months | Cost: $445 | Portal: CEAC
-
NVC Creates Case
- Receive welcome email
- Get case number
- Get invoice ID
-
Pay Fees Online
- IV fee: $325
- AOS fee: $120
- Total: $445
- DS-260 (online at CEAC)
- I-864 Affidavit of Support
- Tax returns/transcripts (3 years)
- W-2s and 1099s
- Employment letter
- Pay stubs (6 months)
- Bank statements (12 months)
- Passport
- Birth certificate + translation
- Marriage certificate + translation
- Police certificates from:
- China (current residence)
- Any country lived 12+ months after age 16
- Military records (if applicable)
- Court records (if applicable)
- Passport photos
- Must respond within 1 year or case terminated
- Police certificates valid 2 years
- Keep checking CEAC for updates
Location: US Consulate Guangzhou | Medical: ~$300-400 | Timeline: 1-2 months
- Get approved physician list from consulate
- Gather vaccination records
- Schedule appointment
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- Vaccinations update
- Cost: ~$300-400
- Valid: 6 months
- COVID vaccine: Not required (as of March 2025)
US Consulate General Guangzhou
- 📍 Huaxia Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District
- 🚇 Metro: Lines 3 & 5, Exit B1
- ⏰ Arrive 30 minutes early
- Appointment letter
- DS-260 confirmation
- Valid passport
- Medical exam (sealed - DO NOT OPEN)
- All original documents
- Translations
- I-864 originals
- Photos if requested
- Relationship evidence updates
- Security screening (no electronics)
- Document review window
- Biometrics
- Interview with officer
- Decision (usually same day)
- How did you meet?
- When/where did you get married?
- Who attended your wedding?
- Where does your spouse work?
- What are your plans in the US?
- Where will you live?
- Passport returned with visa
- Receive sealed packet (DO NOT OPEN)
- Check visa for errors
- Note expiration (6 months from medical)
- Book flight to US
- Prepare important documents:
- Sealed immigration packet
- Passport with visa
- X-rays if given separately
- Extra photos
- Marriage certificate
-
At US Airport:
- Go to immigration
- Give sealed packet to CBP
- Biometrics taken
- I-551 stamp in passport
- Welcome to America!
-
First Month in US:
- Update address with USCIS
- Apply for SSN
- Open bank account
- Get driver's license
- Add to health insurance
- Delivery: 2-4 weeks to your US address
- Conditional? If married <2 years
- 10-year card? If married >2 years
- I-751 deadline: 90 days before expiration
- Citizenship eligible: After 3 years
- Job loss imminent
- Business failing
- Contract cancellation
- Medical emergency
- Death in family
- Extreme hardship
- Safety concerns
- Clear mistakes needing correction
- Call USCIS: 1-800-375-5283
- Have ready:
- Receipt number
- Evidence documents
- Clear explanation
- Medical records/doctor letters
- Death certificates
- Employment termination notice
- Previous visa denials
- Financial hardship proof
- Family separation documentation
- 📄 Form I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative
- 📋 I-130 Instructions
- 💰 Form I-864 - Affidavit of Support
- 📑 I-864 Instructions
- 🤝 Form I-864A - Household Member Contract
- ✅ Already US citizens
- 📜 Get CRBA at consulate
- 🛂 Can travel on US passports
- 🎓 Enroll in US schools immediately
- ❌ Incomplete translations
- ❌ Missing documents
- ❌ Expired police certificates
- ❌ Opening sealed packets
- ❌ Missing deadlines
- ❌ Insufficient financial evidence
- ❌ Poor organization
- Ask for reason in writing
- Address the issue
- Reapply if eligible
- Consider waiver if needed
- Consult attorney
- K-3 Visa: Temporary visa while waiting
- B-2 Visit: Usually denied if I-130 pending
- Work/Student: Possible but separate process
- [[#📋 总清单|总清单]]
- [[#📝 第一阶段 USCIS I-130申请|第一阶段：USCIS I-130]]
- [[#🏢 第二阶段 NVC处理|第二阶段：NVC]]
- [[#🏛️ 第三阶段 领事馆面试|第三阶段：面试]]
- [[#
✈️ 批准后步骤|批准后]] - [[#⚡ 加急申请|加急]]
- [[#📁 文件下载|文件]]
- [[#💡 特别提示|特别提示]]
- 收集美国公民身份证明 → [[#📄 所需文件清单|需要什么]]
- 获取结婚证和翻译件 → [[#📄 所需文件清单|要求]]
- 收集关系证明照片 → [[#关系证明|照片指南]]
- 开设联名银行账户 → [[#关系证明|财务证明]]
- 获取亲友证明信 → 模板
- 计算I-864收入要求 → [[#💰 财务要求预览|收入计算]]
- 填写I-130表格（美国公民填写） → 下载 | 说明
- 填写I-130A表格（配偶填写） → 下载 | 必需补充表格
- 支付$675申请费 → [[#📮 如何申请|付款选项]]
- 在线/邮寄提交申请 → 在线申请 | [[#📮 如何申请|邮寄说明]]
- 收到接收通知 → 查询状态
- 收到NVC欢迎信 → [[#📨 I-130批准后|会发生什么]]
- 创建CEAC账户 → CEAC门户 | [[#🏢 第二阶段 NVC处理|说明]]
- 支付NVC费用（共$445） → [[#在线支付费用|费用明细]]
- 在线填写DS-260 → CEAC门户 | [[#📋 所需文件清单|指南]]
- 提交I-864经济担保 → 下载 | 说明
- 上传民事文件 → [[#受益人民事文件|文件清单]]
- 获取无犯罪证明 → [[#受益人民事文件|要求]]
- 收到面试日期 → [[#✅ NVC审查|时间线]]
- 预订广州行程 → [[#📍 面试地点|领事馆地址]]
- 准备面试文件 → [[#🎒 面试当天清单|完整清单]]
- 预约体检 → [[#🏥 体检|寻找指定医生]]
- 完成体检 → [[#体检内容|检查详情]] | 费用：约$300-400
- 整理所有原件 → [[#🎒 面试当天清单|文件清单]]
- 练习面试问题 → [[#❓ 常见面试问题|问题列表]]
- 前往广州 → [[#📍 面试地点|领事馆位置]] | 地铁：3号线和5号线，B1出口
- 通过安检 → [[#面试流程|会发生什么]]
- 完成面试 → [[#📅 面试当天|流程概述]]
- 收到决定 → [[#面试流程|时间线]]
- 获得签证护照 → [[#立即步骤（1-2周）|下一步]]
- 收到密封包 → [[#立即步骤（1-2周）|不要打开]]
- 预订赴美航班 → [[#旅行前|准备清单]]
- 6个月内入境美国 → [[#美国入境流程|机场会发生什么]]
- 向CBP提交密封包 → [[#在美国机场|入境流程]] | 不要打开密封包
- 更新USCIS地址 → 更改地址 | [[#在美第一个月|时间线]]
- 收到绿卡 → [[#绿卡时间表|2-4周寄送]]
- 申请社保号 → [[#在美第一个月|在SSA办公室申请]]
- 开设美国银行账户 → [[#在美第一个月|需要什么]]
- 获取驾照 → [[#在美第一个月|州DMV]]
- 提交I-751（如需） → [[#绿卡时间表|到期前90天]]
- 申请入籍（3年后） → [[#绿卡时间表|资格信息]]
时间：约14.8个月 | 费用：$675 | 表格：I-130
- 美国护照复印件或出生证明
- 以前的离婚判决/死亡证明（如适用）
- 护照照片（2张）
- 中国护照信息页
- 出生证明+翻译
- 以前的离婚/死亡证明+翻译（如适用）
- 护照照片（2张）
- 结婚证+认证翻译
- 合照（至少10-20张）：
- 恋爱期间
- 婚礼仪式
- 与家人合照
- 不同地点/时间
- 财务证明：
- 联名银行对账单（12个月）
- 联名租约/房贷
- 保险单
- 通讯证明：
- 聊天记录/邮件
- 电话记录
- 孩子的出生证明
- 亲友证明信（2-5份）
I-864经济担保书需要显示年收入：
- 2人：$26,437/年
- 3人：$33,312/年
- 4人：$40,187/年
- 5人：$47,062/年
**达不到要求？**选择：
- 使用资产（差额的3倍）
- 添加家庭成员（I-864A表格）
- 寻找联合担保人
时间：1-3个月 | 费用：$445 | 门户：CEAC
-
NVC创建案件
- 收到欢迎邮件
- 获得案件号
- 获得发票ID
-
在线支付费用
- 移民签证费：$325
- 经济担保费：$120
- 总计：$445
- DS-260（在CEAC在线填写）
- I-864经济担保书
- 税务申报/记录（3年）
- W-2和1099表格
- 雇主信
- 工资单（6个月）
- 银行对账单（12个月）
- 护照
- 出生证明+翻译
- 结婚证+翻译
- 无犯罪证明：
- 中国（当前居住地）
- 16岁后居住12个月以上的任何国家
- 军队记录（如适用）
- 法院记录（如适用）
- 护照照片
- 必须在1年内回复否则案件终止
- 无犯罪证明有效期2年
- 持续检查CEAC更新
地点：美国驻广州总领事馆 | 体检：约$300-400 | 时间：1-2个月
- 获取领事馆批准的医生名单
- 收集疫苗接种记录
- 预约体检
- 身体检查
- 血液检查
- 胸部X光
- 疫苗更新
- 费用：约$300-400
- 有效期：6个月
- 新冠疫苗：不需要（2025年3月起）
美国驻广州总领事馆
- 📍 天河区珠江新城华夏路
- 🚇 地铁：3号线和5号线，B1出口
- ⏰ 提前30分钟到达
- 预约信
- DS-260确认页
- 有效护照
- 体检结果（密封-不要打开）
- 所有原件
- 翻译件
- I-864原件
- 要求的照片
- 关系证明更新
- 安检（禁止电子设备）
- 文件审核窗口
- 生物识别
- 官员面试
- 决定（通常当天）
- 你们是如何认识的？
- 何时/何地结婚？
- 谁参加了你们的婚礼？
- 你的配偶在哪里工作？
- 你们在美国的计划是什么？
- 你们将住在哪里？
- 护照连同签证返还
- 收到密封包（不要打开）
- 检查签证错误
- 注意有效期（体检后6个月）
- 预订赴美航班
- 准备重要文件：
- 密封移民包
- 带签证的护照
- 单独的X光片
- 额外照片
- 结婚证
-
在美国机场：
- 前往移民局
- 向CBP提交密封包
- 采集生物识别
- 护照盖I-551章
- 欢迎来到美国！
-
在美第一个月：
- 向USCIS更新地址
- 申请社保号
- 开设银行账户
- 获取驾照
- 加入医疗保险
- 寄送：2-4周寄到美国地址
- **有条件？**如果结婚不足2年
- **10年卡？**如果结婚超过2年
- I-751期限：到期前90天
- 入籍资格：3年后
- 即将失业
- 企业倒闭
- 合同取消
- 医疗紧急情况
- 家人去世
- 极端困难
- 安全问题
- 需要纠正的明显错误
- 致电USCIS：1-800-375-5283
- 准备好：
- 接收号码
- 证据文件
- 清晰说明
- 医疗记录/医生信
- 死亡证明
- 解雇通知
- 之前的签证拒签
- 财务困难证明
- 家庭分离文件
- 🌐 USCIS.gov
- 🏛️ Travel.State.gov
- 💻 CEAC门户
- 📊 案件状态查询
- ✅ 已经是美国公民
- 📜 在领事馆获取CRBA
- 🛂 可以用美国护照旅行
- 🎓 立即入读美国学校
- ❌ 翻译不完整
- ❌ 文件缺失
- ❌ 无犯罪证明过期
- ❌ 打开密封包
- ❌ 错过期限
- ❌ 财务证明不足
- ❌ 组织混乱
- 要求书面说明原因
- 解决问题
- 如符合条件可重新申请
- 如需要考虑豁免
- 咨询律师
- K-3签证：等待期间的临时签证
- B-2访问：如果I-130待定通常被拒
- 工作/学生：可能但需要单独流程
| 步骤 Step | 时间 Timeline |
|---|---|
| 1. 📄 提交I-130 File I-130 | 第1天 Day 1 |
| 2. ✅ I-130批准 Approval | ~14.8个月 months |
| 3. 🏢 NVC处理 Processing | 1-3个月 months |
| 4. 📅 面试安排 Interview | NVC完成后1-2个月 |
| 5. 🎫 签证签发 Visa Issued | 批准后7-10天 days |
| 6. |
6个月内 within 6 months |
| 7. 💳 收到绿卡 Green Card | 入境后2-4周 weeks |
- USCIS: 1-800-375-5283
- NVC: Ask NVC
- 国会议员 Congress: 联系当地代表
- 广州领事馆 Guangzhou: 仅通过预约系统
- 体检医院 Medical: 从领事馆获取名单
- 翻译服务 Translation: 使用认证服务
- Check boxes as you complete tasks
- Update progress bars regularly
- Click document links to open forms
- Save frequently in Obsidian
- Share with spouse for collaboration
- 完成任务后打勾
- 定期更新进度条
- 点击文件链接打开表格
- 在Obsidian中频繁保存
- 与配偶分享以便协作
📅 最后更新 Last Updated: 2025年7月 July 2025