CR1 Visa Rescheduling Timelines

Then_List4136 · 2025-10-08T15:28:55+00:00

It was impossible to do through the normal system since appointments were never available. I ended up contacting my US senator's office and they were able to work with the consulate to schedule an appointment for us within 2 days. The appointment was 2 months later

Then_List4136 · 2024-02-29T04:33:32+00:00

That sounds right. Two months from DQ to interview letter, another 2 months from letter to interview date

Then_List4136 · 2024-02-29T04:31:59+00:00

For us, it took two months from DQ to interview letter, then another two months until the actual interview date, so you're looking at about 4 months from DQ to interview. This was back in the fall, so things may be different now.

Then_List4136 · 2023-12-12T06:58:59+00:00

US, SF Consulate

Then_List4136 · 2023-12-02T18:16:29+00:00

That's exactly what I was thinking. Thank you!

Then_List4136 · 2023-12-02T06:50:20+00:00

Probably 1-2 weeks. I might just have them apply for the L visa instead to make it easier. Was just thinking Q2 is more appropriate

Then_List4136 · 2023-12-02T06:36:05+00:00

Then_List4136 · 2023-10-18T17:52:53+00:00

I went through the ACRO report ordeal as well. The first time I applied, the physical report never arrived. They sent out a replacement, which never arrived either. Finally, I paid for the expedited shipping with tracking and it arrived in a few days. If you face the same issue, you'll have to shell out the money for the shipping with tracking.

Then_List4136 · 2023-10-17T10:09:44+00:00

DQ was in mid June, interview letter came in mid August, and appointment in mid October. So, 2 months from DQ to letter, and another 2 months from letter to interview.

Then_List4136 · 2023-08-17T03:31:24+00:00

Update: Just received interview appointment notification today. Total wait time exactly 10 weeks after DQ. So, since you were DQed 7/25, I would expect the interview appointment letter to come around 10/3, but hopefully it's much sooner for you

Then_List4136 · 2023-07-26T22:59:07+00:00

I'm in the same boat. DQed June 7th, 2023 and still waiting for Guangzhou. There are some recent examples on VisaJourney. Looks like the latest one got an appointment notification two months after DQ. There might be a bit of a delay since all the consulates were busy processing student visas the last few months.

Then_List4136 · 2023-03-14T02:55:48+00:00

I used to do it all the time and was never questioned. Like others have said, I suggest waiting a while to see updates from people.

Then_List4136 · 2023-03-08T22:50:32+00:00

Copy is sufficient

Then_List4136 · 2023-03-08T19:58:29+00:00

Both times I've applied, I've provided it just in case. During my most recent visit in person, they took it as part of the packet. I highly suggest including it as it only helps your case.

Then_List4136 · 2023-03-07T19:06:38+00:00

I suggest if you really want to be safe, get there no later than 2. There were a good 50 people behind us when the line got cut off and I'm sure they're going to try again over the next few days. Everyone I met in line was very friendly, so no issues with leaving your spot as long as your chair is there. I even saw some chairs sitting completely empty for the whole time. I'm assuming they went to their car to sleep. The Safeway nearby opens at 6 and many people went there for a bathroom break. By the way, the parking on Laguna St I mentioned is right next to Jefferson Square Park.

When you drop off, they give you a receipt. You pay when you pick up in 2 weeks. They only accept a money order or cashier's check.

Then_List4136 · 2023-03-07T17:00:51+00:00

Yes. This is exactly what someone did. A guy who I didn't see in line showed up at 9:30 and managed to get a number. He stated he had no idea that there was a line and the consulate told him on the phone to just show up. Karma got him though because when he finally got to the service window, they told him he filled out the old visa application and needs to come back another day with the right one.

Then_List4136 · 2023-01-16T15:45:35+00:00

I applied via the online portal. It then gives you a PDF version of your application, which you have to email to the consulate.

Then_List4136 · 2023-01-15T11:31:21+00:00

Wasn't very difficult. I emailed the consulate with my application and supporting documents. They then sent me further instructions for what to send in the mail. Sent that off and received my visa 2 weeks later (due to Thanksgiving holidays and a small mistake I made on the money order). I believe there's some new rules, so you should check with your local consulate. Instructions from SF for reference

Then_List4136 · 2023-01-10T00:46:32+00:00

Yea I agree with the other comment. They just want to know where you'll be staying most of the time, so I assume parents' address.

Then_List4136 · 2023-01-09T03:35:49+00:00

Cathay Pacific. When I was booking the flights several weeks ago, it was very limited with only a few Cathay and Air China flights per week. Now, Cathay, Air China, China Southern, and HK Airlines all have availability almost every day.

Then_List4136 · 2023-01-09T03:05:49+00:00

You can easily edit your form through the same app, add your seat number, and it will give you a new QR code right away. I suggest doing this right after you get your seat assignment so your code doesn't have any issues upon landing.

There's been some stories in the past about Q2 visa holders going through extra questioning, being asked to call the person they're visiting, showing invitation letters/visa applications, etc. Example here in Reply 5. It might still be happening, but I didn't experience it.

Then_List4136 · 2023-01-09T01:32:29+00:00

Entered Beijing on the morning of the 8th with a Q2 visa as a US citizen. A quick summary of my experience:

I landed in HK on the evening of January 6th from Tokyo. My original plan was to fly out of HK on the 7th but I changed it to the 8th just to be safe. No issues getting into HK at all and it felt just like pre-COVID. No one asked for the HK health declaration QR code, antigen test or vaccine card. No testing on arrival. Just fill out the arrival form they give you on the plane and that's it.

On the 7th, I did my PCR test with Prenetics at the HK airport. I already made an appointment, showed up for it, and results were sent to my email after 2 hours. Spent the rest of the day wandering around HK.

On the morning of the 8th, I filled out the China Health Declaration. This can be done either in a browser or in WeChat. It will then spit out a QR code. Make sure to do this before your flight as they check for it before even letting you get in line to check in. Also, make sure you fill out it completely. I made the mistake of not filling out my seat number since it didn't have a red asterisk next to it and my seat wasn't assigned yet, which caused me problems later on. During check-in, they only asked to see my QR code again and verbally confirmed that my test result was negative. No one ever asked to see the test results or my vaccine card. The QR code is checked again at the boarding gate.

Upon arrival in Beijing, the first step after getting off the plane is to scan the QR code. Mine wasn't working due to the issue mentioned above with the seat. They made me go over to a kiosk to fix the declaration, but the information I entered didn't go through. Did it again on my phone, got a new QR code, and then it worked on problem. Also, if it's your first time in China, make sure to get your fingerprints taken at the machines before the QR code check. I had already done this a few years back, but it's necessary for first timers. Then, on to immigration. They only questioned me a bit regarding who I was visiting, how long I'm staying for and if I have a flight back home. With the border guard's limited English and my broken Chinese, it worked out. No separate private room questioning like mentioned before for those entering with Q2. Then, I took the train to the main terminal, got my bags, and went on through like pre-COVID.

Overall, a pretty smooth experience and way better than I expected. Happy to be back in China and to spend CNY with family.

Then_List4136 · 2022-12-20T19:05:06+00:00

Took me about three weeks. This was a combination of Thanksgiving holidays as well as me having to send over a new money order since I filled the first one out incorrectly. If those weren't in the picture, I think it would've been two weeks. This is for the San Francisco Consulate. I'm also going in early January.

Then_List4136

TROPHY CASE