Stage 2

[ohliuw]

Now that we are on to stage 2, I have few questions regarding ...

1. Do they trnasfer the file electronically? (I'd suppose so, but it's government, so you never know ... )

2. How would the embassy contact us if they need info, request passports, etc? By email or mail? If by mail, would we be still able to find out online? Not sure how reliable China post is

3. Judging by the timelines of other people, they ask for the passport and then it takes somewhere between month or two to get the visa issued. Any way not to give the passport in advance and have them keep it for that long? The problem is that my wife is studying in China and may need to travel back to home, not to mention that it's the only document showing that she is legal in China :-\

 

[KJG]

Now that we are on to stage 2, I have few questions regarding ...

1. Do they trnasfer the file electronically? (I'd suppose so, but it's government, so you never know ... )

2. How would the embassy contact us if they need info, request passports, etc? By email or mail? If by mail, would we be still able to find out online? Not sure how reliable China post is

3. Judging by the timelines of other people, they ask for the passport and then it takes somewhere between month or two to get the visa issued. Any way not to give the passport in advance and have them keep it for that long? The problem is that my wife is studying in China and may need to travel back to home, not to mention that it's the only document showing that she is legal in China :-\

1, The file is transferred by "diplomatic courier"....
2. Embassies usually use email but that does not rule out regular mail
3. Can't help you with this one ....sorry.....but I am thinking the answer is probably no...they want when they want it

 

[computergeek]

Some countries can offer a second passport. For example, the US will grant a second passport in a case where you need to send your passport away for a visa and you also must travel at the same time - requiring your passport. If her country offers that option, she might wish to consider doing so. Otherwise, usually the only other option is to fly to the location of the visa office and turn it in by hand so you can pick up your passport - assuming the visa office can offer you that service. Some do, some do not.

 

[truesmile]

On the other hand, for some countries it gets worse i.e. they do NOT allow their passports to cross international borders by mail/courier, only with the bearer to which it was issued. I just discovered this a week or two ago, but thankfully is not applicable in our case.

 

[obitar]

they contact you both email and mail.