I got an update from our agency today. All of our documents went to the Chinese embassy in DC last Friday (November 9) for
the last authentication step. They say it typically it takes 6-7 business days for
them to turn around documents, plus shipping time on each end.
Our case manager said that
theoretically our documents should be back at the agency by Wednesday, and they'll
be able to mail them to China before they close for Thanksgiving. That all sounds good, but
she also added that the Department of State has been a little more variable on processing
time recently, so it might not get there in time. They are closed both Thursday and Friday for the holiday.
Hopefully the "usual" will happen and our documents will be back at the agency on Wednesday. I'm told they are typically able
to send the dossier the same day it arrives back from authentication, so whether it is Wednesday or the following Monday, we are really close. Once the dossier goes out we are looking at anywhere from 4-8 months until we travel. In looking at the timelines of others online, China seems to be moving fairly quickly right now. Here's hoping for the shorter side of waiting!
