Hi Kdc1965,
The most important news that you already have is :
1) The sponsorship is approved and
2) file is sent to Beijing
Do not worry about what the letter says about the 8.5 months or the website's 5.5 months processing times. This is only an approximate timelines and there are many variables for each and every application.
The online information displayed in the system is a "joke" and do not rely on it for any reason and for the most part it simply displays the same information , while in reality the application may have moved a few steps forward.
The waiting time is unbelievably tough and mind boggling - I know because I went through this the last 6 months. As for the interview , english test ( I dont think it applies for spousal sponsorship) and waiting time, try not to worry too much because it is not within your control.
If you ask me , you are getting very close for the PR/Visa approval. Hang in there and just focus on your good relationship with your wife - it will work out for sure !!!
All the best to you both O
Thanks, for your support, I hope we see some changes soon, my wife is so worried. she sees on the Chinese BBS site people are approved who filed later than us, and she cannot understand why we have to wait while others are processed a month before us. I am sure you are right time is on our side, just in case I am checking out air Canada for another quick trip.
Update just got an email from immigration... Interview on September 20! Is there anything I should know, would they try to mess you up, or is the interview just polite Q/A? Are there sample questions anywhere?