Hi moondog, thank you for your detailed reply on this, really appreciated. I think you are right in this case that it would definitely be a good idea to use an agent. Things now in my situation are also complicated by the fact that it's basically impossible to travel back and forth between the U.S. and China now to collect any documents I may not have with me here in Shanghai, so perhaps a good agent could help with getting things done here instead. (I will also have a problem getting my diploma originals, which are in storage in the U.S. and not easily accessible...) Anyway, could you please refer me to the agent you used and had good success with? I will contact him and explain my situation and see what we can do. Thanks!