J-1 waiver - China

[swvann]

Hello, I am new to the forum. I have a question regarding the J-1 wavier process, primarily the "No Objection Statement". My fiance is from China and is working on behalf of the Chinese government (Confucius Institute). She is currently on a J-1 visa, which just got renewed until July 2013. We are currently engaged and plan to be married in November of this year. My question is, when should we submit the paperwork for the J-1 waiver? Will getting married influence this process at all? I have seen several success stories online regarding the "No Objection Statement" from different counties, but none from China. My goal is to get the waiver approved without her having to leave the US. Has anyone been denied for the waiver but been able to get a "spouse visa" granted?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!
Scott