GaryandSherry

Hi Mike.. My SO is an English School Teacher. She received a free college degree (which is no longer offered). I questioned her on being in the CCP versus not being in the CCP. I was curious, since both were in her school. CCP members get higher pay and raise to higher levels. Non-CCP members get raises, but not to the degree CCP members do, nor do they acquire the status a CCP member does. As for GUZ finding out, why take the chance. Be honest.

The footnote also says the divorce can only occur by court order... 233434[/snapback] Ok. So now a common law divorce is recognized as a divorce, but the common law marriage wasn't? This doesn't make sense to me. Is it the court proceeding that made this divorce valid?

Here is an interesting link defining a common law marriage. http://www.ncsl.org/programs/cyf/commonlaw.htm There is no such thing as common-law divorce. Quoted from the above link.

I don't want to make any assumptions here. Were the "divorce papers" you mention presented in China? Did you indicate that relationship was a marriage? Specifically how do you see this biting you? Anyway if you ARE married to two people, the resolution on the last case like this was to complete the US divorce, take new papers to China and get the effective date of the marriage in China adjusted. China considers the current marriage valid. Again, be specific about just how you see this biting you. 233396[/snapback] Ok I am losing it. I am sorry. I went to us Consoluate and stated I was single. Common law there is no official statement saying "I am married" It's only after you get your final Decree that it's a marriage (this is from what I have gathered so far). I was told on the phone two different things. The final Decree from my Common law marriage was after my real marriage. I do not have any paperwork saying it will be reject but the cas eoffice said I was not free to marry. Ergo the marriage was not valid. 233406[/snapback] I know people that lived together for 5 or 6 years and simply split up. No divorce. No marriage. I thought a common law marriage was not in effect until after 7 years, or is that just Florida law? Does Colorado have different laws?

I had a similar problem with our P3. It seemed to take forever. I was getting one answer from DOS and SO was getting another answer from GUZ. The first time I was told a background check was not requested but it wasn't unusual and may not be needed. The next time I was told the background check was completed but she still wasn't available for the P4. After several calls, I finally received the news I was waiting to hear. A interview date. Bottom line is DOS nor GUZ really knows what is going on within the consulate with your paperwork. However, DOS is more accurate than GUZ. Hang in there. You should be hearing the good news in a week or so. Just keep calling DOS.

I am confused. How the hell do you get a divorce from a common law marriage? There is no official paperwork in the state records for the common law marriage, so how can you file paperwork to undo something that has never happened. Splitting assets.. yes. Considering it a marriage for the record is hard for me to fathom. Maybe I should have been a lawyer.

congratulations on such a long long journey. Wishing you the best possible in the future.

Congratulations and may you all have a wonderful life together. Tell us some of the questions that were asked please.

You ain't gonna believe this!!!! Last evening my SO and I called a dozen places in China in an attempt to track down the package I sent her. She finally tracked it down and it has been in her city since the 13th of July which was 2 days after I sent it. The major problem is the courier UPS passed it off to does not notify the recepients they have a package, nor do they deliver. My suggestion? Use EMS. Thanks for all your help.

Mike.. That guarantee is not valid in China, as after it reaches Beijing, it is considered delivered. In reality, it is turned over to a Chinese courier service which is not under the UPS umbrella.

Thanks for all the help. You would figure paying $80 to send a 2nd day package would take priority, but I can see where I was wrong. Fortunately I sent this package 3 weeks before she is leaving for GUZ, so I am sure she will have it in time. I can see now, I could have saved my self about $70 by using USPS. Hopefully someone can learn something from this thread rather than learn the hard way, as I did.

My SO is in Inner Mongolia. I sent a package via UPS last Monday and was assured 2 day delivery. As of today she still has not received this package. I called UPS on Friday and they said it was scheduled to be delivered today. I called again today after discovering the package was not delivered and asked them to put a trace on my shipment. I was informed they could not do this until next week. What is the best way to ship documents to my SO? My SO attempted to get a paper notarized stating she is not now nor has ever been a member of the Chinese Communist party. The notary office refused to notarize this paper as they said this was derogatory against the Communist party. We are going to attempt a city Notary. If this doesn't work, we will just have to go with a non notarized letter. Is this letter required and if so, does it need to be notarized? Thanks all.

I just helped my SO complete this form. Every line we provided was in English. I am sure they aren't going to complain if it isn't in Chinese. I used Pushbrk's example.

I have always believed that elementry school meant anything 8th grade and below. After that, it is called High School. I think in China it is called middle school, but I am not sure what grades are in middle school. I can ask my SO since she is an English teacher in a middle school.

Hi James.. This same question was recently presented to the members and one smart person found an excellent link to provide a correct answer. Here is the link. I hope it helps. http://travel.state.gov/visa/reciprocity/C...der/C/China.htm

Congratulations Peachy. You beat us by one day. Ours is on the 8th. Good luck and best wishes in your new married life.

It appears you have some waiting time remaining. Check out my timeline and you should get an idea of the waiting period. Also, don't call GUZ.. Call DOS. DOS phone number is 202 663-1225. Press 1,0,0 immediately after receiving a recording. You will get directly through to an operator or be placed on a hold. I am sure your electronic file is at GUZ but the FEDEX package is still waiting in Chinese customs. Good luck on your venture.

congrats. Wishing you both a long life and a happy marriage. Do stay in contact with we CFL members.

Hi Alex.. Having worked for the US Government for over 20 years, I can assure you they take nothing for granted. I would strongly suggest you find a sponsor. Why take a chance?

Hi Mike.. Just a suggestion.. Get a list of the forms your SO has received then call DOS and confirm they are indeed correct and a complete set of P4 forms.

Here is my statement on Question 11.. I will provide (SO's name) room, board and a monthly allowance of $xxx during the 90 day visa period. 100% support after marriage. Hope this helps.

Congrats and best of luck to you.

Congratulations. Here is hoping we all have good luck at the interview.

Congratulations. I wish you the best.

We had concerns with our P4 arriving also, since we were seeing other members receiving them but we hadn't. Ours finally did arrive. Hopefully yours will arrive very soon as well. Good Luck