Our Interview is Just Around the Corner!

[Rachel + Will = Together Forever]

Hello all!

I'm rather new to CFL, but I've read a lot of posts and stuff, and it's been a great help!

 

I'm an American female, my 20th birthday is next month. My fiance is (Chinese) and 27. We've known each other for about 8 years since being snail-mail penpals. I've been in China for a year and a half now, we live in the same town and see each other EVERY day and do EVERYTHING together! We are so in love!! I have a big, happy family and it would be a hardship for them to come to China for our wedding, so we filed for the K-1 last Feb. I can't wait for my Sweetie to meet my Mom and little brothers! My Dad has come here and spent a couple weeks with my Sweetheart, and likes him very much.

 

Anyhow, we're leaving on a train tonight bound for Guangzhou, and I have some questions and concerns... wondering if anyone here can help me out!

 

I'm planning on attending ACH before the interview so I can ask an officer to look over some papers like a letter I wrote describing our relationship, etc., and I'd like to get the I-134 notarized (my parents are the co-sponsors because I have been a full-time student.)

Can I get things notarized after ACH or do I have to have an appointment? Also, how much does it cost per item? Can I have the I-134 notarized even though my parents are the co-sponsors?

 

And lastly, has anyone ever heard of an American lady fiance and Chinese male beneficiary and how their interview went? I've been told we may be the first ever, and that makes me a little concerned that they'll be extra hard on him...?!

 

Any advice or input would be so appreciated!!! Thanks so much, fellow CFL friends!

[Kyle]

No you can't get them notarized at ACH, you have to make an appointment to go to ACS and get it done there

 

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/service.html

 

30 USD first seal - 20 USD each additional seal (I think) I'll find a link to verify

 

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/no...ces_260608.html

 

I may be incorrect, and if I am I'm sure someone will correct me, but I don't think the latest version of the I-134 needs to be notarized

 

Confirmed: Notarizing your I-134 is unnecessary.

 

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-134instr.pdf

Edited October 10, 2009 by KJJ (see edit history)

[Rachel + Will = Together Forever]

No you can't get them notarized at ACH, you have to make an appointment to go to ACS and get it done there

 

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/service.html

 

30 USD first seal - 20 USD each additional seal (I think) I'll find a link to verify

 

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/no...ces_260608.html

 

I may be incorrect, and if I am I'm sure someone will correct me, but I don't think the latest version of the I-134 needs to be notarized

Thanks a lot, KJJ! That helps. I looked online to make an appointment and it says there are no more days available for notarization appointments since our interview is the 14th!! What should I do? Maybe my handwritten letter doesn't need to be notarized? Also, I read somewhere that it helps to get the I-134 notarized so that they scan it in to their system?

[Kyle]

No you can't get them notarized at ACH, you have to make an appointment to go to ACS and get it done there

 

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/service.html

 

30 USD first seal - 20 USD each additional seal (I think) I'll find a link to verify

 

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/no...ces_260608.html

 

I may be incorrect, and if I am I'm sure someone will correct me, but I don't think the latest version of the I-134 needs to be notarized

Thanks a lot, KJJ! That helps. I looked online to make an appointment and it says there are no more days available for notarization appointments since our interview is the 14th!! What should I do? Maybe my handwritten letter doesn't need to be notarized? Also, I read somewhere that it helps to get the I-134 notarized so that they scan it in to their system?

 

The instructions say it's unneeded. The older forms required it, but the current ones don't. I wouldn't be surprised if they wouldn't be willing to do it. Have you considered writing an EOR letter? I'm going to make an appointment when my interview comes around, and have it notarized. That being said, I've heard of people being told that notarizing an EOR letter is also unnecessary - however, they were allowed to do so.

 

http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29818

 

I apologize, I just reread your letter, and saw that there were no dates available before your interview. The only thing I would suggest is to be sure to go to ACH and show them your kitchen sink. I've heard of people doing this. This is also a great time to ask questions (such as, "Do I need this notarized" etc). You find find more information by doing a search for "kitchen sink"

 

Make sure your "kitchen sink" is in order. Being pen-pals for seven years is impressive. I'd be sure to include a few of your correspondence letters to present during his interview.

Edited October 10, 2009 by KJJ (see edit history)

[Rachel + Will = Together Forever]

No you can't get them notarized at ACH, you have to make an appointment to go to ACS and get it done there

 

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/service.html

 

30 USD first seal - 20 USD each additional seal (I think) I'll find a link to verify

 

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/no...ces_260608.html

 

I may be incorrect, and if I am I'm sure someone will correct me, but I don't think the latest version of the I-134 needs to be notarized

Thanks a lot, KJJ! That helps. I looked online to make an appointment and it says there are no more days available for notarization appointments since our interview is the 14th!! What should I do? Maybe my handwritten letter doesn't need to be notarized? Also, I read somewhere that it helps to get the I-134 notarized so that they scan it in to their system?

 

The instructions say it's unneeded. The older forms required it, but the current ones don't. I wouldn't be surprised if they wouldn't be willing to do it. Have you considered writing an EOR letter? I'm going to make an appointment when my interview comes around, and have it notarized. That being said, I've heard of people being told that notarizing an EOR letter is also unnecessary - however, they were allowed to do so.

 

http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29818

Okay, thanks for the info. Yes, I thought of writing an EOR... I kind of did that already I think... but then again I've never seen a sample one. Basically what do you put down in an EOR anyway? How long/short should it be?

 

Oh, and I made a couple copies of my "Intent to marry" ... should I get those notarized? If so, anyone know if I can just show up without an appointment for that?

[Kyle]

No, ACS doesn't allow walk-ins; please refer to the above Guangzhou consulate link. I apologize, but I'm not certain which method of action you should take, considering the amount of time you have left. Perhaps someone more experienced than I can help out. I'm uncertain if your intent to marry needs to be notarized or not.

 

EOR - http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29818

Edited October 10, 2009 by KJJ (see edit history)

[Kyle]

Is this what you're talking about?

 

Here's a VJ link that discusses the "intent to marry" letter

 

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=219696

[Rachel + Will = Together Forever]

Is this what you're talking about?

 

Here's a VJ link that discusses the "intent to marry" letter

 

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=219696

Yes, that's it... but of course we already submitted that a long time ago... I was under the impression I had to send my Sweetie in with a new one?!

[Guest Pommey]

a new intent to marry is done at the interview I seem to remember.

 

To answer a previous ? no you are not the first American woman with a chinese fiancee to interview, a few are members here on CFL.

 

good luck

[Kyle]

what we've been told by other members here is to bring in copies of all documents submitted during the process. As mentioned below, Jingjing and I only have experience with the CR/IR process. The below link should help

 

Kitchen Sink - http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=23235

Edited October 10, 2009 by KJJ (see edit history)

[Rachel + Will = Together Forever]

Thank you guys! Okay, I think we've got everything together then... we've gotta leave to the train station in a couple minutes... Wish us luck! haha

[Kyle]

Good luck, guys! Don't forget to let us know how everything goes (your interview result and overall guangzhou experience) We look forward to learning from your success story.

[Rachel + Will = Together Forever]

Good luck, guys! Don't forget to let us know how everything goes (your interview result and overall guangzhou experience) We look forward to learning from your success story.

I most certainly will! Thanks for the support! Pray for us!

[Guest Pommey]

dont forget to wear pink on the big day

[Kyle]

Hi Rachel, I believe the consulate will be closed this Monday. I have a sinking suspicion that ACH will be unavailable due to Columbus Day. I hope I'm wrong

Edited October 12, 2009 by KJJ (see edit history)