Utterly confused about the first step for DCF

[danb]

Marrisa, I goggled those forms and got these two links. You should be able to goggle the USCIS site and get all your forms. They are free, but not sure if all can be filled out on line:

 

 

http://www.uscis.gov/i-130

 

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/g-325.pdf

 

 

They are the forms for the I-130 and G-325. They can be filled out on line. After done you will have to print them out. I helped a friend last year. We were able to print them out but there may have been a PDF format issue. Please make sure the forms are the latest and greatest. Good Luck Danb

[dnoblett]

Note the G form needed is G-325A not G-325

 

http://www.uscis.gov/g-325a

[mekluger]

Scanned versions should be fine, according to USCIS they only want photo copies of documents for the initial petition filing, bring the originals to the visa interview for inspection.

 

No they do not require proof of residing at that address, only proof of residing in the district for at least 6 months prior to filing the petition (Residency visa)

 

Ok, good to know that I will be required to submit the originals.

 

Second, I'm asking about my husband. For me, I am aware the residency visa is proof of residency. He lives with me and for the I-130 I have put his address as my address. Is it better to put his hukou address or his job's address? We don't have any proof that we reside together and furthermore I don't think I would be able to obtain any as we live together in housing provided by the university I work for (unbeknownst to them).

[mekluger]

Marrisa, I goggled those forms and got these two links. You should be able to goggle the USCIS site and get all your forms. They are free, but not sure if all can be filled out on line:

 

 

http://www.uscis.gov/i-130

 

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/g-325.pdf

 

 

They are the forms for the I-130 and G-325. They can be filled out on line. After done you will have to print them out. I helped a friend last year. We were able to print them out but there may have been a PDF format issue. Please make sure the forms are the latest and greatest. Good Luck Danb

Thank you! I'm figuring it's likely I may have formatting issues.

[mekluger]

We've already prepared both forms, but as I mentioned, I was asking to clarify that I had, in fact, filled it out with the correct information.

[Randy W]

 

Scanned versions should be fine, according to USCIS they only want photo copies of documents for the initial petition filing, bring the originals to the visa interview for inspection.

 

No they do not require proof of residing at that address, only proof of residing in the district for at least 6 months prior to filing the petition (Residency visa)

 

Ok, good to know that I will be required to submit the originals.

 

Second, I'm asking about my husband. For me, I am aware the residency visa is proof of residency. He lives with me and for the I-130 I have put his address as my address. Is it better to put his hukou address or his job's address? We don't have any proof that we reside together and furthermore I don't think I would be able to obtain any as we live together in housing provided by the university I work for (unbeknownst to them).

 

 

As far as his address, you should make sure that he will be able to receive mail at that address, although with the reliance on electronic transmissions these days, even that is not necessary.

 

You will not be required to prove anything about where he lives.

[mekluger]

 

 

Scanned versions should be fine, according to USCIS they only want photo copies of documents for the initial petition filing, bring the originals to the visa interview for inspection.

 

No they do not require proof of residing at that address, only proof of residing in the district for at least 6 months prior to filing the petition (Residency visa)

 

Ok, good to know that I will be required to submit the originals.

 

Second, I'm asking about my husband. For me, I am aware the residency visa is proof of residency. He lives with me and for the I-130 I have put his address as my address. Is it better to put his hukou address or his job's address? We don't have any proof that we reside together and furthermore I don't think I would be able to obtain any as we live together in housing provided by the university I work for (unbeknownst to them).

 

 

As far as his address, you should make sure that he will be able to receive mail at that address, although with the reliance on electronic transmissions these days, even that is not necessary.

 

You will not be required to prove anything about where he lives.

 

 

Thank you very much, Randy, and that's exactly why I want to put my university address. He's also used this address for friends sending him snail mail without any complications. Last, is there any form I have to fill out to receive electronic conformation because neither the I-130 or G-325A asks for an email address?

[dnoblett]

Yes, G-1145

 

http://www.uscis.gov/g-1145

[mekluger]

Yes, G-1145

 

http://www.uscis.gov/g-1145

The G-1145 form is required or accepted even for DCF?

 

Does anyone have any detailed affidavits or explanations for Chinese friends and families?

 

I've read through every possible post (by searching for affidavit and any related synonym), but cannot find the answer to my inquiry.

 

Is it acceptable if we translate it for them and then ask them to copy our English translation into their hand, thus handing in a handwritten copy? Should the original, in Chinese, be typed? Does anyone have a format for that?

[dnoblett]

 

Yes, G-1145

 

http://www.uscis.gov/g-1145

The G-1145 form is required or accepted even for DCF?

 

Does anyone have any detailed affidavits or explanations for Chinese friends and families?

 

I've read through every possible post (by searching for affidavit and any related synonym), but cannot find the answer to my inquiry.

 

Is it acceptable if we translate it for them and then ask them to copy our English translation into their hand, thus handing in a handwritten copy? Should the original, in Chinese, be typed? Does anyone have a format for that?

 

I have seen a few posts detailing DCF and yes attaching a G-1145 so that they get notifications in email, in one case the officer at USCIS in Beijing or Guangzhou made the petitioner fill one out.

 

http://candleforlove.com/forums/topic/46241-do-i-have-everything-ready-for-dcf/

http://candleforlove.com/forums/topic/44340-about-to-take-the-plunge-cr-1

http://candleforlove.com/forums/topic/45371-another-newbie-needing-advice/

 

As for Affidavits of relationship for the I-130, I always suggest using these as templates, they are worded for a later step in the states called removal of conditions, however they serve the same function, simply reword them to apply to spouse visa petition.

 

http://www.visajourney.com/examples/USCIS_I751_Affidavit.doc

http://www.visajourney.com/examples/I-751_support.doc

 

Study topics: http://candleforlove.com/forums/tags/forums/Sworn%2BAffidavits/

 

They can be hand written or typed, translations can be either way too, however I probably would type the translation. Whoever does the translation should certify their translation by making a notation on the translation stating that they are competent and fluent in both languages, and the translator should sign date, and provide contact info.

 

 

 

[mekluger]

 

 

Yes, G-1145

 

http://www.uscis.gov/g-1145

The G-1145 form is required or accepted even for DCF?

 

Does anyone have any detailed affidavits or explanations for Chinese friends and families?

 

I've read through every possible post (by searching for affidavit and any related synonym), but cannot find the answer to my inquiry.

 

Is it acceptable if we translate it for them and then ask them to copy our English translation into their hand, thus handing in a handwritten copy? Should the original, in Chinese, be typed? Does anyone have a format for that?

 

I have seen a few posts detailing DCF and yes attaching a G-1145 so that they get notifications in email, in one case the officer at USCIS in Beijing or Guangzhou made the petitioner fill one out.

 

http://candleforlove.com/forums/topic/46241-do-i-have-everything-ready-for-dcf/

http://candleforlove.com/forums/topic/44340-about-to-take-the-plunge-cr-1

http://candleforlove.com/forums/topic/45371-another-newbie-needing-advice/

 

As for Affidavits of relationship for the I-130, I always suggest using these as templates, they are worded for a later step in the states called removal of conditions, however they serve the same function, simply reword them to apply to spouse visa petition.

 

http://www.visajourney.com/examples/USCIS_I751_Affidavit.doc

http://www.visajourney.com/examples/I-751_support.doc

 

Study topics: http://candleforlove.com/forums/tags/forums/Sworn%2BAffidavits/

 

They can be hand written or typed, translations can be either way too, however I probably would type the translation. Whoever does the translation should certify their translation by making a notation on the translation stating that they are competent and fluent in both languages, and the translator should sign date, and provide contact info.

 

 

 

 

No problem regarding the G-1145 and we are using the format you provided, just in some cases removing the notary part as not all the letters will be notarized. Since you mention the need for a competent translator to translate the affidavits for Chinese friends and family, I guess it can also be notarized in the same fashion that our translated marriage certificates were notarized. I think I remember a particular post where someone mentioned that the USCIS does not recognize notarization other than from the US Embassy or Consulate. Is this still correct?

[Randy W]

No problem regarding the G-1145 and we are using the format you provided, just in some cases removing the notary part as not all the letters will be notarized. Since you mention the need for a competent translator to translate the affidavits for Chinese friends and family, I guess it can also be notarized in the same fashion that our translated marriage certificates were notarized. I think I remember a particular post where someone mentioned that the USCIS does not recognize notarization other than from the US Embassy or Consulate. Is this still correct?

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. notaries are commissioned to operate ONLY inside the borders of a particular state. The notarization performed in the consulates is also legally recognized. The Chinese notarization is not.

 

Official documents, such as birth and marriage certificates are "notarized" by the Chinese government for use in other countries - the consulate recognizes these official documents.

 

That being said, if you were to get a white book translation of a relationship affidavit, it would be accepted for what it is - relationship evidence. The white book notarization would carry no additional legal weight, but might give it a more authentic appearance. Likewise, if you can find an American notary who happens to be in China and is willing to operate outside the boundary of his commission, that would also be acceptable.

 

Don't get me wrong - the extra-legal "notarization" may give it a little more weight of authenticity, but, basically, American-style notarization is a service performed in the U.S. or at the consulates only.

 

Sample letter of attestation (for a non-professional translation of a non-required document (such as a relationship letter):

 

Telephone:

 

E-mail:

 

Qualifications of the translator:

 

 

I, hereby, attest that to the best of my knowledge and ability, the translation of the consent and/or other relevant document(s) from [specify language] to English for the attached document is complete and accurate.

 

__________________________________

Signature of Translator

 

 

_____________________________

Date of Translation

 

 

[mekluger]

As I do some further digging around in CFL, I've noticed that with some I-130 petitions an Evolution of Relationship letter is needed. Is this in every case?

 

Can you tell me if I have overlooked anything else?

[dnoblett]

Translation of affidavits do not need to be notarized, the person who does the translation 'certifies' it by making a note on it like Randy showed above, you can have anyone do the translation.

 

EOR is recommended in most cases especially if there were prior marriages. I would do one even if you feel you have a simple solid case, Study topics tagged EOR

 

http://candleforlove.com/forums/tags/forums/EOR/

[mekluger]

I studied the EOR and here's my working draft...I want to make sure I don't raise any red flags or over-share or get too mushy or leave out too much:

 

 

To whom it may concern:

In August of 2010, I arrived in Xi’an, to teach English at Xi’an International Studies University. During the month of September (2010), a Chinese friend, Lu Min Lu, took me to a popular bar downtown. This is where I first met my husband, Zhang Jian. Zhang Jian was employed (and still is) at Park Qin, Shuyuan International Hostel’s bar, where most of the customers are foreigners. We exchanged phone numbers, agreeing to meet up on his next day off. Shortly after our first meeting (September 14, 2010), I went back and spent several hours talking to Zhang Jian about movies, music, college, culture and more. I found it incredible easy and delightful to converse with him, not only because he was conversational in English, but also because we are like-minded. It was about a month after this second meeting that Zhang Jian and I began to date.

In February 2011, I met Zhang Jian’s parents. This was the first time, and during the Chinese New Year at their home in Zheng Jia Zhen. I also spent time with Zhang Jian’s extended families from both his mother’s and father’s side. Upon returning to Xi’an, Zhang Jian moved in with me.

Throughout 2011(I went back to the USA for summer holiday in July and August 2011), Zhang Jian and I went on several outings throughout Xi’an, including spending Valentine’s Day on the City Wall, visiting the Shaanxi Botanical Gardens, and hosting Thanksgiving at our place.

After 2012’s Chinese New Year, Zhang Jian decided to take sabbatical from work at Shuyuan so that we could spend more time together. During that time, we went out with friends to enjoy cherry blossoms, attend a mutual friend’s birthday party, take a day trip to Hanzhong with friends, and in the summer backpack through Thailand and Laos, but first stopping in Kunming. Zhang Jian also helped me to organize as well as take part in a Thanksgiving Dinner with colleagues and friends, most of whom only speak English.

When the holiday season (2012) approached, Zhang Jian fostered my homesickness by taking me out for Peking duck on Christmas (my family and I regularly do this on Christmas in the States). We also enjoyed New Year’s Eve out by having dinner with mutual friends, Tang Shan and Zhong Yishan, and then heading to Park Qin, where Zhang Jian is currently employed.

As it had become tradition, in February 2013, Zhang Jian and I returned home for Chinese New Year. As this was my sixth visit, I feel comfortable calling it home. We had already starting discussing getting engaged and this discussion was met with approval by Zhang Jian’s mother, father, and brothers.

On June 8, 2013, Zhang Jian and I got engaged. Although the engagement ceremony was a surprise, we had talked about getting engaged and married for several months before Zhang Jian proposed.

Throughout June, July, and August 2013, we partook in many outings in Xi’an - visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, having engagement photos taken by Sara Cipollina’s partner, being comped a one-night stay at the Sheraton North, and biking to Xi’an’s new art district. This was all followed by a trip to Beijing where we visited Tian’an’men Square, Wangfujing, and took in more commercial sites like Sanlitun.

We officially married on September 25, 2013. In October of 2013, we took our wedding photos in preparation for our upcoming Chinese ceremony, which will take place on February 5, 2014 in Zhang Jian’s hometown (Ren An Cun, Zheng Jia Zhen). We also hosted, on November 17 (2013), a wedding luncheon for Zhang Jian’s coworkers and friends working and living in Xi’an who will not be able to celebrate with us in February.

Lastly, we continued our Christmas tradition of eating Peking duck this year. We also continue to regularly go out with mutual friends for dinner, friends who do not speak Chinese. Zhang Jian has no problem communicating and English is our common language, although we can, and often message in Chinese.

In all, Zhang Jian and I’s relationship has grown tremendously over the last three and a half years. Although we have already registered our marriage, our Chinese ceremony is planned for February 5, 2014. Many Chinese friends and family, as well as some of our close foreign friends and colleagues, and my sister Deanna Kluger, will be in attendance.

Thank you,

Marissa