A Candle for Love - DCF
& HK FAQ
CONTENTS:
1)
Section 1 每 Questions related to direct consular filing (DCF) and
issues at
2)
Section 2 每 Questions related to getting married in
3)
Section 3 每 Questions related to HK and other posts
IMPORTANT NOTE:
These are compilations and consolidations from other peoples questions and
answers posted on the Candleforlove.com web page and other pages. You should
read this FAQ with that in mind, because things change faster than this FAQ.
If
the question or answer is familiar to you, thank you for your
contribution. In some cases, the
original has been edited for this FAQ. These questions and answers are only
related to the visa process for those petitions going through the US Consulate
in
WHERE TO GET FURTHER
INFORMATION:
1)
This FAQ will contain common and frequent questions but may not
have some information you need. It
is recommended that you look at the following CFL FAQs:
2)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11293
a. CFL EZ-FAQ (single document FAQ)
b.
CFL Visa FAQ
c.
CFL DCF & HK FAQ
d.
CFL P3 FAQ
e.
CFL P4 FAQ
f.
CFL Interview FAQ
g.
CFL Interview Questions FAQ
h.
CFL AOS FAQ
3)
CFL searchable database
(www.cflgallery.com)
4)
Visa Journey FAQ (http://www.visajourney.com/faq/k1faq.htm
)
=====================================================================
DCF Frequently Asked
Questions
=====================================================================
Section One: General
Questions and issues for
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.1.1 What is a FAQ?
Q.1.2 What is DCF?
Q.1.3
What are the requirements to directly file at the consulate?
Q.1.4
Where can one file?
Q.1.5
Filing at Beijing
Q.1.6
Filing at Chengdu
Q.1.7
Filing at Shanghai
Q.1.8
Filing at Shengyang
Q.1.9
Filing at Guangzhou
Q.1.10
Issues related to NOA1 and NOA2
Q.1.11
Issues related to P3
Q.1.12
Issues related to P4 & I-864
Q.1.13
Issues related to Interview
Q.1.14
Issues related to Domicile?
Q.1.15
How long does the DCF
process take?
Q.1.20
Where are the interviews held?
Q.1.21
What is an overview from marriage to 10 year card?
=====================================================================
Section two: Questions
related to marrying in
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.2.1
Does it matter where we get married in China?
Q.2.2
How do I get the single certificate in China?
Q.2.3
How do I get the single certificate in the US?
Q.2.4
What if I am divorced, do I need a divorce decree?
Q.2.5
Is there a sample document for single status?
Q.2.6
Declaration of not related to future wife?
=====================================================================
Section three: Questions
related to HK (and other posts)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.3.1
How about filing at posts other than mainland China?
Q.3.2
Traveling to Hong Kong (ie: marriage and related issues)?
Q.3.3
Hong Kong vs Mainland Differences?
Q.3.4
US based filing;
Hong Kong interview?
Q.3.5
Hong Kong filing, GUZ or HK interview?
Q.3.6
Sydney, Australia?
=====================================================================
=====================================================================
The Answers.
=====================================================================
Section One: General Questions
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
Q.1.1 What is an FAQ?
A.1.1.1
FAQ is an acronym for Frequently Asked Questions.
A.1.1.2
When there is a FAQ available on a web site or forum, it is there to help
people who are new to the subject get a basic level of understanding by
answering the questions that are frequently asked. It is considered common
courtesy in the on line world to read the FAQ before posting your question as
it may already have the answer you need, or it might help you to formulate your
questions so that someone else can more easily help you when you ask them.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
A.1.2.1
It's
a street term for ※Direct Consular Filing§. It is NOT an official term.
A.1.2.2
When
a USC is a resident in a foreign country, they *may* be able to file the I-130
at the
A.1.2.3
What
you are describing is a DCF where you file the I-130 directly with the
embassy/consulate rather than sending it to the
A.1.2.4
As
a small note, DCF can only be done for a spouse, and it is an immigrant visa
(CR1). You can not do a K visa DCF.
A.1.2.5
More
info:
Visa Journey:
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=compare
9 FAM:
http://foia.state.gov/masterdocs/09fam/09n0200.pdf
DIRECT
CONSULAR FILING (DCF):
http://www.usaimmigrationattorney.com/DCFandnoDCFcountries.html
001:
DCF Visa Flow Chart:
http://www.laogonglaopo.com/001files/ChinaCR1_FlowChart_EN_Rels.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 8 July 2006)
Q. 1.3 What are the
requirements to directly file at the consulate?
A.1.3.1
As
a general rule, the petitioner must reside in the consular district but the
residence or even physical presence of the beneficiary is immaterial. The petitioner must execute the petition in
person before the consular officer.
A.1.3.2
You
do not need to wait 6 months after you get your residence book. I only had my
residence book for a few weeks before I filed. And I know people who filed the
day after they got their residence book.
A.1.3.3
I
am only familiar with DCF and the process has taken roughly 7-8 months to get
to the interview. I am already married and we filed the I-130. See, we weren't
any different once we sent the P3 back, before that, you save a lot of time by
avoiding the American centers. If one is truly determined, get married in
A.1.3.4
The
employer takes care of obtaining a work permit (z-visa) and a residence book.
Usually takes 2-3 weeks including a medical examination. As soon as you get a
residence book, you can file DCF and immediately leave
A.1.3.5
I
believe the big requirement is the residency permit. I don't think they care
about the kind of visa. They did
want to see a Z visa when we filed, but when I showed them the permit (I think
I was on an X visa), they didn't seem to care about the visa＃
A.1.3.6
I
was just recently married in
To get married all I needed was my passport and this certificate. No residence
permit is required for this. You can marry on any type of visa. The visa I had
at the time as a business visa. As long as you have any visa you can marry. I
married in
I am now in the process of getting my residence permit. This takes time to get.
First, you need to have a job in
When you want to file a I-130 from within
Also, as far as I know, it is no longer nessessary to have residence for longer
than 6 months.
As long as you have a Z visa or a Residence Permit you should be ok.
A.1.3.7
[Chinese National]
1, Passport
2,
Divorce Book
3, Marriage Book
4, Birth certificate or one issued by a Sub-police station of Shen Zhen Public
Security Bureau, where Hukou is located (if you don't have a Birth Certificate,
was not born in hospital instead of at home. ( Kept by CO))
[USC]
1, Birth certificate (kept copy)
2, Passport (kept copy with all pages)
3, Work Permit (kept copy)
4, Marriage Book (kept copy)
5, Divorce Decree (kept copy)
6, Residency Book (website says need 6 months residency; some report not
needing this)
Notary certificate: ( kept all by CO)
1, Divorce Notary ( one Direct and one In-direct)
2, Marriage Notary ( one Direct and one In-direct)
3, Birth Notary
4, Birth Certiticate issued by Police station Notary
Forms:
1, I-130
2, G-325A (USC) with a passport photo
3, G-325A (Chinese National) with a passport photo
Fee:
Paid $190 by cash (USD or RMB).
Check for current fee.
A.1.3.8
Consular Offices Abroad
Resume Accepting I-130 Immigrant Visa Petitions
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/mar/82030.htm
"To
demonstrate residency in a consular district, American Citizen petitioners must
be able to show that they have permission to reside in the consular district
and that they have been doing so continuously for at least six months before
filing the petition. Individuals who are in the country on a temporary status,
such as student or tourist, would not be considered to meet the residency
standard. "
"Petitions on
behalf of immediate relatives may be filed in person at the DHS office in
1.
One I-130
2.
One G-325A for petitioner and one for beneficiary.
3.
Petitioner's U.S. Passport and/or
4.
Beneficiary's original Birth Certificate or Certificate issued with Public
Security Bureau letterhead for certify original is kept in record or loss.
5.
Beneficiary's Notarial Birth Certificate.
6.
Notarial Marriage Certificate (also applied to step-child beneficiary)
7.
Original Marriage Certificate (also applied to step-child beneficiary) and
Notarized translation of the Marriage Certificate.
8.
Beneficiary's Chinese Passport.
9.
2 photos for each Petitioner and each Beneficiary.
10.
Other documents mentioned in the instruction statement of the I-130.
11.
Beneficiary's Chinese Passport.
12.
Fee ( Must be in U.S. Dollars or RMB only)
13.
Address in
you need to have a Permanent
Resident Booklet issued by the Chinese Public Security Bureau Exit Entry
Administration and an Employment Certificate and already residing in
DHS @ GUZ:
020
8518-7651 ex: 7651
DHS
@ BJ:
10-8529-6740
A.1.3.9
More
info:
Consulate Website:
I-130 Filing
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/guangzhou/uscis/I130.html
Direct consular filing, What is needed to
file direct (05-15-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10333
DCF, Qualifications (07-10-04)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5890
K1 or DCF filing? Please help!
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15809
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
A.1.4.1
there
is one Embassy and 4 Consulates on the Mainland:
Beijing, Tianjin, Xinjiang,
Qinghai, Gansu, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Shanxi, inner Mongolia, Hebei, Henan,
Shandong, Hubei, Hunan, or Jiangxi
Shanghai 每 Consulate, where regional filing
occurs
Shengyang 每 Consulate, where regional filing occurs
A.1.4.2
Be sure to call the place where you plan to DCF before going there to apply.
You need to find out what documents you must bring. This information isn't on
the Embassy website, surprise, surprise (at least it wasn't when I did this
last November). And even though I called, they forgot to tell me to bring one
document - when we traveled to
A.1.4.3
The
way it works is, after you file [at other than BJ or GUZ], it goes to
A.1.4.4
All
petitions are approved by the USCIS office in
A.1.4.5
More
info:
DCF questions, for FAQ (07-14-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11533
Where to file DCF?,
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11450
A map of
jurisdictions can be found here:
http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/beijing/consulate-map.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
A.1.5.1
File at:
A.1.5.2
My
wife and I did our I-130 DCF through
A.1.5.3
More
Info:
Direct Consular Filing (09-13-04)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6933
http://uscis.gov/graphics/shared/fieldoffi...ing/aboutus.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
A.1.6.1
If you are in
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
A.1.9.1
We
filed DCF because we both live and work in
A.1.9.2
More
info:
direct consular filing, faster to file in
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=13505
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
Q.1.10 Issues related
to NOA1 and NOA2
A.1.10.1
Once
they are done (it took me about 2 months) they will send you a letter saying
they are done and the forms are being send to GZ. That letter is basically what
people call NOA2 (Notice of something 2... In my case that took 2 months). I
never got NOA1.
A.1.10.2
More info:
For all the recent DCFer's...., How long for
I-130 NOA (06-19-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11006
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
A.1.11.1
From
the time you send in your P3 packet information, the DS-###pt 1 and such,
expect about a 3 to 3 and a half month wait. This part doesn't change and is
the same whether you are DCR or not. The part that takes the shorter time is
the initial I-130 filing to getting your case number.
A.1.11.2
Then
when it arrives in GZ, they will send you some more forms (AKA P3). For me,
that was a week later. That's where I am at this point. I sent back the P3 in
the end of April.
A.1.11.3
About
the P3...
-
You need the DS-230 Part I. It's very short. Only one page. It has writing on
the front and on the back. It's very easy to fill out. Mostly information about
you.
-
The OF-169 is a list of things you need to collect to bring to the interview.
You only need to sign the paper and mail it back to
-
The I-864 is in P3, but you don't need to mail it back. You will take the I-864
with you to the interview.
A.1.11.4
Hong Kong Issues, member＊s comments:
※We finally receive
the P3 from HK Consulate. The mail
is called as official pouch according to HK reply. It took more than 10 days to reach us§.
A.1.11.5
More info:
P3 Question - CR1 in
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8119
P3-related questions (12-29-04)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8113
DCF'ed in November, still waiting for P4
(06-23-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11093
Notarized Birth Certificate & Marriage Certificate, What are needed for the interview? -- DCF questions posed to Consulate
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=16315
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
Q.1.12 Issues related
to P4 & I-864
A.1.12.1
1)
DCF beneficiary＊s will pay the visa fee at the consulate.
P4 Letter:
"Applicant
should prepare to pay (in cash) the Immigrant Visa Processing Fee...."
2)
DCF beneficiary will bring the I-864 to the interview
A.1.12.2
More
info:
Newbie with a few questions (02-21-06)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8845&hl=i-864
CR1 visa fee, We DCF'd -- is it paid at GUZ?
(11-09-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=13890
Getting ready for interview (10-28-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=13587
864 forms and visa and visa turned down
(06-22-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11053
Questions about translations and I-864
(05-18-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10389
I-864 Question, For DCFer (05-21-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10435
I-864 P3 Question, Do I really need to send
this now? (12-30-04)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8125
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
Q.1.13 Issues related
to Interview
A.1.13.1
If
you're living in
A.1.13.2
my
husband got everything over with all at once. He went in the morning [to
Guangzhou Consulate for interview] and they did the whole interview, collecting
the I-864 and all accompanying tax returns. It was all over by noon.
A.1.13.3
Pay
visa fee at consulate on day of interview.
A.1.13.4
SAMPLE INTERVIEWS:
Interview Procedures:
Example
1:
First
they took my index finger print on a machine, after that they let me sit and
wait.
Then after 30 minutes, the woman called me and asked; the name of my
petitioner, how we met how many times he visits me, if I was married before,
she asked me about my US visit before, what is my husband＊s job, phone number,
how often we talk, if he has kids.
After another 30 minutes, the final interview was with the VO. I took an oath
and he asked my husbands name, where we get married, how we met, what website,
how many kids does he has, what are their names, he asked me about my US visit
before, how many years I＊ve been living here in Hong Kong, what work am I going
to have in the US, my husbands job, He looked at our wedding album turning from
page to page, and he said that we have a very nice wedding. Then after that he
said congratulation, I don＊t see any problem with your papers, so we will issue
you the visa.
Example
2:
At
the fifth floor they will check the SO's passport again. (From this point on
you refers to SO. Take your cell phone and go through the metal detector. They
will give a card to pick your cell phone back up.
Then, you enter the waiting room and wait for them to call your name. After
they call your name you will go up to the window and they will give you a
number. You will give them the I-864, look at your passport, and the chinese
worker opened the medical envelope. They asked some simple questions in
chinese. 1. Who is your sponsor? 2. Who is your joint sponsor? Then, they gave
the letter to pay the immigration fee and the number for the interview.
Then, go to window 16 and pay money. They will give you a receipt.
Then, sit back down and wait for them to call you. Everyone stands up and takes
the vow in Mandarin and Cantonese. They have you vow that all information from
your immigration is true and correct and you have not included any false
information.
They call your number and you go up for your fingerprints (on that day it was
window 17). An American woman took his fingerprints. He said she was very nice
and could speak chinese very well. He also says to add it sounds simple but
takes a very long time to get to this point.
Go back and sit down.
They call your number and direct you to a window and this is the interview.
[CFL 每 DCF interview 3/2007]
How
did you meet?
- In
When did you move in together?
Formally in September.
I see you went to
Great, we were there for two weeks on vacation together.
Where is your husband now?
In the
What kind of job does he do?
Just got a new job in a company.
Where is his drivers license?
With the I-864
What are your plans for the future?
[CFL 每 DCF interview
12/2006]
She
first handed them both of our passports
1.
if I was there. She said no, and that I sent it to her. She said I was there a
month before, and then mailed it right after.
2.
where we met
3.when
we were married.
4.
if she met my parents, and then asked for pictures.
They
talked about the wedding a bit, and then my wife asked if she wanted to see
other pictures of our relationship, and the interviewer said no.
[CFL 每 DCF interview
12/2006]
1.
asked to see our passports
2.
asked when we first met
3.
where am I residing currently (US or
He
spent most of the time looking over my I-864 documents and did not ask to see
any photos. The interview lasted about 5 minutes, with the VO mostly stamping
and labeling documents and looking at the computer.
[CFL DCF interview
7/2006]
VO:
How did you know each other?
Me: We are working in the same office.
VO: How long has he been in
Me: Over two and a half years.
VO: When will his assignment finish?
Me: End of this year.
VO: Good.
He rapidly flipped the pile of the document front of him and asked me: Did you
give me the Affidavit of support?
Me: Not yet.
VO: Okay, give it to me.
I handed over to him a pile of files which all are about finance support
evidences that my husband took a lot time to prepare. He looked like didn＊t
have time to see anything else but only took out the I864 and tax return.
Then he handed me the red slip. That was all. He didn＊t ask any pictures,
letters, emails＃＃.
[CR1 interview 3/2006]
每 DCF
When
did you meet your husband?
Where does he work?
Looked at a few of the docs we prepared...and that was it. Visa approved.
[CR1 Interview 每
2/2005]
Her
interview time was at 7:15 and by 9:45 she came down from the 5th floor to the
4th floor trying to hide her smile. She did not fool me except for the second
my heart skipped a beat. Shhe said that she first handed over the I-864 and my
3 years of tax forms to a Chinese lady. This same lady then asked her when and
why she went to Enland. In June we both took a 3 week work/vacation to
John
(smiling): Hi. (in English)
VO: (also smiling): Hi. May I see your passport? (in Chinese)
(John purposely takes out my passport first....he doesn't outwardly mention
"my wife is waiting outside for me" but leaves no doubt about it by
the gesture. After putting my passport down, then he takes out his and hands it
over to the VO)
John: May I put my documents here? (in English)
VO: Sure. (in Chinese)
VO: You can speak English?
John: Yes.
(then the VO continued the questioning in English)
VO: How did you meet?
John: We worked together at XXXX in 2002. I am a translator, she is a
copywriter. She proofread my translations.
VO: How long has been in
John: More than five years.
VO: Where will you live in the
John: Here is the domicile evidence. Do you want to see it? (we prepared a
folder of evidence to prove my permanent residence is in the
VO: Yes. (VO studies the documents).
VO: Who is (my father's name)?
John: Her father.
VO: Can I see your pictures?
John: Yes. We got a lot of pictures. Here are just some samples.
(VO looks at them...gets to the birdwatching ones, VO stops)
John: Birdwatching.
(VO smiles)
VO: When will you go to the
John: The end of this year.
VO: Your visa is approved.
John: Thank you!
VO: Qing man zou.
A.1.13.5
More
info:
CR1(DCFer in
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19201
Interview Details (03-30-06)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17643
DCF interview experience (11-19-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14086
household register, I'm not on it (10-11-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=13202
Passed Interview!, Feeling better everyday!
(06-21-05)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11035
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 25 Nov 2005)
Q.1.14 Issues related
to Domicile?
A.1.14.1
"Domicile"
is a complex concept, but is often defined as that place to which you will
return after temporary stays elsewhere.
A.1.14.2
In
order to file an I-864 the sponsor or joint sponsor must be a resident of the
You
may meet this requirement by showing that you have taken or will take a
credible combination of steps to make the
A.1.14.3
lived
in
A.1.14.4
If
your domicile is not in the
A.1.14.5
Apparently,
the American spouse -- in these cases -- in general had been in
It
seems that the aforementioned DCF couples who were denied visas probably didn't
pass the "domicile" test -- to prove that your primary residence is
in the
A.1.14.6
During
the interview one spouse came to the 4th floor because the VO wanted to ask her
husband about where the domicile was going to be. He had lived in
A.1.14.7
More info:
ITS CRUNCH TIME, Interview in 5 days! (Apr 21, 2006)
http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17440
working in