A Candle for Love - Interview FAQ

 


CONTENTS:

1)      Section 1 – Questions related to beneficiary’s interview.

2)      Section 2 – Questions related to fraud avoidance and visa denials.

3)      Section 3 – Questions related to Guangzhou Consulate and travel, flight, hotel.

 

 

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 Guangzhou. If you find something that does not seem correct, please email or post about it, that way this FAQ can be updated. Remember these questions and answers are based on other people’s opinions or experiences only.

 

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 Visa FAQ

b.       CFL DCF FAQ

c.       CFL P3 FAQ

d.       CFL P4 FAQ

e.       CFL Interview FAQ

f.        CFL Interview Questions FAQ

g.       CFL AOS FAQ

3)      CFL searchable database  (www.cflgallery.com)

4)      Visa Journey FAQ (http://www.visajourney.com/faq/k1faq.htm )


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Interview Frequently Asked Questions.

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Section One: General Questions on the Beneficiary’s Interview.
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Q.1.1 What is a FAQ?
Q.1.2 What and when is the Interview?
Q.1.3 Where is the Interview held?
Q.1.4 Will I be allowed in to the Interview?
Q.1.5 How long until we get an Interview?
Q.1.6 Where can I find sample interview questions?
Q.1.7 What should we bring to the interview?
Q.1.8 How should I prepare all the paperwork?
Q.1.9 Where can I get papers notarized in Guangzhou?
Q.1.10 Is a notarized copy of the petitioner’s passport required?
Q.1.11 What can I expect at the American Citizen Hour?

Q.1.12 What is a description of what happens on the interview day?

Q.1.13 I have heard that the interview is very short, 5 minutes?

Q.1.14 I have heard that the interview is determined beforehand?

Q.1.15 What are some issues the VOs are looking for, that could raise a question?
Q.1.16 General Interview experiences and advice.
Q.1.17 What are some comments directly from the VO about the interview?

Q.1.18 Most Important / Common / Frequent Items?

Q.1.19 DO you have examples of interviews?
Q.1.20 What's next after the Interview?
Q.1.21 What if my child is following me?
Q.1.22 We got the visa, how long is it good for?
Q.1.23 Where can I get information on the pickup procedures?
Q.1.24 What should I check on the visa?


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Section two: Questions related to fraud avoidance and visa denials

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Q.2.1 What are some issues the VO is looking for, which might prompt questions?
Q.2.2 Third Party issues?
Q.2.3 Previous Marriage?
Q.2.4 Beneficiary does not speak English well?
Q.2.5 Few number of visits by petitioner?
Q.2.6 Document issues?
Q.2.7 Fraud?
Q.2.8 How can I guard against the perception of fraud?
Q.2.9 Will sending money be considered evidence or fraud?
Q.2.10 We did not get the visa, they want additional evidence!
Q.2.11 We got a blue/pink slip?
Q.2.12 Video tape?
Q.2.13 Where can I get a video tape made in Guangzhou?
Q.2.14 What should we do in the video tape?
Q.2.15 Will the VO accept a video tape during the interview?
Q.2.16 When can we submit overcome evidence?
Q.2.17 Do you have examples of mulitple denials ?
Q.2.18 Do you have example interviews of denials?
Q.2.19 Where can I view the denial code?

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Section three: Questions related to Guangzhou Consulate and travel, flight, hotel

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The Answers.
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Section One: General Questions

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (28 November 2004)

Q.1.1 What is a 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.

A.1.1.3
There are lots of acronyms and abbreviations used on the forum. Please read the FAQ for the definitions of the commonly used ones.

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(Edited 3 January 2005)

Q.1.2 What and when is the Interview?

A.1.2.1
The Chinese beneficiary (fiancée/Wife/Husband) will go to an interview at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, as part of the process for their visa.

A.1.3.1
The Interview occurs after receiving and returning the P3 documents, and receiving the P4 documents.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Edited 14 July 2005)

Q.1.3 Where is the Interview held?

A.1.3.1
The U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou.

A.1.3.2

Even if you are DCF, and filed at one of the consulates outside of Guangzhou, you will have an interview at Guangzhou

 


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(Edited 8 December 2005)

Q.1.4 Will I be allowed in to the Interview?

A.1.4.1
No.
However some CFL members think you should consider being outside the Consulate for mental support, and to deal with any difficulties should they occur.

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(Edited 4 June 2006)

Q.1.5 How long until we get an Interview?

A.1.5.1
Currently based on CFL member time lines it is an average of 90 days from returning the P3 documents (see P3 FAQ) to the Interview, for K# visas.

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(Edited 6 July 2005)

Q.1.6 Where can I find sample interview questions?

A.1.6.1

 

CFL Interview FAQs:

http://cflgallery.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11293


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(Edited 13 July 2005)

Q.1.7 What should we bring to the interview?

A.1.7.1

 

CONSULATE WEBSITE:

 

 

K1, K3:


http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/guangzho...u/iv/kvfaq.html

 

P3 DOCUMENTS:

The Instruction packet in Guangzhou includes:

1.       Instruction packet (Packet 3) letter in English

2.       Instruction packet (Packet 3) letter in Chinese

3.       Instruction packet (Packet 3) supplemental information sheet

4.       Application for immigrant visa and alien registration (DS-230 part I)

5.       Instructions for immigrant visa applicants (OF-169)

6.       Notice to all nonimmigrant visa applicants (list of CITIC Bank)

7.       Evidence which may be presented to meet the public charge provisions of the law (OF-167)

P4 DOCUMENTS:

The Appointment packet includes:

1.       Appointment letter in English

2.       K-1 appointment (packet 4) letter

3.       Appointment letter for immigrant visa applications (OF-171)

4.       Important notice in Chinese (for photograph specifications)

5.       Supplemental form GNI-2

6.       Certification of legal capacity and intent to marry

7.       Family composition sheet (GIV-24)

8.       Medical examination instructions (GIV-8)

9.       Medical examination for immigrant or refugee applicant (DS-2053)

10.   Chest X-ray and classification worksheet (DS-3024)

11.   Vaccination documentation worksheet (DS-3025)

12.   Medical history and physical examination worksheet (DS-3026)

13.   Nonimmigrant visa application (DS-156) and nonimmigrant visa application for applicants 16 years and older (DS-157) (two sets)

14.   Nonimmigrant fiancé(e) visa application (DS-156K)

 ITEMS TO BRING:

1. Forms in the appointment packet (P4).  [ See P3 and P4 documents above ]
2. Chinese passport.
3. Application fee receipt (The one paid to the CITIC Bank)
4. Four visa photos attached to forms DS-156
5. Notarial birth certificate. (Don't forget the notarized in English translations!). 

6. Notarial marital status certificate. (Don't forget the notarized in English translations!).  If divorced before, previous divorce certificates for each marriage are required. If any child from previous marriage will also apply for visa, a divorce decree showing the child's custody is needed.
7. Police Certificates (Don't forget the notarized in English translations!).  required from each visa applicant aged 16 or over issued by his/her local municipal notary office where he/she has resided for at least six months since attaining the age of sixteen. Police certificates are also required from all other countries where the applicant has resided for at least one year.
8. Medical report (including x-ray)
9. Affidavit of Support - I-134 and a copy of the most recent year tax returns from the petitioner.
10. Relationship evidence, such as correspondence and photos taken together to prove the claimed relationship to the petitioner

Translations: Police certificates from other countries not in English, or in the official language of the country must be accompanied by certified English translations. Translations must be certified by a competent translator and sworn to before a notary public.

A.1.7.2

CONSULATE WEBSITE:

 

 

CR1:

http://www.usembassy-china.org.cn/guangzhou/iv/gzfaqs.html

P3 DOCUMENTS: 

The Instruction packet in Guangzhou includes:

1.       Instruction packet (Packet 3) letter in English

2.       Instruction packet (Packet 3) letter in Chinese

3.       Instruction packet (Packet 3) supplemental information sheet

4.       Application for immigrant visa and alien registration (DS-230 part I)

5.       Instructions for immigrant visa applicants (OF-169)

6.       Photograph specifications (GIV-1)

7.       Important notice

8.       Evidence which may be presented to meet the public charge provisions of the law (OF-167)

9.       Affidavit of Support (I-864)

P4 DOCUMENTS:

The Appointment packet includes:

1.       Appointment letter (packet 4) in English

2.       Appointment letter (packet 4) in Chinese

3.       Appointment letter for immigrant visa applications (OF-171)

4.       Application for immigrant visa and alien registration (DS-230 part II)

5.       Family composition sheet (GIV-24)

6.       Medical examination instructions (GIV-8)

7.       Medical examination for immigrant or refugee applicant (DS-2053)

8.       Chest X-ray and classification worksheet (DS-3024)

9.       Vaccination documentation workseet (DS-3025)

10.   Medical history and physical examination workseet (DS-3026)

11.   Important notice to immigrant visa applicants concerning vaccination requirements

ITEMS TO BRING:

 

1. Forms in the appointment packet (P4).  [ See P3 and P4 documents above ]
2. Chinese passport.
3. Application fee receipt (The one paid to the CITIC Bank)
4. Four visa photos attached to forms DS-156
5. Notarial birth certificate. (Don't forget the notarized in English translations!). 

6. Notarial marital status certificate. (Don't forget the notarized in English translations!).  If divorced before, previous divorce certificates for each marriage are required. If any child from previous marriage will also apply for visa, a divorce decree showing the child's custody is needed.
7. Police Certificates (Don't forget the notarized in English translations!).  required from each visa applicant aged 16 or over issued by his/her local municipal notary office where he/she has resided for at least six months since attaining the age of sixteen. Police certificates are also required from all other countries where the applicant has resided for at least one year.
8. Medical report (including x-ray)
9. Affidavit of Support - I-864 and copies of the three most recent years' tax returns if not already submitted to NVC.

10. Relationship evidence, such as correspondence and photos taken together to prove the claimed relationship to the petitioner

Translations: Police certificates from other countries not in English, or in the official language of the country must be accompanied by certified English translations. Translations must be certified by a competent translator and sworn to before a notary public.

A.1.7.3

You might consider:

1) Make copies before you fill any out (so you always have blanks—some have had to track down a form in Guangzhou)

2) Make copies prior to signing and dating (this allows you to get another notarized version in case it is needed)

3) Make copies after signing, notarized, etc (in case they'll take a copy and you can keep the notarized one)

 

 

A.1.7.4

 

KITCHEN SINK LIST:

 

This is a personal recommendation based on interview and overcome, and more than the minimum required information to bring.   Don’t confuse this recommend with guidelines stated by GUZ or other federal agencies. The VO is able to ask for anything.  This list seeks to have as much as possible available.


1. Chinese beneficiary

 

A.      Proof for Interview appointment:

   - Your P4 appointment letter (must have to gain entry to consulate).

   - Passport (must have to gain entry to consulate)

    - Your P4 appointment letter (they are not likely to let you in without this).
    - Receipt for the paid immigration fee
    - Copy of the Notice of Action (NOA2 you received)

    - Original Medical forms and exam results in sealed envelope

    - Medical x-ray

 

  B. Dependents:

  If there are dependent children immigrating to the US with the Chinese beneficiary:

    - Passport (or can be on Chinese beneficiary)

    - Birth certificate

    - Medical exam

    - Passport photos, at least four (4). Print name on back.

    - Police certificate, if over 16 years old

    - Proof of full custody

    - Death certificate (if deceased)  

    - Additional forms/documents as required

  C. "Ex" Spouse (as applicable)
    - Proof of residency (if divorced)
    - Death certificate (if deceased)

 

  D. P3 paperwork:

  Items sent back to GUZ:   

    - Copy of the DS-230 (K1 only part I)
    - Copy of the OF-169 (Checklist from P-3)

    - Copy of supplemental info sheet
  Items collected:     

    - Current Passport of Chinese beneficiary

    - Current birth certificate of Chinese beneficiary with Notarized English Translation; plus a copy

    - Police Certificate(s) for Chinese beneficiary with Notarized English Translations; plus a copy

    - Certified copy of Court or prison records for Chinese beneficiary (if applicable) with Notarized English Translations; plus a copy
    - Certified copy of military records of Chinese beneficiary, if application / available; plus a copy

    - Passport Photos of Chinese beneficiary. At least four (4).   Print name on back.

    - Martial certificate (single cert or marriage cert) of Chinese beneficiary with Notarized English Translation; plus a copy
    - Divorce certificates (if any) of Chinese beneficiary with Notarized English Translation; plus a copy

  E. P4 paperwork:

    - P4 Appointment letter

    - OF-171, Information Sheet

    - Certification of Legal Capacity and Intent to Marry , DO NOT SIGN

    - Original DS-156, Visa Application,  in English and Chinese, fill out in duplicate.
    - Original DS-156K, Visa Application for dependents,  in English and Chinese, fill out in duplicate but DO NOT SIGN
    - Original DS-157, Supplement Visa Application, in English and Chinese, fill out in duplicate (no signature required)

    - Original GIV-24, family composition sheet

    - Original GNI-2, supplemental form for K1

 

  F. Miscellaneous:

    - Wear your engagement / wedding ring (if available)

 

 

2. U.S. Petitioner

 

  A. Regarding self

    - Copies of petitioner’s passport with visas indicating dates of visit(s), including at least one visit within the last 2 years.  If able, certify this.
    - Divorce certificates for petitioner (if any); plus a copy
    - Letter of Intent to marry in English (notarized and updated by petitioner for interview); plus a copy

 

  B. "Ex" spouse and/or Dependents
    - Proof of residency (if divorced)
    - Death certificate (if deceased)

 

  C. Financial documents:

   a. Two original, signed, and notarized I-134/I-864 with supporting financial documents including
        i. 3 years of tax records reflecting (Form 1040 and W2s – guideline is income 125% of the poverty level)
        ii. letter from employer regarding current employment and wage/salary)

        iii. if your income is less than 125% of poverty level, bring copies of bank statements/ stock/bonds, etc.
    b. If using a joint sponsor, two original, signed, and notarized I-134/I-864 with the supporting financial documents.

 

  D. Miscellaneous

      - Video for communication if in doubt

 

3. Relationship proof:

    a. Informal pictures of the two of you together from your visits; pictures with family members are better.

    b. Copies of phone records between the two of you (if available)
    c. Originals of letters w/postmarked envelopes (if available)
    d. Copies of emails reflecting communication over a period of time.   Review the content of the email.

    e. Proof of joint ownership, bank accounts, etc.

4. Copy of Any other documents submitted

    - I-129F application and all submitted paperwork

    - I-130 application and all submitted paperwork as part of CR1 process

    - Copies of documents notarized or certified; in case they’ll take the copy instead of original

   

5. Blank forms

    - Some have been caught off guard at the medical exam with an expired or incorrectly filled out form and have to go chase one down.

 

 

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(Edited 6 July 2005)

Q.1.8 How should I prepare all the paperwork?

 

A.1.8.1

1.        Because there is a glass separating the VO from the applicant with a trough to pass thru paperwork, similar to the teller windows at many U.S. banks. Something rigid like a 1" or larger ring binder will not pass thru.

2.        There is only about 5 minutes allotted for each interview. It would take to much time for my SO to find and remove the specific document from the large binder.

 

A.1.8.2

We have decided to use 9 opaque plastic envelopes.

Each is color coded, labeled, and flexible enough to pass thru the window. Envelope contents:
#1 FORMS: All 797's (originals), Copy of original 129 package, all forms.
#2 SO's Doc?s Translated and notarized Chinese birth, marriage and police docs.
#3 My certified divorce papers from prior marriage.
#4 I-134, tax returns 2002-2004, letters from bank, bank statements 1/2004 to present, ING direct and Emigrant direct statements. Certified company ownership doc's, Certified company profit/loss statement, Certified statement of assets, Real estate purchase documents.
#5 Phone records, letters, Emails, Yahoo Chat, MSN Chat.
#6 Wedding pictures
#7 Pictures with family and friends
#8 All boarding passes and receipts from prior visits.
#9 Video tape of conversation between SO and myself

 

 

A.1.8.3
I made up the documentation folder for my sister-in-law?s interview using a see-through plastic, backpack-style holder which had 5 plastic letter folders inside which were labeled and easy to extract singly as required.

Contents:
(3) spiral bound, computer produced, photo albums with captions, one for each visit to China, pictures of "together" and family.
Green folder: I-134 with all supporting documents bound with acco-fastener at top.
....................Some additional financial docs: several paycheck stubs, utility bills, cable bills.
Blue folder: Affidavit of Communication (because she can't speak good English). Notarized
..................History of Relationship. Notarized
..................Certified copy of Petitioner's complete passport.
Red folder: Long distance phone bills/records.
.................Airplane boarding passes, ticket stubs from China trips.
.................Sample of e-mails from her.
.................Sample of e-mails from him.
.................Sample logs from MSN chats.
.................Sample e-card printouts.
.................Postcards/Letters sent to each other including the envelopes.
Yellow folder: Copy of original I-129 fiancée visa application, including original documents: birth certificates, divorce certificates, etc.
Pink folder: Copies of submitted P3 and P4 documents.

 

A.1.8.4

 

K1

Folder # 1 (Eligibility proof)
1) Beneficiary Passport pictures (name on back)
2) Beneficiary Passport (or keep safely on person)
3) Receipt for visa payment (if not put in medical envelope)
4) Receipt for medical exam payment (if not put in medical envelope)
5) Petitioner updated "Intent to Marry", notarized.
6) I-797 , Notice of Action (NOA2)


Folder # 2 (VO requests, proof of relationship)
1) Copy of US Petitioner?s passport (or notarized copy)
2) P4 appointment letter (have a copy; usually put in medical, but asked for sometimes)
3) Photos ( be prepared if asked for early or recent; have best prepared, particularly something with familiy).
4) Emails Phone records, letters, , etc (same comment)

Folder # 3 (proof of financial support)
1) Employment letter
2) I-134 , notarized
3) Tax returns or transcripts, and W2s
4) If you put Assets on I-134, bank letter and other supporting docs)

Folder # 4 (proof of communication and past trips)
1) Past boarding passes, itinerary
2) Anything from trip, other than photos

Folder # 5 (proof of filing P3 and P4)
1) Copies of P3 submitted back
2) Copies of P4 submitted back

Folder # 6 (proof of initial filing)
1) Copies of petition items filed to Visa Center


FOR K2:

Folder # 7 (dependent items)
1) Passport
2) Birth certificate
3) Passport Pictures (name on back)
4) Police Certificate, if over 16
5) Proof of full custody
6) Additional forms/documents as needed

A.1.8.5

 

We prepared a three folder approach:

1) photos taped to sheet of paper with date above each picture. About 12 pictures, four from each of three trips.

2) Financials all in one folder. If anything was asked, she was to give the entire folder so she did not pull out the wrong item. [I saw another member (whose interview is later) had a folder the same way but with tabs at the bottom to show name of financial. I would do it over like this. ]

3) Communication. A few emails, all phone logs, one IM chatting in a day.

 

Then we had two extra envelopes with lots of extras for odd request or for overcome evidence.

 

A.1.8.6

We used 4 clear plastic envelopes with the description of contents written on the outside in English and Chinese:

1 - 1st folder, Proof for Interview(morning check-in), contained the medical envelope, our passports, and her P4 letter.

2 - 2nd folder, Relationship Evidence, contained our two best pictures(one of just us, the other with family) on the top so could easily be seen by VO, sample emails, MSN chat logs, postmarked letter, and a CD containing all of the chats and emails.

3 - 3rd folder, Financial Documents.

4 - 4th folder, Extra Relationship Evidence, contained itineraries, boarding passes, ticket stubs from traveling China, etc.

Additionally, my wife had a photo album packed full of picture in case the other two were insufficient. Basically, I just followed the advice from CFL FAQs and applied the things that seemed most comfortable for my wife.

 

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(Edited 6 July 2005)


Q.1.9 Where can I get papers notarized in Guangzhou?

A.9.1

WHEN IN CHINA GO TO ANY U.S. EMBASSY/CONSULATE WITH YOUR FINACEE.  WALK INTO THE EMBASSY/CONSULATE AND ASK TO SEE THE NOTARY THERE. NOTARY SERVICE IS FREE TO U.S CITIZENS.   HAVE THE NOTARY PREPARE A STATEMENT SUCH AS
"BEFORE ME APPEARED ON THIS DAY DATE/TIME ETC(WHATEVER EMBASSY YOU ARE AT)MR, SO AND SO OF (YOUR ADDRESS AS EVIDENCED BY YOUR PASSPORT AND MS. SO AND SO AS EVIDIENCED BY HER CHINESE I.D. CARD OR PASSPORT HAVE THEM PUT YOU PASSPORT NUMBER DOWN AND YOUR FIANCEE' I.D. NUMBER DOWN AS PROOF OF YOUR I.D. HAVE THE NOTORY SIGN AND STAMP THIS WITH THE SEAL.THE PAPER THEY USE SHOULD BE THE EMBASSY LETTER HEAD. GET 2 ISSUES THERE FREE IF NOT PAY THE NOTARY FEE EVEN.   This notarization is from the U. S. government and not subject to question.

 

A.9.2

IF the notarization is for something required by the government, such as Affidavid of Support, then there should be no charge. At least they didn't charge me at GZ to notarize my I-864.

A.9.3

The I-864 was also notarized free for me. The woman told me "this is a free of charge service",

 

A.9.4

I showed my passport, my wife had to show her identity card, our marriage notarial certificate, and purpose for her to enter the Consulate. Not a problem which surprised me, because I thought Chinese citizens were not permitted to enter the Consulate grounds. We had to leave our "stuff" in this building (cell phones, laptops, purse, water, keys, etc.) The guards will give you a plastic number tag to retrieve your belongings on the way out. They were both friendly and courteous.

When you enter, there is a guard behind a glass cage, Again show ID and state why you are here, for us it was to see the American Citizens Service (ACS) office on the second floor. This guard was more demanding on my wife for ID, but we made it through without a problem. You will receive a visitor's badge from the guard. You must take the steps to the second floor. We had to get a document notarized that required both of our signatures and had to be done by a US notary, so we used the Consulate.

A word of caution on notarization be prepared. My wife did not have her passport because it will expire shortly and the Chinese government has this while her new passport in is being processed. After some discussion the ACS officer agreed that her ID card and copy of her passport was sufficient However, the real problem was with my ID and not hers. I own a house and rent (closer to work) and the document to be notarized had my house address on it. The Consulate officer wanted to see an identification card with my signature and my home address. All I had was my driver's license which has the address of the townhouse I rent and he would not accept this. I countered that my passport has my house address and he could look this up on the computer. He said this was not sufficient. After much more discussion the officer spoke to someone else, then we finally got the document notarized. I was becoming upset during this time, but the Consulate officer was patient and finally did help us out.


A.9.5

Editor: With the new location, the above comment to ‘second floor’ will likely be not correct.  But the story is worth noting.

 

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(Edited 6 July 2005)


Q.1.10 Is a notarized copy of the petitioner’s passport required?

A.1.10.1

If requested "during the interview", a copy is all that is expected by the VO... BUT !!! The VO can request a notarized copy, and sometimes does when any type of denial occurs (it's on the denial slip as a checkbox request).

At one time, CFLers were saying this was a 'new requirement'.. but what I think was going on was a few denials close together were all experiencing a request for the notarized copy and this got interpreted as 'now required'. Also, there could of been a shift in attitude in asking for this in denials (just as another CFLer said the employment letter was the 'request of the day' based on talking to many interviewed).

The safeguard issue is, if you just go ahead and give a notarized copy, then your SO has it in case of a denial request for it.

 

A.1.10.2

She was yellow-slipped with a request for a notarized copy of my passport

 

A.1.10.3

The first thing I did was march into the Citizen Services section to ask why a notarized copy of my passport was required when they had the ACTUAL passport available for inspection.

The gentleman was kind enough to make a notarized color copy of my passport, gratis!   There ARE nice people at the consulate after all. The notarized copy of my passport was similar to the notarized translation of our marriage certificate; all pages copied, then bound together, and the notarial script was put on the cover.

So long story short; you should not have to get each individual page notarized if the copied pages are bound by the notary, with the outside cover being notarized regarding the contents within. All my multi-page docs that were notarized were done in China. I can see how a notary in the USA would try to pad the fees by telling you that each page must be done individually.

 

A.10.4

I supplied the main page with my photo and info numbers etc and the Chinese visa page when I did the 129.. Here’s what I did. Went to my computer and typed in word //This is a true copy of passport number xxxxx belonging to Mr. xxx-xx certified on // Date line //by line. I moved that down on the page to about a quarter of the way from the bottom and printed it out..; Now you have a blank page with that statement on it. Now turn on your color scanner and scan the passport thru to your printer (make sure you put the blank page with the statement on it in the printer so it prints the passport on that side with the statement and you are ready to go. Take to the notary and show them your passport and have them certify if you do the copying should save you a heck of a lot.. But why pay at all go to your bank as you are a customer they should notarize for free