Where do I file..?

[AmericaninChina 0]

Hi,

I filled out my packed I-130 and took it down to the local US embassy in Shenyang, China (my wife is Chinese, I am visiting her family and starting application to get her to the States). I was told that in order to submit it there, I would need proof of permanent residence and to get this at the Entry and Exit Bureau. We went there, and they told us they don't issue those. Went back to Consulate, and they assured us they did.

Got tired of the run-around, so I asked then if it would be ok if we mailed it to the service center in the United States, even though I technically live here (have been for 4 months). They said yes.

Three months later, I get the packet back saying that it CANT be mailed from outside of the US... so I'm at a bit of a loss. It feels as if I just wasted three months because of bad information given to me by the consulate. Any suggestions? Thanks.

-Christian

[pushbrk 13,121]

Hi,

I filled out my packed I-130 and took it down to the local US embassy in Shenyang, China (my wife is Chinese, I am visiting her family and starting application to get her to the States). I was told that in order to submit it there, I would need proof of permanent residence and to get this at the Entry and Exit Bureau. We went there, and they told us they don't issue those. Went back to Consulate, and they assured us they did.

Got tired of the run-around, so I asked then if it would be ok if we mailed it to the service center in the United States, even though I technically live here (have been for 4 months). They said yes.

Three months later, I get the packet back saying that it CANT be mailed from outside of the US... so I'm at a bit of a loss. It feels as if I just wasted three months because of bad information given to me by the consulate. Any suggestions? Thanks.

-Christian

Yes, you got bad information. Just to start with, there is only on US Embassy in any country except the strange setup for Hong Kong. Shenyang has a Consulate. Requirements for DCF in China from candleforlove.com faq

WHAT IS REQUIRED:

- 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 China for at least six months. (Consulate website statement).

- You need to file at the consulate/embassy that has jurisdiction over your area of your residence.

- (Check with DHS since some consulates only accept the filing on certain days of the week).

You must use a US address on an I-130 filed with a service center. If you qualify for DCF, it will be much faster but you can use a family member or friend's US address from which to file, if needed.

Also, you posted in the K3 forum. K3 is not a DCF option. Only CR or IR petitions can be filed DCF.

For more China specific support, I suggest you visit http://www.candleforlove.com

Edited February 9, 2008 by pushbrk

[AmericaninChina 0]

You must use a US address on an I-130 filed with a service center. If you qualify for DCF, it will be much faster but you can use a family member or friend's US address from which to file, if needed.

Also, you posted in the K3 forum. K3 is not a DCF option. Only CR or IR petitions can be filed DCF.

For more China specific support, I suggest you visit http://www.candleforlove.com

I had placed my current Chinese address under my current residence when filling out the I-130. Are you saying I should have listed, say, my mother's or brothers address instead (inside of the US) for purposes of establishing residency?

[pushbrk 13,121]

You must use a US address on an I-130 filed with a service center. If you qualify for DCF, it will be much faster but you can use a family member or friend's US address from which to file, if needed.

Also, you posted in the K3 forum. K3 is not a DCF option. Only CR or IR petitions can be filed DCF.

For more China specific support, I suggest you visit http://www.candleforlove.com

I had placed my current Chinese address under my current residence when filling out the I-130. Are you saying I should have listed, say, my mother's or brothers address instead (inside of the US) for purposes of establishing residency?

You must show a US residence address if you file the petition with a service center in the US.