Red Book Issue

[FoundNanning 0]

Hi all. First post.

I got married in China last month. I am starting the Visa process (CR1). I am putting things together for the I-130. My wife took her Red Book to the Notorial Office in China so she could get a translated 'White Book" and scan a copy for me to send with the I-130. Here's the issue:

She dropped the Red Book off at the Notorial Office in Nanning last week. Yesterday, she got a call from them saying that she gave them the wrong copy. I guess each is a little different: one has her name at the top, one mine. I guess I took 'her' copy when I returned home, and she has mine (we both thought they were the same).

I have told her to go back tomorrow, and insist that they translate the copy they have (mine). I can't imagine it making any difference; they both say we are married. In fact, if anything, I would imagine my copy would be more appropriate, since I am the one petitioning in the I-130.

My assumptions are correct? Also, any advice on how many copies to get. It is my understanding that original certified copies are rarely needed (maybe only for interview)?

[Azzudiin 26]

Hi all. First post.

I got married in China last month. I am starting the Visa process (CR1). I am putting things together for the I-130. My wife took her Red Book to the Notorial Office in China so she could get a translated 'White Book" and scan a copy for me to send with the I-130. Here's the issue:

She dropped the Red Book off at the Notorial Office in Nanning last week. Yesterday, she got a call from them saying that she gave them the wrong copy. I guess each is a little different: one has her name at the top, one mine. I guess I took 'her' copy when I returned home, and she has mine (we both thought they were the same).

I have told her to go back tomorrow, and insist that they translate the copy they have (mine). I can't imagine it making any difference; they both say we are married. In fact, if anything, I would imagine my copy would be more appropriate, since I am the one petitioning in the I-130.

My assumptions are correct? Also, any advice on how many copies to get. It is my understanding that original certified copies are rarely needed (maybe only for interview)?

Get at least 3 copies, you will need one at interview, you will need one to file W7 for ITIN number for tax year 2011, and you never know when you might need another.

[FoundNanning 0]

Thanks for that. Any advice (from anyone) on the weird issue with the two (different) books?

[YuAndDan 153]

Yes a photo-copy, along with a translation is all the USCIS needs.

Other considerations to do prior to filing the petition is to front-load the petition some, you will not have any opportunity to add anything to the petition that the consulate will see in the case file.

Guangzhou can be a tough consulate to deal with, they have a high rate of denials due to bonafide relationship.

Also later there is a special process for NVC that will speed thing up.

You will learn much more specifically to that consulate here: http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?/forum/1-general-visa-discussion-first-steps/

[FoundNanning 0]

But I am assuming it MUST be the official Notorial Office Translation? And are you saying that they don't care if 'her' or 'my' Red Book is translated?

[YuAndDan 153]

But I am assuming it MUST be the official Notorial Office Translation? And are you saying that they don't care if 'her' or 'my' Red Book is translated?

USCIS does not expect or care if the translation is one done in China by the notary office.

If you have any friend or know someone that can read Chinese and translate competently to English, and will certify that they are competent to do the translation, that is all that is needed, submit a photo copy of the marriage cert, along with a "certified" translation.

I-130 instructions.

Any foreign language document offered by a party in a proceeding shall be accompanied by an English language translation and a certification signed by the translator that must be printed legibly or typed. Such certification must include a statement that the translator is competent to translate the document, and that the translation is true and accurate to the best of the translator's abilities.

http://www.uscis.gov...-0-0-34007.html Edited June 13, 2011 by YuAndDan

[Darnell 8,478]

Concur on the 'translate in USA' bit - just find someone bilingual in yer area.

At least for the I-130 submittal.

Meanwhile, later on, for NVC document collection - have a white book made in China, GUZ IV loves the white books.

[FoundNanning 0]

This seems to be in conflict wiht this post;

"My wife and I had our I-130 and I-129F denied based on the fact that we tried to send copies of our original marriage certificate along with a notarized translation.

We had to supply a notarial certificate from the notarial office in the city where we got married (Zhengzhou, Henan).

The quote from our denial letter was:

Quote

All Chinese documentation to be used abroad is processed through the notary offices and issued in the form of notarial certificates.

So while I guess you can take a chance getting it translated and notarized here, I would suggest against it."

Here id the thread it is from:

http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?/topic/34931-china-marriage-certificate-translation/

Comments?

[Darnell 8,478]

want to feel safe ?

you only need a copy of the white book, not the white book itself, for I-130 submittal.

swap red books with your wife, then have her get a notarial translation on her red book, she scan it to pdf, email it to you..

[YuAndDan 153]

This seems to be in conflict wiht this post;

"My wife and I had our I-130 and I-129F denied based on the fact that we tried to send copies of our original marriage certificate along with a notarized translation.

We had to supply a notarial certificate from the notarial office in the city where we got married (Zhengzhou, Henan).

The quote from our denial letter was:

Quote

All Chinese documentation to be used abroad is processed through the notary offices and issued in the form of notarial certificates.

So while I guess you can take a chance getting it translated and notarized here, I would suggest against it."

Here id the thread it is from:

http://candleforlove...te-translation/

Comments?

Was the copies sent to (NVC or Consulate), or to USCIS?

USCIS for years only needs a photo copy, and the translation can be done locally in the states.

HOWEVER..

The consulate WILL want a certified copy (White Book) and a Notary translation at the time of interview. And As for NVC stage, if opting in to electronic processing as Darnell pointed out can get a white book, and notary translation done while USCIS is processing the I-130, and get the whitebook and notary translation scanned to a PDF for eventual emailing to NVC when the time comes, and bring the White-book, and notary translation to the visa interview for document intake the day before the interview.

[FoundNanning 0]

Well, the post I quoted above says that their I-130 was denied because of it. So, I guess in this case it was USCIS. Maybe just an oddball occurrence?

[YuAndDan 153]

Well, the post I quoted above says that their I-130 was denied because of it. So, I guess in this case it was USCIS. Maybe just an oddball occurrence?

Must be an oddball, per USCIS they should accept a photo-copy and a simple certified translation.

They should not deny an I-130 based on a translation and photo-copy, they MAY send out an RFE requesting to see the original certificate, and perhaps a better translation.