What exactly is a hukou?

[NCChina 21]

ya, all this fussing about for something you not need in China ? Those (Affidavit of Single Status) aren't needed for a K-1 chaser, the Petitioner, USCitizen, never files this.

re: going to Chongqing - that's where her hukuo is - so to get those 3 documents, she has to go there and get it done there.

I'm a bit confused about the whole hukou thing. Is it where the Chinese citizen is a registered resident (my understanding of "hukou" is that it is a household register, and as she lives on her own and supports herself, she would be registered in her current city - she has her own hukou book that I have seen), or where they were born? My wife's hukou was changed to her current city when she got her job. While the notary office in her current city said they can do it, they still need several documents from her hometown, such as her parents' marriage certificate. I thought all that was needed was her ID card and the hukou book?

[Pitaya 2,577]

I'm a bit confused about the whole hukou thing. Is it where the Chinese citizen is a registered resident (my understanding of "hukou" is that it is a household register, and as she lives on her own and supports herself, she would be registered in her current city - she has her own hukou book that I have seen), or where they were born? My wife's hukou was changed to her current city when she got her job. While the notary office in her current city said they can do it, they still need several documents from her hometown, such as her parents' marriage certificate. I thought all that was needed was her ID card and the hukou book?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hukou_system

HTH, I am the non-Chinese USC spouse of a Chinese woman, and I found that wikepedia explanation helpful.

Good luck.

[Darnell 8,479]

ya, i get confused also when any OP not give all info. When I get some, or partial, I answer based on what's in front of me, at that time.

I just assumed her hukuo was still in her prior city. For many Chinese ppl, they maintain it still in prior city.

Perhaps a compiled FAQ will be useful?

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/393969-chinese-marriage-visa-terms-and-definitions/

Good Luck !