Changing Initial Evidence at RFE

[Raymond J 0]

We submitted a birth certificate, but all the filling-ins are all in Chinese. Today we got an RFE for the English translation. However, we also discovered we have a birth notarization in Chinese and English.

My question is: What kind of letter do I need to write to inform USCIS that we want to use the birth notarization in lieu of the birth certificate?

[Pitaya 2,577]

USCIS is quite familiar with folks from China using a Notarial Certificate (AKA White Book) for birth certs, death certs, divorce certs, etc., and will accept them. This is due to the rather unique Chinese household registration system known as hukou and using family books. Check out the pinned thread at the top of the Chinese Regional Forum page, Chinese Marriage Visa Terms and Definitions, for more details: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/393969-chinese-marriage-visa-terms-and-definitions/

We have successfully used White Books throughout our K1 visa process, at the DOS consulate and the local USCIS office for the AOS process, and at the WA state DMV.

When you obtain White Books, it is advisable to get several copies at the same time. It is usually much easier to get them now in China, rather than trying to get them later when living in the US.

It helps everyone that uses the forum.

God luck on your immigration journey.

Edited July 8, 2014 by A&B

[Raymond J 0]

Are white book and notarial certificate the same? The one in our possession has her birthdate, birthplace, father's name, mother's name, and address; however, it is on a stamp paper. Also, do I just write in my cover letter explaining I would like to replace the untranslated birth certificate with the notarial certificate?

[Pitaya 2,577]

Sorry, I guess that I used some jargon that you were not familiar with: AKA = Also Known As

Please post the exact wording of the RFE message. It will help in deciphering what USCIS actually wants.

If you got an RFE looking for an English translation of a Chinese birth cert, they are very likely looking for the Notarial Certificate (Also Known As White Book). As I mentioned earlier, USCIS is very accustomed to seeing and accepts White Books for birth certs for folks from the PRC. Did you get a chance to review the link of Chinese visa terms? The Chinese notarial birth certificate is described in detail.

Is this related to the AOS process? Your timeline indicates that you already have used your K1 visa.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

Edited July 8, 2014 by A&B

[Raymond J 0]

Ahh... Yes, I am in the AOS process now. I guess I am confused on hukou, white book, and notarial certificate. Thanks for clearing them The wording of the specific line item: Submit English translation of the foreign language birth certificate.

I am thinking of writing a cover letter, too, explaining the document I am going to submit is a notarial certificate and should be in lieu of the birth certificate. But, I am just not sure if I should even include "should be in lieu of the birth certificate" or just explain what it is.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K1 Process to Family-based AOS Forum~

~Inquiry about AOS processes, not K-1~

(organizer hat off)

I guess that you can send a letter if you want to. I doubt that there is a need for any explanation from you, it sounds like they know what they want, and very likely that is a White Book birth certificate for your Chinese-born fiancee.

Did you guys get married yet? If so, It helps everyone that uses the forum.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[Raymond J 0]

Thank you for the response! I just filled in the marriage date. I will send the notarial certificate then.

[Darnell 8,479]

Ahh... Yes, I am in the AOS process now. I guess I am confused on hukou, white book, and notarial certificate. Thanks for clearing them The wording of the specific line item: Submit English translation of the foreign language birth certificate.

I am thinking of writing a cover letter, too, explaining the document I am going to submit is a notarial certificate and should be in lieu of the birth certificate. But, I am just not sure if I should even include "should be in lieu of the birth certificate" or just explain what it is.

A K-1 visa chaser would not be confused about this,

as

one had to show it on interview day, the white book, notarial translation of:

1. birth certificate

2. police clearance certificate and

3. single status and/or divorce certificate.

since this stuff is alien to you - I ask - on what visa did your spouse use to travel into the USA?

[Darnell 8,479]

What's up? Yer timeline claims yer lass is a k-1 visa holder. Did you talk with her about her civil docs submitted to Guangzhou IV, or no ? If no, why no?

It's the same civil doc that Guangzhou used - I hope she made more original sets prior to jumping on the plane.

[Raymond J 0]

She did use the white book. However, when I read the requirement of birth certificate, I did not think to use the white book.

[Darnell 8,479]

ok. it's my understanding from the directions that a simple photocopy of all pages of the white book will suffice.