How much is sufficient evidence? help!

[pushbrk 13,965]

Your age may be a factor also. How old are you?

I'm 29 years old

That's a common age gap in China, so really not a problem. Your problem is going to be convincing a consular officer your marriage to a family member is bona fide. This is not about me but I'd feel more comfortable in your behalf if you acknowledged that. I'm not suggesting the relationship isn't bona fide. I'm simply convinced you'll have a big mountain to climb convincing a Consular Officer of that, when the only time you've spent together is with mutual family. Documenting a honeymoon far from the family would go a long way toward showing convincing bona fides. You would deal with this issue coming from any country but it is magnified coming from China because this kind of fraud scenario is so common.

[vertex32 0]

Your age may be a factor also. How old are you?

I'm 29 years old

That's a common age gap in China, so really not a problem. Your problem is going to be convincing a consular officer your marriage to a family member is bona fide. This is not about me but I'd feel more comfortable in your behalf if you acknowledged that. I'm not suggesting the relationship isn't bona fide. I'm simply convinced you'll have a big mountain to climb convincing a Consular Officer of that, when the only time you've spent together is with mutual family. Documenting a honeymoon far from the family would go a long way toward showing convincing bona fides. You would deal with this issue coming from any country but it is magnified coming from China because this kind of fraud scenario is so common.

Then we will do a honeymoon together for a few days after we get married. I would think that would cover it.

[pushbrk 13,965]

Your age may be a factor also. How old are you?

I'm 29 years old

That's a common age gap in China, so really not a problem. Your problem is going to be convincing a consular officer your marriage to a family member is bona fide. This is not about me but I'd feel more comfortable in your behalf if you acknowledged that. I'm not suggesting the relationship isn't bona fide. I'm simply convinced you'll have a big mountain to climb convincing a Consular Officer of that, when the only time you've spent together is with mutual family. Documenting a honeymoon far from the family would go a long way toward showing convincing bona fides. You would deal with this issue coming from any country but it is magnified coming from China because this kind of fraud scenario is so common.

Then we will do a honeymoon together for a few days after we get married. I would think that would cover it.

It might. I think you're underestimating the difficulty getting a spouse visa through Guangzhou when the couple are family. Hell, it's bad enough even when introduced by a family member. Either way, sounds like you'll have plenty of time to learn and prepare.

[vertex32 0]

Your age may be a factor also. How old are you?

I'm 29 years old

That's a common age gap in China, so really not a problem. Your problem is going to be convincing a consular officer your marriage to a family member is bona fide. This is not about me but I'd feel more comfortable in your behalf if you acknowledged that. I'm not suggesting the relationship isn't bona fide. I'm simply convinced you'll have a big mountain to climb convincing a Consular Officer of that, when the only time you've spent together is with mutual family. Documenting a honeymoon far from the family would go a long way toward showing convincing bona fides. You would deal with this issue coming from any country but it is magnified coming from China because this kind of fraud scenario is so common.

Then we will do a honeymoon together for a few days after we get married. I would think that would cover it.

It might. I think you're underestimating the difficulty getting a spouse visa through Guangzhou when the couple are family. Hell, it's bad enough even when introduced by a family member. Either way, sounds like you'll have plenty of time to learn and prepare.

I know it's immoral, but after your replies of how difficult it sounds the idea of not mentioning her as a relative has come up.

[pushbrk 13,965]

Your age may be a factor also. How old are you?

I'm 29 years old

That's a common age gap in China, so really not a problem. Your problem is going to be convincing a consular officer your marriage to a family member is bona fide. This is not about me but I'd feel more comfortable in your behalf if you acknowledged that. I'm not suggesting the relationship isn't bona fide. I'm simply convinced you'll have a big mountain to climb convincing a Consular Officer of that, when the only time you've spent together is with mutual family. Documenting a honeymoon far from the family would go a long way toward showing convincing bona fides. You would deal with this issue coming from any country but it is magnified coming from China because this kind of fraud scenario is so common.

Then we will do a honeymoon together for a few days after we get married. I would think that would cover it.

It might. I think you're underestimating the difficulty getting a spouse visa through Guangzhou when the couple are family. Hell, it's bad enough even when introduced by a family member. Either way, sounds like you'll have plenty of time to learn and prepare.

I know it's immoral, but after your replies of how difficult it sounds the idea of not mentioning her as a relative has come up.

Technically, she's not a relative. You must fill out forms accurately and honestly and answer questions honestly. Without a family tree in front of me, I don't know if your relationship will come up. If it does, it would be on the GIV 24 form. For a fiance visa, you are required to state how you met in person during the past two years. For a spouse, you prove you married and fill out forms. Of course, marrying in China has strict rules about relatives. If there's any blood relationship within three generations, its a no go. As long as your fiancee isn't a blood relative of her adopted parents, you should be ok. You have a lot to check out. No need to volunteer unnecessary information but a material misrepresentation carries a permanent bar from entering the USA. Don't lie.

Assuming you can marry in China, she'll need a birth certificate. Since her adoptive parent is a cousin, not an unkle or aunt, her adoptive parents will not show up on the GIV 24 but some of the same family names will. There indeed be questions on the subject at the visa interview for no other reason than that. If so, she must answer honestly. All this was on my mind when I suggested the honeymoon or like trip.

Edited February 19, 2009 by pushbrk

[vertex32 0]

Your age may be a factor also. How old are you?

I'm 29 years old

That's a common age gap in China, so really not a problem. Your problem is going to be convincing a consular officer your marriage to a family member is bona fide. This is not about me but I'd feel more comfortable in your behalf if you acknowledged that. I'm not suggesting the relationship isn't bona fide. I'm simply convinced you'll have a big mountain to climb convincing a Consular Officer of that, when the only time you've spent together is with mutual family. Documenting a honeymoon far from the family would go a long way toward showing convincing bona fides. You would deal with this issue coming from any country but it is magnified coming from China because this kind of fraud scenario is so common.

Then we will do a honeymoon together for a few days after we get married. I would think that would cover it.

It might. I think you're underestimating the difficulty getting a spouse visa through Guangzhou when the couple are family. Hell, it's bad enough even when introduced by a family member. Either way, sounds like you'll have plenty of time to learn and prepare.

I know it's immoral, but after your replies of how difficult it sounds the idea of not mentioning her as a relative has come up.

Technically, she's not a relative. You must fill out forms accurately and honestly and answer questions honestly. Without a family tree in front of me, I don't know if your relationship will come up. If it does, it would be on the GIV 24 form. For a fiance visa, you are required to state how you met in person during the past two years. For a spouse, you prove you married and fill out forms. Of course, marrying in China has strict rules about relatives. If there's any blood relationship within three generations, its a no go. As long as your fiancee isn't a blood relative of her adopted parents, you should be ok. You have a lot to check out. No need to volunteer unnecessary information but a material misrepresentation carries a permanent bar from entering the USA. Don't lie.

Assuming you can marry in China, she'll need a birth certificate. Since her adoptive parent is a cousin, not an unkle or aunt, her adoptive parents will not show up on the GIV 24 but some of the same family names will. There indeed be questions on the subject at the visa interview for no other reason than that. If so, she must answer honestly. All this was on my mind when I suggested the honeymoon or like trip.

I appreciate all your help. It looks like I might plan another trip to see her in November or December and take her to Shanghai for a little vacation away from family.

[pushbrk 13,965]

Your age may be a factor also. How old are you?

I'm 29 years old

That's a common age gap in China, so really not a problem. Your problem is going to be convincing a consular officer your marriage to a family member is bona fide. This is not about me but I'd feel more comfortable in your behalf if you acknowledged that. I'm not suggesting the relationship isn't bona fide. I'm simply convinced you'll have a big mountain to climb convincing a Consular Officer of that, when the only time you've spent together is with mutual family. Documenting a honeymoon far from the family would go a long way toward showing convincing bona fides. You would deal with this issue coming from any country but it is magnified coming from China because this kind of fraud scenario is so common.

Then we will do a honeymoon together for a few days after we get married. I would think that would cover it.

It might. I think you're underestimating the difficulty getting a spouse visa through Guangzhou when the couple are family. Hell, it's bad enough even when introduced by a family member. Either way, sounds like you'll have plenty of time to learn and prepare.

I know it's immoral, but after your replies of how difficult it sounds the idea of not mentioning her as a relative has come up.

Technically, she's not a relative. You must fill out forms accurately and honestly and answer questions honestly. Without a family tree in front of me, I don't know if your relationship will come up. If it does, it would be on the GIV 24 form. For a fiance visa, you are required to state how you met in person during the past two years. For a spouse, you prove you married and fill out forms. Of course, marrying in China has strict rules about relatives. If there's any blood relationship within three generations, its a no go. As long as your fiancee isn't a blood relative of her adopted parents, you should be ok. You have a lot to check out. No need to volunteer unnecessary information but a material misrepresentation carries a permanent bar from entering the USA. Don't lie.

Assuming you can marry in China, she'll need a birth certificate. Since her adoptive parent is a cousin, not an unkle or aunt, her adoptive parents will not show up on the GIV 24 but some of the same family names will. There indeed be questions on the subject at the visa interview for no other reason than that. If so, she must answer honestly. All this was on my mind when I suggested the honeymoon or like trip.

I appreciate all your help. It looks like I might plan another trip to see her in November or December and take her to Shanghai for a little vacation away from family.

A big engagement party with lots of pictures could help too. Live like you have a bona fide relationship and gather prudent evidence as you do so. I don't see any reason you have to wait two years if you can visit a couple more times and take trips together. You need to get out of that family cocoon.

[vertex32 0]

Your age may be a factor also. How old are you?

I'm 29 years old

That's a common age gap in China, so really not a problem. Your problem is going to be convincing a consular officer your marriage to a family member is bona fide. This is not about me but I'd feel more comfortable in your behalf if you acknowledged that. I'm not suggesting the relationship isn't bona fide. I'm simply convinced you'll have a big mountain to climb convincing a Consular Officer of that, when the only time you've spent together is with mutual family. Documenting a honeymoon far from the family would go a long way toward showing convincing bona fides. You would deal with this issue coming from any country but it is magnified coming from China because this kind of fraud scenario is so common.

Then we will do a honeymoon together for a few days after we get married. I would think that would cover it.

It might. I think you're underestimating the difficulty getting a spouse visa through Guangzhou when the couple are family. Hell, it's bad enough even when introduced by a family member. Either way, sounds like you'll have plenty of time to learn and prepare.

I know it's immoral, but after your replies of how difficult it sounds the idea of not mentioning her as a relative has come up.

Technically, she's not a relative. You must fill out forms accurately and honestly and answer questions honestly. Without a family tree in front of me, I don't know if your relationship will come up. If it does, it would be on the GIV 24 form. For a fiance visa, you are required to state how you met in person during the past two years. For a spouse, you prove you married and fill out forms. Of course, marrying in China has strict rules about relatives. If there's any blood relationship within three generations, its a no go. As long as your fiancee isn't a blood relative of her adopted parents, you should be ok. You have a lot to check out. No need to volunteer unnecessary information but a material misrepresentation carries a permanent bar from entering the USA. Don't lie.

Assuming you can marry in China, she'll need a birth certificate. Since her adoptive parent is a cousin, not an unkle or aunt, her adoptive parents will not show up on the GIV 24 but some of the same family names will. There indeed be questions on the subject at the visa interview for no other reason than that. If so, she must answer honestly. All this was on my mind when I suggested the honeymoon or like trip.

I appreciate all your help. It looks like I might plan another trip to see her in November or December and take her to Shanghai for a little vacation away from family.

A big engagement party with lots of pictures could help too. Live like you have a bona fide relationship and gather prudent evidence as you do so. I don't see any reason you have to wait two years if you can visit a couple more times and take trips together. You need to get out of that family cocoon.

pushbrk thank you for all the information, but I have some more questions. When my soon to be wife is ready to fill out form g-325a it has to be in english until the last bold box when she inputs her chinese characters. My question is, how does she write out her name in english when she only has a chinese name? How would she fill out her parents name in english? Does she even fill her parents in since she is adopted?

[pushbrk 13,965]

Your age may be a factor also. How old are you?

I'm 29 years old

That's a common age gap in China, so really not a problem. Your problem is going to be convincing a consular officer your marriage to a family member is bona fide. This is not about me but I'd feel more comfortable in your behalf if you acknowledged that. I'm not suggesting the relationship isn't bona fide. I'm simply convinced you'll have a big mountain to climb convincing a Consular Officer of that, when the only time you've spent together is with mutual family. Documenting a honeymoon far from the family would go a long way toward showing convincing bona fides. You would deal with this issue coming from any country but it is magnified coming from China because this kind of fraud scenario is so common.

Then we will do a honeymoon together for a few days after we get married. I would think that would cover it.

It might. I think you're underestimating the difficulty getting a spouse visa through Guangzhou when the couple are family. Hell, it's bad enough even when introduced by a family member. Either way, sounds like you'll have plenty of time to learn and prepare.

I know it's immoral, but after your replies of how difficult it sounds the idea of not mentioning her as a relative has come up.

Technically, she's not a relative. You must fill out forms accurately and honestly and answer questions honestly. Without a family tree in front of me, I don't know if your relationship will come up. If it does, it would be on the GIV 24 form. For a fiance visa, you are required to state how you met in person during the past two years. For a spouse, you prove you married and fill out forms. Of course, marrying in China has strict rules about relatives. If there's any blood relationship within three generations, its a no go. As long as your fiancee isn't a blood relative of her adopted parents, you should be ok. You have a lot to check out. No need to volunteer unnecessary information but a material misrepresentation carries a permanent bar from entering the USA. Don't lie.

Assuming you can marry in China, she'll need a birth certificate. Since her adoptive parent is a cousin, not an unkle or aunt, her adoptive parents will not show up on the GIV 24 but some of the same family names will. There indeed be questions on the subject at the visa interview for no other reason than that. If so, she must answer honestly. All this was on my mind when I suggested the honeymoon or like trip.

I appreciate all your help. It looks like I might plan another trip to see her in November or December and take her to Shanghai for a little vacation away from family.

A big engagement party with lots of pictures could help too. Live like you have a bona fide relationship and gather prudent evidence as you do so. I don't see any reason you have to wait two years if you can visit a couple more times and take trips together. You need to get out of that family cocoon.

pushbrk thank you for all the information, but I have some more questions. When my soon to be wife is ready to fill out form g-325a it has to be in english until the last bold box when she inputs her chinese characters. My question is, how does she write out her name in english when she only has a chinese name? How would she fill out her parents name in english? Does she even fill her parents in since she is adopted?

For names in English, she would use the Pinyin transliteration of the Chinese characters, not an "English name". Her own would be on her passport. If she doesn't have one, she needs to get one. She'll also eventually need a birth certificate, so she'll need to obtain that and get it translated at the local Notarial Office. (Gong Zheng Chu)

If she's 18 and been going to school, she can write in Pinyin.