I-129F Questions

[Ighaepero 2]

I'm filling out the I-129F form and had some quick questions about it. The example form is here (or here, if that link didn't work for you).

I-129F

PART A

7. Other Names Used - Current or past names? I legally changed my name seven years ago (both first and last names), do I need to put the old name down? Will I need to show the court order for the name change later on?

10. My citizenship was acquired through... - I was born outside of the U.S. and naturlized at sixteen. I checked "Naturalization". I don't need to also check "Parents," correct? It says check one.

PART B

1. Should I go by what is on her passport? If so, her Chinese first name would be written "Yilin." I just want to make sure there will be no issues later regarding "Yilin" or "Yi Lin." Like I said, passport writes the first name without a space, should I stick to that?

2. Address - Which address should I go by? Her parents live in Henan, she herself up until recenlty was living in the dorms of her university in Wuhan. This year I rented her a small apartment... I guess common sense would be to use the address of the apartment in which she lives now, but as far as the bureaucrats are concerned, is there some other criterion by which to determine OFFICIAL address?

4. Date or birth - The date of birth on her passport is one month off from her actual date of birth (typical in China), but again, I go by the passport, right?

18. I wrote: "We met and were together in Wuhan from December 25th 2010 until July 2011, then again from September 2011 till February 2012, and finally from July to September 2012." Required evidence notwithstanding, is this what they want to see in this box?

20. I live in New York, should I put New York here? Or the U.S. embassy in China? If so, which one?

Thanks.

Edited September 24, 2012 by Ighaepero

[mamichou 8]

yES YOU WILL DFINITELY NEED TO ADD YOUR OLD NAME. i WENT THROUGH THE SAME THING

[Ighaepero 2]

What should I do with the court order showing proof of name change, attach it to the I-129F with a paperclip? Or maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. I do not see them actually requesting proof, they only ask for other names used.

Edited September 24, 2012 by Ighaepero

[KayDeeCee 4,902]

The I-129F instructions state to send the court order for any legal name changes you have had, Page 2: #6, C.

Was your naturalization through your parents? If so, then yes, you would check that box and check yes or no for getting a certificate of citizenship in your name. This is in the instructions on Page 1: #3.

For #20, you put what it asks for, the American consulate abroad that your fiancee will apply for her visa at in China.

I will let the experienced members from China answer the rest of your questions.

[Ighaepero 2]

Was your naturalization through your parents?

Well, now I'm confused. What does "through my parents" mean? My mother did all the paperwork for me, does that count?

For #20, you put what it asks for, the American consulate abroad that your fiancee will apply for her visa at in China.

I don't know if we can choose an embassy or if there is a specific one she must go to. I'll wait for those who know more about China to advise on this one.

Thanks!

PS. I didn't know there were separate instructions for the form! I'll be sure to check them in the future. First day here.

Edited September 24, 2012 by Ighaepero

[KayDeeCee 4,902]

Well, now I'm confused. What does "through my parents" mean? My mother did all the paperwork for me, does that count?

Maybe this link will help: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=32dffe9dd4aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextoid=32dffe9dd4aa3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD

I don't know if we can choose an embassy or if there is a specific one she must go to. I'll wait for those who know more about China to advise on this one.

Click the Portals link at the top of the VJ page. It will take you to the Portal for China and there is a link there for info about the consulate she will be going through.

[longof48 0]

send copies of Court order to be sure. Send copies of e-mails, colored pictures with names on them, receipts of when you're together, etc. Overdo it.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Well, now I'm confused. What does "through my parents" mean? My mother did all the paperwork for me, does that count?

I don't know if we can choose an embassy or if there is a specific one she must go to. I'll wait for those who know more about China to advise on this one.

Thanks!

PS. I didn't know there were separate instructions for the form! I'll be sure to check them in the future. First day here.

K-1 visas are processed through the Guangzhou consulate.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Well, now I'm confused. What does "through my parents" mean? My mother did all the paperwork for me, does that count?

I don't know if we can choose an embassy or if there is a specific one she must go to. I'll wait for those who know more about China to advise on this one.

Thanks!

PS. I didn't know there were separate instructions for the form! I'll be sure to check them in the future. First day here.

Sorry to the terse message last night. It was late, and I was using my iPad2...not the easiest thing for me to compose and type messages.

Here is the link to the US consulate in Guangzhou:

http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/immigrant_visas.html

Here is another good general information link about K-1 visas from the Department of State:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html

Of course, check out the VJ site's excellent guides (easily accessed through "Guides" button, at the top of the forum page), including the step-by-step K-1 visa guide. There are also several good China regional forum members that have run the GUZ gauntlet and provide good advice. Check out the regional forum, and you will see "The Usual Suspects."

Generally, if the Chinese citizen lives in HK or Macau, they can get their K-1 visa processed at the US consulate in HK. For everyone else, their K-1 visa is processed at the US consulate in Guangzhou. That location isn't always very convenient when you consider a country the size of China. My wife comes from Liaoning province in northern China, there is a US consulate in Shenyang (the provincial capital). However, she had to take a 3 hour flight to Guangzhou for her visa interview/processing.

The US consulate in Guangzhou is one of our country's oldest foreign diplomatic posts in that area of Asia. It was established in the (then) Far East during George Washington's administration, and except for some interruptions, including a number of years after 1949, has been in continuous operation since the birth of our country.

Good luck on your visa journey

[MangoAve 25]

I'm filling out the I-129F form and had some quick questions about it. The example form is here (or here, if that link didn't work for you).

I-129F

PART A

7. Other Names Used - Current or past names? I legally changed my name seven years ago (both first and last names), do I need to put the old name down? Will I need to show the court order for the name change later on?

10. My citizenship was acquired through... - I was born outside of the U.S. and naturlized at sixteen. I checked "Naturalization". I don't need to also check "Parents," correct? It says check one.

PART B

1. Should I go by what is on her passport? If so, her Chinese first name would be written "Yilin." I just want to make sure there will be no issues later regarding "Yilin" or "Yi Lin." Like I said, passport writes the first name without a space, should I stick to that?

2. Address - Which address should I go by? Her parents live in Henan, she herself up until recenlty was living in the dorms of her university in Wuhan. This year I rented her a small apartment... I guess common sense would be to use the address of the apartment in which she lives now, but as far as the bureaucrats are concerned, is there some other criterion by which to determine OFFICIAL address?

4. Date or birth - The date of birth on her passport is one month off from her actual date of birth (typical in China), but again, I go by the passport, right?

18. I wrote: "We met and were together in Wuhan from December 25th 2010 until July 2011, then again from September 2011 till February 2012, and finally from July to September 2012." Required evidence notwithstanding, is this what they want to see in this box?

20. I live in New York, should I put New York here? Or the U.S. embassy in China? If so, which one?

Thanks.

7. Other names used, just like the others replied, yes. Put the old name down and I would provide a copy of the change just so the information is at hand just to avoid an RFE. The US gov't has access to the name change so they can view records themselves with background check, however sending is being proactive.

10. Yes, only use Naturalization. If the situation was that you were not yet a citizen but had a green card (and your parents petitioned you as alien relative) you would use through parents. If you went through the naturalization, that's what to use.

1. I would recommend the passport name. The space might not be an issue. But the true guarantee is to follow what is on the birth certificate. Obvi the passport should match the birth certificate. My fiance had her name wrong on her birth certificate but got an affidavit. I used the correct name (which she didn't have passport yet).

2. Use the address where she will receive mail. This is obvi where they will be returning her passport with the K1 when it's complete. So, If you forsee she will not stay at the appartment by the expected time the visa is approved you might want to consider using the parent's address. You will be only required to put down one address here. The G-325A is where you will list all places lived for the beneficiary within past 5 years. For ONLY the I-129F, the dorm address is disregarded completely.

4. Use the DOB from the birth certificate. If it matches the passport, then I do not need to distinguish which to use because it's pointless.

18. Yes. That is sufficient. The copy of your passport stamps for Dec/10-July/11 and Sept/11-Feb/12 along with the photos of you together show the proof of having met. They just want a brief statement on how you met.

20. I'm thinking the only one is in Bejing, China. This is where she will do her interview. Way before she sets foot into the US at POE. New york, Nay.

[Pitaya 2,577]

7. Other names used, just like the others replied, yes. Put the old name down and I would provide a copy of the change just so the information is at hand just to avoid an RFE. The US gov't has access to the name change so they can view records themselves with background check, however sending is being proactive.

10. Yes, only use Naturalization. If the situation was that you were not yet a citizen but had a green card (and your parents petitioned you as alien relative) you would use through parents. If you went through the naturalization, that's what to use.

1. I would recommend the passport name. The space might not be an issue. But the true guarantee is to follow what is on the birth certificate. Obvi the passport should match the birth certificate. My fiance had her name wrong on her birth certificate but got an affidavit. I used the correct name (which she didn't have passport yet).

2. Use the address where she will receive mail. This is obvi where they will be returning her passport with the K1 when it's complete. So, If you forsee she will not stay at the appartment by the expected time the visa is approved you might want to consider using the parent's address. You will be only required to put down one address here. The G-325A is where you will list all places lived for the beneficiary within past 5 years. For ONLY the I-129F, the dorm address is disregarded completely.

4. Use the DOB from the birth certificate. If it matches the passport, then I do not need to distinguish which to use because it's pointless.

18. Yes. That is sufficient. The copy of your passport stamps for Dec/10-July/11 and Sept/11-Feb/12 along with the photos of you together show the proof of having met. They just want a brief statement on how you met.

20. I'm thinking the only one is in Bejing, China. This is where she will do her interview. Way before she sets foot into the US at POE. New york, Nay.

Regarding your response to #20, I believe that your information is in need of correction. For the correct information: please read the first link that I previously provided: http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/immigrant_visas.html

Here is the text of the second paragraph from that link:

"Welcome to the Guangzhou Immigrant Visa Unit

Foreign Service Officers of the Guangzhou Immigrant Visa Unit adjudicate all immigrant visas for residents of the People's Republic of China. This is the only office handling immigrant visas in China. The post also accepts Third Country Nationals on a discretionary basis."

I know that is correct. My (now) wife, from northern China, had her K-1 visa interview this past June at the US Consulate in Guangzhou.

Good luck on your visa journey.

[MangoAve 25]

Regarding your response to #20, I believe that your information is in need of correction. For the correct information: please read the first link that I previously provided: http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/immigrant_visas.html

Here is the text of the second paragraph from that link:

"Welcome to the Guangzhou Immigrant Visa Unit

Foreign Service Officers of the Guangzhou Immigrant Visa Unit adjudicate all immigrant visas for residents of the People's Republic of China. This is the only office handling immigrant visas in China. The post also accepts Third Country Nationals on a discretionary basis."

I know that is correct. My (now) wife, from northern China, had her K-1 visa interview this past June at the US Consulate in Guangzhou.

Good luck on your visa journey.

Yes, The point I was getting at was correct that it wouldn't be in the US. It would be in the beneficiary's country, i.e. China. It't misleading because the DoS lists all these embassies in China but you have to open each link individually and select the visa types to find out which place handles which type. So, yes it would be Guangzhou. I didn't see your reply before I posted. Again... misleading because anyone knows the K1 is a Non-Immigrant type visa and just like the Manila embassy site, it's listing the K1 under the immigrant visa category.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Yes, The point I was getting at was correct that it wouldn't be in the US. It would be in the beneficiary's country, i.e. China. It't misleading because the DoS lists all these embassies in China but you have to open each link individually and select the visa types to find out which place handles which type. So, yes it would be Guangzhou. I didn't see your reply before I posted. Again... misleading because anyone knows the K1 is a Non-Immigrant type visa and just like the Manila embassy site, it's listing the K1 under the immigrant visa category.

Of course it would be in the beneficiary's country, Form I-129F, Question #20 specifically asks that:

"20. Your fiancé(e) will apply for a visa abroad at the American embassy or consulate at:"

I stated Guangzhou in my initial posting of last night. That was based on my personal experience, and I expanded that explanation this morning.

A review of the VJ site's "Embassy Info" pages for China (PRC) would show that there are two consulates that process K-1 visas, Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

Due to the specific differences and requirements of each US embassy/consulate in foreign countries, I have learned to defer to the people that have personal experience in the visa processes of that particular country's interviewing US embassies/consulates.

YMMV

[C-ma'am 684]

Yes, The point I was getting at was correct that it wouldn't be in the US. It would be in the beneficiary's country, i.e. China. It't misleading because the DoS lists all these embassies in China but you have to open each link individually and select the visa types to find out which place handles which type. So, yes it would be Guangzhou. I didn't see your reply before I posted. Again... misleading because anyone knows the K1 is a Non-Immigrant type visa and just like the Manila embassy site, it's listing the K1 under the immigrant visa category.

The K1 visa is neither a Non-Immigrant visa nor an Immigrant one. In reality, this visa is a quasi-immigrant one, it's somewhere in between those two; because it's a Non-Immigrant with Immigrant Intent ... I know

It's because of this non existing category that Embassies tend to list them under the Immigrant ones; because it's closer to that category than the Non-Immigrant.

Edited September 25, 2012 by Celeste & C

[MangoAve 25]

Of course it would be in the beneficiary's country, Form I-129F, Question #20 specifically asks that:

"20. Your fiancé(e) will apply for a visa abroad at the American embassy or consulate at:"

I stated Guangzhou in my initial posting of last night. That was based on my personal experience, and I expanded that explanation this morning.

A review of the VJ site's "Embassy Info" pages for China (PRC) would show that there are two consulates that process K-1 visas, Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

Due to the specific differences and requirements of each US embassy/consulate in foreign countries, I have learned to defer to the people that have personal experience in the visa processes of that particular country's interviewing US embassies/consulates.

YMMV

Yeah.. Check this site: http://www.usembassy.gov/ The Hong Kong embassy isn't even on the list. But, if you find the site specific to Hong Kong, it does state they do I-130 and I-140.