China Romance

General Discussion and Useful Links => Newbies Corner => Topic started by: JohnB on March 20, 2011, 11:49:54 am

Title: Question on "Affidavit of Marital Status/ Authentication" U.S.
Post by: JohnB on March 20, 2011, 11:49:54 am
1st post from me, so hi to everyone. I have been reading all the interesting information on the site, but I think I have a problem with the legalities of the Affidavit of Marital Status and Authentication in regards in the U.S.
I ran into a glitch. I live in a state that directs all inquiries/ requests to the Chinese Embassy in Wash DC. Prior to this my Chinese visa was processed through the Houston, Texas but the Marriage requirements are the authority of the Chinese Embassy only in my case.
I applied to the embassy but was rejected because I did not get it Authenticated by the US Dept of State in Washington DC.  This seems to be a requirement of the embassy only and not their consulates if I am not mistaken.
The unfortunate scenario that presents itself is that the State Dept indicates a process of 15 days with a cautionary notice "due to high volume...". So, this has presented a roadblock since I am to leave the States in 2 weeks for Shenyang. http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/ (http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/)
I note that there is a US Consulate in Shenyang. On their web they write that the authentication must be "Notarization and Authentication Division of Consular Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The telephone number of the Notarization and Authentication Division is (8610) 6588-9796." see   http://shenyang.usembassy-china.org.cn/notary-services.html (http://shenyang.usembassy-china.org.cn/notary-services.html) 
I am sure everyone that has married a Chinese citizen has been through all this. What I am assuming now is that I am required to go to Beijing for the Chinese requirement and return to Shenyang for the notary.
Is this correct? Or is there another way to resolve my issue.
Much thanks to all for anything of help. John
Title: Re: Question on "Affidavit of Marital Status/ Authentication" U.S.
Post by: JohnB on March 31, 2011, 03:46:39 pm
Robert,
thanks much for the information on getting the Affidavit of Single Status. That was easy enough. I received it today with a few days to spare, 
leaving for Shenyang on the 6th.
I suppose this was a good test to fathom future legalities.

the most important thing though is the success of the meeting. after all, that is what it is, the golden key that unlocks life's door.
best regards, John
Title: Re: Question on "Affidavit of Marital Status/ Authentication" U.S.
Post by: Pineau on April 14, 2011, 11:32:38 pm
I just took my Colorado divorce decree to the US consulate in Guangzhou and  they issued me a notarized Affidavit . It took about 45 minutes.   

You will need to travel to the nearest US consulate in China or get it done before you leave.

Good luck