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/ 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 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
