FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PASSPORTS

Q: How do I renew my U.S. passport?  Where do I find the form?

A: Our website has downloadable forms and passport renewal requirements at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/passports.html.

Q: How do I renew my child’s passport?

A:  Both parents and the child must appear in person at the U.S. Embassy to renew the passport of a child under the age of 16.  For a list of documents to prepare and more information, including what to do if either parent is unable to appear in person, please see the information at:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/minors/minors_834.html#step7minor.

Q: How long will it take to get my new passport? 

A: Passports are printed in the United States and usually take two weeks.  We do not provide expedited service.   After picking up your new passport, you will need to apply for a new Chinese visa from the Exit/Entry Bureau to depart or stay in China (see sections below regarding Chinese visas and passport renewals).

Note:  In the case of life and death emergencies, the U.S. Embassy can issue an emergency passport with a validity of up to one year.  You will still need to have a new Chinese visa placed in the emergency passport before you can leave China.  Documentation about the emergency and copies of your tickets are necessary for this service.

Q: My passport was lost or stolen.  What do I do?

A: If your U.S. passport has been lost or stolen while you are in China, report it immediately to the local police.  Chinese authorities will typically require you to obtain a police report before they issue you a new Chinese visa, which is required to leave China.  Contact the Embassy when you are ready to apply for your passport.  Bring one passport photo (2” x 2” with a white background), the required passport application fee, and a copy of the lost passport ID page or any government issued photo ID you may have.  If you have immediate travel plans, bring a copy of your itinerary or e-ticket.  For more information please visit our website at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/lostpassport/lostpassport_1197.html 

Q: Can I renew my passport before it expires?

A: YES, do not wait for your passport to expire before applying for a renewal passport.  Your passport may be renewed at any time that is convenient for you. 

Travelers to China and most other countries in Asia must present a passport valid for at least six months to be permitted to enter.  You will be required to apply for a new Chinese visa within ten days after receiving your new passport.  Allow ample time to renew your Chinese visa which must be done within 10 days or you could face a fine of up to RMB 500 per day. 

Note: If you plan to depart China within ten days, you do not need to obtain a new Chinese visa.  Show Chinese immigration officials your valid visa in your expired U.S. passport, as well as your new U.S. passport when you exit. You will not be permitted to reenter China, however, without obtaining a new visa in the new passport.   

Q: Will you hold my current passport during the processing time?

A: No, we will return your passport to you after your interview.  When you pick up your new passport, we will cancel your old passport and return it to you.

Q: I cannot pick up my passport right away.  Will this be a problem?

A: We will hold your new passport for 90 days.  After 90 days, unclaimed passports will be destroyed.

Q: Can someone pick up my passport for me?  What document will they need to provide?

A: If you would like to have a family member or trusted friend pick up your new passport, please give them a signed letter authorizing them to perform this service for you.

Q: I live far away. Can I have my new passport mailed to me?

A: Yes, but this service may ONLY be arranged on the day of your appointment.  Please be sure to request mail-back service on the day of your passport application at the U.S. Embassy.

Q: What will happen to my Chinese visa?

A:  Your old passport will be canceled when you pick up your new one.  You will be required to apply for a new visa to be placed into your new passport within 10 days.  Please be sure to keep the green envelope which contains your new passport as you may need it to renew your Chinese visa.

Q: I have Chinese visa questions.  Who can I contact?

A: You may contact the Entry/Exit Administration of Beijing Public Security Bureau at:  

No.2 Andingmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100007
Tel: 8402-0101/8401-5300
Hours: Mon – Sat 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Website: http://www.bjgaj.gov.cn/eng/wsgsAction.do?methodname=getSubListWsgs&id=col1923   

NOTARIAL SERVICES and FINGERPRINTING

Q: What notarial services do you provide?

A: Consular officers perform most services customarily provided by Notaries Public in the United States.  Visit our website at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/acs_notary.html for a list of our notarial services.

Q: I require a witness for my notarial.  Can the Consular Officer be my witness?

A: No, consular officers are unable to act as your witness.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide his or her own witnesses.

Q: I’m not an American citizen but need a notarial service for use in the United States.  Can I go to the Embassy for this service?

A: Yes, we perform notarial services for non-American citizens – but only if the notarial is for use in the United States.

Q:  Can you notarize my Medallion Signature Guarantee?

A: Documents that require a “Medallion Signature Guarantee” for transfer of securities cannot be notarized at the U.S. Embassy.  Please check with your financial institution for instructions.

Q: Can my friend notarize my document for me?

A: No, the individual who will sign the document must appear in person for this service.

Q: I require fingerprinting for non-citizenship services.  Where do I go?

A: If you are looking for fingerprinting services that are not related to adoption, contact:
Beijing Tongdashoucheng Institute of Judicial Expertise Science
( 北京通达首诚司法鉴定所)
Address: No. 23 Yongtaizhuang Zhonglu, Haidian District, Beijing
海淀区永泰中路23号
Tel: 010-6290 7011 (Appointments are preferred but not required)
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Mon-Fri

Please note that neither the U.S. Embassy nor the State Department endorses or promotes specific providers. The information above is submitted as an information resource only and is not meant to be comprehensive or to imply endorsement.

Q: I need a criminal record check for the time I spent in the United States.  What do I do?

A: Visit our website for information regarding obtaining a criminal record check at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/fingerprinting.html.

Q: I need proof of non-criminal record as a foreigner for the time I spent in China.  Who do I contact?

A: You may contact Shuang Xiong Foreign Service Company in Beijing at [86] (10) 6402-7616. 

Please note that neither the U.S. Embassy nor the State Department endorses or promotes specific providers. The information above is submitted as an information resource only and is not meant to be comprehensive or to imply endorsement.

Q: I lost my original birth certificate, CRBA, marriage certificate, Report of Death or other U.S. record and need to obtain another one.  What do I do?

A: Visit our website at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/obtain.html for information on ordering a certified copy of official U.S. documents.

ENROLLMENT/REGISTERING WITH THE U.S. EMBASSY

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program allows you to record information about your current address or upcoming trip abroad, so that the Department of State can assist you in case of an emergency.  Please enroll at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/acsreg.html.

Q: I’m leaving China.  How do I remove myself from registration/enrollment?

A: If you enrolled online, visit http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/acsreg.html to cancel your enrollment; if you previously submitted a paper registration, you may unregister by sending an email request to: amcitbeijing@state.gov.

VISAS TO THE UNITED STATES

The American Citizen Services office does not handle or answer any visa inquiries.  For information regarding non-immigrant visas, visit http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/niv_info.html.

·         For information regarding immigrant visas, please see http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/immigrant_visas.html.

·         You can also view the Department of State’s information about non-immigrant and immigrant visas at http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html.

·         The Office of Visa Services at the Department of State has phone numbers and email address for public inquiries, which can be found at http://travel.state.gov/visa/about/how/how_1463.html. 

SCHEDULING YOUR APPOINTMENT

Q: Why do I need to remember my password, print out and bring my confirmation sheet with me on the day of my appointment?

A: The confirmation sheet allows you to enter the Embassy on the day of your appointment.  The password allows you to access your appointment record to make any necessary changes prior to your appointment. Be sure to bring your passport and your confirmation.  You may be required to provide this information should you need to schedule another appointment.

Q: The system will not allow me to cancel my appointment and to reschedule a new one.  What do I do?

A: If you are unable to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please email your name, date and time of your appointment to amcitbeijing@state.gov.

Q: I need to have an urgent notarial or passport service request performed and there are no appointments available.  What should I do?

A: For urgent or emergency services only, please call the Embassy if you cannot get an appointment in time.

FEDERAL BENEFITS

Q: I’ve received my child’s CRBA and passport but have not yet received his/her Social Security card.  What should I do?

A: A new Social Security card may take up to six weeks to arrive.   The regional Social Security Office is in Manila.  Their contact information can be found at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/federal_benefits.html.

Q: I am ready to retire.  Can I arrange to have my Social Security and or Veteran’s benefit check mailed to me in China?

A: Direct deposit into a U.S. bank is preferable.  You can find more information at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/federal_benefits.html.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: I have not heard from my son/daughter/father/mother in the last few months.  Can ACS help me locate him/her?

A: Please provide more information about your son/daughter/father/mother – full name, date of birth, place of birth, e-mail address, home address, cell phone number, etc. to help us locate him/her.  Please note the following:

1) Privacy laws* prevent us from sharing any information about another individual without their permission;
2) It is helpful to have as much information as possible about the person we are seeking-i.e. their e-mail address, last known address…..etc.

*Privacy Act (PL-93-579) passed by Congress in 1974 prohibits Consular Officer in releasing any information regarding an individual without a written consent from that individual.

Q: I need to consult a doctor but I don’t know where to go.

A: American Citizen Services has compiled a list of medical facilities, some with English-speaking staff who may be able to help you.  This list and other general medical information are available on our website at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/acs_health.html.

Please note that neither the U.S. Embassy nor the State Department endorses or promotes specific providers. The information above is submitted as an information resource only and is not meant to be comprehensive or to imply endorsement.

Q: I think I’m a victim of an international financial scam.  What do I do?

A: If you feel you have been a victim of financial scam, visit our website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/financial_scams/financial_scams_3155.htmll.

Q: I’m having difficulties with my business.  Can the U.S. Embassy act as my legal representative regarding my dispute?

A: No, the U.S. Embassy is not able to act as a legal representative or give legal advice.  All legal disputes must be resolved through the Chinese legal system.  We have compiled a list of attorneys who are willing to work with foreigners in China http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/acs_legal.html.  Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the State Department endorse nor promote specific providers or services.

Q: I am a US citizen and would like to get married in China.  Where can I get a Marriageability Affidavit?

A: Visit our website at http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/acs_married.html for information regarding getting married in China.  Make a notarial appointment on our website to apply for the marriageability affidavit. 

Q. My U.S. driver’s license has expired, or is lost or stolen…..

A:  You must contact the Department of Motor Vehicle Office in the state where your driver’s license was issued for instructions.

A: The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau issues driver’s licenses.  Refer to their English website for detailed information on the application process:  http://www.bjjtgl.gov.cn/publish/portal1/tab183/.

Q: I have a question regarding my U.S. Legal Permanent Resident Card, also known as the “Green Card.”  Who do I contact?

A: You may contact the Department of Homeland Security office at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/niv_dshuscis.html.  The phone number is (10) 8531-3111 and the email address is DHSBeijing-CIS@dhs.gov.

Q: I’m interested in employment opportunities at the U.S. Embassy.  Who do I contact?

A: The U.S. Embassy in Beijing posts all job openings on the following web site:   http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/vacancies3.html.  You can also learn more about a career with the Department of State and information on taking the Foreign Service Exam at www.careers.state.gov.