tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post3826284966659479272..comments2023-04-21T11:14:12.892-07:00Comments on Rosie in BJ: baby passport and visa woesrosieinbjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981791686276501248noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-3122520686957012332015-03-09T23:03:39.100-07:002015-03-09T23:03:39.100-07:00@KO Thanks for the compliments! Yes, he was issued...@KO Thanks for the compliments! Yes, he was issued a US passport and Proof of Birth Abroad. He will also be getting a Social Security Number but that takes several months to receive.rosieinbjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12981791686276501248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-15648764076991498792015-03-04T05:12:53.988-08:002015-03-04T05:12:53.988-08:00Adding to the comments that William is uber-adorab...Adding to the comments that William is uber-adorable. You're blessed.<br /><br />Did you get him the passport? It's not only a matter of practicality (ie. using it to travel), which can be tricky in a place that does not recognize dual-cititzenship, as you are aware. But it's important for those moments where tangibly displaying US citizenship gives you access to the privileges of being a US citizen. Bypassing the long queue at the American Embassy? Yes, that's nice. Worst-case scenario: You need life/death assistance or evacuation assistance via the Embassy. You're set, but you want to make sure your family is as well by having their issued US passports. Glad to hear you decided to get one for the family. <br /><br />Your blog is amazing, by the way. :)K.O.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06847840750861694421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-44136183292773491422015-01-09T06:36:23.977-08:002015-01-09T06:36:23.977-08:00@Ruth, thanks so much for commenting and sharing y...@Ruth, thanks so much for commenting and sharing your experience. That's great that your son can still get a hukou. I didn't know that was possible for children born outside of China and that is really important for parents who may want to settle in China while their child is growing up. rosieinbjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12981791686276501248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-37466809859026106722015-01-09T04:40:43.532-08:002015-01-09T04:40:43.532-08:00Our son was born in Austria and has Austrian citiz...Our son was born in Austria and has Austrian citizenship. He's still considered a Chinese citizen in China because his father is Chinese. <br /><br />We got him a Chinese travel document at the Chinese embassy in Austria to enter China (we used his Austrian passport to exit Austria and the Chinese travel document to enter China). We thought it great that we didn't have to give up his right to apply for Chinese citizenship, because, well, you never know. If he didn't get the travel permit, but a normal residence permit for China (like you'd get if the Chinese father had a residence permit for Austria, which my husband doesn't), we'd have had to give up this right.<br /><br />Even though he was born in Austria, it was possible to get him registered in his father's hukou with the travel permit. We didn't know it was possible, so we are very happy about this because it means he can visit public school and get social insurance in China.Ruthnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-40176119932676471472015-01-09T03:55:07.324-08:002015-01-09T03:55:07.324-08:00@Yocelyn, Thanks for your comment and compliment. ...@Yocelyn, Thanks for your comment and compliment. :) Visas are often a pain in the butt, at least for us. I'm pretty used to it. It is unfortunate that the PRC doesn't allow dual citizenship. I'm hoping one day this will change so that my son and step-daughter will be able to enjoy both. I think my husband intends to get American citizenship one day. . . we'll see.rosieinbjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12981791686276501248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-36001130738830549152015-01-09T00:33:16.644-08:002015-01-09T00:33:16.644-08:00Your son is adorable. I ran into your blog through...Your son is adorable. I ran into your blog through "Speaking of China". This was an interesting post. Going through the visa process sounds like such a struggle. It's sad that China won't allow anyone to have a dual citizenship. My boyfriend recently became a US citizen. It was a hard decision to make having to give up his citizenship with China.Yocelynhttp://www.mychineseboyfriend.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-61961791419325544472015-01-06T16:03:17.727-08:002015-01-06T16:03:17.727-08:00@Jocelyn, yeah, it's a lot to deal with! But I...@Jocelyn, yeah, it's a lot to deal with! But I've had enough issues with my own visas that I guess I shouldn't be surprised (just annoyed).<br /><br />@Constance, I agree, all governments are somewhat alike/have bureaucracy. The problem with China is that the rules are often unclear or unable to be found or change at the drop of a dime. I think in the US, at least, it's more straight forward.<br /><br />@Charlotte, Thank you so much for posting your experiences. The info about public schools and getting a travel permit (in your home country) without your husband is very useful. <br /><br />My husband claims his daughter didn't do well as a baby with the fireworks, though I believe that most Chinese babies are probably okay. Our dog is totally unfazed, but they make me a nervous wreck!<br /><br />I know what it's like with the homework. My step-daughter used to get mountains of it. For some reason, now that she is in 5th grade, the homework is less or maybe she is just more efficient at getting it done.rosieinbjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12981791686276501248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-80045385743027469032015-01-06T06:28:40.178-08:002015-01-06T06:28:40.178-08:00I was shocked that dual citizenship wasn't an ...I was shocked that dual citizenship wasn't an option when I first found out. We got US citizenship for both kids, but the local govt. still considers them CHinese due to being born here so when we leave the country have to get those exit visas. Then in the US have to get special travel booklets. And if the Chinese parent isn't with you in the US, you get the runaround with requests for proof that your husband's employer gives permission for the kids to come to China! Seriously. That happened to us. So my kids have empty US passports, two for my oldest. <br /><br />My son is in public school here; as long as you pay enough, they accept you! But this might be short-lived since the homework is insane. He's six and three months and does homework until nearly 9:30 each night.<br /><br />As for Spring Festival, these half-Chinese babies sleep through the fireworks just fine. :) After nine years, I still have trouble but both kids sleep through them and wake up fully rested. <br /><br />HOpe you have a good time in the USA!Charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15234560648529945367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-39003074878096441082015-01-06T03:35:47.176-08:002015-01-06T03:35:47.176-08:00I think all governments are alike. I remember my ...I think all governments are alike. I remember my Canadian friend telling me that he had to bring his 2 month old child, who was born in Taiwan, all the way to Taipei to apply for her Canadian citizenship (I guess to prove that she existed). Then it took nearly a year for her to get her citizenship card. However, she now has dual citizenship as her mom is Taiwanese.<br /><br />Taiwanese can hold dual citizenship but if you want to become a Taiwanese citizen, you need to give up your other passport. So, I am quite happy having a visa under my husband's name as I am NOT giving up my Canadian citizenship.<br /><br />Glad everything worked out for you !!:) Your son is a real cutie pie! :)Constance - Foreign Sanctuaryhttp://foreignsanctuary.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-16516338498027994502015-01-05T20:50:25.703-08:002015-01-05T20:50:25.703-08:00This is a really fascinating post. Never realized ...This is a really fascinating post. Never realized all of the weird bureaucracy you have to face when you have kids here (and make certain choices about their citizenship)! I'm glad everything turned out OK for you and the kids.Jocelyn Eikenburghttp://www.speakingofchina.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-64757358377390942332015-01-04T04:13:58.893-08:002015-01-04T04:13:58.893-08:00@Linda, thanks! We think he's pretty cute. ;)
...@Linda, thanks! We think he's pretty cute. ;)<br /><br />@Sarah, it is so complicated. Everyone's circumstances are a little different, but I hope this can help. If your baby is born in Britain, you should definitely check out Ember Swift's post on her son Paz (if you haven't already). I know she talks about what she had to do for him since he was born in Canada.rosieinbjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12981791686276501248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-55286431508391312492015-01-04T01:23:17.074-08:002015-01-04T01:23:17.074-08:00Hi Rosie,
This really is very useful. Circumstanc...Hi Rosie,<br /><br />This really is very useful. Circumstances a little different with us but nevertheless I'm sure we'll encounter similar issues and frustrations!<br /><br />Bookmarked! xxSarah - Diariesofayangxifuhttp://www.diariesofayangxifu.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23859102.post-11631386951381094412015-01-03T23:10:30.338-08:002015-01-03T23:10:30.338-08:00You baby boy is sooo adorable! Love his light hair...You baby boy is sooo adorable! Love his light hair and beautiful eyes! Lindahttp://www.lindalivinginchina.com/noreply@blogger.com