ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificHow young is too young?
I don't think your age gap is all that much compared to a lot of people.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-01 12:33:00
Asia: East and PacificROBOT CUSTOMER SERVICE
Yes, we went through the same thing last year. It seems as though processing times have increased and increased--despite a tripling of the filing fees. Last year it was just the CSC that seemed to be taking forever. This year it looks like both centers have substantially longer processing times than they did several years ago.

When we first started checking into this thing, it seemed like it was maybe 5-6 months from filing to visa (if there were no problems). Now it seems it's more like a year. Hang in there.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-09 11:38:00
Asia: East and PacificMedical Exam Timeline in HCMC
QUOTE (CK&Tydi @ Jan 9 2009, 09:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
IOM will costs a little more but they have better services.

Melrose Plant, i saw a lot of comments that you put for Saigon is a Sh*tholes place. Seem like you did not respected the Country, I don't know you have the respect for your girl or not! Just my 2 cents.

Hmmm, should I take the bait or not? I'll only nibble. I can't help it if I dislike Saigon immensely. My wife hates Saigon much more than I do--she just doesn't know as many colorful words as I do (in English). And the truth is the truth. That hospital is a very, very dirty place. How else can I say it? I'm sure the other one couldn't be any worse, and I hope it's better.

Edited by Melrose Plant, 09 January 2009 - 11:08 AM.

Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-09 11:08:00
Asia: East and PacificMedical Exam Timeline in HCMC
We went to Ch? R?y hospital. What a little slice of hell. We personally know the director of one of the departments of this hospital, ch? T?. She admits the place is a shithole (there are two to a bed), but there just isn't enough money to do anything about it, they are doing the best they can.

I suppose it's an all right place to get the medical exam, but the other place certainly couldn't be any worse. If memory serves, she got the exam on one day, and we went back the next day to pick up the all-important HUGE packet with the stupid chest x-ray. They made her run up and down the halls repeatedly (in high heels) and then pronounced that she had high blood pressure, a diagnosis no-one has been able to recreate under any circumstances, even now that she is eight months pregnant.

Anyway, just plan on going there twice, once in the morning to get the exam, and again the afternoon of the next day to get the results. Don't hold the taxi, as it may take some time on both occasions.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-07 10:30:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnamese Consulate asked for passport!
QUOTE (luckytxn @ Jan 12 2009, 11:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a feeling that there is a misunderstanding. They thought she wanted to come pick it up and they told her what to bring to get it and she had maybe heard mail or something.

You know, that makes a good deal of sense. That's probably what happened.

However...boy, I'm making a lot of assumptions here, but assuming Packet 3 is going to be mailed, she sure shouldn't wait for it. She should get the form online, and get it filled out without wasting time.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-13 10:03:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnamese Consulate asked for passport!
I can answer one of your questions. CMNN stands for Ch?ng minh nhân dân, which is her Vietnamese National ID card. Or at least, I think it is, because that doesn't really match up with CMNN, does it? I think it should be CMND. I'm guessing that's what it should be anyway, what else would they want?

But WHY they want those just to pick up Packet 3, I have no idea. That seems highly irregular.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-12 12:57:00
Asia: East and PacificDon't Forget About 911
QUOTE (DPNH @ Jan 9 2009, 02:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
911 is nothing! My spouse already told me "Women in America have lots of rights compared to Vietnam. One of best, in my opinion, and Vietnam will NEVER have is that if a man hits a woman here, we can call the cops and you guys will go to jail!"

And it's very common that VNese ladies got physically abused. (here or VN)

Uh, OK. That is one possible use of 911, I guess. But my point was, quite apart from any real or perceived rights or oppression, in the U.S. or abroad, HOW do you call the cops, not WHY do you want to call the cops, see?
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-09 16:39:00
Asia: East and PacificDon't Forget About 911
Technically, this probably belongs under Starting Life in the U.S., but I think the message is possibly more important here.

I just realized a few days ago that for the last 7 months, Mai didn't know about our 911 emergency system. It never occurred to me to explain it, because every grade school child knows how to call 911 if they need help, right?

Don't be stupid like me and forget to tell your newly-arrived spouse about how and when to call 911. And probably when NOT to.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-09 11:21:00
Asia: East and Pacificjust a general question
QUOTE (luckytxn @ Jan 12 2009, 08:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just found out that I posted enough to be able to change my member status name to whatever I wanted. Pretty cool.

See? Now you never have to be a "Mucho Elder Member." THAT'S cool. tongue.gif
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-12 21:53:00
Asia: East and Pacificjust a general question
QUOTE (flicker @ Jan 11 2009, 09:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jack & Xuan @ Jan 11 2009, 09:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know what determines the, I guess it is rank for lack of a better word? It is the boxes under your name.

Just thought I would ask.

http://www.visajourn...ey_Member_Ranks

Most enlightening. And that also explains why most people change their rank name when they are able--"Mucho Elder Member?" How goofy.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-12 00:52:00
Asia: East and Pacificquestions about forms for Phuong
QUOTE (Mr. Leggs @ Dec 29 2008, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
form I-156 is for non-immigrant visa application, isn't it?

Dan

A K-1 visa is technically a non-immigrant visa, therefore we do the 156. However, since most people who get K-1 visas intend to immigrate, some of the questions on the 156 seem silly or redundant. Thusly, this thread is born! Ph?i không?

Edited by Melrose Plant, 30 December 2008 - 06:57 AM.

Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2008-12-30 06:56:00
Asia: East and Pacificquestions about forms for Phuong
I remember on those two questions, our form went in saying, "Not Applicable."
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2008-12-28 08:48:00
Asia: East and Pacificwhat language (English or Vietnamese) will be on the forms in packet 3 from HCMC?
On further thought, you should tell your wife not to continue waiting for Packet 3, if that is in fact what she is doing. Pull it off the internet. She can fill it out right now and go down there and turn it in forthwith. That way, you eliminate some waiting.

Edited by Melrose Plant, 14 January 2009 - 05:59 PM.

Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-14 17:58:00
Asia: East and Pacificwhat language (English or Vietnamese) will be on the forms in packet 3 from HCMC?
Packet 3 is, according to my wife, in both English and Vietnamese--the instructions are bilingual, and all questions on the form itself are bilingual. Therefore, I'm guessing your wife will honestly be able to put that no, nobody helped me with this form.

Packet 4, which I have actually seen for myself is also bilingual, but you don't really do anything with Packet 4, it is just instructions and her interview letter. Nothing to fill out with Packet 4. Good luck!
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-14 17:55:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview in HCMC?
OK, now you suddenly have a lot less time to think about what you're going to do (because of the unexpected speedy approval at USCIS). That's good.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-15 14:51:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview in HCMC?
OK, one thing at a time. Packet 3: I interrogated Mai (she must like you too), and she doesn't know the answer to your question, either. After the case file arrived in HCMC, she pulled Packet 3 off the internet, filled it out, and DHL'd it to Mr. Nam down there. He took care of it from there.

As for the other, yes, Form I-134 must be notorized. Let's review the guides, because you still have lots of time to think about what you're going to do. Not a good thing, right? Hehe.

http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1guide

P.S. What are you doing up so early?

Edited by Melrose Plant, 14 January 2009 - 06:12 PM.

Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-14 18:11:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview in HCMC?
QUOTE (JonasMichaels @ Jan 14 2009, 01:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh James, this should make ya happy, I thought of a new question! Do I have to go in to the consulate again to get anything for packet 3 notarized? Any more notarizations at this point? Remember, I am here in VN. Thanks
Jonas

I'm going to pass this one off to someone else, because I really don't know. I wasn't with Mai during the time she was dealing with Packets 3 and 4. I didn't come over there until we had a firm interview date. Come to think of it, Mai sort of did the whole thing by remote control from Hanoi through Mr. Nam and Marc Ellis. Neither of us actually travelled to Saigon until a few days before the interview.

Edited by Melrose Plant, 14 January 2009 - 09:13 AM.

Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-14 09:11:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview in HCMC?
I really hate to quote Ronald Reagan, but Jonas, "there you go again." One of these days, I'm going to have to meet this Phuong of yours to see if she really worries as much as you do.

Even though you cringe when I say it, Don't Worry, Jonas. It will be Obvious where to go when you get there. And if by some chance you go to the wrong door by mistake, there will be a nice young man with a machine gun there to direct Phuong to the correct place. As you're facing the consulate, it's the door about, oh, 25 meters to the right of the main door.

The reason I really like you Jonas, and always answer your questions to the best of my ability, is that you're very self aware of your "worriess," and don't mind a little ribbing about it. I figure that means you must be a happy man. Worried, but happy. Um, wait.......that's not how the song goes...... huh.gif
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-13 09:32:00
Asia: East and Pacifictraveling to vietnam with expired GC and NOA1 letter
QUOTE (chuckandkim @ Jan 14 2009, 07:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Melrose,

Been ebaying non-stop for iPhones?????? rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif rofl.gif Cuz' you can't just walk in ATT or Apple stores and buy 40 iphones....or you know how?

Last time, I bought 3 at once (pre 3G), plus a MacBook Pro laptop at the Apple Store. The guy did mention something about officially being a little reluctant, but he sold them to me no problem. 40, I agree would be more difficult. 40 with no contract, that is.

As an aside, I was a little worried about entering Vietnam packing something like $3000 worth of electronics, but once again, no one was at the customs desk to check for anything. Amazing.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-14 09:43:00
Asia: East and Pacifictraveling to vietnam with expired GC and NOA1 letter
QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Jan 14 2009, 12:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She's got a Green Card, so she doesn't need AP (as in Advance of getting her Green Card). Now all you need to do is purchase about 40 iPhones, right?

I'm so sorry, I just crack myself up. Maybe your family is not as obsessed with getting an iPhone as mine is. Honestly, I think if you brought 40 iPhones with you, it would pay for the trip to Vietnam.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-14 01:07:00
Asia: East and Pacifictraveling to vietnam with expired GC and NOA1 letter
She's got a Green Card, so she doesn't need AP (as in Advance of getting her Green Card). Now all you need to do is purchase about 40 iPhones, right?
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-14 01:04:00
Asia: East and Pacifictraveling to vietnam with expired GC and NOA1 letter
QUOTE (Sinh & Lien @ Jan 12 2009, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am so glad i found this post. Here is my situation, please clarify:

My wife entered the US with K-1, she got her two-year permanent resident card (green card) back in November 2007. Her green card will expire this November 2009 and her Vietnam passport will expire some time in 2011. We plan on going back to Vietnam this March. What other documents will she need to have (or apply for) besides what she already have and of course a plane ticket?

Thanks...

I don't know, I'm thinking she's good to go. She of course won't need a visa to enter Vietnam. I think that's it, unless you want to bring like 40 iPhones with you.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-12 21:57:00
Asia: East and Pacifictraveling to vietnam with expired GC and NOA1 letter
Boy, I sure would get a passport if I were her. What happened to her Vietnamese passport?
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2008-12-29 18:17:00
Asia: East and PacificSharing my news with the other Vietnam members...
QUOTE (DPNH @ Jan 15 2009, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When my wife and I were on the journey for "the Visa", I update progress of our case in ONE single thread, unless the question(s)/answer(s) is/are NOT related to the relevant issue.

It's like when you write a book, if you come up with new idea, write a new chapter, not a whole new book!

My 3.1416©

What if your mind works like a chapter in a Virginia Woolf book?
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-15 18:15:00
Asia: East and PacificSharing my news with the other Vietnam members...
Congratulations again, Jonas and Phuong. good.gif
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-15 14:40:00
Asia: East and Pacificwhat is best postal company to use sending to vietnam
DHL.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-14 00:58:00
Asia: East and PacificA little confused about Packet 3
Yes, I agree with the above posters, especially the part about making the trip personally, or having a trusted proxy do it.

And to add to their answers, no, I don't believe any payment is required at this time.

BUG, are you already to the turning in Packet 3 stage? Congratulations! Don't be such a stranger!
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-18 10:08:00
Asia: East and PacificPink
I think that if you can swing it, you ought to go over there to be with her for Tet. I really think that would mean a lot to Trang and her family, money notwithstanding. That was our original plan, except the wife is now 8 months preggers. That kind of messed up travel plans for Tet. Maybe next year.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-09 13:10:00
Asia: East and PacificPink
This is wonderful news not only for y'all, but for many others who are waiting for their cases to resolve. Congratulations, and good luck to you both!
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-06 15:00:00
Asia: East and PacificFiancée has her Name spelled wrong!
Never mind. Edited out a mistake.

Edited by Melrose Plant, 19 January 2009 - 09:05 PM.

Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-19 21:04:00
Asia: East and PacificFiancée has her Name spelled wrong!
My wife also had her name spelled wrong in several places. Heck, they even got it wrong on her eventual visa! Nothing bad happened. I wouldn't sweat it. Just make sure it's right documents from now on.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-18 14:14:00
Asia: East and PacificNew Member
First, welcome to our weird little corner of VJ. Second, it is always sad to hear that journey No. 1 went awry for one reason or another, but at least you're together. And third.....well, I guess I really didn't have a third point, but having already got this far......

I guess there is a third thing, but it's a question for you. How are you able to have stayed in Vietnam for over a year? That is, how are you making money? I know that for many people, this is the major stumbling block preventing them from moving to Vietnam.

Again, welcome.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-10 08:03:00
Asia: East and PacificPolice Certificate in Vietnam...pls help
We didn't have any of that stuff translated into English. It's unnecessary when dealing with the consulate. Only the folks at USCIS need translations.

Let's see, we had the household book, the police certificate, the single certificate, and what else? I'm sure I'm forgetting something. If memory serves, the police cert. needs to be newer than 6 months.

Eric made a good point, even if he got the gender of his pronouns wrong. But he's always lived in...Nha Trang, is it? Memory is failing me. Wherever it is, he only needs one police certificate if he's only lived in one place.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-18 10:01:00
Asia: East and PacificTet (Lunar New Year)
How very strange. My whole family is fat (except for B? and the 20 year old cháu Quang), and verging on proud of it. Almost all the people in the North seem to wish to have a little meat on their bones, but few do. Few can afford the kind of diet which will make you that way.

But now that I'm thinking about it, even the prosperous people we visited in the South were by and large thin. I'm no anthropologist, but I wonder if that's from there being more Western influence in the South.

We plan to go to Vietnam next year for Tet, but now you have just reminded me that not all will be sweetness and light. I will dread every meal, because I know I will be forced to eat about three times what should stuff a normal person. And I don't like Bánh Ch?ng. Happy New Year again!
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-25 10:04:00
Asia: East and PacificTet (Lunar New Year)
Happy New Year to All!
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-24 19:29:00
Asia: East and PacificTet (Lunar New Year)
Or possibly the year of the buffalo.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-20 18:59:00
Asia: East and PacificTaxes and a Vietnamese Non Resident Spouse
IgnatiusJ.Reilly, you are SO busted! You've been idling for WAY more than five minutes.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-20 19:11:00
Asia: East and PacificNotary Publics In Saigon
QUOTE (Joe Six-Pack @ Jan 27 2009, 09:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (payxibka @ Jan 27 2009, 09:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
here is a cite from the DOS that might give you added ideas on where to look..

Recognition of Notarial Acts Performed Abroad in the United States:

The laws of states in the United States also make specific provision for the recognition of documents executed outside the United States. Most states have enacted legislation similar to the Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgements Act, the Uniform Acknowledgments Act and the Uniform Law on Notarials which recognize the admissibility of documents executed outside the United States before an ambassador, minister, consul general, consul, vice consul or consular agent of the United States.

http://travel.state....o/info_630.html


Thanks. Looks like Melrose Plant might get himself in a little trouble!

Possible Repercussions of American Notaries or Other Persons Notarizing Documents Abroad: Notarizing documents by a person not empowered by treaty or local (foreign) law to perform such acts may result in the arrest of a commissioner of deeds of American notary, even through the act is authorized by the laws of the commissioner or notary''s home state. The Department of State is concerned that, in the exercise of their powers, state commissioners of deeds or notaries public may unknowingly violate the judicial sovereignty of a foreign country by usurping the functions of duly authorized foreign officials. All U.S. Foreign Service posts are therefore instructed to advise the Department of State of the operation of any American commissioners of deeds or notaries public in their consular districts.

Thank goodness I am relieved of that responsibility. What a boring, if lucrative, way to make a living.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-27 19:07:00
Asia: East and PacificRenew Vietnam Passport with VN Consulate
Holy #######! $70 for a 3 month multi! I got scammed. mad.gif
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-27 19:20:00
Asia: East and PacificRenew Vietnam Passport with VN Consulate
Thanks Mr. Leggs, that helps us out, too.
Melrose PlantMaleVietnam2009-01-24 19:35:00