ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificPINK!!!!WE PASSED!!!!!!!!!!
Waaahooo. I am happy for both of you. I hope the rest of the process goes smooth for you. good.gif
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-15 10:50:00
Asia: East and PacificMy fiancee interview is today
WOW. Congratulations to both of you. I hope Xuan's interview goes as smoothly.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-23 19:15:00
Asia: East and PacificGreat news
I called the NVC today and they told me that our packet was sent to HCMC on July 25th. I am starting to get nervous now. I just want the interview to go well and for Xuan to get her Visa. I HATE waiting. I am sure ME will do a good job for us.

I will send Xuan a packet of documents Friday.

kicking.gif
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-29 17:19:00
Asia: East and PacificGreat news
QUOTE (don2008 @ Jul 17 2008, 06:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
mine went through the NVC pretty fast, my hold up was at the HCM comsulate. congrats and good luck!


How did you know when it was recieved or sent from NVC and what does the NVC actually do?
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-17 17:05:00
Asia: East and PacificGreat news
*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: WAC0811050378

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On July 16, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.


Sincerely,


The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Does this mean the longest part of the wait is over unless we have any issues with the interview? Either way I was very happy to see this because I did not think it would happen for another 3 months. kicking.gif
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-16 23:06:00
Asia: East and PacificTracking
Once the NVC mails the packet to HCMC how can I track it? Is there any way to know when the consulate receives the packet?
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-31 22:15:00
Asia: East and Pacificshould i try to present evidence asked for , or just hire lawyer?
If it helps any I has already hired and paid $1800 for a lawyer here in the states. They ask for all the documents and put the 129f together for me and sent everything off the USCIS. Once I found out about Mark Ellis and Mr Nam I also hired them because they were IN HCMC and they could talk to Xuan and answer her questions and prepair her for the interview. They also will help her by taking care of packet #3 and helping her with getting her physical. Even though I had to pay for Mark Ellis services just like I had never hired a lawyer here in the states I am with you when I think, I don't care about the money as much as I want to have Xuan by my side as soon as I can, AND it will make it easier for her and that is a BIG point for me. So all that to say. I would Hire Mark Ellis and let him help you the rest of the way. You can explain to her family that the American way is to use a lawyer and hope that will be enough, either way I would hire him. He is very highly recommended on this site. good.gif
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-08-03 21:27:00
Asia: East and PacificGot word fron senator
This is sad. Is the Vietnamese government worried they will run out of women? Are you KIDDING ME? wacko.gif blink.gif
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-30 20:05:00
Asia: East and Pacificpreparation for the incoming interview on Aug. 19
I am getting a packet ready to send to Xuan of items like more phone records and proof of payment for my tickets and such. Since I found out that my bank will do the notory for free, I am notorizing everything I can.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-08-04 18:46:00
Asia: East and PacificPreapaid calling
I use a prepaid calling account from the internet to call Xuan. It is called Onesuite.com but it cost $.10 per min. Does anyone have another option that will still document my calls each month and be cheaper?
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-10 18:25:00
Asia: East and PacificGot the pink
Great news Rodney. I am happy for both of you. Good luck with the next step of the process.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-08-13 07:46:00
Asia: East and PacificCalifornia Service Center?????
If it were me I would try very hard to send it to Vermont. They seem to be quicker about processing the I 129F.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-08-26 20:39:00
Asia: East and PacificReturned back to the US
Have you thought about moving to Vietnam for a short time until you get all of this straightened out? I know that Xuan and I are waiting for Packet #4 and if for some reason she is not apporved and we have a fight on our hands I have given serious thought to moving there for some time just so we can be together. Not sure how just yet but I am hopeful that we will not have much trouble with the Interview. BUT with this consluate you never know. Good luck and I hope all goes well.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-08-19 22:34:00
Asia: East and PacificFianlly filed AOS
QUOTE (Eric and An Thuy @ Aug 23 2008, 07:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes do all AP EAD and AoS together Rodney Good Luck Melrose good luck to you both sorry to hear that you were sick


Did you do all of the AOS paperwork yourself or did you have help?
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-08-23 21:02:00
Asia: East and Pacificvisa to Vietnam
18 hours in a plane is even worse when you are a fat guy such as myself. I have found that if you have to ride in the cheap seats like I do then the window seat in row 59 or 60 is good for lots of leg room. Plus the ride in the "back of the bus" is much more eventful. Going into and out of Hong Kong is quite fun. It is like riding a roller coster. I was very impressed that the plane held together after the beating we seem to take. But that could have been because I was in the very tail of the plane. Either way it was good fun.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-08-26 20:37:00
Asia: East and Pacificvisa to Vietnam
QUOTE (RalphandHanh @ Aug 25 2008, 04:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When I went in January, I had a Vietnamese travel agent book my flight. I want to do it myself this time but I'm having a problem finding out what the fees are. I went to the Vietnam embassy page and click the link for the fee but there is nothing there. Or should I use a travel agent again? Any thoughts? I want to visit mid to late Sept.


The fee was $65 when I got one in April of this year. There is a number you can call on the form you will fill out to get your Visa. They can tell you for sure.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-08-25 15:54:00
Asia: East and PacificPINK PINK PINK WOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
That sounded like a very smooth interview. I hope ours will be as smooth. Congradulations and I hope you have many happy years together ahead.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-08-26 07:23:00
Asia: East and PacificWish us luck! September 5th Interview, HCMC
Good Luck.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-09-04 18:29:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC INTERVIEW - MAY 30th - PASSED
This is a very good post Bill. I have not seen you on here for a bit but now I know you had your hands kinda full. Gratz on the new baby and I hope all is going well for you.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-09-05 20:33:00
Asia: East and PacificNightmarish thought.
I never regretted falling in love with a foreigner before but at times, this almost seems like too much risk, work, and worry. Can I go back in time and not join Cherry Blossom? No, I don't mean that, I love her but .....


I am with you there, and it is the path we have started to walk. I keep thinking that at least it is not like back in the day when all you could do is "snail mail" with never chatting or web cam. If it were like that still I would never do this. So at least I can talk to Xuan each night or chat with web cam. That makes the process much less painful I think.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-09-10 20:16:00
Asia: East and PacificCancelled application and starting a new one for a different relationship
I think you may want to look elsewhere for your sweetie. Vietnam is so hard to deal with when it comes to this process. I have not completed it yet but I have seen the struggles others have gone through. I am hoping my path will be less bumpy but you never know. I fear you are setting yourself and the woman you are going to see for some big time heart ache. You may want to take a good long look at what others have said so far and ask yourself if this is how you want to spend your last petition chance. I understand that you my only file 2 petitions within 2 years befroe it becomes almost impossiable to file another. My advice would be if you are intent on bringing a woman to America from another country I would try a country where it is much easier to complete this process.

Just a thought
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-08-21 13:42:00
Asia: East and PacificBIG PROBLEM!
Xuan also signed her name with just Xuan so I explained how to sign the papers and all was good. One issue we did have was the background on the passport photo. Make sure it is white. I asked to see the photos before Xuan was going to send them to me and sure enough they were passport photos but the background was blue. I guess this is ok in Vietnam but you will want to make sure the background is white.

Good luck
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-09-13 10:57:00
Asia: East and PacificOur I-129f (K-3) Petition cleared the NVC
gratz. Now for the hard part. It seem faster but the pressure really starts to build now. At least it does for me anyway because there is nothing I can do to help from here on except send money for all of her forms.

Good luck
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-09-10 20:19:00
Asia: East and PacificConsidering relocating to Vietnam
QUOTE (What @ Oct 8 2008, 10:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How about moving to europe or australia or other parts of asia. i gather you are a college graduate, with work experence in a professional field. It's much easier to get similar types of western jobs in europe, japan, hong kong, australia. it's much easier for your wife to go to those countries as well. Seems like leaving everything in the US is not an issue, so why not move to one of thos places.



That is a good idea good.gif
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-10-08 17:34:00
Asia: East and PacificConsidering relocating to Vietnam
Try looking here. http://www.vietnamwo...ekers/login.php

good luck
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-10-04 23:54:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview questions
I agree that it is not only what you answer but HOW you answer this question that counts. Xuan was very confident with her answers because we practiced everyday for over 3 months. BUT I have heard of the consulate calling the other part of the couple to ask them the same questions and if they do not match then that is the end of that. That is why when we practice Xuan answered the question exactily as I had written them for her to answer and I had all of the documentation up on both of my monitors just incase they called me. Long story short they do not know the correct answer in most cases but they may compair the answers so be prepaired.

Just my thoughts, but what do I know? We got a green sheet on our first try. crying.gif
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-10-08 17:21:00
Asia: East and PacificMy wife called we passed :D
Gratz to you and your wife. I hope her flight is smooth and uneventful.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-10-09 10:31:00
Asia: East and PacificGot Interview Date! NEXT WEEK!
Good luck to you. I hope your outcome is better then ours was today.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-10-07 02:02:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview scheduled
Good luck to you. I hope you have a better outcome then we did.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-10-16 19:03:00
Asia: East and PacificGreen slip too
Yea that ex thing was a bit of a stretch for me too but I made sure to send Xuan to the interview with BOTH of my Rx's current address, 2 utility bills with their name and address on them, and she even learned their address just Incas they ask her. We had a time line and all that stuff. Where they wanted more information for us was. They wanted my last 10 years addresses, her aunt and cousins that live in Huston, their last 10 years addresses. A copy of their ID and passports as well. Xuan trained all that in today and got a blue slip that said we need to wait for their decision. At least that is what I think she explained to me. So now we wait. So far we have given every single piece of evidence they have asked for and anything we could think they may ask for in the future. Mr. Nam, who works with Mark Ellis has been a big help to Xuan so far. It seems that Mr. Nam does 90% of the work, at least in our case anyway.

We will see wacko.gif
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-10-15 16:17:00
Asia: East and PacificVN Visa filers, where is your SO from?
Xuan lives in HCMC until she moves to Indiana with me. I have spent most of my time in HCMC and I find it very interesting. Each time I go I am impressed with the traffic... or maybe that is fear. Either way it is amazing that there seems to be some kind of understood traffic philosophy but I am at a loss to understand it. I am very much looking forward to Xuan's reactions when we drive home from the airport and into my city. I keep telling her she will ask me where all of the people are in America. If I use my travels in southern Vietnam as a gage compared to my area of America then we live in a country wide ghost town. We will know Oct 6 if we get pink or have to continue the wait.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-10-01 21:34:00
Asia: East and Pacificsending money back to vietnam
When I visited Xuan in Siagon, she started to pay for some stuff and I would not let her. I have never NOT paid for items when it comes eating out or a taxi or something like that. I did not know about the woman paying for things until I read this post. I did let her pay for some things on the second trip only when all I had on me was large bills and it was a small item like a taxi bill. I alway kept the money and most of the time even if she paid I would have to take the change. I would ask her from time to time when I was there if she needed any money but every time she would say no. I am not a rich person by any means but I did try to take enough money to be sure I could pay for most anything I wanted. I tried to keep about 2 million Dong on me when I would leave the hotel room and the rest in the safe in the room. I would keep maybe 20 dollars US on me as well. On my second trip we had our engaugement party which I paid for everything and that hurt but we also flew up to Dalat and tooled around there for a week. At the end of both my trips I gave her most of the Dong I had left. It was hard for her to take it from me but after we talked she accepted it. I continue to ask her if she needs money and each time she tells me no. I have sent her money for items like the physical and bribes for getting other documents as we are all aware of. I am very sure that we will send her family money when she moves to America and I think that is normal. I have done the same for my family so it is not a out of the ordinary to do the same for her family. The ammount may not be much from some peoples stand point but I am sure it will help. Her family are good people and I would be happy to help if I can. However if we have agreed to an ammount, that would be the ammount we send. I do plan to retire near where her parents live if at all possible. I am 38 now so I am thinking maybe 10 years or so I hope.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-10-26 15:37:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa Denied Also
I am very happy for you both. Now that you have the Visa you can enjoy the rest of your lives together. good.gif
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-31 10:18:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa Denied Also
QUOTE (pasaitoh @ Jul 16 2008, 09:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ME just contacted me. He will be going to the consulate tomorrow about my (and others cases). Fingers are crossed!



Good luck
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-17 00:53:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa Denied Also
QUOTE (AmericanGentleman @ Jun 27 2008, 08:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pasaitoh @ Jun 27 2008, 12:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm so low I'm not expecting any help at this point, but the fact that I am trying to do something about it is keeping my head above water.

The worst part of this is having to explain to everyone you know why you didn't get the visa. And then them agreeing with you that someone must be on drugs not to approve it.

Sigh...


I am right there with you buddy. This is truely a miserable feeling. On the outside I am putting on a strong front. I am joking with people and trying to be a pillar of strength for my fiance. But on the inside I am falling apart. The shock and surprise that this is happening is turning into a cold reality and I am searching for a place in my soul to shelf it so I am not constantly tripping over it.

Although I am doing everything I can to keep the current petition alive, I am beginning to plan for round 2. Rather than filing another K1 petition and having my dream wedding/honeymoon at Niagra Falls in the US, I am thinking our best course would be to marry in Vietnam and got for the K3/CR1 visa. Maybe an effin marriage certificate will convince the CO next time that our relationship is real. I figure we should have some resolution either way on the K-1 by the end of the summer so I am looking to plan a trip to Vietnam in late October. I just have to find out what the process is for marriage over there. So if any of you guys will be in Vietnam at that time, I will buy you a bowl of Pho.

That said, I am also going to research immigration requirements to other countries. I will not stand for round 2 being denied. I love America but I refuse to let America run my life. If it take leaving the states, then that is what we will do.



I have put a lot of thought into moving to Vietnam myself. Have you thought about that? I think I will go for Xuan's interview and if she does not get her Visa for some reason I think I will just stay and renew my Visa every 6 months.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-06-27 15:13:00
Asia: East and PacificSending Money to Vietnam
I use westernunion and it cost me $20 every time I send $100. Maybe I am getting robbed? crying.gif
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-07-08 23:45:00
Asia: East and PacificSending Money to Vietnam
I have thouht about changing to a truck driver. I think it would be a good way for Xuan and I to be able to spend time together and for her to see some of the country. I have not discussed it with her yet. I am not sure about the pay though. I guess that would depend on many factors with the largest factor being that I have never even seen the inside of a Semi. I guess that is what the schools are for though.

QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jun 13 2008, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jack & Xuan @ Jun 13 2008, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This may sound like a stupid question but do you live in Indiana? I would love to meet up with others that are or have gone through this process and I only know of one person.

QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jun 12 2008, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jack & Xuan @ Jun 12 2008, 05:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That was my thought. I was just going to leave an ATM card on an account I have here in my city. When I wanted to send money I would just deposit money into the account and tell them they could withdraw however much it is. There will be an ATM fee and international fee of a total of $3 for the bank I use myself. For now though when I have needed to send Xuan any money we just use Western Union. It gives receipts of who from and who to and it has that information on the web site too. It does cost more but the quick access to money and receipt are worth it to me.

Just a thought



Jack in Whiteland there is are 2 Pilot Travel Centers and in Seymour there is a Travel Center of America. Western Union has a special program called Direct Connect. You call 877.984.0473 and give them the information. They will then give you an 8 (or maybe 10) digit code. You then take the cash (and it must be cash, as stupid as that is these days) to either travel center (to my knowledge only Pilot and T/A participate) and pay them. It is only a $6 fee for up to $300 I think. It is cheaper than the regular Western Union service. If you do it make sure and ask if you can get a gold card. That way you just give them your number every time and they pull up the information.




No, I'm a Trucker in the Entertainment Industry. I'm getting ready to go out with the "Warped Tour". It's a bunch of punk/alternative bands. We will be in Noblesville, IN on July 31st. It's above Indy, so it's a little ways away from you. That's as close as I'll be all summer if they leave me on the tour. Sometimes things change here. It's hard to make plans. If you want to make the drive though I'll gladly meet up. I just met Melrose Plant and his wife Mai at a Flying J truck stop the other night. It was pretty cool.

Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-06-13 11:51:00
Asia: East and PacificSending Money to Vietnam
This may sound like a stupid question but do you live in Indiana? I would love to meet up with others that are or have gone through this process and I only know of one person.

QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jun 12 2008, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jack & Xuan @ Jun 12 2008, 05:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That was my thought. I was just going to leave an ATM card on an account I have here in my city. When I wanted to send money I would just deposit money into the account and tell them they could withdraw however much it is. There will be an ATM fee and international fee of a total of $3 for the bank I use myself. For now though when I have needed to send Xuan any money we just use Western Union. It gives receipts of who from and who to and it has that information on the web site too. It does cost more but the quick access to money and receipt are worth it to me.

Just a thought



Jack in Whiteland there is are 2 Pilot Travel Centers and in Seymour there is a Travel Center of America. Western Union has a special program called Direct Connect. You call 877.984.0473 and give them the information. They will then give you an 8 (or maybe 10) digit code. You then take the cash (and it must be cash, as stupid as that is these days) to either travel center (to my knowledge only Pilot and T/A participate) and pay them. It is only a $6 fee for up to $300 I think. It is cheaper than the regular Western Union service. If you do it make sure and ask if you can get a gold card. That way you just give them your number every time and they pull up the information.

Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-06-13 11:33:00
Asia: East and PacificSending Money to Vietnam
That was my thought. I was just going to leave an ATM card on an account I have here in my city. When I wanted to send money I would just deposit money into the account and tell them they could withdraw however much it is. There will be an ATM fee and international fee of a total of $3 for the bank I use myself. For now though when I have needed to send Xuan any money we just use Western Union. It gives receipts of who from and who to and it has that information on the web site too. It does cost more but the quick access to money and receipt are worth it to me.

Just a thought
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-06-12 16:17:00
Asia: East and PacificGreen Sheet
Well so far we are still waiting. We turned all the documents they requested on Oct 15 and they just handed her a blue sheet that pretty much said wait for us to make a decision. The old, (don't call us, we will call you). I have emailed Marc Ellis and he seems to think we need to wait. I am not sure what exactly we paid for but I sure hope it will be evident at some point. I do know that Mr. Nam was a big help to Xuan and for that I guess it was worth the money. I did expect a bit more. Like one of them to follow up with the embassy from time to time on our behalf to help keep our names in front of someone. Guess that is not the way it is done though. I have emailed the embassy and got the, your case will need reviewed by our staff and there could be a "significant delay". According to ME that could be 4 to 5 months and the answer could still be no. If I had half a million US I would just say screw the US government and move to Vietnam. Invest the money in property or something there and never come back. I was a US Marine and our government just pisses me off some times. BUT I am poor and I have to just wait it out I guess.

Anyway that is the update. Thanks again for all the well wishes.
Jack & XuanMaleVietnam2008-10-27 19:53:00