Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	October interview	We got our interview date. I was a supprise and now it is Oct. 7. I hope we can get the police report done in time but all esle is on track.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-09-16 21:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Received approval	Gratz on your I129F. Now on to the hard part. It does move much faster then the wait for the USCIS but from what I have read on here it also gets harder. We have gotten through the packet #3 and waiting for #4 now so I am not sure where it gets harder yet. So far so good. I guess we will find out at the interview. Good luck	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-08-22 21:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Is it legal?	I have said, as a joke that I should have just bought Xuan a plane ticket to Canada and drove up to get her. Then just drive acorss the border somewhere like everyone esle does. I just can not bring myself to take the risk that one day there will be a knock at the door and someone will "TRY" to take her away from me. I say "TRY" as I am certian I would not let that happen while I was still alive. It is just not worth that. Even though it seems like FOREVER while we are going through it I do understand it will only be a few months or even a year. What is that when we have another 30 or so years to be together free from that worry? I am sure those people will get away with it for now. But one day there will be a knock. It has happened to people in the past and it will only become more frequent in the future. Jack & Xuan	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-02 18:00:00
Vietnam	PRIVACY VIOLATIONS	Hello Thuy, I have seen in many of your post that you focus on the fact that you speak, read, and write Vietnamese. I am sure you are not the only or the first, as you put it "white girl" to have gone through this process that can do all of the same. I think you may be worrying a bit to much about how your (what I envy) ability to speak, read, and write Vietnamese will do to hurt your case. I would instead focus on how very much it will help your case. The fact that many of your emails are in Vietnamese and they are very personal is a plus. The question you asked about keeping them out of your head should be the biggest asset you have going for you. I think you want to do exactly that, pull them into your head, that way they will be more likely to believe your abilities. You asked how you can prove your abilities, I think that is a perfect way and I would suggest that you pick a few of these emails or chats that are them most personal and private and are also in Vietnamese and encourage Tan to have the CO to read them. I do not think any of us can avoid the privacy issue. I was and still am very cautious when giving Xuan items like credit card and bank statements. If she looses them lots of bad things can happen. Now I am presented with mailing these items to her as well. We all have to put so much information in the packets that anyone could steal our identities. It is the risk we have to take to satisfy our governments. I have often joked that I should have just gotten her a plane ticket to Mexico and let her walk across the river like everyone else has. Or better yet, to Canada and just drive across the border somewhere. My advice would be to hire ME before you send in your I-129 and let him and Mr. Nam guide you. They seem to be the most talked about on this site and I have hired them myself. Just my thoughts. And I really wish I had your skill in Vietnamese.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-08 23:42:00
Vietnam	married alittle over a year and just got her kids here	I am American and when I was deployed to Japan with the US Marines for a year my son was only 8 months old. When I got back after Desert Storm was over my son had his second birthday a few days later. I remember times when I would just go watch him sleep after being separated for so long. There were also times when I would be napping on the couch and I would wake up with him sleeping ON me. There would be times when we would visit a friends house an I would lay on the floor to watch TV when he was about 4 years old and he would lay ON me to watch TV. I think it is very normal for parents who have been separated from their children for long periods of time to over compensate. About the conversations, have you tried to learn Vietnamese? It would seem the opportunity is very good for you to practice and I am sure it would make you more interesting to the children and your wife if you tried to learn their language. Being in America I am sure HOME will be the only place they will feel comfortable to speak in their native tongue. What you describe as a lack of attention from your wife, that is something you will want to decide how to deal with. I may be a bit out of touch when I say it is hard for me to believe that a woman who loves you from Vietnam would not show you an abundance of attention. Especially compared to an American woman. Just a few thoughts.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-08-10 21:17:00
Vietnam	Vietnam VisaJourney Members	Hello all, I am really not sure how to post here so i will give this a try. I have made one trip to Siagon and getting ready to make my next trip. I have lots of questions about the engaugement party as that is the main reason I am going this time. Xuan and I have already filed all of the inital paperwork, the I-129 and such. It has been recieved by the USCIS on March 10 so I fear we still have a long time to wait. If anyone can give me a heads up on what to expect or any advice at all to make this process quicker or better please drop me a note. My email is jack35_6003@yahoo.com I will check back here as well. I will say that I have learned many thinks from your postings so far. Looks like I am the newbee so everything is welcome. Thanks for your help. Jack	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-30 05:54:00
Asia: East and Pacific	WOOOHOOO!!! She got Pink!!!	Gratz to both of you. I am about 2 months into the journey so I envy you. Any advice you can give me at this point will be greatly appreciated. I head back for my second visit on April 18th. Anything I should know or try to get done while i am there this time. We will have the (Din Hon) I think that is what it is called, the engagement party. Again Gratz. Jack	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-04-05 20:38:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Approved !! :)	QUOTE (PeterFB @ Apr 16 2008, 02:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE i think i need to get my affidavit of support ready. my fiance has all our chat logs, text messages, and letters. i was told they may need 3 years tax returns not sure what else. You are only required to have the current year tax records, they prefer tax transcripts as Melrose Plant mentioned. If you have more than the poverty guidelines for income for your family size, you don't have to supply any other financial info unless you want to. You will need a letter from your employer stating whether your job is permanment or not, when you started to work, how much you make or if you are self employed, your business license. Your fiancee will need to get several things. There's posts here listing that and it's in the Packet 3 letter she will get. Also have her put all the evidence in order so it's easy understand. For an example of that, there's a post of mine you can look at that's about timelines. While the Consulate may not look at any of it at the interview, having it will give her confidence and if needed it will be ready and handy so she won't get a blue slip asking for more evidence or information. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26 I am kinda new to this form stuff myself and your post have been a god send. I am leaving for Siagon on Friday April 18 for my second trip. I got a lawyer up front and I have sent everything my my 2 front teeth in my packet is seems. The support form, 3 years tax returns, a letter of intent to marry, the letter from my employer, the Bio form for both of us, copies of my passport, copies of plane tickets, copies of recipts from my first trip, some photos, and of course the I 129. This trip will be for the engaugement party and more photos and another set of plane tickets for her interview. My question is where are these post you reffer to in this post? And what would you reccommend we get done on this trip if anything? Our packet was recieved on March 10 2008 and of course now we wait. It is California and it looks like a 6 month back log from what I can tell. I do have one concern. Xuan was born 1979 and record keeping during that time was less then robust. She does not have her birth certificiate and I know it will be important at the interview. She does have a valid passport and another question I have is can we just go to the hospital or the "court house" if that exhist there and get a copy? Any thoughts on that. Again thanks for all you post. They help very much Jack & Xuan	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-04-17 02:31:00
Asia: East and Pacific	making sure i have everything for the interview	I am still very worried about Xuan not having her birth certificate. She has a valid passport with only the year of her birth on it. She said that since she does not have the "original birth papers" (her way a saying birth certificate) the US conslate assigned her Jan 1 1979. I can not seem to explain the importantce of the birth certificate to her but I am still trying.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-08 17:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Before interview Nerves	QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ May 8 2008, 06:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Jack & Xuan @ May 8 2008, 05:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have a lawyer here in the states but I am not very comfortable with them. Can you tell me the name of the "best" lawyer in HCMC that you refer to. I think I will have Xuan check him out. Of course I have already paid for the lawyer I have here in the states. His name is Miles Hampton from Hampton and Hampton out of Navada. Anyone had any experience with him? Thanks for the help http://www.visajourn...p;#entry1734280 http://www.visajourn...p?showuser=6473 Don't know Hampton. Sorry. This is usually the point where people will post that you don't need a lawyer. Depends on the case, couple, etc. Thank you for the name and even more for the second link to Mr. Ellis himself. I sent a message to him and I hope he will respond. I know many people say you do not need a lawyer but I did not know about this site untill after I paid the lawyer I have in full. Thanks	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-08 19:06:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Before interview Nerves	I have a lawyer here in the states but I am not very comfortable with them. Can you tell me the name of the "best" lawyer in HCMC that you refer to. I think I will have Xuan check him out. Of course I have already paid for the lawyer I have here in the states. His name is Miles Hampton from Hampton and Hampton out of Navada. Anyone had any experience with him? Thanks for the help	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-08 16:52:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Double Whammy Pink Slips!	Gratz to both of you. I only hope that I am as lucky as to have someone to wait with me. It seems like you had a GREAT day.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-09 15:42:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Police certificate	Can you e-mail me a copy of your time line. I have not done one and it looks like i may need to get that done. I figure that I would just put something in a format on word and email it to Xuan for my part. If you have any advice on this please let me know. Thanks	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-05 18:47:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Saigon Hotels	It is not the greatest hotel I am sure but the KIM LINH hotel in dist. 1 was good for me. I think it cost about $15 a night. I gave Xuan only a few requirements for my first trip and this hotel hit them all. I aksed for air conditioning, a fridge, a bathroom, and a bed. The service is ok. The phone number is 011849255300 if you are calling from the states.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-07 19:11:00
Asia: East and Pacific	To KISS and tell ... or NOT???	I chose 18 photos that I put on 2 4X6 normal photos. There were 3 rows of 3. I thought this would give them plenty of photos yet show respect for their time when having to view each one. I did include a photo of the seal that is over the entrance to the embassy in HCMC. I do not think I even thought to include any of us kissing. I wanted to include photos that clearly showed our faces so that they could compair to the passport photos we incluede with our I 129F. I do wish I had known about the time line when I submitted our packet. I would have included one with it. That is one of the reasons I hired Marc Ellis and Mr. Nam. Even though I have already paid the other lawyers in Navada. I will take all the help I can get when it comes to a smoother process in HCMC.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-01 23:37:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Good news! Good news!	Gratz to you both. I am happy that you did not have to wait any longer. Good news on the plane tickets as well. That has been a concern of mine for when it is our turn. I hope it goes as well for us.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-27 16:37:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Officially Married!	Congratulations on you marriage. Did you both have to have a SSN to get the marriage licenses and then get married or was there another form that you had. I notice that you said the SSN card had not come yet.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-30 18:26:00
Asia: East and Pacific	15 minutes interviewed	your interview inspires hope in me that ours will be much like yours. Thanks for the update and gratz on you pink.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-03 12:19:00
Asia: East and Pacific	visitor Visa	I think it was a foolish question now that these points have been made. It just never occured to me to short circuit the system. My reason for asking the question is because I am out of vacation and can not go back again soon, so the next best thing I though would be for her to visit me. I try to anticipate problems and bad outcomes to situations I guess I just do not think about the dishonest aspect of items. It just does not occur to me most of the time that many people have no honor and would lie about anything like a visitors visa. When I told Xuan that I ask this question she was on the web cam and could not type for a min because she was laughing so hard.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-05 02:46:00
Asia: East and Pacific	visitor Visa	There are conditions to owning land, the one I would qualify for is as long as you are married to a Vietnamees national and live in Vietnam you may own land. If you move away from Vietnam you are required to sell it. QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jun 3 2008, 03:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Jack & Xuan @ Jun 3 2008, 03:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes I agree with you about me going to Vietnam. If I had enough money I would just live there. One of my goals is to try to save enough money to buy some land and just live there. However, I have made 2 trips and I am out of vacation with my company. I thought it may be an option for us to spend some time together. I guess I just do not think about the fraud aspect. It just never crossed my mind. Thanks for the info, I guess I will just have to wait. Now that I think of it, if it were possiable I am sure others would have done it and there would be advice on here about how. QUOTE (PeterFB @ Jun 3 2008, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Getting a vistor visa for your fiancee isn't a good idea for a couple of reasons, one is the HCMC Consulate....... The other is she has to be able to get the visa on her own. For someone from Vietnam that means they have to show that they want to return to Vietnam, have conpelling reasons to return (ie, business, family, etc). In the case of a K1 visa, it is not likely that she could convince the Consulate she would return since you have filed to bring her to the US. Most vistor visas to the US from Vietnam are granted to older Vietnamese who have enough money in the bank, land, homes, family,etc in Vietnam to convince the Consulate they would return. A 47 year old Vietnamese woman, I met on VietSingle tried to get a vistor visa to the US. She was trying to get to the US because she thought if she got here she could find a husband and stay. She had no relatives in the US but does have many friends who have moved here. From what she told me about the evidence she gave to the Consulate and that she was denied, it leads me to believe they check everything you submit very closely. If you have the time, it's better that you go to Vietnam, that would make her family happier since they will get to know you better (remember you're taking her away from them) and strengthen your case to HCMC Consulate. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26 A foreigner can't own land in Viet Nam. I have wondered whether the Spouse gives up their right or if you are married there, like Thuy and I were, if you could then.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-03 14:44:00
Asia: East and Pacific	visitor Visa	Yes I agree with you about me going to Vietnam. If I had enough money I would just live there. One of my goals is to try to save enough money to buy some land and just live there. However, I have made 2 trips and I am out of vacation with my company. I thought it may be an option for us to spend some time together. I guess I just do not think about the fraud aspect. It just never crossed my mind. Thanks for the info, I guess I will just have to wait. Now that I think of it, if it were possiable I am sure others would have done it and there would be advice on here about how. QUOTE (PeterFB @ Jun 3 2008, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Getting a vistor visa for your fiancee isn't a good idea for a couple of reasons, one is the HCMC Consulate....... The other is she has to be able to get the visa on her own. For someone from Vietnam that means they have to show that they want to return to Vietnam, have conpelling reasons to return (ie, business, family, etc). In the case of a K1 visa, it is not likely that she could convince the Consulate she would return since you have filed to bring her to the US. Most vistor visas to the US from Vietnam are granted to older Vietnamese who have enough money in the bank, land, homes, family,etc in Vietnam to convince the Consulate they would return. A 47 year old Vietnamese woman, I met on VietSingle tried to get a vistor visa to the US. She was trying to get to the US because she thought if she got here she could find a husband and stay. She had no relatives in the US but does have many friends who have moved here. From what she told me about the evidence she gave to the Consulate and that she was denied, it leads me to believe they check everything you submit very closely. If you have the time, it's better that you go to Vietnam, that would make her family happier since they will get to know you better (remember you're taking her away from them) and strengthen your case to HCMC Consulate. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-03 14:14:00
Asia: East and Pacific	visitor Visa	Has anyone tried to get a visitors visa for their Fiancé while they wait on the ever slowing USCIS to deal with the back log? I am not sure if it can be done but I was thinking maybe Xuan can come "visit" me here in the States until they send our packet to HCMC. Just a thought.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-03 12:26:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Interview Passed	Congratulations	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-05 11:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	First Day in the USA	Welcome to America Mai. This post was very intresting reading for me. I for one would like to hear more, I live in Indiana and while the weather is not quite the same I think it is close. I am looking forward to these types of days if our process ever ends. I know when I am in Vietnam I look around a lot and always watch who comes and who goes. I am always looking for a way out and what may be the biggest threat in the room. That may be the Marine Corps in me though. I think Xuan will view America with amazement and I will enjoy showing her everything I can. Enjoy these types of days. You have earned them after the process you have just gone through.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-05 02:39:00
Asia: East and Pacific	HCMC May30th Interview	Gratz to both of you and I hope you are dry and stay out of the flood that will be making its way down to you from my house.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-11 18:41:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Recieved interview date	Good luck on the interview.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-17 21:25:00
Asia: East and Pacific	My experience obtaining Packet 3 (HCMC)	Good luck on the interview.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-17 21:26:00
Asia: East and Pacific	TIMELINE for HCMC	QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Jun 22 2008, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ok guys, here is what we submitted. I know what you're thinking. It doesn't look like a timeline to me, either. But this is what Marc Ellis gave me to fill out, and he said that was directly from the consulate, and that was what they wanted. When I received it, it was in both Vietnamese and English, with TERRIBLE English. I cleaned it up a little bit and deleted the Vietnamese. I also asked about the handwritten thing. Ellis said type it so they can read it. I don't understand about the whole handwritten deal. I think that is proof positive that the consulate sometimes messes with people just because they can. TIMELINE OF RELATIONSHIP May 7, 2008 * I, James Bond, Petitioner in this case, HCM 2008 XXX-X38, now furnish this sworn notarized statement containing a detailed chronology (timeline) of my relationship with the beneficiary, Hoang Dan Mai. * Please explain clearly when and how you first met, how you were introduced. We met in August, 2006. We were both members of Asian Friend Finder.com, a computer dating service. The computer matched us up according to preferences in our profiles. * When did you begin corresponding with each other? On August 10, 2006, Mai sent me an electronic “wink” through Asian Friend Finder. I sent her an email on August 13, 2006 answering her wink. * When did you feel your relationship became serious? After one month of exchanging emails, we found we were mutually attracted, and sometime later, about November 2006, we began discussing the possibility of getting married. However, both of us felt it was very important to meet in person first before making a serious commitment, so no formal proposal was made before we met in person. * Date and circumstances of marriage proposal (location, time, place, situation, setting, etc..). After spending two weeks together on my first trip, I proposed to her on February 5, 2007, (see below). * Did I propose in person or by phone?? I proposed in person on February 5, 2007 in Ngoc Son Pagoda on Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi. * Where was she when I proposed (give exact location)? She was standing with me in Ngoc Son pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi. * Did she accept immediately or ask for time to think about it? She said “yes” immediately. I told her that it is an American custom for me to give her a ring to show my love for her. Together, we went to Kim Quy Jewelry Company to buy her a ring. * If I did not officially propose, when did we first discuss marriage? Not applicable. I did officially proprose. * How many trips did I make to Vietnam to visit my spouse? I have visited Vietnam three times to visit Mai. * How many times have I seen her in total? Mai and I have spent about six weeks together in person. * How long did you stay each visit? My first visit lasted about two weeks, my second visit lasted about three weeks. My third visit continues at this writing. *Please give as many details as possible First visit, January 2007: Mai and I visited a few places in Vietnam. When I first arrived in Vietnam back in January 2007,of course we spent a lot of time with her family to introduce me to them. After that, we traveled to Sapa with other members of the family. We also spent two days in Halong Bay. After returning to Hanoi for a few days, we decided to go to Ho Chi Minh City to visit a few friends. While in HCM City, we went to Dam Sen Park, the old South Vietnam government building, and the Rex Hotel. After returning to Hanoi, I decided to ask Mai to marry me on February 5, 2007. She accepted. We made plans that I would return in a few months to have our engagement ceremony and a traditional Vietnamese wedding. Second visit, June 2007: I arrived in Hanoi on June 18, 2007 to a flurry of activity. There were many preparations to make for the ceremonies and many people to meet and greet. My parents, my sister, and brother-in-law arrived in Hanoi on June 19, 2007. Our engagement ceremony was the 20th. The next three days were spent preparing for the traditional wedding, which was on the 24th of June. After that, Mai, my parents, my sister, brother-in-law, and I traveled to Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An together. We spent about a week there. Then Mai and I went to Nha Trang while the rest of my family went to Cambodia and Thailand. We spent three days in Nha Trang and had a very nice time there. After returning to Hanoi, we had a few days to spend with each other and the family before I had to return to the U.S. About one month later, I filed the I-129(f) petition, and we did not have the opportunity to see each other in person until May 1, 2008, a few days ago. Third visit, May 2008: I arrived in Hanoi on May 1, 2008. The first few days were spent visiting family. On May 5 we flew to Ho Chi Minh City to prepare for this interview, and haven’t had time to do much else. Signed, James Bond Sworn & subscribed to me this _______ day of _____________________, 2008. ______________________________________________ _______________________________________ (signature) (office or title) Thank you for this. I too have hired Marc Ellis and Mr. Nam. We are still some time away from an interview and I have visited 2 times so far. This will be very helpful to us. Thanks again	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-22 21:19:00
Asia: East and Pacific	We got pink! (June 5th, 2008)	Gratz on the news of the baby.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-29 22:13:00
Asia: East and Pacific	We got pink! (June 5th, 2008)	Congratulations	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-05 11:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Weird question for those of you who know VIETNAM	That is a great question. Xuan and I stayed together every day and night on my last trip and almost every day and night on my first trip. We too have both our names on the recipts. I think it is standard though. The hotels we stayed at did not give it a second thought.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-29 22:08:00
Asia: East and Pacific	For those who have LIVED/WORKED in Vietnam...	Anyone know how much you can expect to earn teaching English?	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-03 11:45:00
Asia: East and Pacific	The Economy: Living here vs there	QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jun 28 2008, 01:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (STL_HCMC @ Jun 27 2008, 10:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Great post, Icarus. I met my wife while I was an ex-pat living in HCMC for nearly two years. It had its pros and cons, but I'd go back again with the right opportunity. Living in HCMC really changed my life, and helped me realize how much I took for granted being an American and living in the United States. Below are links to some Vietnam Ex-Pat Blogs that I still keep up with from time to time. Thought you may enjoy reading. orangwutang Antidote to Burnout charvey in Vietnam (Chris is General Director, Vietnamworks.com) The Final World Saigon Files SaigonNezumi Virtual Doug Thanks for the post. You taught English there didn't you? I'm leaving in November and plan on staying there a few years. I am intrested in what your plans are for what you will do for income once you are there and what you will do with your responsibilities here befroe you go. My brother told me that I should just take out a second mortgauge on my house and then just leave. I am not sure that is a good option but there has to be a middle ground. I was a US Marine and I am all for America but I just can not stop thinking about living there. It has been almost a year since my first trip to meet Xuan and I have been back once since. I am not sure I can bring myself to leave if I go back for another visit.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-28 01:26:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Visa canceled	QUOTE (J & Q @ Jul 7 2008, 07:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Jack & Xuan @ Jul 7 2008, 05:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My case has not been approved by the USCIS yet and I have already gotten ME on it. I do not want to take any chances if I can help it. I would rather pay for ME now and have a better then average chance to get it on the first time then take the chance and see what happens. I will not ever know if I really needed to hire "this good man" and I am ok with that. It is worth it to me to know that he has been helpful to those in the past and I am starting off with him in my corner. I hope it helps. Yeah, unfortunately I found out about ME afterwards. We are just hoping that his office can do something to so that we can be together very soon. I did not know about ME when I filed the I-129 and I had already paid another lawyer to help me. Once I found this web site and seen how people on here valued his help I decided to hire him as well. I hope he will be able to help both of our cases.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-07 19:15:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Visa canceled	My case has not been approved by the USCIS yet and I have already gotten ME on it. I do not want to take any chances if I can help it. I would rather pay for ME now and have a better then average chance to get it on the first time then take the chance and see what happens. I will not ever know if I really needed to hire "this good man" and I am ok with that. It is worth it to me to know that he has been helpful to those in the past and I am starting off with him in my corner. I hope it helps.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-07 16:34:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Visa canceled	I hired a lawyer here in the states which was of some help sending me all of the forms and making sure they were filled out correctly (i think). Now I am still waiting on the USCIS to approve our I 129 and after reading all of the information on here I Hired ME and Mr. Nam (the Vietnamese lawyer). I know Xuan has had an interview before when her aunt tried to "help" her. Once she found out that she would have to marry the man at the interview, well lets just say that was that. Now this was back on 2006 before we met. That application was sent back for review to the USCIS where it still waits (thank god). ME said our case would be straight forward enough but the dark cloud of the other petition hang above our heads. I hired ME and Mr. Nam because this is what they do. They take cases that are difficult or have been rejected and fix them. In my case I wanted to go into the interview with all my ducks in a row if you will. It may seem like it cost some money but I think it was said on another post, "if it is bribe money they want tell me were to send the check" While it is not bribe money, it may have the same effect. You do not get a reputation like ME without being able to pull a rabbit out of a hat. Just some thoughts. Good luck and if you need ME's number/email or Mr. Nam's number/email just let me know.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-30 10:51:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Interview today......	Good luck	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-08 15:48:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Cell Phones And Scum Bags.	QUOTE (Thai @ Jul 15 2008, 05:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I would biatchslap your girl for talking on the phone while riding a bike. That's illegal practice . Why would you say that? I think it is also illegal to strike a woman not to mention just plain cowardly.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-15 23:35:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Cell Phones And Scum Bags.	Same thing happened to Xuan in Siagon. Only she was standing on the street talking. I told her to never stand on the street. If she has to talk to someone go into a store or something. I have replaced her phone as well. I am happy she did not get injured when she was knocked to the ground.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-15 10:56:00
Asia: East and Pacific	PINK!!!!WE PASSED!!!!!!!!!!	Waaahooo. I am happy for both of you. I hope the rest of the process goes smooth for you.	Jack & Xuan	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-15 10:50:00