ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAdministrative Processing before Interview
QUOTE (Spoom @ Sep 10 2009, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
AP usually means a hit on a database, whether it be a name database or a crime database. As long as you were honest and are eligible, you shouldn't have a problem.

Thats AP for NVC.. OP is talking about AP at the consulate... Depending upon the consulate they may put you in AP after the interview, but usually not before.... if you get AP after the interview it could take several months or a few weeks... its likely that the system is still showing the AP from when you were still @ NVC... call the consulate and ask.. or send them an email...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-10 13:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionScanned copy of K-1 Packet 3
QUOTE (Bob-KhaHan @ Sep 10 2009, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For those wanting to know what Packet 3 looks like (and particulary for those dealing with the HCMC consulate), I had my fiancee scan what it looks like. I also have a higher quality version, but I'm only limited to 1000KB for attachments.

[attachment=11364:Packet_3_Editeda.pdf]

Thanks Bob... many of us have the one that was posted earlier this year... if you want to see #4 thats available also...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-10 22:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioninterview
QUOTE (Ivan1028 @ Sep 10 2009, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Me and fiance meet in 2007,i spent one month with her ,then i went back to the usa to get my citizenship,in 2008 i came back to see her again,then i went back to usa,in 2009 july 27 i got my citizenship and i filled her paperwork,i am thinking her interview will be in january 2010,do i have to be there with her???

its not a requirement...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-10 21:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuit or wait
Unless you are independantly wealthy.. wait... in case of the chance it is not approved when expected...
We have to complete a form DS-2001 that says

I fully realize that no advance assurance can be given when or whether a visa will actually be issued to me. I also understand that I should NOT give up my job, dispose of property, or make any final travel arrangements until I have actually received an immigrant visa.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-13 00:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDoes it help to have lawyers?
When it comes to K1 filing... if one has good reading comprehension.. it can be done without a lawyer and save money as well as, in many cases, time. If it is a complex case with numerous red flags.. a lawyer may be beneficial in resolving the issues...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-07 15:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTranscripts or Tax Returns?
I use myfax.. its an online service that sends me the fax in pDF format.. I called they sent 3 years all in PDF format.. I can email them to my so if needed... this could be an option.. must tell them that its going to your fax machine not a service..
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-17 21:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionValidity of police clearance
QUOTE (selrona @ Sep 24 2009, 09:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am very new here, but have learnt a lot in so short a time. Can anyone tell me how long is a police clearance valid for? I have a 2 months old one, can I use it for my K1 interview next week?

Justice Record Check: Issued within the past year by Department of Justice office in your district of
official residence for each visa applicant aged 16 years or older.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-24 20:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionwhat does this say about the police cert??
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Sep 27 2009, 03:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Estu and Torry @ Sep 27 2009, 11:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i cant get a good handle on this sentence... please help

Police certificate
Indonesia,
"Unavailable for applicants inside and outside Indonesia. Indonesian police certificates require initial processing at a local or village level, which is nonstandard in nature, can be subject to capricious decisions by officials and may require nonofficial payments to proceed further."

what exactly does this say? does it mean that she doesnt have to get one because the police in indonesia are corrupt?


Yes. "Unavailable" means you don't need to get one. Any document that can be "bought" isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

whistling.gif
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-27 14:11:00
Asia: East and PacificOff Topic: e-cigarettes in Vietnam?
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Dec 13 2009, 05:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Electronic cigarettes are getting much harder to find in the US, and will soon come under US government regulation as a nicotine delivery device, hence controlled by the FDA. The FDA recently seized shipments of electronic cigarettes while they decide how to handle them.

I am a smoker, and I've been cutting back using snus products. It's a form of smokeless tobacco which has been popular in some parts of Europe for nearly 50 years. The tobacco is prepared cold - no heat is used - and packed into a small pouch which you place in your mouth next to your gums. Because no heat is used, there is no carbon monoxide, and the tars are not converted into the carcinogens that exist when you burn tobacco. After nearly 5 decades, the only difference that's been seen in people using snus and people who don't use tobacco is a slightly higher rate of mouth, gum, and pancreatic cancer. Nothing like the level of lung cancer seen in smokers.

The upside is that products like snus will relieve the nicotine withdrawal. The downside is that they do nothing to relieve the desire to smoke, but that habit is a lot easier to break if you're not going through nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine patches and gum serve the same purpose, so if you can't succeed with those then you likely won't succeed with snus either, but at least you'll cut down.

I haven't seen electronic cigarettes for sale anywhere in Vietnam. I'm in Saigon right now, and I was in a tobacco shop earlier today, and there was nothing like that there. Because smoking is allowed pretty much everywhere, and real cigarettes are a whole lot cheaper than electronic cigarettes and their cartridges, I can't see e-cigarettes catching on in VN anytime soon.

Jim,
I smoked for 20 years and was lucky to be able to quit when I got the flu some years back... A very close friend of mine smoked nd then used snuff products and ended up with cancer of the hard pallet... roof of the mouth... I have to say that it was the fastest most invasive cancer I have had any of my friends get yet and when they removed the roof of his mouth to try to fight it everything was over in weeks... it all has to deal with point of contact/absorption... Most of Thuys male relatives die when they are in thier 50's of cancer as they all smoke real heavy and treatment is rare... she does not expect her father to live too many more years... I wonder if we can get a policy on him?

I have actually heard of a number of success stories from people that used chantix.. but there are side affects in some cases....
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-12-13 12:09:00
Asia: East and PacificOff Topic: e-cigarettes in Vietnam?
it is so sad that smoking is part of the culture there... I had to offer every man at our Dam Hoi a cigarette as part of the ceremony... One guy actually asked me last year why I didnt smoke... I said not good for you.. but his response was but they are so cheap here... I swear that US big tobacco pays the VN govt or some officials to let them take advantage of the people there... with everyone going over.. you should be able to find someone on here that can take one over and mail it to him... it could be difficult mailing one through customs...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-12-12 20:58:00
Asia: East and Pacifichow long can a US citizen stay in VN?
QUOTE (hieumin @ Jul 15 2009, 07:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
u can stay there as long you like, but must register with local police who records you to a sheet called 'TAM TRU", Then bring this sheet along with passport and visa (1 week prior to visa expired to SO NGOAI VU..then you pay fee $10 for another 3 months or 6 months.


good info thanks...

ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-15 21:40:00
Asia: East and Pacifichow long can a US citizen stay in VN?
QUOTE (RalphandHanh @ Jul 14 2009, 11:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well here's the deal the best that I understand it. If you are just going to visit and you want to stay longer than 6 months, you have to leave Vietnam for a day or two and then re-enter the country. A lot of people like to go to Thailand for a few days and come back. Then you can stay another 6 months. I think I read that you can stay up to 11 months without a problem but I'm not totally sure on that.

And make sure the visa is multiple entry
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-14 22:21:00
Asia: East and Pacifichow long can a US citizen stay in VN?
QUOTE (calilove @ Jul 14 2009, 10:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Jul 14 2009, 10:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (calilove @ Jul 14 2009, 10:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i was just wondering how long can a US citizen stay in vietnam?

to visit? or to live? to visit, they dont like giving visa for more than 6 months..


let say 2 years, would they be able to come back to the US or they will not be allowed?

They=USC? yes.... its just a matter of paperwork as Ralph said. but one needs to know how long from the onset or you could just start with a 6 mo visa and go from there.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-14 22:00:00
Asia: East and Pacifichow long can a US citizen stay in VN?
QUOTE (calilove @ Jul 14 2009, 10:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i was just wondering how long can a US citizen stay in vietnam?

to visit? or to live? to visit, they dont like giving visa for more than 6 months..
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-07-14 21:46:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanPray for me and my fiancee


Hello VJ Family,
My fiancee has his interview in approximately 7 days (Next week Monday February 22,2010). As each day approaches near I get more and more nervous. And by the looks of things we will be going back to the Asian CO to present our documents that she requested (She interview my fiancee on the second interview January 14,2010). So everyone pray for us.
Nwanyioma

It may be the same CO or it may not... hoping for a better CO for him... :thumbs:
:clock:
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2010-02-15 11:08:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanK1 visa interview investigation
Happens when a case is in AP at the consulate.. more often they will ask neighbors, friends, relatives or the local police / gossip questions... this is very unlikely to happen before an initial visa interview...

earlier this week the consulate called both of us as well as my ex, my fiances mother, and her boss to verify my employment in the country...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2010-07-24 13:47:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Tracking NVC packages to embassies
QUOTE (YKJ @ Sep 25 2009, 08:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Im a bit confused, so is it possible to track your shipment to the embassy?
When I asked NVC they said it is in no way possible

QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Sep 24 2009, 08:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am happy that I see a VN packet for every day this week, but I have to think that sending a packet to the same place every day of the week is not the most efficient way to do things...


It usually can be tracked, but one cant be sure if it is actually yours... Take the date that it left NVC and do a search including that day and the day after using the info above. Then look for parcels going to your consulate. Your info is likely in one of those packets... and if there is only 1.. that is really likely it... That will give you an idea as to when the consulate gets it and when you can start contacting the consulate if needed.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-25 08:16:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Tracking NVC packages to embassies
I am happy that I see a VN packet for every day this week, but I have to think that sending a packet to the same place every day of the week is not the most efficient way to do things...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-24 19:17:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)question?!!!-
QUOTE (happyme @ Sep 25 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
a few questions guys... uscis sent our case in nvc last sept. 20, 2009 and i want to call nvc to ask if they already got my case... is it ok if i call them next week..?, when i call nvc and ask them about my nvc case no. will i have it by then?, and my particular consulate case no.?... unsure.gif unsure.gif unsure.gif

Call today
603-334-0700
Do not use the automated system... select the option to talk to a rep by pressing 5

You will need to have the following when you call:
CIS case # (the EAC or WAC same number you got when you got your NOA1)
Petitioner Name and birth date
Beneficiary name and birth date

They will give you the PI consulate number.. and dont be surprised if it left for the consulate already.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-25 08:06:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)How will I know when NVC recives my petition
its handled differently for K visas... they dont send K visas emails and they are also not in the automated system...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-26 12:47:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)AP at the NVC
QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Sep 29 2009, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Sep 29 2009, 06:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Why would they care how often you call? They are paid the same no matter who is on the other end of the phone and the more calls = the more job security they have... I call every day.. sometimes twice in a day... as have many others here... not an issue with the call center... I could see if it was the actual investigator that had to stop what they were doing to answer the phone.... If someone is crabby on the phone when you called, it likely means that someone called and was very unpleasant with them prior to your call... Keep in mind they are just the messenger and have no control over the process... its a call center only... I can think of a few folks here that are on AP @ NVC that could have sent the operator into a tizzy prior to your last call.... This is just a process in the whole scheme of things and if you meet the criteria for to petition for the visa and there are no issues with the beneficiary, they will eventually forward it to the consulate.. waiting sucks but I would rather wait a little longer than allow more terrorists into the country... And when it boils down to it.. that is what the background checks are supposed to prevent...

good.gif I wouldn't be surprised if you're thinking of the same person I'm thinking of...

You know I am whistling.gif
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-29 17:23:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)AP at the NVC
QUOTE (Happy2Be @ Sep 29 2009, 12:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Sep 28 2009, 01:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The link I posted has a great deal of information that could explain this.. It could be random or it could be a background check flag that caused the file to get pulled. Not much that anyone has found that can be done.. Stephen faxed a letter to the DOS and the next day he was approved, but we dont know if it was a coincidence...

Call everyday during the week after 4 est.. as thats approx. when the files go out...


Hmm, would that make them upset, calling every day? They seemed grumpy when I called them about my case. My petition is also in AP, and there seems a clerical error that has flagged my case to be reviewed by a supervisor. They say my name does not match the name on the petition, yet I have both NOA letters from the USCIS that clearly state my name as the petitioner. The NVC lady said they will flag it and I should call back in 15 business days to get an update. I planned to call in 1 week, i don't want to call too many times and annoy them. I already called twice. The first time I called, I got the case MNL# and found out its in AP but forgot to ask when they received my petition from the USCIS so I called the next day and thats when they told me my name does not match.

Why would they care how often you call? They are paid the same no matter who is on the other end of the phone and the more calls = the more job security they have... I call every day.. sometimes twice in a day... as have many others here... not an issue with the call center... I could see if it was the actual investigator that had to stop what they were doing to answer the phone.... If someone is crabby on the phone when you called, it likely means that someone called and was very unpleasant with them prior to your call... Keep in mind they are just the messenger and have no control over the process... its a call center only... I can think of a few folks here that are on AP @ NVC that could have sent the operator into a tizzy prior to your last call.... This is just a process in the whole scheme of things and if you meet the criteria for to petition for the visa and there are no issues with the beneficiary, they will eventually forward it to the consulate.. waiting sucks but I would rather wait a little longer than allow more terrorists into the country... And when it boils down to it.. that is what the background checks are supposed to prevent...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-29 17:15:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)AP at the NVC
QUOTE (gmjdmj @ Sep 28 2009, 01:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You had said the number is in the other topic. Which one would that be? I went back through the link that you posted and couldn't find it. Is there any example of what the letter should say? Is there anyway that I could contact Stephen and ask him? If so, how would I contact him? Thank you again for your help. I really appreciate it

His profile is listed above left as he responded to this topic.. Message him and I am sure he will help you out with an example. The topic is the link I posted at the beginning of this topic...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-28 13:01:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)AP at the NVC
QUOTE (gmjdmj @ Sep 28 2009, 01:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you for the information. I really appreciate it. Do you have a fax number? What did the letter that you sent say? I feel so defeated at this point. Just getting through USCIS on the front end is enough and I feel like we just started this process all over again. Do you think it would help to contact my Congressman's office? I want to do something but at the same time, I don't want to cause problems either. Do you know if this will cause problems at the embassy or is this just with the DOS/NVS? Thanks again for your help. It is much appreciated.

its actually pretty common and lasts a couple of months at most... the # is in that other topic.. the consulate is DOS as well.. NVC does not cause problems for the consulate..
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-28 12:36:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)AP at the NVC
QUOTE (gmjdmj @ Sep 28 2009, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
]My petition was in AP at NVC for three weeks.
22 excruciating days here.

moving to NVC forum...


Does this happen to everyone or are the files picked at random? Is there a particular day I should call during the week? Can I contact my congressman or is there anything that I can do?

The link I posted has a great deal of information that could explain this.. It could be random or it could be a background check flag that caused the file to get pulled. Not much that anyone has found that can be done.. Stephen faxed a letter to the DOS and the next day he was approved, but we dont know if it was a coincidence...

Call everyday during the week after 4 est.. as thats approx. when the files go out...

Edited by ScottThuy, 28 September 2009 - 12:05 PM.

ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-28 12:04:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)AP at the NVC
http://www.visajourn...h...&start=2325
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-09-28 11:11:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Have NVC case number but is missing when I call NVC
Call NVC and speak to a CSR... the K1 cases are not in the system and you must talk to someone to get a real answer... The automated system will tell you not in system... you can also cal DOS and ask them if the case is at the consulate yet.. 202-663-1225
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-10-19 20:31:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)If you are having problems contacting NVC for info
When I called, the rude lady asked me why did I call DOS and not NVC.. She told me the staus of the case.. same as if I got through to NVC and then without asking transfered to NVC call center as if I had dialed the phone myself... Its hit or miss with DOS...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-10-07 14:21:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)How many Days From Interview To Visa
QUOTE (kike @ Oct 22 2009, 05:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would like to know if you are approved for a K1 visa at the time of the interview, How long does the embassy take to send the passport with the visa. I see that some people get it the next say other 2 to 3 weeks after. What is a good average??? Also do they tell you if you are approved that day or do you have to wait for the passport to see if you got the visa???

Better off asking this in the regional topic area as it is very different from one consulate to the next.. some take weeks others take hours...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-10-22 16:44:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)emailed NVC this morning!
Expect to wait about 1 month if your case is in AP. Nothing can be done to avoid this process... I sent an email on Oct 6.. just got a response last night .. I got out of AP on the 23rd.. they waited until the case was forwarded to respond...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-10-26 14:48:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Does the NVC ever respond to emails?
they will likely respond after they send it to the consulate...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-10-29 22:08:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC is taking to long!!!!!
QUOTE (adom&maricar @ Nov 3 2009, 08:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sephlijane @ Oct 30 2009, 02:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (adom&maricar @ Oct 29 2009, 09:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We received our NOA2 on the 8th of Oct and we still have not received anything from the NVC yet. I thought it was suppose to be in and out of there in a matter of days. What could be the hold up????

......Call NVC maybe your on AP,....as read your post???you meet in japan?? she may need police certificate from there...Goodluck.....



What does AP mean????

Additional processing.. usually an FBI background check.. takes 30 days or so...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-11-03 11:39:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)I129F Petition status with NVC
Even those K filers that have been in AP for a month or more are not in the automated system... must talk to a CSR to get valid info...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-11-04 18:49:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)DOS calling the EX
I am surprised they called so soon.. only a couple of weeks and they have been calling at the 4 week point.. I take this as they are moving faster than last month...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-11-04 22:49:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)DOS calling the EX
leave it alone.. they can contact you if they need to... call NVC and ask if you are out of AP.. you should be out by now based on the call.. if not, they will probably call again and you will be out after the next call...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-11-04 16:00:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)DOS calling the EX
Now that is funny as heck.... rofl.gif
They will likely either let the case out of AP/ approve it to be sent to the consulate, or try again.. they just did the same thing to another member and they called her twice trying the same thing... she got out of AP after the second call...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-11-02 16:29:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Held For Additional Processing
Thats likely not a real case of AP.. Often the CSR will tell someone AP when the case is @ NVC but has not left yet... "false AP"
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-11-10 19:59:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Held For Additional Processing
timeline.gif
AP takes about 30 days
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-11-06 19:54:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Emailed NVC and....
QUOTE (AKGirl @ Nov 13 2009, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Inky @ Nov 13 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Please fill in your timeline and leave more information in your posts, People cannot guess what the issue that you are having is and there for they cannot answer your questions acordingly when there is no information to go on.



Thanks for your suggestion, but being that I am only the third party appointed agent for my sister's petition, it's difficult to be specific to the case:

My question was more of a general question as to "any" emails being sent to NVC. It's been my experience in the past that any emails I send to NVC would be replied to in approx. 2 weeks give or take. So I was wondering if anyone who has emailed NVC lately has been experiencing a delay in their response time.

They usually wait until the case is sent to the consulate before they respond.
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-11-16 22:56:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Packet 3 and 4 (what is this)
QUOTE (mstangie @ Dec 17 2009, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Maybe I’m missing something. Please can someone read this very carefully! My husband’s case was completed on Sept 24-09 he has not been scheduled an interview for January. I’m thinking I may be missing a packet 3 and 4 can someone tell me what this is, and could it be holding him up for being scheduled an interview.

Call the DoS and ask about the status of the case.. NVC could also give some insight possibly but IMO DoS is easier to deal with and dont just read scripts...
ScottThuyMaleVietnam2009-12-17 16:24:00