Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	The congressional liason said that they cant really do anything more than inquire and they cant make a direct impact on NVC but the fact is that an inquiry is noted in the file when it is on an investigators desk.. and the investigator usually gets it off of thier desk ASAP once an inquiry has been made.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-15 08:33:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (Malena & Paul @ Oct 14 2009, 06:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> How do you get a hold of a congressional liason? I am prepared to write, call, email, whomever if our petition is not out of AP by the end of the month. 21 days today and this is really getting on my nerves. My name is extremely uncommon, so no false positive returns are possible. I had fingerprints done for the FBI when I was 17 and worked for a daycare center; it was required as a condition of my employment. I have nothing else... no parking tickets, no moving violations, nothing. This is so frustrating! And my father is getting sicker and our wedding date is just 105 days away... I am keeping that day regardless and we will just have to start the process over on the I-130 and K3 UGH!! Good luck to all of you. I hope we will be free of this nightmare soon. And may others not fall in the same trap. Malena Do a search online for your congressional rep for your district. The rep will have a website and you can email them, call them or as in my case drop by since the office is two blocks away. Each congressional representative has a specific person to address these issues... QUOTE (bridget and alen @ Oct 14 2009, 07:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thx ...Gald i found yall too....How did you get your 3rd packet from embassey without them recieving you stuff yet? They are already out... several folks come back to help those that just got in AP.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-14 19:25:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	Just got off the phone with my Congressional liason and he said they told him the exact same thing they have been telling me and others for weeks... word for word... they just did it in writing. They said I am in AP and there is no timeframe for this. He said it is usually an FBI background check and that it takes as long as it takes and there is nothing absolutly nothing that can be done to speed it up... And after it gets through there is no way to expedite to make up any lost time from waiting... He said he has seen them take more than a year to get done when in AP and lately it is only a month or so... 3 weks today.. I expect another week or so... then 2 months more for the interview.. He did say that usually when an inquiry is made that they try to get the file off of thier desk ASAP. So even though they said AP and no time frame it may have actually helped it to get through a little faster. We will see and I will let you folks know what I hear.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-14 12:44:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (d&z @ Oct 13 2009, 06:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks for the info. Hang in there you will get out of AP. It is very depressing to be stuck in the hole but have faith. lots of us came before and unfortunately more will follow you but they can't hold your file forever. Thanks, I am actually over the frustration phase of it... The part that really suxs is, that had they sent it off the same as 99% of the other files..in a few days, I would be there when she will have her interview.. now that wont be the case unless I want to spend a couple thousand bucks... and return 3 or 4 weeks later. I expect it to get sent to the consulate in the next week or so.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-13 17:17:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	For those ­wanting to check DHL... Here is ho­­­­­w to figure the code for a given day... the pickup date does not matter as the reference code is specific for a certain days pickup. today is Tuesday Oct 13... The reference code for today is EXP 09 OCT 2009A 09 is the calendar day of the month for the preceeding busniess day (last Friday since Monday was a holiday), OCT is the month and 2009 is the year. A references a section within NVC or type of visa (I think)... there are 3 character codes A, B and C the EXP 09 OCT 2009B would be the B reference for today... There is also a reference code of Correspondence. if you use this reference code specify a single day... if not there will be too many packages returned in the results... The Zip code to use is 03801... #######... a package weighing over 25 lbs went to Vietnam today... that must be more than one file because I cant see anyone having a single file weighing over 25 lbs. I just called and I know mine isnt in it... Edited by ScottThuy, 13 October 2009 - 02:23 PM.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-13 14:21:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (Paris Heart @ Oct 10 2009, 08:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Steve S @ Oct 10 2009, 06:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I talked to someone from my congressman's office this week. She seemed really knowledgable about the visa process. She was advised to call back next week and expected an approval by that time. We'll see. I was somewhat encouraged. She said my case was probably flagged automatically because I am a federal employee. For whatever reason, she said government employees usually take a little longer for processing. Has anyone else hear heard anything like this? It does seem like most of the recent posters in this forum have made it out. Could this mean that the NVC is catching up with their backlog? ScottThuy, I hope you and I both make it out this week. Remember, Monday is a federal holiday. Yes I believe this, I think this is why our CR1 case took so long to be approved with USCIS and why our K3 was put into AP with NVC. I also think any profession that works closely "WITH" and not "FOR" are also tagged for AP. All boils down to Homeland Security. Your congressmans office sounds encouraging, and I bet you will be out of AP next week. Best wishes on your journey. I'm a WITH.... The congressional liason was kinda confused at why they would take so long since everything is computerized now and the FBI folks are supposed to be working so much faster. Its just a matter of entering your FBI# into the system and print the report if needed... I guess if one has dealt with the governemnt for many years that the data could be extensive but there should lso be a grading system in place similar to a credit score... no bad entries over a long period of time = high score... 1 recent bad entry score drops take a closer look.... What we've gone through with them to get clearances for work should help not hurt.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-10 08:55:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (Maverick64 @ Oct 9 2009, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My congressional inquiry or my letter to the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs has produced an email I just received, thought I would share with everyone: is in response to your letter concerning delays at the National Visa Center (NVC) in processing the I-129F petition, filed on behalf of I****** Ro*******. Delays at NVC are generally caused when required documentation is missing from a file or when the receiving embassy or consulate has a backlog of pending cases. We reviewed the records at NVC and found that Ms. Ro******’ fiancée petition was recently forwarded to the U.S. Embassy in Panama City, Panama. Once the Embassy receives her file, an interview date can be scheduled. Ms. Ro****** will be contacted and provided with additional information and the date and time of her interview appointment What a bunch of Cr@p .... There were files leaving for your consulate as well as mine all week long every week.... If there was something missing it would not have made it through USCIS... Thus the term "generally" being used.... They like to use "most of the time" also....	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-09 15:27:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (crazymazy @ Oct 9 2009, 06:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> excellent !! am so glad for u @ScottThuy - hope you receive good news !! Don't let them get you down I will be there in VN to visit in 48 days and I am focusing on that time together and what we need to do to be prepared for the interview that gets farther away every day that NVC does this to us. I called last night after not calling the day before and when she asked "what can I do for you" It went fast.. "Is my case still there?" "Yes" "Thanks bye"	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-09 07:40:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (mari joe @ Oct 8 2009, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ladonna and Crazy Mazy were right, that when the supervisor said "nothing new with your case" it didnt mean i wouldnt be approved the next day. And now we are out of AP!! They said it went out yesterday!! Thank you Lord Jesus! Thanks to everyone whom gave us encouragement and prayers. Wow! What a journey it has been thus far. And what a Godsend VJ is! Great news... The AP waiting room is emptying out fast....	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-08 18:12:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	I just didnt have it in me to call NVC yesterday. The call Tuesday night took too much out of me... Tonight I will call as soon as I get free nights on the cell phone (9 PM) and we will see if there has been any change after the congressional inquiry yesterday. I dont expect any but it would be nice....	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-08 16:30:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (chris@beth @ Oct 7 2009, 09:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Paris Heart @ Oct 8 2009, 12:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (chris@beth @ Oct 7 2009, 02:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi all! (1) Can IR-1/CR-1 be put on AP also? I noticed that mostly K1's are on AP at NVC. (2) When you say you spoke to a Supervisor at NVC, how sure are you that the person you spoke to was REALLY a Supervisor? What if it was just a call center staff pretending to be a Supervisor? (just wondering..) Beth, no AP for CR1 at NVC, AP can happen at the embassy stage though. Only K visas get AP at NVC. A supervisor will I.D. they selfs, well it happened to me when I called when we were in AP for our K3 at NVC. Ok. Thanks Paris and Scott. One more thing, I think AP should be done at NVC stage not after the interview at beneficiary's consulate. That would be very frustrating when you thought you're done but you're not. What's the reason why someone's case would be AP'd in the consulate? I thought everything's checked at NVC and interview at the consulate would be just a formality? If the CO has any doubts about the case, they use section 221 (g) as the reason and simply slip the case into AP... it gives them time to make calls and do additional research on the beneficiary and the relationship validity. As much time as they want...	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-07 20:06:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	We will know in the next few days if it makes a difference. I was in my Congressmans office for 30 minutes this morning and his words "I do this all of the time and you should see results". If I was the one dragging my feet and a congressional inquiry hit my bosses desk, you bet the file would be off of my desk that day if not within minutes. If I am still in AP for another few weeks then its likely a coincidence for those that got sent out the next day.. Anyone aside from Steve and I left in AP? Edited by ScottThuy, 07 October 2009 - 05:36 PM.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-07 17:34:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (lenaandbilly @ Oct 7 2009, 04:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> One more file out of the way for the rest of you. We finally made it out of NVC today after 33 days. I think I had written 34 somewhere recently but I was mistaken. Good luck to the rest of you! Hang in there, you will eventually make it. Great news....!	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-07 15:26:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (stephant @ Oct 7 2009, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Paris Heart @ Oct 2 2009, 08:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (stephant @ Oct 2 2009, 05:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Paris Heart @ Oct 1 2009, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (stephant @ Oct 1 2009, 09:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> STUCK @ NVC for AP its been 3 months since my NOA2.... What? 3 months, you could of completed NVC with your CR1. You might want to consider doing that, I was in AP with K3 for 37 days, while in AP I completed my CR-1 at NVC in 28 days, both cases were completed the same day!! Plus I have a interview date for the CR-1 already, AND no word from embassy on the K3 yet for packet 3. Think about it, and follow CR1, AP has not time limits being stuck in hell. Isnt the CR1 for couples that havent been married for 2 yrs yet? my lawyer said that wouldnt work for me... BS!!!!! A CR1 is a conditional visa married under 2 years. A IR1 is a married visa over 2 years. YOU qualify cause YOUR married. Did lawyer tell you to do a K3? If so, only reason so you put more money in his pockets for the AOS . I married my hubby in Feb. and we finish NVC with a CR1 path. Your married , your qualified for CR1 or IR1!!!!!!! Follow your I130 thru NVC dont wait for K3 PM me if you want to talk more. Stupid lieing lawyer!!!!!! My I130 is stuck in my local office its been there for more than a yr already supposely it got sent because i had a doprtation order n they were gonna trick me with the interview so i would get arrested...idk how that works or what should be done to have it sent to NVC.. So IR1 is for over 2 yrs would that be with the I130 path? So i guess if that i130 isnt gettin to NVC anytime soon i just have to wait for that k3 right? Dont keep your hopes up on getting past NVC if there is a deportation order in place... If there is.. expect a knock at the door at some point.. Are you addressing that issue with the help of an immigration atty?	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-07 15:05:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (Maverick64 @ Oct 7 2009, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am unsure if everybody gets this letter from NVC, but I did and it is as we all know..not always true, if you are thrown into AP. No letter from NVC at all yet... The letter from USCIS... I-797 NOA2.. "The above petition has been approved, and forwarded to the listed consulate. Please contact the consulate with any questions about the visa issuance, or if you would like them to forward the petition to a different consulate". No mention of NVC anywhere in the NOA2	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-07 14:34:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	QUOTE (lenaandbilly @ Oct 7 2009, 01:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE May main objection (and it still is) was the letter they sent me when my case first arrived to NVC. That letter clearly said my case was approved and would be forwarded to the consulate within 7 days. I found out 2 weeks later it was still in NVC and it stayed there 2 weeks more after that. They should stop sending that misleading letter to people, and replace it with a letter saying simply "your case has arrived at NVC and is undergoing processing... we will notify you when there is a change in your status or if we require further documentation." That would solve a lot of grief. Exactly, that is my main gripe! The letter is from USCIS and should not mention the consulate but say case approved by us and has been sent to NVC. I think I will send an email to the Ombudsman regarding the misinformation. That is who can best resolve the issue.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-07 13:13:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	STUCK @ NVC for AP	Yes I have been in AP for two weeks and met with the congressionalconstituent services rep today. Could anyone give me a good reason why that would be wrong of me or out of line? I see so many cases that gotNOA2 after me that are at the consulate already. When I gave him a copy of the NOA2 he was amazed at the wording that was used. As far as I am. Oncerned I do t want to wait a month or more and if my congressional inquiry speeds things up 1 or 2 days it was worth the 30 minutes that it cost me this AM.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-07 12:33:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Visa to Vietnam question	QUOTE (bryonm4 @ Oct 18 2009, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Anh map @ Oct 18 2009, 09:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> where did you get this from? This website http://www.handetour...isa_service.php The C1 visa I didn't remember getting a visa letter also so I'm a little confused. I filled out the forms the same however the first 2 times I got my visa stamped I didn't request it expedited. I got it back a few days ago from the embassy and it has a red circular stamp on it with an intiall but it doesn't have the rectangle purple stamp on the front of it. On mine, The purple rectangle is what they stamp on it when it is "used" .. usually single entry visas will get that when you enter... multiple entry wont get it usually... the red circle is the consular seal making it official...	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-18 23:28:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Turning in more evidence	QUOTE (jeromebinh @ Sep 8 2009, 03:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Sorry to hear about second blue. I agree with Scott, I think it is bull and the Co are the reason they are so back logged. I understand that they need time, but heck if all they actually get is the evidence and 1 interview why can't they make the decision. That or at least call us out for what they think are bad spots or red flags and see what we have to say about it. If they keep passing us along eventually they will either get to it or what I think they do is wait until they get so many then just deny a bunch at once this way when they get sent back and we complain there are to many people complaining so they can not actually look into it. Any way good luck bro, I am sure it will all work out Jerome Any word on yours?	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-09-08 15:02:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Turning in more evidence	QUOTE (Huong and Phung @ Sep 8 2009, 10:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> didn't get the pink like we wish to but another blue slip. Same as John and Ly Trinh that needs more time and things like that. AP here we go. Sorry to hear this... Man I wish I could understand why they do this. I don't understand why they take so long to say yes... They have everything there, they had time to accept before and read through everything.... I think they need 2 offices one in north and one in south if they have so many peple applying for visa that they can't handle in normal time like other countries. I hope they take care of everything for you soon. I am still waiting to hear what hey said to John.. He said he was coming to talk to CO.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-09-08 10:42:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Turning in more evidence	Only a few hours till the interview brother Huong... Looking forward to you guys getting pink... PINK!!!!!	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-09-07 13:24:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Turning in more evidence	QUOTE (jeromebinh @ Aug 25 2009, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Aug 25 2009, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Huong, Since they are calling the relatives of others in the same situation, it may be helpful to have several notarized statements of friends and relatives that are familiar with the situation as added evidence... based on recent posts, waiting till the 4th only puts you back in the queue.. best for you to go see the CO on Tues or Wed before the 4th with the evidence and you wont be so far back in the queue if the require AP and it could look better if you are there ready to provide whatever they require... I agree with that. We submitted early, maybe to early. I think the Co had many other things on his mind when we submitted it and with the date for resubmission so far away it got put on the back burner. I would submit the evidence early, but not 3 weeks early as we did. I think a few days would be better, this way the co might be looking over you case already getting prepared. They have already called at least one of her relatives so hopefully we will get the pink soon. I do like Johns font in 200, LoL I think we are lucky on most of those things. We chatted 7 months before we ever met, and I had been divorced for 2 years prior to even talking with her Based on that other topic posted today about turning in early and talking to CO.. I think the earlier the better in this circumstance.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-08-25 19:20:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Turning in more evidence	Huong, Since they are calling the relatives of others in the same situation, it may be helpful to have several notarized statements of friends and relatives that are familiar with the situation as added evidence... based on recent posts, waiting till the 4th only puts you back in the queue.. best for you to go see the CO on Tues or Wed before the 4th with the evidence and you wont be so far back in the queue if the require AP and it could look better if you are there ready to provide whatever they require...	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-08-25 14:35:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Turning in more evidence	No offense.. I answered what applied... given I have not been to HCMC... sounds like a good plan...	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-08-23 16:28:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Turning in more evidence	QUOTE (Anh map @ Aug 23 2009, 03:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My thought is for you to go on the Tues or Wed with the docs (bring copies) and talk to the CO prior to turning in. Kind of following the theory of front loading for when Phung brings in the documents. Who knows, maybe they will accept the docs from you then after you get to have a conversation. Good idea This would allow them an opportunity to possibly look over the info prior to the second appt and possibly allow for a pink to be waiting at that appt. as well as if they could get feedback as to if there was anything else needed before the appt. it could give an extra opportunity to get that together... It all depends upon the CO that is there on Tues Wed.. Edited by ScottThuy, 23 August 2009 - 03:44 PM.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-08-23 15:40:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Turning in more evidence	QUOTE (Dai_Tx @ Aug 23 2009, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've gone to see the people at the consulate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays several times with not much luck each time. The best results for us was to just let my wife show up on the interview day and let things run it's course. This is just my experience. it's probably be different for someone else. At least it is an option for that that got a second blue to go in to say hey wassup.. what can I do you help you guys reach the right decision...	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-08-23 14:52:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Turning in more evidence	PLEASE NOTE: this service is only available to U.S. citizen petitioners during the times mentioned above. U.S. citizens who wish to take advantage of this opportunity must bring their U.S. passport and the case information form to the Consulate and arrive between 3:45 pm and 4:15 pm on the days mentioned above and proceed to Window B in Immigrant Visa waiting area. The U.S. Consulate General is closed on Vietnamese and American holidays.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-08-23 14:37:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Engagement or Wedding???	I had 1 lucky day in VN when I met Thuy... I am not counting on many more that lucky so I am willing to pay when needed to avoid getting set aside or lost in the shuffle.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-24 23:34:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Engagement or Wedding???	QUOTE (cavoi xanh1 @ Oct 22 2009, 10:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Dai_Tx @ Oct 22 2009, 10:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (jeromebinh @ Oct 22 2009, 08:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Bernie C @ Oct 22 2009, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Doan and I had the full blown picture day (before sun up to after sun down). We also had a ceremony and reception. However this was all before we submitted our original K-1 petition. I clearly definde and stated in the original document submittal that we are engaged and plan to marry when she arrives to the US. We received no RFE's and nothing was questioned. This provides background and evidence that would conflict with an alternate determination at the consulate. Again, in my time line and all our documents and proofs, we never use the words marriage, married, spouse etc...always refer to engamenment and engagement party even though it was the other. We will have to see what happens when we have Doan's interview (just sending DS-230 and DS-2001 now). We can only hope that all will be well. If it comes down to legality of the issue, there is no factual and objective evidence that supports a claim that we are married within the lawful jurisdiction of either country. If it causes us AP then so be it. We cannot recall the package we already submitted to the USICS as our original petition. Its in the books and approved. I have a number of valid and factual points to defend our position. Now if these activities took place more recently there may be more burden to prove your status, but as we already submitted this up front for petition approval we have already estabished our case to be factual. Anyway, I'll let everyone know when we get our interview scheduled and how we make out! We are the exact same as you. We both wrote sworn statements that say we are legally able to marry, and we are going to do this within 90 days of her arrival. Yes we had the wedding ceremony, the full blown thing, this was for her family, we do not call each other husband and wife, this was all done BEFORE we filed for a K1 visa. We had a Vietnamese wedding without the paperwork. Many people have been fine doing this and I am sure that some have had problems because of this. Everyone that is going through this process is not made of money or lottery winners, some people can not get back to take their fiancé or fiancée home with them once they get the visa. Most people can not afford to take off more than 2 weeks a year. I knew all this before I filed for our K1 visa, and we discussed the possibility that I might not be able to come back this year, so we went all out for her family's sake. I did not want to rob them of the joy of seeing their loved one having a wedding. Most people I have talked with that have had strictly a engagement party all say their family still consider them to be married, and this is without any type of ceremony. To answer Linda's question, yes she had the white dress after. I am sure you already knew this by viewing our photos in our profile. If it comes back to haunt us, so be it. I did what I felt was right for Binh AND her family, and I am more than prepared to deal with that later. I will also post as soon as we hear something, either negative or positive. From the day that our journey started, I have never second guessed any of my decisions and I will not start to do it now. What is done is done, would I have done things differently? NO and I can say that truthfully. I worry about the future and not the past. If I worry to much about something then I will miss the important things that are happening in the now moment. I think it is so sad that people would rob their loved ones family of such a moment (Rob them of what moment? We plan to get married at JoP to satisfy the visa requirement and have a huge wedding ceremony in VN next year after she can return to VN this is a common practice ..... the difference of her being on my taxes this year is several thousand dollars difference on my tax liability, looking at about 50k in tax liability this year already so I would rather spend some of that on my family than on taxes.... That money will pay for our trip next year as well as the wedding ceremony in VN)... , and that people are worried about getting a fiancée home in time for a tax break, joking or not, this is just wrong. I worry about getting Binh home for different reasons, I want her with me because I love her and I get tired of having a chat on a web cam, I want to be able to hug her and instead of cooking on the stove with my laptop behind me I want her behind me to sample as I cook. I know that if a person gets denied for photo evidence (not many different photos in different clothes) then they must have had a weak case, if a person gets denied solely because they had a wedding ceremony and are filing for a K1 then I think they did something else wrong, they did not have a police statement saying that they were able to marry, or did not address the letter clearly that they understood and knew they were going to get married within 90 days of her arrival to the united states, or the fiancée truly thought she was his wife already and told the CO that. If she is smart and if he is smart, they should be able to have a Dam Hoi without any problems. I am sure that the CO is looking for fraud, and he might try to nit pick something in a photo, but if your case is presented correctly then theory should be no problem at all. Point blank, this is not a perfect world, if it were then we would all go to visit our loved ones each weekend and then come home in time for work next week. We are not all made of money, and just making enough to meet the poverty level does not mean people can come back and forth 2 or 3 times during this process. When people say that they should go back for the interview, then go back for a Dam Hoi after they get a visa to take them home, I think is just unrealistic for most of us. Some people are lucky, I never thought I would EVER be able to come back for 3 trips in the same year. I got lucky due to my work situation, most people are not this lucky. Jerome Why didn't you file for CR-1 Visa Jerome if you had a full blown wedding in Vietnam. It would have been easier and you could bypass the AOS and EAD stuff and get the green card and social security card when she enters the US. It looks like he was only back for two weeks or so during the wedding. It would have been very tight to get the interview and paper work I was there for a month and sent to submit our marriage application the next day. They PROMISED that everything would be ready for signing two days before I left (i.e. come back in 3 1/2 weeks). When we showed up it supposedly would take another 1 week. I naively said ok and walked out about to get on the phone to call my company and preparing a sob story about how I am stuck and would be late returning to work... as I was crossing the street the 'dich vu' lady that was supposed our friend makes a few calls and suddenly $250 would get the papers ready in 6 hours... while on principle i hated giving in the $250- extending my leave of absence from work and rescheduling plane ticket would have cost much more.... cavoi xanh1, Having to pay people off in VN is the just way things are done.. is not that much $ in the scheme of things... I can't remember how many times we have had to give someone a little money to "grease the wheels".... Getting paperwork processed in VN can take several months... A Divorce in VN usually takes a long time.. but with some $ as incentive, it can be done in a few weeks... Carrick does not have enough time away from work this year to get married there without throwing up additional red flags.. The $ could get it done fast but the CO will know how it was done and it would likely end up in AP.... When things move too fast they tend to ask why and take closer look.... If he goes now with the holiday time remaining this year and has a Dam Hoi and takes many pictures etc. and files after he returns, then he can return next year again when the prices are low and his vacation time has built up again to strengthen his case with more time together. If they get married now having not spent that much time together it could cause a delay.. like AP at the consulate	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-23 09:29:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Timeline for HCMC	A few have gotten blue for timeline only, but its usually just an excuse to buy more time... a couple of those that got blue for timeline alone ended up in AP.... and Michael was 1 and he just got denied... looking at the reasons they denied him, there were many more issues with the case than the timeline... I dont think the weeks following the interview would be a make it or break it thing when it comes to approval after the interview... so the date that it is notarized really shouldn't matter after the interview... I would think if it was notarized 4 or 5 months prior to the interview they could use that against you to ask for an updated timeline...	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-21 22:39:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Timeline for HCMC	QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Oct 21 2009, 08:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (jjordan @ Oct 21 2009, 04:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks So it is not listed on any packet from consulate but may cause a blue slip so have one incase. No, it's not listed in any packet. They can't give you a blue slip for not submitting a timeline, because a timeline is not a required document, so a timeline (or lack thereof) can't really "cause" a blue slip. If they give you a blue slip it will be for some other reason, like perhaps they suspect your relationship is a sham for the purpose of immigration. If you get a blue slip then there's a good chance that a timeline will be among the things the blue slip asks you to submit. Including a timeline with the petition may help avoid a blue slip at the interview - or not. Submitting a timeline with the required documents at the interview may help avoid a blue slip - or not. Nobody really knows for sure, because VJ members are still testing the waters with these techniques. I suspect (and this is just my own theory) that a timeline may be requested in some cases simply because the consulate needs more time to investigate the case, and the timeline is just a convenient excuse for delaying the decision. Whatever the reason, preparing a timeline in advance certainly won't hurt anything. If you end up not needing it then it will be one more of the many things you do to prepare for this that ends up not being required. This brings up an interesting point that I've wondered about, and maybe others will want to comment on. If you get a blue slip requesting a timeline, will they accept a timeline that was notarized BEFORE the interview date? If I am not mistaken, they have accepted them dated before the original interview, after the interview... as they initially refused to accept it at the interview but accepted same doc shortly after when submitted at the window...	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-21 21:07:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Timeline for HCMC	QUOTE (jjordan @ Oct 21 2009, 12:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Is a timeline need for the K3 or CR1 visas? Thanks for any info have a notarized timeline of the relationship when the beneficiary goes to the interview... Try to get them to accept it at the interview, else it may be listed on a blue slip too bring back a month later.	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-20 23:18:00
Asia: East and Pacific	I-130 package & Evidences of Bona fide Marriage	QUOTE (vietazn @ Aug 18 2009, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Having a Dam Hoi and Dam Cuoi that close together is odd. Many Vietnamese people have the Dam Hoi and Dam Cuoi on the same day, which is normal. Having it a week apart really sticks out. My opinion about evidence of relationship or evidence of marriage is that the consulate officers have a job to do. If they were to pass people without having enough documents, then they personally could potentially get into professional or even legal trouble. Therefore, make their job easier and less stressful by giving enough documentation that makes your case at least passable. In a nutshell they got into trouble when there were so many Fraud rings found to be successfully getting people through the HCMC office. With that said they know that if it happens again they will likely be out of a job. I understand that they want us to jump a higher hurdle, but at least they could tell us ahead of time what we need to be ready for...	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-08-18 21:17:00
Asia: East and Pacific	I-130 package & Evidences of Bona fide Marriage	QUOTE (abbielovesjeremy @ Aug 18 2009, 05:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> my husband and i had some of my friends and co-workers who he met and talked to make affidavits. also my mom. i have never met his family either. but his mom and bro made affidavits too since i have talked to them via skype I have friends and relatives that met my fiance through Yahoo IM and WC... They have seen and talked to her and can make an affidavit based on what they have seen... everything helps... A bona fide relationship is one that a "reasonable person" would consider a real relationship... IMO friends and relatives are 'reasonable'	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-08-18 09:10:00
Asia: East and Pacific	I-130 package & Evidences of Bona fide Marriage	QUOTE (Kevin and Tuyen @ Aug 17 2009, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Don't wait to submit bonafides at the interview. The CO will only glance over them and not spend the time looking through it at the interview. I agree Kevin.. he needs prrof of relationship..pictures of wedding Dam Hoi etc... the more that is front loaded the better... affidavits from others about the relationship also... why wait until the interview to prove the relationship...	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-08-17 16:21:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Places to stay HCM	I can relate.. I think I paid 50 in april and they do have a small gym	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-25 18:21:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Places to stay HCM	QUOTE (itzallgood @ Oct 25 2009, 04:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Anh map @ Oct 25 2009, 07:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Folks, please stop clogging the board with personal attacks and arguments. Take them offline. Also refrain from bumping useless threads to further the game. If you don't want to speak with one another then put the other person on ignore and you won't be bothered anymore. I have a new nominee for mod! He was already nominated last week...	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-25 15:24:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Places to stay HCM	Matt, In Dist 1 I stay at the Elios.. Its a Western style hotel and there is no sweating, very clean and very professional... cost more that a VN style hotel, but reasonable for a western hotel.. 2 blocks from Ben Thanh Linh Nguyen (Mr) Reservation Executive Elios Hotel Tel: +84 8 3838 5585 Fax: +84 8 3838 5583 233 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam Email: vietlinh@elioshotel.vn website: www.elioshotel.vn	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-25 15:14:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Places to stay HCM	I feel so left out.....	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-24 23:31:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Places to stay HCM	QUOTE (jeromebinh @ Oct 24 2009, 11:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am with you Scott, I let Binh handle the money, this way they don't try to cheat me when I pay for things. This morning she went to work and I stayed in the hotel for another hour or so when I went to leave, I could not find my wallet anywhere. I think it is better this way, they are used to dealing with people and getting better prices. And they feel it is our money and they do not want to be cheated as badly as we don't want to get cheated. Jerome She got cheated with me sitting there in Vung Tau... 200 USd for dinner for 3... I have her handle the $ but make sure she does not get screwed over.. like I said she isnt used to handling money	ScottThuy	Male	Vietnam	2009-10-24 23:01:00