ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
VietnamRetirement In Vietnam, good Idea or Bad idea?

This seems to be a really nice strategy, I would love to Retire in Vietnam, problem for me is Linh is from HCMC and loves it there. It is ok but being a web footed coonass from Louisiana I would feel boxed in. I live in countryside near the city were I work and commute to the city for work and shopping, entertainment ext. I have sports fishing boats, love home gardening and hunting. Trying to reconcile my hobbies to live in vietnam would at least require me to live in the outskirts of HCMC towards the delta somewhere. I love Danang, I think that is paridise on earth. Being a cajun with the reputation that we eat anything (and not always meant as a compliment) the food wasnt exotic at all to me. Infact as I was getting aquainted with her family they were concerned with what to cook for me and Linh told them "don't worry about him, he is normal" hehe. I have to say that made me feel welcome into the family. Linh recently showed me a photo of a louisiana restaurant in the Tan Son Nhat airport, smile.png  Anyway, for me I would still need a Ranger size PU to pull a boat and a house to live, all of which are taxed to the gills. Those are the three hurdles I think I would have to get over to live there. Hoi an is nice but Hue is a bit far inland for me even with the perfume river there, much like HCMC. Living in South Louisiana I understand a bit about flooding. And would have to live in a house on Piles like here.  Nah Trang, is also really nice Muine and Vung Tau is also options. I work for an oil company that is doing some work there and I may consider a transfer as that would cover housing expenses. I also own some rentals which i would turn over to a management co. for rent collection and repairs. My Retirement from oil company as well as rental income would easily cover our living expenses there. I have 59 more months until eligble for retirement so I am hoping for the job transfer. I obviously have a lot to sort thru before a move can be put into motion.


Edited by BatonRouge Bill, 16 October 2013 - 02:52 PM.

BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-10-16 14:51:00
VietnamApproval Letter.

it seems to be weird to me. Obtaining SS requires many other paperworks such as I-94,passport with visa, etc. Therefore, it usually done by coming to SS Office.

well there may be some truth to the first person, there is a change to the SS number process to start the process while still in immigrants native country:

http://www.socialsec...p_immigrant.htm


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-10-29 07:33:00
VietnamApproval Letter.

it seems to be weird to me. Obtaining SS requires many other paperworks such as I-94,passport with visa, etc. Therefore, it usually done by coming to SS Office.

Yes I asked two more times and the 2nd two said it's done after she arrives.

on a different note, Linh's paper work was recieved at the consulate today, I asked when should expect to see packet 3 and he said "reasonably after the holidays" I think these guys are as bad as the USCIS people. ok after the US holidays ends then Tet begins, Surely this guy is wrong!!!


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-10-23 15:12:00
VietnamApproval Letter.

I was told by someone at the NVC that my fiance will be issued a social security number at the consulate when she gets her approved K1 visa, does that sound right?  is that new?


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-10-11 12:38:00
VietnamApproval Letter.

Are there any Fee's or forms at this point? we have a case number at the NVC and i know the number. that's all I know.


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-09-24 13:52:00
VietnamApproval Letter.

Your case will be sent to NVC and they will assign a case number before sending your case to Embassy.

 

I am assuming that you are USC. If you have received the NOA2 by mail, I would recommend you to call DOS after 2 weeks of your approval. You need to call DOS at 202-485-7600 ( press 1 and then 0 to talk to visa specialists) and ask them whether they received your case yet. If they do, then ask them for your case number.

 

They usually ship your case to Embassy within 1 week from the day that they assigned a case number. Embassy will send a letter ( package 3) to your fiancé/fiancee in VN. She or He needs to send back DS-230, DS 2001,  photo of passport, 2 visa pictures and long with the photocopy of the letter (package 3).

 

 

 

Thanks alot, We have a case number!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-09-24 13:43:00
VietnamApproval Letter.

Your case will be sent to NVC and they will assign a case number before sending your case to Embassy.

 

I am assuming that you are USC. If you have received the NOA2 by mail, I would recommend you to call DOS after 2 weeks of your approval. You need to call DOS at 202-485-7600 ( press 1 and then 0 to talk to visa specialists) and ask them whether they received your case yet. If they do, then ask them for your case number.

 

They usually ship your case to Embassy within 1 week from the day that they assigned a case number. Embassy will send a letter ( package 3) to your fiancé/fiancee in VN. She or He needs to send back DS-230, DS 2001,  photo of passport, 2 visa pictures and long with the photocopy of the letter (package 3).

 

 

 

Isn't package 4 for K1 visas (fiance)? just looking at the linked info here: http://www.visajourn...y=HochiminhCity if this is wrong please let me know.


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-09-13 13:39:00
VietnamDS-160 (Replaces DS-156, DS156K and DS-230 : fiance visa app)

I received my case number from the NVC to be forwarded to Ho Chi Minh after Oct 7th so now you have to fill out the DS-160 instead of the other forms.  Reading on the embassy website, the website says they don't schedule the interview dates, but you have to schedule it on the US consulate website in Vietnam.  I have been searching and reading constantly on here before typing this out as I rather not post up something that keeps getting repeated over and over again.

Has anyone filled out the DS-160 and have the interview/visa pkg get sent to their fiance in Vietnam?  I am lost in where to go after filling out the DS-160, as the case number I typed in ceac.state.gov, notes the case is ready status.  I also emailed as there is no phone number to the us embassy in ho chi minh to get answers where to schedule for an interview and all the proceeding good stuff.

 

Any help is always greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

We are similar, they mailed packet 3 on oct 23 to the wrong address. so my fiance emailed them as they don't take phone calls they say email them.

She emails them her proper address and they send the packet via email on Nov. 1 and left one letter off her email, I just found out today thru probing questions including spelling out her email address to find out they f-up her email. duh, why not just hit reply??? my God lost another 2 weeks. Im a december 2nd filer!

 So yes like you the NVC just says fill out DS160 on line and the rest will come in packet 4, hmm These folks don't know what they are doing and give faulty instructions.

Sorry for my rant. but we really wanted to spend christmas together.


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-11-13 15:53:00
VietnamCR-1 Interview Scheduling - HCM consulate

my packet 3 was recieved by hcm consulate on sept6, and still havent gotten our interview date 2 months later, already sent multiple emails get same answer, just to email back at end of month

 

i will be going back there dec 5 thru the 28th so hoping date is before there so i can bring my fiance back with me

 

2 months... thought it was supposed to be faster than that, sigh

hmm I want to wait until I know her interview date to take my vacation and book flight, so I can also take her back with me, hmm these folks are really awful,


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-11-11 08:23:00
VietnamCR-1 Interview Scheduling - HCM consulate

hmm the consulate data shows 100 days, I hope Chris is right!!! I Got my NOA2 on Sept 11,

NVC case number on Sept 24th

Consulate recieved hard copie paperwork on Oct 24th.

and still don't have packet 3 yet.

But ours is for K1


Edited by BatonRouge Bill, 07 November 2013 - 08:11 AM.

BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-11-07 08:10:00
VietnamIs there a way out?

she won't pass the interview at the consulate anyway. you can wait it out and let the blame and burden fall where it should.

 


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-11-03 11:07:00
VietnamK1 Interview Roll Fall 2013

 

We did not see each other since Nov. 16, 2012. This waiting process we went thru with alot of different emotions. I think everyone else had same feeling.

 

Anyway, good luck to both of you.

Thanks Good luck to the both of you also, I do like the kindness displayed of the folks on this forum


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-12-06 08:09:00
VietnamK1 Interview Roll Fall 2013

You should try again, today send email to Consulate. If having nothing, tomorrow you can call DOS because my friend know her interview date via calling DOS (today, US time) smile.png

yes I am like HoaPhong and I called the Dept of state every few days, and they told me that the wait is for the consulate to schedule it, then notify the beneficiary. I will have Linh email them again. I have decided to go for the New Year holiday, (not the lunar) and go back again when her visa is in had as it could be 4 more months. We will take in the New year from a skybar and room overlooking the River and then take her parents to tour a bit in Thailand, Bangkok and Pataya and enjoy ourselves a bit of time together. I think that will reinforce us a bit for additional wait time.


You should try again, today send email to Consulate. If having nothing, tomorrow you can call DOS because my friend know her interview date via calling DOS (today, US time) smile.png

yes I am like HoaPhong and I called the Dept of state every few days, and they told me that the wait is for the consulate to schedule it, then notify the beneficiary. I will have Linh email them again. I have decided to go for the New Year holiday, (not the lunar) and go back again when her visa is in had as it could be 4 more months. We will take in the New year from a skybar and room overlooking the River and then take her parents to tour a bit in Thailand, Bangkok and Pataya and enjoy ourselves a bit of time together. I think that will reinforce us a bit for additional wait time.


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-12-06 08:04:00
VietnamK1 Interview Roll Fall 2013

 

Ours take 100 days to receive P4 and know interview date and about other 3 weeks to have CO interview.

yes 4 months, would be a year since I seen her last, that is too long, we should both be beaten for waiting and believing in this horrid visa process.


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-12-04 21:07:00
VietnamK1 Interview Roll Fall 2013

Or between Pkg 3 and interview?

hmm I last seen her in April, its so hard, I can afford two trips but 3 more months is horrible. I waited so long thinking it will be soon and it is delay after delay. Thanks I think I will go for the January 1 New year not lunar New year. and go back as she has her visa to get her. Thanks for your reply

 

 


Edited by BatonRouge Bill, 04 December 2013 - 07:26 PM.

BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-12-04 19:21:00
VietnamK1 Interview Roll Fall 2013

Or between Pkg 3 and interview?


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-12-04 16:06:00
VietnamK1 Interview Roll Fall 2013

It is so frustrated that someone has been waited about 2-3 months without knowing the interview date. Assuming that they are so busy at work, but I still dont understand why they dont give the interview date. They should know their schedule ahead of time, that implies we could know the interview date after they received the package 3. We now  have to wait 2-3 months to get the Package 4, this is ridiculous. 

This is beyond aweful! really how long does it really take between pck 3 and pck4????


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-12-04 15:52:00
VietnamHelp needed for a swedish a deported citizen (local help in vietnam)

Poor child, what a terrible situation. This is so wrong. I think all Governments employ a bunch of living heart donors.


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-02-07 13:20:00
VietnamI could be freaking myself out...

My trip to Vietnam gets closer and closer. It'll be my first time meeting my girlfriend face to face. But recently I have been reading up on the country and finding a lot of bad things. Scary things. I know everyone has their own experiences, good and bad. I told myself a hundred times that they're just stories. Stories about mafia girls or if you do not spend a lot of money, you will be treated badly. Am I just freaking myself out? Maybe I am just nervous because this is my overseas relationship? *sigh* I just needed a place to vent and this is the first place I thought of. Everyone seems so relaxed about travelling. Whereas I have no experience.

Lol, you will be fine, unless you are going ####### hopping and walking around totally intoxicated you will be perfectly fine, I know western guys who get get totally wasted at clubs every weekend and fight with the police occasionally and been living there for years. They don't get robbed but do occassionally give all their money away to sweet young ladies and don't have enough left for a taxi ride home hahaha. You are safer there than in any US city. period. My fiance works at a hospital, well just quit this past week so I will tell you the first trip I can tell you the stuff my colleagues were telling me, Lol, comparisons from the movie "Taken" they drew cartoons of me hiding under the bed with the cellphone, or me waking up in a hotel in the bathtub full of ice with a note on my chest because my kidneys were stolen. " and its not like your girlfriend don't work at a hospital" hahahaha, I will send you a private message from my facebook, I have hundreds of photos, you can see, There is nothing to fear there. You have more to fear in your own home town. Its not Pleasantville but I am yet to find Pleasantville anywhere.


 

Call girls or prostitudes in VN are known to use "Bua or Ngai". It's hard to explain but it's something they put in your drinks. From what I hear, those things come from "dead fetuses". They use some type of black magic or curse on those nasty things.

 

Once the victim drinks the stuff, they will have total control of the victims. The victims will follow their commands to the T, including but not limited to sending money to them, no question asked.

 

Some of you will find this stuff hard to believe. But now you've heard of it so be on the watch out for those things! Be wary of what's in your drinks when you're travelling to a foreign country and don't know much about their culture.
 

You should go to confession for that, Lol, thats just not nice!!!


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-12-02 08:30:00
VietnamNew VISA system starting February 22

"Beginning February 22, 2014, the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City will offer a new, expanded system of services for visa applicants, including the addition of a Call Center and new website to assist applicants in scheduling appointments and answering questions about the visa application process."

http://hochiminh.usc...vices_info.html

 

Perhaps this will speed up the wait for the interview after receiving package 3!

Really nice for those just getting to this point sucks for us who have been waiting for months, Start a new order...

Thanks for the Update just the same Daniel!

Bill


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-02-13 10:41:00
VietnamApproval rate in Vietnam

its been a while since I looked for the answer for this myself. I found it here somewhere but I think the data was somewhat dated. but what I found was 47% approved on first interview but jumped up to 85% on the 2nd interview, Also it looked about 30 days between 1st and 2nd or followup interview.

 


Edited by BatonRouge Bill, 26 February 2014 - 05:33 AM.

BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-02-26 05:32:00
VietnamSTILL No Instruction package, no appointment package K1

 

damn, thats a long time.  so i guess i should just stop badgering them and wait 100 ###### days to inquire again. 

Stats page shows for k1 visa at hochiminh consulate from them recieving hardcopy paperwork to interview 111days

looking at similar timelines also shows  for hochiminh consullate from NOA2 to interview 170 days...

I started my visa process (one RFE that caused a month delay) on Dec. 2nd and they accepted like on the 10th. Because I fiilled out my papers end of November 2012 my financials expired in November 2013 so I sent in updated forms.

They are aweful,....


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-02-07 16:00:00
VietnamSTILL No Instruction package, no appointment package K1

we sent several e requests also and the response is they will schedule but havent yet

sent packet 3 electronicly on 10/24/13


Edited by BatonRouge Bill, 07 February 2014 - 01:32 PM.

BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-02-07 13:28:00
VietnamSTILL No Instruction package, no appointment package K1

We have been waiting for the consulate to schedule interview date since November


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-02-04 07:48:00
VietnamSTILL No Instruction package, no appointment package K1

When did you do your electronic forms, when did you schedule your interview?

 

we haven't received an instructions package nor an appointment package since submitting D160 forms.  It's been approved and they have recieved the necessary documents because I was able to log in and schedule an interview for my fiancee.

 

her interview schedule date is set for Feb 11, 2014.  I printed out her interview appointment and her D160 confirmation page.  my fiancee tried to use the interview confirmation print out from the electronic interview scheduling site for her medical exam but was denied and told that wasn't the correct form. 

 

With her interview date coming so soon, and still nothing in the mail, I don't know what we should do.  I sent inquiries through their website and they even responded confirming my fiancee's interview date, but did not send any formal attachments either.  I'm not sure what to do.  anyone else have problems?  if so whats the best way to approach this.  i'm in the states and am thinking about flying back there for a few damn days just to knock on the consulate's door and ask them ####### is gong on. 

 

the consulate will not open until the 6th of Feb either.  Does the consulate issue approval packages through email attachments? 

 

Thanks,

 

 

 


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-02-04 07:46:00
VietnamOur case update

Congratulations! yes this does give hope!


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-03-01 12:11:00
VietnamInterview booked online using new website

We paid the $240 visa fee at HSBC on the 24th.  Make sure you bring a printed copy of the DS160 and passport. 

Tonight we booked the interview date for March 21. New online system is great!

We liked it too although we have been waitning since early October, The electronic system may help keep them from chronic procrastination.

Our interview is March 17th, :-)


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-02-25 07:57:00
VietnamHo Chi Minh consulate. How long until interview is schedule

I could be wrong but I don't think you can completely fill out package #3 electronically. You would perform the following:
 
1) You fill lout your DS-160 online and then you print it out (Bring this to the interview)
2) Fill out form DS-2001
3) Get 2 visa photo
4) Copy of passport
 
Mail the above items to Ho Chi Minh Consulate
 
Then wait for Package #4.
 
You can confirm that they receive your package by using the following website:
 
https://ceac.state.g...YubaSQI RA==***












yes we mailed the hard copy stuff then also, we are just waiting on them
BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-02-07 21:10:00
VietnamHo Chi Minh consulate. How long until interview is schedule

We filed packet 3 electronicly on 10/24/13 and still no interview date...


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-02-07 13:26:00
VietnamHo Chi Minh consulate. How long until interview is schedule

hi everyone its been more than 3 months since my fiancée filed her packet 3 and still no interview. Has anyone been schedule an interview yet. and can you let me know how long it took from packet 3 being received by the embassy for you to receive an interview

Ditto, his question, I cannot wait 3 more months waiting for an interview, I'm going visit and go back again to get her.


Edited by BatonRouge Bill, 04 December 2013 - 04:13 PM.

BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2013-12-04 16:11:00
Vietnamrecent questions at interview in HCMC

The last one sounds like a trick question.

I have to agree!


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-03-07 12:36:00
VietnamNeed Advice

without jailbreaking or unlocking I was able to use my iphone 4s there when my iphone 4 wouldn't,  both at&t contract phones

as a side note, when I go there now I am usually bring a lot of stuff with me for her friends, they just buy on amazon and ship to my house when they know I'm coming

 


Edited by BatonRouge Bill, 04 March 2014 - 02:56 PM.

BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-03-04 14:54:00
Vietnam3rd week and still no Visa!

Its been a long journey for my wife to get her visa, almost 3 years. She had her interview at the US consulate on Feb 27 and was approved for her visa to US at interview. Now its March 18, and still no status update only that the Visa is being processed. ?

 

OMG Linh was approved yesterday so I purchased our plane tickets thinking that we were good to go!

That would suck major its almost $3k for our tickets!


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-03-18 06:35:00
VietnamOur case update 2- Visa is in hand!!

 

I ended up buying a 1 way ticket, but when I looked 6 weeks ago it was cheaper to buy 2 round trip tickets. Then when I looked at the same flight 5 weeks ago the price increased by 300 per ticket. I dont have an answer for you, because I have seen it go either way and I cant figure it out?? I hate buying plane ticketsmad.gif

I was going to purchase with CheapO and the price was $3100 for the round trip from baton Rouge and 1 @ one way from saigon to baton rouge.

woman said that is the market price I could not get cheaper. I went to Expedia and got for $2300. the difference was mostly in the cost of the one way ticket 1400 from CheapO and 800 from Expedia.

I hope she has her visa in hand by the time I arrive.


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-03-18 06:42:00
VietnamK1 approved, arrived in US and getting Married today, whats next?

did you send in three different notification forms for each of the forms? or just one?

I sent in copies for each form, expecting it to go to different departments/offices and that they would need separate copies to process each form.


I-485 receipt serves as authorized stay.

Thanks again!!!


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-06-10 07:18:00
VietnamK1 approved, arrived in US and getting Married today, whats next?

You will receive biometric letter within a month. If you dont receive it, then you need to call them.

I-765 and I-131 are 3 months processing time and I-485 is about 4-12 months. People get EAD and AP faster than GC, but some cases are other ways around.

You have 50/50 chance to have either interview or interview waiver.

My wife did not get approved for EAD and AP yet, it has been 80 days from the date of filing.





Ok one more silly question, the visa expires 90 days after arrival, and it takes 4-1/2+ months for the green card, does the receipt for the I-485 serve as a temporary visa extention??? how does that work???


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-06-09 21:23:00
VietnamK1 approved, arrived in US and getting Married today, whats next?

You will receive biometric letter within a month. If you dont receive it, then you need to call them.

I-765 and I-131 are 3 months processing time and I-485 is about 4-12 months. People get EAD and AP faster than GC, but some cases are other ways around.

You have 50/50 chance to have either interview or interview waiver.

My wife did not get approved for EAD and AP yet, it has been 80 days from the date of filing.





Thanks, that is very helpful information!!!


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-06-05 06:58:00
VietnamK1 approved, arrived in US and getting Married today, whats next?

I-485 is adjust of status to obtain GR. I would recommend to apply I-131( AP),and I-765 (EAD) along with I-485 because it is free when you apply with I-485 together.

I-751 is Lift Condition Application, you dont need it until 90 days before her GR expiration date.


The fee for I-485 is 1070 ( include biometric fee).




We recieved the texts for with receipt numbers in sequential order for these three forms... My next question is how long before we get them, will they be all at once or separate???


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-06-04 07:39:00
VietnamK1 approved, arrived in US and getting Married today, whats next?

The I 131 form for travel, is it nessasary or can you just wait for the GC? we don't have a specific date to take a cruise or trip to Canada. Should I file it anyway with a random date in august or September?

 


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-05-21 19:25:00
VietnamK1 approved, arrived in US and getting Married today, whats next?

I would apply SSN first, then married and I-485,I-765, I-131.

Congratulation.

the package calls for two photos with the 485 and two with the 765.... are these passport type photos or photos together that are dated???


BatonRouge BillMaleVietnam2014-05-21 19:17:00