ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Engagement Party
Congratulations....

I think you and Tan have made a good choice to have the party. We had about 330-350 people at ours. they went through 26 cases of TIGER beer. I believe that is 20 bottles to a case, each bottle is 40oz.

But it was alot of fun. I wish Trang and I could be there. you will never forget this experience.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-02-22 13:04:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Engagement Party
Linda,

You are quite good at getting right to the point, and not afraid of painting a picture to say how it really is.... CUDOS to YOU!!!
I would speak with him about it, and see what he and his family wants. The last thing you want to do is diappoint him or the family.

You sound like a great couple. If you have a ceremony, you dont have to wear an Ao Dai (traditional VN dress). But I think your fiance
would be blown away with joy and happiness if you did.

If you dont like the traditional look, and want something more progressive, you might look at the links below. They have some very beautiful Ao Dai's.

http://aodaivinh.ecrater.com/

http://www.aodaistyl...ndex.php?lan=en

I wish you both the best of luck. I understand why yo stay with him so much. It was the hardest thing to do in my life when I left her in Vietnam.
So enjoy the time you can with him.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-02-21 14:32:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Engagement Party
Well the Dinh Hon is the same, regardless of whether you get engaged or married. The only difference being you do papers if you marry.

You can have the Dinh Hon at the family's house if you want. It doesn't have to be anything special or fancy. We had the ceremony at her house, with just close family.

Most VN after the ceremony then either rent a reception hall or restaurant and have what we would consider a wedding reception. But if you dont want to do that, it is not required. But I would atleast have the ceremony and get plenty of photographs.

Maybe instead of going to a restaurant, if his family approves, maybe try a carry-in dinner for just the family. Remember, the Dinh Hon is just as much about the family as it is the fiance.

Try it, you will have fun, and remember it for the rest of your life.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-02-18 11:23:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Engagement Party
You dont have to.

You could have a small ceremony with just his family. It doesn't have to be anything like what my fiance and I had.

But keep in mind the customs of him and his family. Talk with them.

It is really worth the experience of going through the "Dinh Hon". Here are pictures of our Dinh Hon

I know it was a special day for my fiance and her family, as it was for me. But remember it is a very important part of the Vietnamese culture. IF you decide not to have one, make sure that the family doesn't feel insulted.

Good luck
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-02-18 09:57:00
Asia: East and PacificMy Trip to Vietnam - PICTURES
Thanks for all the compliments.

I really do miss her. We are having a baby in September. So I hear all about her morning sickness every day when we chat.

Her and I get along very well together. sure we have our differences of opinion, but who doesn't.

Going to all those places with her was the 2nd best time of my life so far. the 1st, would have to be the day we were engaged. Her family is so amazing and accepted me into their family with open arms.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-03-03 14:49:00
Asia: East and PacificMy Trip to Vietnam - PICTURES
I know quite a few. What are you looking for? Expensive? Cheap? Middle of the Road? Old? New?

We stayed at Ngan Sao Resort, it was a mid-range in price resort. Nice, clean, good food, friendly staff.

It is also called the "Thousand Stars" resort. Here is there contact info:

THOUSAND STARS RESORT ®
Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island
Tel: (84.77) 848203 – 980208
Fax: (84.77) 848556
Email: ngansaoresort@hcm.vnn.vn

There is a new place that just opened called CHARM, which is also very nice, and not expensive.

If you want top of the line, then I would recommend the SASCO Blue Lagoon, or the La Veranda.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-02-22 13:16:00
Asia: East and PacificMy Trip to Vietnam - PICTURES
Thank you.... I think so smile.gif
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-02-16 16:44:00
Asia: East and PacificMy Trip to Vietnam - PICTURES
Thanks for all the compliments....

Actually, it wasn't trslly a fashion show. They are female impersonators..... My Em hired them to perform with the band and singers at our Pre engagement party & our reception

Here are some more pics...

Our Engagement Party / Reception

Our Trip to Phuquoc

Our Trip to Ha Tien

Fishing & Our Trip to Can Tho

Enjoy.....
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-02-09 20:37:00
Asia: East and PacificMy Trip to Vietnam - PICTURES
Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed being in them. This just happened to be the best day of my life....

Engagement Album

Ceremony 1

Ceremony 2

Ceremony 3
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-02-07 22:00:00
Asia: East and PacificAny Thai people who's coming to Kentucky?
Hi Tuk,

MY Finace will be here later this year. I live in Louisville, but she is Vietnamese. But would love to meet you and your significant other. PM me. Here is a list of Thai restaurants in Louisville. You might try there to atleast make some contacts or meet some people who can point you in the right direction.

Thai Taste Restaurant
1977 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, KY 40206 USA
Phone: (502) 897-7682
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thai's Corner
506J North 12th St.
Murray, KY 42071 USA
Phone: (270)753-3328
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pad Thai Restaurant
4101 Tates Creek Centre Drive
Lexington, KY
Phone: (606) 271-9656
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wanpen Thai & Chinese
103 Brenwood Dr
Berea KY 40403 USA
Phone: (859) 985-1010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thai Siam
3002 1/2 Bardstown Rd.
Louisville KY 40205 USA
Phone: (502) 458-6871
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thai Cafe
2226 Holiday Manor Ctr #8
Louisville KY 40220 USA
Phone: (502) 425-4815
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Siam Restaurant
126 New Circle Rd.
NE. Lexington KY 40505 USA
Phone: (859) 231-7975
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bangkok Buffet
9114 Taylorsville Rd.
Louisville KY 40299 USA
Phone: (502) 499-2858


Hi Kazan Tiger,

To answer your question, the cost of living is very cheap. Huge asian community, aspecially Vietnamese. I believe there is a decent size Thai community in Louisville.

Plenty of IT jobs as well....
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-02-20 14:51:00
Asia: East and PacificHow long is Police Certificate from Vietnam good for?
It actually says right on the document "Only valid for 6 months"
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-03-06 19:55:00
Asia: East and PacificPreparing Home for Vietnamese Fiance
Thanks for all the replies.

There are a couple of good Vietnamese markets close by. I use 1 of them when I need to send her money. I also have VN friends (married) that said they would sort of adopt her as a sister so she VN friends to hang out with or talk to.

Our winters and springs are cold and wet. She LOVES stuff from "Bath & Body Works" I have been stocking up on lotions and such for her.

Already have the chopsticks. Bought a nice big set during my last visit yo VN.

Can you guys elaborate on "Feng shui setup in your house" ??? I have heard the term but never actually seen one.

Her family already has a computer, ADSL, and a yahoo account. This will be their 2nd daghter married to an American. They chat weekly wih the other daughter.

I've heard you can't take any of the Fish Sauce (Nuoc Mam) or sauces out of Vietnam. I heard the airlines won't allow them in baggage, and also heard customs won't allow it.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-03-10 19:20:00
Asia: East and PacificPreparing Home for Vietnamese Fiance
I am currently engaged to a wonderful Vietnamese woman. I am wanting to start getting the house ready for her.

What items have other Vietnam VJ'ers bought to prepare their homes for their loved ones???
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-03-08 21:47:00
Asia: East and PacificCRBA - VIETNAM
Anybody?????
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-03-20 00:32:00
Asia: East and PacificCRBA - VIETNAM
I know I will have to file CRBA (consular Report a Birth Abroad) as we want to have the child in Vietnam.

Has anyone ever gone through CRBA at the HCMC US Consulate?

I am trying to figure out what the timeline is going to be from the CRBA to the Passport Issuance.

She is due in September, but it looks like she will have her K1 interview in June, maybe July.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-03-18 14:26:00
Asia: East and PacificBlue
I agree with PeterFB. I plan on being with my Finace when she has her interview in HCMC. I am also going to give her my passport when she goes in for the interview.

She can show the CO that she has my passport, that I am with her in VN.

I was introduced to her by her sister who is also married to an american. I worked with her husband, and they also lived in the same apartment building. they have now returned to the state where they originally lived.

I documented / explained in detail how we were introduced (I asked her sister if she was single and if she would introduce me to her), how long we have been chatting, emailing, and calling (supported by chat logs, emails, and phone bills), and of course all the other evidence from my 38 day trip to VN, our engagement pictures, etc..
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-03-03 14:59:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa Refused (221g): HCMC Embassy
I know this is an old post, however I am going to revive it for the time being.

I am in a similar situation. My fiance is pregnant, however I knew she was pregnant before I filed the petition.

I also have the same lawyer in this case. However, because we were aware of the pregnancy, we were able to provide this information ahead of time in the peption when we filed.

We received NOA2 march 12th.

It is my understanding that the Consulate can NOT deny a petition for K1 visa based on information already approved by USCIS. If there was something in the peptition to deny, it would have been denied at the Service Center.

The only way she could be denied is if she somehow fails the interview, lies, fails the medical, but she can NOT be denied based on the premise she is pregnant, as it was stated in the petition, that she is pregnant.

We are aware that we will have to file CRBA with ACS at the consulate, but we didn't plan on her coming to the US until after the baby was born anyways.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-03-17 17:47:00
Asia: East and PacificWOOOHOOO!!! She got Pink!!!
Congrats....

By the way, please update your timeline

Edited by b_weeks, 01 April 2008 - 10:25 PM.

b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-01 22:25:00
Asia: East and PacificUS Consulate - HCMC
PeterFB,

Already way ahead of you. trang goes to school every day to a private English teacher. I sent her a list of about 200 different questions. Her teacher asks her questions, and she answers in english.

We are in no hurry. Trang is pregnant and due in September. We plan on having the baby in VN, Filing CRBA, then going to the US.

I figure she will interview late may or June.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-02 00:29:00
Asia: East and PacificUS Consulate - HCMC
QUOTE
Bill

While you're waiting for your Packet 3, you and Trang should do the following:

1. Make sure her passport is valid for at least 8 months after the visa is issued.
2. Have a copy and the original birth certificate for you and a copy and original for Trang. (The Consulate doesn't require translations. but getting any Vietnamese docements translated will be required for AOS. Getting all documents for AOS done in Vietnam is cheaper than US. USCIS doesn't care where their translated. )
3. Make sure she doesn't have any court or prision record (or have the records if she does)
4. If she has military records, get them a copy.
5. Police Certificate.
6. If she lived outside of Vietnam for more than 6 months, she needs Foreign Police Certificates for each place.
7. Get at least 5 passport size photos of her that are current
8. Get your I-134 in order
9. If she has been married, get marriage termination certificates
10. Collect and organize all possible evidence of your relationship (including any problems you think the Consulate may ask about.)
11. Get single certificate

Peter and Thi


Peter, We already have all the documents you listed finished / copied / translated / notarized where needed

UPDATE - Received PACKET 3 Today. Just in time as she mailed the DS-230 Part 1 to the embasy late last week. So we are well on our way.

We will now wait a week or so and call to verify the Consulate received her papers. Now waiting for Packet 4 / Interview Date.

AMAZING - 70 days since I sent the I-129F to Vermont.

Edited by b_weeks, 01 April 2008 - 11:54 PM.

b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-01 23:52:00
Asia: East and PacificUS Consulate - HCMC
We are waiting Packet 3. Is it OK to just fill out DS-230 Part 1 and turn it in to expedite the process? Is the DS-2001 still required? What about the Applicant Readiness Checklist?
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-03-27 21:16:00
Asia: East and PacificJust called HCM and got an interview date
If you are above the 125% of the poverty line, then I dont think they need assets or bank account balances.

Provide the past month of paystubs, and the last year or 2 of taxes (they only require 1 year)/ Dont forget to notarize the I-134.

Any evidence of your ongoing relationship.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-14 20:46:00
Asia: East and PacificJust called HCM and got an interview date
QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Apr 14 2008, 10:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (b_weeks @ Apr 14 2008, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We are May 30th...

If any of you are going to be in HCMC, let me know.

I would love to meet VJ people in Saigon, but I hope we are far away from there by the 30th, packing for return to the U.S.

OK, I gotta ask, Bill......I notice that you got your interview date lightning fast, but yet the date itself is very far out. What's up with that? Just the consulate messing with all our heads and yours too? A little bit of predictability would be nice, consulate people.



Well, I am not sure, but it may have something to do with how we did our paperwork in Vietnam. Once I found out that the US Consulate had received our case from NVC, I contacted our lawyer (M.E) office to let them know. Our lawyer sent my fiance the DS-230 Part 1 and instructions for her to follow. All she had to do was sign the form, and send it to the Consulate.

2 days after she sent the form provided by our lawyer, she received PACKET 3 from the consulate, which also included the checklist that everyone thinks you must sign and turn in. We did not.

So, it may have something to do with the fact that we sent DS-230 Part 1 by itself. Also Packet 4 was mailed to my fiance on April 9th.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-14 09:23:00
Asia: East and PacificJust called HCM and got an interview date
We are May 30th...

If any of you are going to be in HCMC, let me know.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-14 08:53:00
Asia: East and PacificApproved !! :)
depending on how fast you fiance receives and turns in PACKET 3, and the assumption there are no problems at the NVC, probably 2-3 months, maybe 4 at the most until the interview. Not sure where in VN your fiance lives, so VN mail could be a time consuming factor.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-14 20:40:00
Asia: East and PacificInterviewed, Blue then Green then Pink.!!
I have spoke to Haonie about 4 times the past couple of days. He called me from VN. CONGRATS HAONIE!!!!!

The hard part is behind you.... See you when you get back.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-25 14:39:00
Asia: East and PacificInterviewed, Blue then Green then Pink.!!
QUOTE (CraigCam @ Apr 25 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WOOT!!! Grats you two! Good luck!

I'm also curious about the birth certificates for parents. My father is deceased, so , I wonder how difficult it would be to obtain his birth certificate.


Parents birth certificates are only required when BOTH the benficiary and petitioner are Vietnamese. they want to verify that they are not related.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-25 14:32:00
Asia: East and PacificI leave tomorrow
GOOD LUCK with the interviews. I am right behind you. I arrive May 23rd. Trang's interview is May 30th.

If you guys decide to stay in VN for a couple weeks, let's get together for dinner.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-28 21:00:00
Asia: East and PacificFor those who have filed the I-129 already....
Yes, what CraigCam said. G-325A (ALL 4 PAGES SIGNED by TAN), ORIGINAL letter of intent to marry you. You must provide the same.

Also, any photos, receipts, copy of your passport an visas, and boarding passes CAN BE PHOTOCOPIES. Also I provided copies of BOTH our birth certificates (VN BC AND copy translated to english).

Edited by b_weeks, 07 May 2008 - 12:07 AM.

b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-05-07 00:07:00
Asia: East and PacificDouble Whammy Pink Slips!
Congraulations.......

I am heading over May 22nd for Trang's internview on the 30th.

Too bad I couldn't have met yu guys.....

Hoanie, give me call, let me know if you need picked up at the airport.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-05-10 16:09:00
Asia: East and PacificMarc Ellis is the man!!!
I am in the same situation. My Fiance is pregnant, and we have our interview May 30th. I hired Mr Ellis, and he is handling our case. So far, I am very pleased with the service he is providing.

I would also like to comment on the Marriage Fraud that seems to be rampant in Vietnam.

Nothing against the VN people, as I love one very uch, but it seems to me, every case of marriage fraud I have heard or read about was men in other asian countries getting women for the sex trade, or Other VN nationals in the US trying to make a quick buck, or get their family to the US. There may be other cases I am not aware of. But I am mainly referring to the case a year or 2 ago in the Seattle area.

Unfortunately, the mis-trust it is going to continue until people quit trying to make a quick buck, or trying to use ILLEGAL methods to get around immigration.

As far as people getting PINK or BLUE. It all depends on how you present your case. How you present your evidence. If you are only showing a couple of pictures, a couple of emails, only a short time together.

People need to realize that if they present their case showing a true and sincere love for each other, and a true on-going relationship, and the Finance answers the questions asked without hesitation, and is clear about the evidence, and shows genuine love and thoughtfulness in regard to the relationship. They will get the PINK.

IF they are missing documents, have a couple of emails, a couple of letters, a couple of pictures, the fiance can't answer questions about the relationship. Then you can expect BLUE.

Fortunately, I have a 1 1/2 years of chat logs chatting almost every day, almost 100 emails, a couple hundred pictures together, receipts for Dam Hoi, pictures, and jewelry. We spent almost 6 weeks together. Travelled across most of Southern Vietnam. Many months of phone bills speaking to each other and text messaging. Finally, she almost 4 months pregnant.

so, it is all about what your case looks like to the CO. If it appears loving and true, you get the PINK. If it appears questionable, you get the BLUE.
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-11 16:41:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC May Interviews
Congratulations to all who have received the PINK so far this month.

I leave next week, and my fiance interviews the 30th. Hopefully all the May VJ'ers can continue this trend of fortune....

Wish the rest of us luck... Kepp us all in your prayers.

Edited by b_weeks, 13 May 2008 - 09:20 PM.

b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-05-13 21:19:00
Asia: East and PacificATM machines in VIETNAM
Are ATM's widely available in HCMC. Can yo easily get USD from these ATM's?
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-05-16 22:07:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC May30th Interview
I went to Vietnam on May 22nd.

She had her interview on May 30th

They asked her 2 questions:
    What is your Fiances' Mothers name?

    How many brothers and sisters does your Fiance have?
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-06-09 19:10:00
Asia: East and PacificOne Way Plane Ticket
QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Feb 17 2008, 10:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Robert & Van @ Feb 17 2008, 12:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When I went to pick up my Wife in Vietnam and step daughter I bought 1 round trip ticket for myself flew with China Air lines. when I got to Vietnam I went to china airlines office and ask them that I needed 2 1 way ticket's to the US on same flight that I was taking back. no problem whats so ever with China airlines. and even saved about 400.00 buying the ticket there.


Thank you. That is just the sort of information I was looking for. Boy, I hate to leave it up to the last minute like that, but then again, what if she doesn't pass the interview? I don't see how she couldn't pass, but with HCM you never know.........

Oh, well, at least I know what I can do now. Thanks again.


Think Positive!!!!
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-03-08 15:53:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC May Interviews
UPDATE ON ALL MAY INTERVIEWS......

Let me know if I missed anyone.

Vietnam07 (Amy & Jack) - May 6th ???????

MelrosePlant (Mai Anh & James) - May 9th PASSED

Dave_Thao (Thao & Dave) - May 9th PASSED

Violet18ac3 - May 12th PASSED

J & Q (Quynh & Jeff) - May 14 RECEIVED BLUE - TWICE

Cuong (Nhung & Jayson) - May 15th PASSED

Roy99 (Ngoc & Roy) - May 21st PASSED

Michael&Tham (Tham & Michael) - May 28th PASSED

Lucky Ducky (Linh & Daniel) - May 29th ???????

B_Weeks (Trang & Bill) - May 30th PASSED
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-06-10 12:42:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC May Interviews
Vietnam07 (Amy & Jack) - May 6th

MelrosePlant (Mai Anh & James) - May 9th

Dave_Thao (Thao & Dave) - May 9th

Violet18ac3 - May 12th

J & Q (Quynh & Jeff) - May 14

Cuong (Nhung & Jayson) - May 15th

Roy99 (Ngoc & Roy) - May 21st

Michael&Tham (Tham & Michael) - May 28th

Lucky Ducky (Linh & Daniel) - May 29th

B_Weeks (Trang & Bill) - May 30th
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-22 21:47:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC May Interviews
QUOTE (Cuong @ Apr 19 2008, 07:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (b_weeks @ Apr 19 2008, 10:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
OK... So far here is the list:
    Vietnam07 (Amy & Jack) - May 6th

    MelrosePlant (Mai Anh & James) - May 9th

    Dave_Thao (Thao & Dave) - May 9th

    Violet18ac3 - May 12th

    Roy99 (Ngoc & Roy) - May 21st

    Michael&Tham (Tham & Michael) - May 28th

    Lucky Ducky (Linh & Daniel) - May 29th

    B_Weeks (Trang & Bill) - May 30th
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-21 14:38:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC May Interviews
Vietnam07 (Amy & Jack) - May 6th

MelrosePlant (Mai Anh & James) - May 9th

Dave_Thao (Thao & Dave) - May 9th

Violet18ac3 - May 12th

Cuong (Nhung & Jayson) - May 15th

Roy99 (Ngoc & Roy) - May 21st

Michael&Tham (Tham & Michael) - May 28th

Lucky Ducky (Linh & Daniel) - May 29th

B_Weeks (Trang & Bill) - May 30th
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-19 22:01:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC May Interviews
OK... So far here is the list:
    Vietnam07 (Amy & Jack) - May 6th

    MelrosePlant (Mai Anh & James) - May 9th

    Dave_Thao (Thao & Dave) - May 9th

    Violet18ac3 - May 12th

    Roy99 (Ngoc & Roy) - May 21st

    Michael&Tham (Tham & Michael) - May 28th

    Lucky Ducky (Linh & Daniel) - May 29th

    B_Weeks (Trang & Bill) - May 30th
b_weeksMaleVietnam2008-04-19 10:29:00