ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificOMG, PINK!!!
Wow. Congratz for both of you :thumbs:
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-03-07 09:13:00
Asia: East and PacificTAX
You may not need a W2 of you have other supporting evidence. Though this depends completely on the consulate. A letter from your employer may be enough.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-03-24 05:18:00
Asia: East and PacificThis is a sad sad day!!!!
Having a child might make the situation worse, not better. Not to mention extra time and paperwork you would have to deal with. If you cant make any progress through normal channels you can call the congress people that represent your district for help. Depending on the particular situation, they may or may not be able to help, but doesn't hurt to call them.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-03-24 18:07:00
Asia: East and PacificThis is a sad sad day!!!!
Oh no :(
Can you tell what happened on the interview, and the questions the CO gave to your fiance. You can go details about everything so VJers here can help you to know what went wrong. Sorry, can't tell you much. I'm not wise enough. Just hang in there.

Edited by Dan + Gemvita, 23 March 2007 - 05:05 AM.

Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-03-23 05:03:00
Asia: East and PacificPink Slip!!!
CONGRATS (F)
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-03-06 06:21:00
Asia: East and PacificMy Fiancee has just received pink
Congrats !
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-04-05 06:17:00
Asia: East and PacificFinally, PINK.....
What a relieving news. Congrats ;)
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-04-15 00:02:00
Asia: East and PacificCalling from the States to Australia
If you have broadband on both sides, nothing beats using direct computer to computer voice over ip with any of the IM clients. Its generally free and if your connection is fast enough, quality can be better than a phone call.

There are several different POTS to VOIP services. Some plans offer direct unlimited calling to certain countries others allow you to get a phone number in other countries for a small monthly fee, making it a local call to call the US.

Check these guys out: https://www.lingo.com/ For about $22 per month, you can get unlimited calling to 21 countries including Australia. For another $10 per month, you can get an Australian number.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-04-13 13:18:00
Asia: East and PacificMedicine from Viet Nam.

I was living in Viet Nam for several months last year and got really familiar and comfortable with their open pharmacy way of life, anyone ever had your fiancee or fiancee's family ship stuff to the states for you? Just curious.


If its a prescription medicine unless you can show a valid prescription it will likely be confiscated by customs, but anything else should be go through fine.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-04-28 20:48:00
Asia: East and PacificPermanent resident visa
You do however have to file US tax returns if you remain a citizen but dont reside in the US. Though you dont have to actually pay taxes until you earn over ~$85,000. There are some treaties with the US and other countries reguarding double taxation.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-05-01 11:20:00
Asia: East and Pacificpersonal appearance for interview
It doesnt matter. They cant deny your visa because of how you look.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-05-02 19:38:00
Asia: East and PacificYay! I got the NOA2!!!
Congrats ! :) Can't wait for mine
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-05-06 05:40:00
Asia: East and PacificWedding Ceremony and Fiancee Visa
You can do a ceremony, as long as its not considered a marriage. What consititues a marriage depends on the laws of the country. If you are going to take that path, do your research. As a word of caution, you don't want to mention the wedding or give indication that you had a wedding ceremony in Vietnam. Your fiancee can be turned away at the PoE if they suspect that she is already married or denied a visa at the interview if your ceremony is before the interview.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-05-17 02:48:00
Asia: East and PacificEmployment/Education Question
GED first. You wont be able to get a decent job without high school diploma or something equivalent.

There may be jobs that can take advantage of her language fluency. But many of them may require a college education. There might be places that cater to immigrants or the Asian community where you live that may require people working for them to know more than just English. You will have to some looking, but getting a job that takes advantage of her language skills may be better paying then most other jobs that she will be able to get with a GED.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-05-29 12:46:00
Asia: East and PacificWhat's going in Saigon Now?
"Is she banging some dude right now ?"

Ebil...

Edited by Dan + Gemvita, 09 March 2007 - 04:31 PM.

Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-03-09 16:30:00
Asia: East and Pacificp o e
Depends on the airport and the amout of traffic through immigration and customs when the flight arrives. Plan for 2 hours or so. Though you might get through in 15 minutes.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-07 13:41:00
Asia: East and PacificAnyone from Korea? Have questions on K-1 Visa.
I was expecting it to be sent to my fiancee, but instead I received an email with electronic versions of all the forms.

Look at the instructions, each country is diffrent.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-11 11:02:00
Asia: East and PacificK-1 VISA APPROVED
Congratz :)
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-08 08:15:00
Asia: East and PacificVaccinations for AOS
They are not the same form. But you may have no problem sending in DS-3025 or you may get and RFE for I-693A. Otherwise you can get a designated civil sergeon to transfer the information for you assuming that your fiancee has all the required vaccinations.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-20 21:32:00
Asia: East and PacificCancel interview
Good luck :)
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-16 23:35:00
Asia: East and PacificDocument courier in Viet Nam
Any of the private carriers should be able to get it there in 3 days. Though expect to spend a bit for it. USPS should be able to get it there in 3 days with the highest level service, and from what I have seen its just a bit cheaper than comparable services.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-17 18:01:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview passed
congratz :)
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-27 10:39:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Passport for Vietnamese American Citizen

I'm curious like Chuck too, but maybe for better reason. Of course my wife is not yet a U.S citizen, and her Viet passport has expired. How does she renew her Viet passport while living in the U.S so she can travel back to Vietnam?


She should be able to renew her passport at any Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Though I cant find any information on their website.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-25 10:46:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Passport for Vietnamese American Citizen
I dont think that list is entirely accurate. I have dual citizenship with US and Sweden. Right now I just have a US passport, but if I go to sweden or swedish consulate here, I can get a swedish passport as well.

Sweden changed thier laws to recognize dual citizenship in 2001: http://www.swedenabr...e____27944.aspx.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-18 19:30:00
Asia: East and PacificAnother Police Certificate Question
It looks like Australian police certificates are given out by province. If he has lived in another province and the records from that province are not covered by the police certificate he has, then he will need one for each province he has lived in.

http://usembassy-aus...ertificate.html

He will need police certificates from other countries only if he has lived in the country for more than 6 months.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-06-29 02:59:00
Asia: East and PacificEvidence of finances lacking

So there's still a good chance I can get my GF over here if I go back and marry her even though I've got no proof of income over the last 2 years (assuming my mom fills out the promise of financial support form)??


Yes, as long as you have a co-sponsor that meets the poverty guideline requirements, you can file for a K-1.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-07-17 13:54:00
Asia: East and PacificCheap flights to Vietnam, Cambodia or Hong Kong

I usually always fly Northwest, but it really depends on where you are located. If you are close to LAX, there are a lot of choices. I'm in Tucson now, so my choices are somewhat limited for good prices, even if I fly out of Phoenix.


You can always get a ticket to LAX and then book a separate flight out of LAX to your destination. Thats what I do, since most of the choices out of Minneapolis to Indonesia are expensive. NWA.com at best, is $3000, most of the options are $8000

Orbitz has some other options, with the cheapest being, NWA and China Airlines. But I prefer flying on EVA, and its about the same price. Even if I have to book segments seperatly.

American airlines are pretty competitive to common places like the Philippines and Thailand, but suck for more unusual destinations like Indonesia.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-08-02 04:03:00
Asia: East and PacificCheap flights to Vietnam, Cambodia or Hong Kong

Hey guys - I was wondering if any of you guys have any information on where to get cheap flights from LAX (or anywhere else in the states) to any of the above places. It has been my dream for a long time to visit east asia and finally today, my husband has said 'lets do it!!'. Flights from the us are so expensive and I figured that someone here would be able to point me in the right direction to a good site or information. thanks :)



Check out EVA airlines (their hub is in Taiwan) and also Asiana(hub is in South Korea). Flying from Seattle, these two airlines always give me the best prices. If you need to make changes on your return date they are also pretty flexible and usually no extra charge. I've bought online and also from local agent specializing in Asian destinations. I've enjoyed all my trips to Vietnam and Cambodia where my fiancee is at now. I'll be going one last time some time this month....yeah! Good luck and have fun on your trip! Let me know if there's anything else you wanna know about either country.


EVA has a bit of a deal if you book by tomorrow Taiwan time. http://www.evaair.co..._LAX-070601.htm

I do suggest going for deluxe class if you can afford it, its worth it.

Edited by Dan + Gemvita, 01 August 2007 - 05:57 PM.

Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-08-01 17:56:00
Asia: East and PacificAny recommendations on airlines to Saigon?

Hi

I'm going to Saigon in September for 14-20 days to see Thi. The last time I flew it was on United. Now United's flights are more expensive so I've been looking for a low cost flight. I've found EVA. I'm not familiar with them. Their coach flight is about $100 less then United. Since I'm in LA. the cheapest Untied flight has me leaving LAX at 5am for San Francisco. There I wait until noon to fly to Hong Kong then to Saigon. EVA flight leaves LAX at 1am with a stop in Taipei then Saigon. The total travel time is shorter on EVA. Has any VJs flown this airline? Or any other ideas of how to get best coach flight to Saigon from LA?


Thanks!

Peter

NOA1 June11, 2007 on their site but still no paper notice..........


I have flown EVA before and don't really have any problems with them. I'm going to be flying with them again in October. If you care about what kind of planes you fly on, EVA flights out of LAX use 777's. Regional flights are usually on Airbus A330 or 747 combined cargo flights. EVA air is owned by the Evergreen group, which is a large shipping company.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-08-02 05:06:00
Asia: East and PacificGoing to Vietnman in November
It looks like in the case of those going through Vietnam, having a engagement party is necessary. You may run into trouble with the visa interview if you don't do it. The reason being that Vietnam is rather high fraud post, and skipping out on cultural traditions may be considered a sign of fraud.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-08-06 00:05:00
Asia: East and PacificJust update my time line, please read !!
QUOTE (hanho @ Sep 8 2007, 11:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for reply, so i am waitting for DS230, means packet3, right? Good to know smile.gif Anyone here had done at HCM, viet nam embassy, please tell me how long it takes from date sent DS230 to interview date??

thanks all.


You can look at other peoples timelines here: http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-09-09 04:53:00
Asia: East and PacificJust update my time line, please read !!
QUOTE (hanho @ Sep 8 2007, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

I just updated some information of my case, please read and tell me my wife will be able to get a interview date in Jan 2008?? Because i have a trip there and if i can, will bring her here smile.gif

I know we cant tell date of interview but whoever had the same case (IR1), and had the pink please tell me how long it will take, thanks alot.

Also, someone please tell me what the packet 3 and 4 are. Thanks


It usually takes a couple of months, after the petitioned is approved to be able to have an interview. Though it varies by country.

Packet 3 is the instruction packet. It will have forms and instructions as to what to prepare for the interview.

Packet 4 is your interview date.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-09-08 17:43:00
Asia: East and PacificBirth Certificate "Cambodia"
I would suggest contacting the government in Thailand if they have any documentation or if they can provide anything that would suffice.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-09-07 18:32:00
Asia: East and PacificBirth Certificate "Cambodia"
Is there any type of documentation you can get in the absence of a birth certificate? I have no idea if you will be able to get one in this case, but if you cannot, there may be other acceptable documentation.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-09-07 16:44:00
Asia: East and PacificLeague of United Latin American Citizen
QUOTE (akodiet @ Sep 19 2007, 11:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How can I remove my application for LULAC? Please i need information? Im currently married to a US Citizen, im having problems processing my papers because LULAC is appearing on my file.


That makes no sense, being a member of a political group should have no effect on immigration. Can you get them to clarify why its a problem?
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-09-20 03:47:00
Asia: East and Pacificpossible receipting delays and cell phone, travel to vietnam info
QUOTE (Guy&Hoa @ Oct 2 2007, 12:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all,

I went to the USCIS website today (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis) and they had a link about receipting delays due to the high volume of people trying to beat the deadline for the new filing fees.

I wonder if this is having a "trickle-down" effect on people awaiting their NOA2's and NVC's. I receipted my NOA1 on the tail end of May and I have not heard a peep from CSC since. I did notice that CSC says in their monthly updates that the process takes (6) months, but I always thought that was "boiler-plate" language and not to be taken literally. Also, the statistical data have shown less than 6 months for NOA2.

Oh well, wait it out if need be, what can we do? smile.gif

I will be traveling to see my fiancee for the (4th) time, I want to take some more pictures of us together. I also want to show that the gap between our visits has been consistent and not too long (6 months at the most). I also intend to drill her with interview questions ...(never too late for preparation).

One mistake I made is that I did not save any of my e-ticket boarding passes from previous trips, so I will make sure I do that this time. ( I did save my expedia itineraries, don't know how that will fly with them)

I also, will go with my fiancee and see if I can pay for some English training or tutoring for her, something like a couple of times a week, (3) months, for an hour or so...I think total immersion is best as the human mind will eventually catch on in geometric fashion.

She communicates well with me because I can understand her halted English, and I see where her thoughts are going due to our intimacy, but I fear rapid interrogation by a CO might spook her, so I want to give her some English classes for her confidence.

As far as flights, I found China Air to be reasonably inexpensive, ($1k and some change) I like their flight times which are 13 hours to Taipei from SFO, a 2 hour wait time and then get on a flight from Taipei to HCMC for 3+ hours arriving there in the morning. I like leaving SFO at 1:05am, it makes the long flight less miserable because you can sleep most of the hours away and then when you arrive in Taipei, there is hardly any crowd there because you arrive early in the morning. I enjoy the Airbus 300 from Taipei to HCMC, because they have an LCD TV in your seat and you can watch fairly recent movies on the flight which make the 3+ hours go fast and then before you know it, you have already landed at Tan Son Nhat airport. The whole trip under 20 hours. I can't complain compared to other airlines. (There were other carriers that had round trip fares in the $900 range, but their flight times were 20+ hours. No thanks.)

I did some research early on and found it invaluable to have mobile phone access in Vietnam. Who wants to get raped by $6.00 a minute charges to call back to US? No way.

I own a GSM phone, I can't speak for CDMA phones.

The first thing I did was unlock my razr phone from Cingular (now AT&T). You can do it (2) ways, you can have AT&T unlock it, you need to tell them you are going to take it overseas, be persistent and assertive and they will unlock it for you. (won't work for the iphone, sorry).

The second way is to download a program from the internet, however, you need to make sure they are dependable and not some scam artist making a quick buck. Unless you are tech savvy, I recommend getting it unlocked by AT&T.

Now that you have it unlocked, you can buy a Vietnam SIM card and put it inside your phone. I use MobiFone SIM cards and I have had good success. Calls from USA are free to your mobile, and when you call to USA, they charge you a $1.00 a minute. For my use, checking my voice mail at home and work, calling my kids to let them know I am ok, it had great value for me.


If you don't want to wait to buy a SIM card in Vietnam, you can buy one from this vendor in San Diego: www.telestial.com


Anyway, I just wanted to pass on my ideas to all my friends here...I'm excited to see my fiancee in (2) weeks..

I hope the NOA2's get sent out soon for all of us May filers...

All the best,

-Guy&Hoa


I do the same thing in regards to unlocking. T-mobile makes it pretty easy as long as you meet their conditions.

I recommend flying on EVA or China Air. Prices are about the same, but EVA has a much better safety record. They also offer a premium economy service which is only a couple hundred dollars more for a round trip. Eva usually has some low season fare specials on their site.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-10-02 02:29:00
Asia: East and PacificB1 to Permanent Resident
QUOTE (Earmuffs @ Oct 9 2007, 12:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My aunt from Thailand who is here on a B1 wants to become a permanent resident.. Can you apply for AOS?


what are here best options?


Not on B1, unless she is single and just met someone and got married.

There are a few options, but it all depends on what education she has or if she works for a company that would transfer her to a position in the US. If that fails, she can try her luck with the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-10-09 00:07:00
Asia: East and PacificHotel in Taipei, Near airport
QUOTE (KansasDragon @ Oct 8 2007, 10:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a likely overnight stay Taipei on my way to Manila, is there any reasonably priced Hotels near the airport?

I don't need any thing fancy, just a place to sleep.


Evergreen has a hotel in the airport itself: http://www.evergreen...amp;GoHome=true

It looks like its about $85 per night.

For those transiting through Taiwan, you can get a shower there for about $9-10
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-10-08 22:40:00
Asia: East and PacificIndonesian television
Well, I don't watch tv a lot. Tv shows here suck because the shows are mostly about hopeless romantics story and sometimes the stories are plagiarism of Korean or Indian movies or soap operas. HOwever, I'll try to help you with my limited english.

MAMA MIA SHOW-> Singing talent show. The mothers are the managers, the daughters are the singers.

SOLEHA -> Telenovela or soap opera, but over here it is famous by the term "sinetron". Soleha is a name for a girl. She's wearing hijab, so it's a bit having Islam touch in the story.

KUGAPAI CINTAMU, CINTA FITRI, TABIR KEHIDUPAN , TAKDIR CINTA, JUWITA JADI PUTRI, PACAR PILIHAN, ROMAN PICISAN, ENENG DAN KAOS KAKI AJAIB-> I don't know these. But from the cheesy titles I assume they are the cheesy sinetrons.

CANDY -> A story about a girl named Candy. It's teen story with love conflict things.

SINEKUIS PPT, TELEKUIS KADO 17TH -> I assume they are quizzes

CINDERELLA -> Another sinetron with cheesy story with rich girl and poor girl

PARA PENCARI TUHAN -> Kind of religion show, never watched it but it's showed during ramadhan

OLIVIA -> A cheesy sinetron story about a girl named Olivia who pretends to be a boy

INTAN -> Another story about a girl named Intan, yeah it's also a sinetron

SI ENTONG, SI ENTONG SPESIAL RAMADHAN -> A sinetron story about a boy named Entong. This sinetron has Betawi tribe culture background. Betawi is one of many tribes in Indonesia.

ABU NAWAS DARI BETAWI -> A sinetron about a guy named abu nawas with betawi culture background

KDI -< dangdut singing contest

It is common for people here to watch tv night or early morning ( for those who can't sleep), because some television channels are like 24 hours airing.

-Gemvita

Edited by Dan + Gemvita, 15 October 2007 - 06:32 PM.

Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-10-15 18:32:00
Asia: East and PacificMy Recent Trip To Saigon to See Thi
QUOTE (PeterFB @ Oct 10 2007, 06:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (CK&Tydi @ Oct 10 2007, 12:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (STL_HCMC @ Oct 9 2007, 07:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey CK&Tydi,

Unfortunately, the near 2 years that I lived in HCMC, there was no Bank of America. Is this recently that you saw a Bank of America in Vietnam? Was this in HCMC?

STL_HCMC

QUOTE (CK&Tydi @ Oct 9 2007, 01:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Currently there are a few US banks in Vietnam, Bank of America, Citibank, and HSBC bank. You can withdraw cash from Bofa, Citibank, HSBC bank ATM.



STL_HCMC, I am not quiet sure,, maybe i made a mistake from BofA, but i did use my BOfA ATM at Diamond Plaza and Parkson to withdraw money...... Got no problem at all. For sure will be 2 banks, like CitiBankd and HSBC right accross from Nha Tho Duc Ba..... Best just bring Cash and withdraw or use Credit Card if you have too smile.gif


When I was getting a cash advance for buying my curtains, the Vietnam Eximbank teller told me to use the ATM because I wouldn't be charged their 3% fee. But when I tried to get the cash from the ATM, my Wells Fargo credit card wasn't set up to get money from ATMs. Next time I'll get my cards set up before I go so I can see it that actually works and save that fee. I had to gp back to the bank since I didnt have extra cash, the curtains were ready and I was leaving the next day. Otherwise I could have used Xoom to send me money from my US bank, their money transfer fees are very low. Also the bank required me to show them my passport not a photocopy so I had to go get it. The rest of the time, my photocopy was my ID if I needed one.

Peter


Most banks charge some kind of currency conversion fee for international transactions. It could be anywhere from 1-5% Although the exchange rate banks use is the best rate you can get.
Dan JMaleIndonesia2007-10-10 16:32:00