biggish data

NOA2 for K3

Here's a thread dealing with that issue:

http://www.visajourn...p;#entry1612331

Send a PM to pushbrk, he'll know the correct answer:

http://www.visajourn...?showuser=17184

I think the I-129 will automatically cancel out in favor of the I-130 since that is the one that arrived first.

Edited by WideAwakeInTheUSA, 05 July 2008 - 03:17 AM.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-05 03:16:00

QUOTE (PeterFB @ Jun 29 2008, 02:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If I could find a moblie income, ie a real online business that could be run from US or Vietnam which makes a income compable to the real job in the US that I have, Thi and I would spend time in both Vietnam and US. We want to have enough of income so we could keep my house here and stay for extended periods in Vietnam with her family. The reason for wanting to live over there is more based on her family than on how much it costs here or in Vietnam. We both miss her family even tho she chats with them every night. My Vietnamese is still too limited to chat with them since we're spending most of our "language" time on English. I enjoy listening and find myself hearing and understanding more when they chat.

I have no desire to "permanently leave" the US and neither does Thi. Living here regardless of the price of gas, etc is still better than any other place I know of. Also there's another potential problem about moving to Vietnam to live, Here's what the USCIS has to say about this:

"You may be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status if you:

* Move to another country intending to live there permanently.
* Remain outside of the US for more than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.
* Remain outside of the US for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.
* Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the US for any period.
* Declare yourself a â€œnonimmigrantâ€ on your tax returns."

Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26
I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26
Touched: 2007-11-02
NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16
Consulate recieved ??????
Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11
Packet 3 received 2007-12-24
Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28
Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14
Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23
Interview Date 2008-2-27
Passed Interview 2008-02-27
Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05
Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier)
POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles
Wedding 2008-4-26

I just revisited this post Peter. Thanks for this information. I can imagine me losing my citizenship. Wouldn't that be a hoot! It appears that paying taxes on all income earned alleviates any problems. The returning resident visa appears to be for naturalized citizens. I'm looking into it now.

Edited by WideAwakeInTheUSA, 06 July 2008 - 03:15 AM.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-06 03:11:00

QUOTE (Robert & Van @ Jun 30 2008, 03:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Are you Able to Collect Social Security While Living in another country?

Social Security Rules Vary Based on Circumstances

In general, the Social Security Administration (S.S.A.) allows eligible individuals living outside of the United States to collect Social Security retirement payments in their country of residence. There are exceptions to the rule, however.

For example, your eligibility to collect Social Security benefits overseas may be affected by your foreign citizenship status and by whether or not you receive dependent or survivor benefits. And regardless of your citizenship, the U.S. Treasury Department forbids the S.S.A. to send payments to retirees living in Cuba, North Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, or certain countries that were once part of the Soviet Union.

http://finance.yahoo...rement/29149#c1

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-06-30 03:04:00

QUOTE (Icarus @ Jun 28 2008, 11:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

STL- THanks for the links!! I've got some reading ahead! And thanks to the other posters, as I'm very interested in other point of views when it comes to this, but let me steer the topic back a little as I think this is a real interesting conversation for the VN VJers. Its simply this:

At what point is too expensive to live in the US? For the first time in my life, I find myself looking at the economy and worrying about a depression greater than 1929. We all have our individual exit strategy (probably better thought out than our militarys) but, what would compel you to live in VN? Would it be $5/gallon gas or the economy, another terrorist attack, losing your house to a flood, or a request from your spouse?

But to some of the posters that state patriotism as their reason for staying and never leaving the US, this isn't about flag waving, or specific basic rights given to us at birth...it's about making a choice with your significant other to have the best quality of life available. Yes, I believe we have more choices available to us here and much more personal freedoms, BUT at what cost financially or physically? Anyways, what do you all think?

Being with my Wife is my only motivation for relocating there. They could deny the Visa as much as they want. We'll simply wait it out.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-06-28 11:00:00

QUOTE (Jack & Xuan @ Jun 28 2008, 02:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jun 28 2008, 01:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (STL_HCMC @ Jun 27 2008, 10:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Great post, Icarus. I met my wife while I was an ex-pat living in HCMC for nearly two years. It had its pros and cons, but I'd go back again with the right opportunity. Living in HCMC really changed my life, and helped me realize how much I took for granted being an American and living in the United States.

Below are links to some Vietnam Ex-Pat Blogs that I still keep up with from time to time. Thought you may enjoy reading.

orangwutang

Antidote to Burnout

charvey in Vietnam (Chris is General Director, Vietnamworks.com)

The Final World

Saigon Files

SaigonNezumi

Virtual Doug

Thanks for the post. You taught English there didn't you? I'm leaving in November and plan on staying there a few years.

I am intrested in what your plans are for what you will do for income once you are there and what you will do with your responsibilities here befroe you go. My brother told me that I should just take out a second mortgauge on my house and then just leave. I am not sure that is a good option but there has to be a middle ground. I was a US Marine and I am all for America but I just can not stop thinking about living there. It has been almost a year since my first trip to meet Xuan and I have been back once since. I am not sure I can bring myself to leave if I go back for another visit.

I'm going to live on savings initially and then try to find work teaching English. I don't own a home and have minimal expenses, so it's fairly simple for me. I've withheld the I-130 and plan on filing a year or so after I get there. The USCIS has a field office there, but there is a one year residency requirement.

If things don't work out I will be leaving my job on good terms. They always need drivers.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-06-28 01:31:00

QUOTE (STL_HCMC @ Jun 27 2008, 10:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the post. You taught English there didn't you? I'm leaving in November and plan on staying there a few years.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-06-28 01:18:00

EARTHQUAKE! Let's pray this wont happen on July 18

QUOTE (AllRightsReserved @ Jul 8 2008, 08:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jul 8 2008, 06:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I made a prediction recently that came true. My wife started a new job. The hours were 6am to 3pm. I predicted she would be late on the 3rd day and get fired. It happened on the 2nd day!

Could you predict all of our NOA2s here?

Yes: "I predict it will take alot longer than you want it to"!

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-08 08:07:00

EARTHQUAKE! Let's pray this wont happen on July 18

I made a prediction recently that came true. My wife started a new job. The hours were 6am to 3pm. I predicted she would be late on the 3rd day and get fired. It happened on the 2nd day!

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-08 07:00:00

QUOTE (PeterFB @ Jul 6 2008, 01:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (J & Q @ Jul 5 2008, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Peter,

I understand that the consulate does not have an easy job and is overwhelmed with petitions. If the consulate is that overwhelmed they should either cut back on petitions, staff up for the higher demand of petitions, or step down from their position. It really is not fare to those of us who want a equal and just decision and are not getting that. They raised the cost of the application fees back in August 2007 so what are these fees going towards? The consulate does not even give you the option of explaining yourself if they do not agree with something. Where is Due Process in this whole thing? At least with the state or local officials, there is Due Process. Is this America that they are representing or have they been in Vietnam for so long that they forgot what America stands for and the simple freedoms that we take for granted? I truly believe that something needs to be done about the whole process here in Vietnam. Perhaps polygraph testing should be the new method to weed out fraudulent petitions.

J & Q

While I agree that bureaucracry at any level of government should be fixed, the problem is American voters don't vote for taxes or honest politicans (usually) so little gets fixed. Also the burearucracy (with their unions) resist all change to a performance based job placement/review. Once hired most bureaucrats are there until they quit or die, regardless of whether or not they are qualified to do their jobs or do their jobs properly.

The new fees are suppose to help by hiring more people, buying more equipment so the process gets better. However the people in charge have a different mindset than the rest of us who are employed by a private company or in business for themselves. Therefore I'm skeptical that anything will really change until the President, Secretary of State, Congress and the rest of the heads of the bureaucracy decide to change the process. This comes under the heading of Immigration reform which we know is a "hot button" topic that causes most elected officials to avoid or make meaningless attempts at reform. The American general population doesn't help because they think it's about illegal aliens not about fixing the legal immigration problems.

The legal immigration laws are based on the thinking of 1900s America not based on the realities of
21st century America. The world is much smaller than it was, better educated and with a lot more communication between people yet most governments still act like it takes weeks to travel anywhere and weeks for information to travel between people.

What can we do about this mess?

We have to take care of ourselves by arming ourselves with the best information we can about the process, prepare the best possible case and plan for the worst. Waiting for the US people to vote for officals who will fix this process, demanding them to do this and apply continious review and pressure to insure this gets done isn't going to help any of us now. We should do what we can to change the system of course but in the meantime, we help each other with the most information we can get about how HCMC Consulate decides our cases.

For what I've seen here, your I-129f not the evidence at the interview is most important to how the HCMC Consulate decides your case. What can help us all the best with this is to share what we did right and wrong.

In my case, I made sure to address any issuse I thought the Consulate would be a reason for a denial. I went through our relationship listing everything: I had decided to meet Vietnamese women in the US not Vietnam but had lots of Vietnamese women from Vietnam respond to my Vietsingle profile. Thi was one that responded to my prolife. Thi and I didn't keep any of our first emails. I'm much older than she is. She barely cold write in English. I don't speak Vietnamese tho I have clients who are Vietnamese. They never wanted to help me learn. Thi and I had only known each other for 8 months before we met in person and then got engaged within a week of meeting. I stayed with her sister's family not a hotel. I had sent her money for a computer to test her intentions (hoping it would help our relationship by not having to wait for emails and be able to video/audio chat). I had many of my friends telling me she was just trying to get money or a green card from me.

So I set about answering these issues in the I-129f because the Consulate has the most time to study that. They have almost no time at the interview. They have to make up 80-90% of their decision on the petition submitted. My I-129f #18 statement plus the proof of ongoing relationship statement was I presented these problems and answered them in my own words backed up with all the evidence I could get. When there was little or none evidence, I explained why that was. Any differences between evidence was explained, for example in my case my flight to HCMC was delayed by 6 hours which cause the visa stamp to be difference than the actual time I landed in HCMC and what my itnerary/ plane tickets stated. So I wrote a statement explaining that with vouchers and a apology letter from United.

I hope this helps anyone who is now in the process of submitting their I-129f because these discussions should shed light on what works and what should be avoided.

To those who are waiting for the Head of the Consulate and Mark Ellis to return, I hope Mark gets back in time to stop the Consulate and get everyone their visa.

Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26
I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26
Touched: 2007-11-02
NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16
Consulate recieved ??????
Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11
Packet 3 received 2007-12-24
Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28
Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14
Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23
Interview Date 2008-2-27
Passed Interview 2008-02-27
Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05
Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier)
POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles
Wedding 2008-4-26

Well thought out and written Peter.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-06 02:24:00

QUOTE (J & Q @ Jul 3 2008, 08:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jun 30 2008, 02:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My heart goes out to all of you. It sounds like you are doing everything you can at this point. I would contact the ACLU like Matt suggested. They need a good, old fashioned class action suit against them.

I am in the process of drafting up a letter to send to them in hopes that it will put this CO in the spot light due to his harsh and unfair treatment of those of us who have been treated unfairly. I would suggest anyone else that has a LEGITIMATE case and has been treated unfairly to contact them as well. You can contact them at http://www.aclu.org/affiliates/.

Get involved

Bingo! I don't have a legitimate grip at this point. There are several posting in this topic that do.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-03 19:54:00

QUOTE (J & Q @ Jul 1 2008, 08:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Jun 30 2008, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (don2008 @ Jun 30 2008, 04:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i think the HCM consulate has some serouis issues. is it true that the consulate should be like a small "US" in Vn? that was what i thought, but now it seems VERY much corrupt like the rest of Vn. its like the the COs have a power trip and just want to shake up peoples lives. every keeps posting that if a family member introduced you that it was a for sure denial. i met my fiancee from her cousin that lives here in the US, they didnt ask for any of her info. she also has an aunt and uncle her too, the CO didnt even ask there names. anyways my finacee and i got 1 green 1 blue then later the pink. she is here now and all is good, but it really makes me upset to read about all the troubles the other VJ member are having. its like 98% of the post i read are denials from VN, and 2% approvals. i wonder if we can get a petetion going to congress to get the HCM consulate cleaned up?? any ideas??

For starters, why not close down 4 Le Duan, make it a small consulate to help USCs only, and move the whole bloody mess up to the newly expanded Hanoi? Or for that matter, why not Hue? The central location should be the fairest place, right?

How is the Hanoi Embassy in relation to the one in Ho chi Minh City? I think that they really need to restructure the whole embassy, even if that means firing everyone and starting from scratch.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5k-9IZfSFfE&hl=en"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5k-9IZfSFfE&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

All visa applications are through HCMC if I'm not mistaken.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-01 07:39:00

QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Jun 30 2008, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (J & Q @ Jun 30 2008, 06:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That is a good point. It is all of those who do these the illegal way for gain of wealth and not love that hurt us all. They should all be ashamed of themselves. Not only is it illegal, it is immoral. The person that we made the mistake of hiring in Ho Chi Minh wanted us to lie and say that we knew each other longer than what we actually did. We, however, choose to take the honest route and look where it got us. Maybe we should have lied, I don't know. All I know is that I am so drained right now and don't know what to do, or where to turn. My immigration attorney here in the US pretty much told me that the only way that we can get the Consulate to overturn our case is with the assistance of my Congressman/woman or Senator. She said that it is very difficult once it goes back to the states.

That is the SECOND instance of a NYC attorney giving horrible advice that I've heard of in a short space of time. OK, I'm assuming your attorney is from NYC, which may be incorrect. At any rate, getting sent back to USCIS is not the end of the world, according to our favorite attorney. However, that may mean delays of one year or more. He said, "You will succeed.....it's just a question of when."

Curious about the other case with bad advice (From a NYC attorney)? Purely by chance, I met this fellow who is dating this Chinese woman here on an educational visa. He advised them to get married and apply for an adjustment of status. Now, I'm no immigration attorney, but that sounds like disastrous advice to me. I told him yes, get married, but file the damn I-130 just like everybody else. No trouble with the authorities that way.

Why not? Canadians do it all the time (and get away with it). There's nothing illegal about it, as long as USCIS can't prove that marriage was the intent all along. It's a loophole that needs to be dealt with IMHO.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-01 00:32:00

QUOTE (craig5977 @ Jun 30 2008, 02:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Part of the problem is if you cannot resolve the denial, then this will haunt you later if you choose to marry and refile.I have read other consulates are starting to deny also based on introductions through relatives or friends.

Hopefully ME can resolve the cases and everyone can move on with their lives.
It always seems to be something new, before if you met through a marriage broker was no good, now relatives are bad, what next?

I myself have a problem also,I married in Vietnam but did not have enough holiday time to stay to get marriage certificate, so I cannot file yet until get that. Wish i knew in advance you had to wait 40 days. I also was introduced to my wife through her cousin, and also worry what will happen if we are denied.

Good Luck to all
Craig

I don't get that, because I was there 30 days total. We did go in the day I arrived and start the papers (February 22, 2008) and signed on March 11, 2008. Maybe it's a Provincial thing? We married in Tien Giang.

Edited by WideAwakeInTheUSA, 30 June 2008 - 03:44 PM.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-06-30 15:43:00

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-06-30 13:36:00

Evidence for Interview Day

It's been discussed, but I don't have time to find the post now.

If nothing else it provides proof that you have been in contact with you Spouse IMHO. I doubt they would consider it proof of a bona fide relationship though. Who knows with this bunch.

Edited by WideAwakeInTheUSA, 10 July 2008 - 09:01 PM.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-10 20:59:00

Interview on Jul, 9

QUOTE (Huanyen @ Jul 11 2008, 03:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I realized that my wife does not have any relatives living in the US

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-11 05:10:00

Interview on Jul, 9

QUOTE (Huanyen @ Jul 11 2008, 02:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

should the list of relatives be notarized ? I need to do it soon. Please help answer. Thanks!

Yes, get it notarized. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-11 01:58:00

Interview on Jul, 9

I predict: PINK!

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-07-02 19:46:00

QUOTE (AmericanGentleman @ Dec 26 2007, 08:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Be wary of people claiming hiring a lawyer can help you. The embassy website states that "Visa Fixers" and "Visa Expedite Services" are shams and in no way help you.

I have noticed the above poster mentions hiring a specific lawyer in many other threads. Makes one wonder as to the motive of those posts.

Here is another link to take a gander at AG:

http://www.uscis.gov...0004718190aRCRD

The more I look at your response to my post the more it irritates me. I have looked at several of your other posts and you strike me as the type to come, take a quick look, make a rash judgment and move on to something else. I have spent over 100 hours researching the coarse of action I plan to take should difficulties arise with my impending marriage. This is merely in a 5 month period. I still have at least a year to go before the interview and my plans obviously could change but one thing that I know will remain consistent is the fact that I want my wife here as soon as possible and if it takes the threat of legal action then so be it. I have been told by another member the costs associated with retaining Mr. Ellis and I feel it is more than reasonable considering some of the possible alternatives. One thing that I am terrified of is the possibility of a bird flu outbreak of pandemic proportions. I do not want to sit back, ala Oscar Schindler, and ask myself "What else could I have done"?

Once again your statement about persistence is true in my opinion. There comes a time that the gloves must come off though.The U.S. Government says that there are crooks out there? Wow! Alert the press! If I were in charge of HCMC I would probably have a flash intro on the home page declaring this. I wouldn't want Lawyers questioning my decisions after all.

Here is another article to take a look at:

http://www.ilw.com/a...0108-ellis.shtm

Once again I have never even spoke with the guy but I love the article and if his bio is correct I have a certain respect for him and what he does. I have also googled the hell out of his name and have yet to come up with anything of a negative nature. The only thing I found that could be remotely construed as negative is a post from someone on another site saying that they were not able to retain him due to a high case load.

P.S. If you think I am a Lawyer or a Visa Broker trying to drum up business AG I appreciate the compliment. In reality I am merely a truck driver who is in love with the most beautiful woman in the world. Now my mission in life is to get her to the best country in the world to raise a family with me. If I can provide information that I have accrued along the way to others in the same predicament I will do so and be glad that I had the opportunity to be of some assistance.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2007-12-30 02:38:00

http://www.visajourn...php/t98541.html

http://www.visajourn...showtopic=98604

If I were in country and I had chosen not to seek counsel I would be on the doorstep , written request in hand, politely demanding my right as a U.S. Citizen for an audience with the powers that be. Once again this is only my personal opinion.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2007-12-29 18:13:00

QUOTE (AmericanGentleman @ Dec 26 2007, 08:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have mentioned him because he seems to have been able to help several people on this site. I am merely a person in the same predicament. I have absolutely no affiliation with Mr. Ellis, of that you can be assured. In fact I have never even spoke with him. We are dealing with a bureaucracy that seems to be writing the rules to suit their needs. With that it mind it is my personal opinion that legal advice could be in order. This is merely my opinion and it is advice that I intend to heed myself, if need be. The advice that is posted by the Embassy/Consulate is warranted. I am sure that there are several unscrupulous parties that prey on people in this situation. In fact some may have banner ads on this site claiming 100% success. In my research, which is extensive, I have discovered that Mr. Ellis does not claim 100% success. He does seem to know the way through the arduous process however. With that being said, American Gentleman if it is a conspiracy you seek I would advice turning your attention to the "grassy knoll" or fake lunar landings because there is nothing to be found here.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2007-12-29 17:36:00

QUOTE (yellow123 @ Dec 22 2007, 08:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Has anyone successful set up an appointment with a C/O from HCMC and be able to meet them in the consulate ? if yes, then please show me how. I talked to a C/O last time I was in the consulate, but she was very busy and only answered a few questions.

" Update: Visa finally received after delay (HCMC)
This is the post I had hoped to write one day. My fiance got her K1 visa. Original post describing her interview is here. After President Bush finally left town, my attorney in HCMC was able to meet with the immigration chief and cleared things up in a matter of minutes. To be honest, there was no good reason for them to give her a blue slip (221g) in the first place. My attorney said because our application was so well prepared. To quote him:

"There was nothing specific about your case that
caused them to delay it. In fact, the reason they
gave me the pink slip was because you had such
a strong case. They could not justify delaying it
any longer. So your immaculate petition actually made a
difference."

Again, actions at the HCMC Consulate seem very arbitrary. As it turns out, this wasn't about "luck." It was about having a good lawyer who had good relations with the consulate and was prepared by knowing the laws.

Anyway, I truly wish you all the best in dealing with this place. I don't want to sound pessimistic. In the end, we knew things would work out because our relationship is legit. Keep that in mind as you are buffeted by the turbulence. We're excited. Our little girl will be born here so that, as my lawyer joked with the immigration chief about, she'll be able to be president one day. :-)

Best,

3AD"

http://www.visajourn...?showuser=14430

I find myself referring back to this case time and time again on this site. It seems the best action is to retain counsel and let them deal with it. There is another post on here that deals with a members experience with getting in to see the C/O at HCMC. I will keep looking for it and post it when I find it.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2007-12-25 17:32:00

PINK After Lawyers Help!!!!!!!!

QUOTE (violet18ac3 @ Jan 12 2008, 11:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Congrats to you guys. By the way, what did the lawyer do for you to obtain the visa?

This will answer your question. lovemyhuegirl is probably a little busy right now!

http://www.visajourn...h...101708&st=0

http://marcellislaw.com/

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-12 15:48:00

PINK After Lawyers Help!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS! I don't know where to begin! I know that you are riding a "PINK" cloud right now and I am right there with you. When I looked at your first post a few months ago I was impressed with your honesty and determination. When problems arose you stood your ground and did what was necessary. I am so happy for you all.

P.S. I cannot wait for the day when the 4 of us meet (actually 7 including your child and parents!). Hopefully it will be next year at this time!

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-08 23:30:00

What's the funniest English?

Someone I know (I won't name names because it may come back to haunt me) has it set in their mind that there is going to be a Weeding on March 2nd. This person also refers to a laptop as a toplap, or a loptap. I think it's great actually.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-14 21:35:00

Using Google Images As A Learning Tool.

I don't know if anyone else uses this tactic but it has worked wonders for us. While we are chatting I will keep a window open and use a picture from images.google.com if need be. I also use vdict.com to translate. You have to be careful with this though as sometimes things can literally be lost in the translation!

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-14 21:41:00

QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Jan 13 2008, 05:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jan 13 2008, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We started this Journey In July so it really hasn't been that long and I am 41, so a few brain cells have been wasted on the way.

P.S. Who says I'm white?

"The Tet holiday's like the Fourth of July, Christmas and New Year all rolled into one. Everyone in Nam, North and South, will be

banging gongs, barking at the moon and visiting his dead relatives".

Lt. Lockhart, Full Metal Jacket

I turn 40 on the 16th. It just doesn't seem important at the moment. Not at all. I'm just waiting for that approval, and that visa.

Yeah, maybe I should have said Americans instead of white guys. It absolutely floors me how I can say a few simple words to a waitress in a restaurant, and she will gush on and on about how wonderful I am, I can speak Vietnamese! Well, no I can't, not really. I get lost in a conversation easily. But why does it have to be that way? Most men (and I say "men" because I have yet to meet a single American woman who is trying to marry a Vietnamese man) seem to make very little effort to learn the Vietnamese language. Or Chinese, or Thai or Tagalog, whatever.

To my mind, how can you really know your wife too well if you can't understand a little of her language? You will never know how she thinks naturally without translation. She has made great effort to learn English, shouldn't you return the favor, at least for the sake of her family? Hats off to those who go the extra mile, I know it's not easy, but is anything that's worthwhile easy?

I agree. I am still trying to decide which learning program to buy. I was looking at a few yesterday. I have to be able to download and burn to C.D. since I am away from home for months at a time and can't have them readily delivered.

When I was in Germany (86-88) I started out by learning all of the foul language, then the insults and finally any terms that might apply to me so I would know if I was being insulted covertly. 20 years later I'm not worried about foul language and insults but I still want to know who's talking about me!

P.S. I am White. Just busting your chops!

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-14 00:29:00

QUOTE (PeterFB @ Jan 13 2008, 01:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Interesting links. Thanks

Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26
I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26
Touched: 2007-11-02
NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16
Consulate recieved ??????
Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11
Packet 3 received 2007-12-24
Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28

You're welcome.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-13 14:24:00

QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Jan 13 2008, 01:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you read the first article through to its conclusion, I really can't add anything beyond that. But, even I had trouble following through the whole thread given my current state of mind. So I will try to summarize for the rest of you.

My fiancee uses "Vietnam" when she writes in English, vs. Vi?t Nam. Also, Hanoi instead of Hà N?i, Saigon instead of Sài Gòn. Although, for the last example, she would probably write HCMC (Ho Chi Minh City). In Vietnamese, this would be Tp HCM. (Thành Ph? H? Chí Minh).

This is really a convenience for English speakers/writers. Through a quirk of history, Vietnamese is written with a space between every syllable. This leads some to believe that Vietnamese is a monosyllabic language, and you will read this in many tourist-type guidebooks/dictionaries. IT IS NOT, believe me. You'll find that out real quick when you're looking up words in a real dictionary. Vi?t Nam is one word with two syllables in the Vietnamese language. It makes sense we would write it as one word in English.

So, in summary, I will continue to write Hanoi, Vietnam, Saigon, and HCMC when writing in English.

P.S. Why do so few white guys speak Vietnamese? I'm not that great at it, but I do try. C'mon, it is NOT that hard. Please make the effort to get to know your wife a little better. With not too much effort, you can see the fog lift between you. It's wonderful!

Thanks for the replies Gentlemen. I am making the effort (though I admit I could do a little better) to learn Vietnamese MP. Obviously I am interested in her and her country or I wouldn't be on this site asking questions. Before we met my Vietnamese consisted of lines from Platoon (did you know Johnny Depp had a small role as the Interpreter Werner? http://imdb.com/character/ch0004725/ ) and Full Metal Jacket. I can get them on them floor or clear a room in a hurry!

We started this Journey In July so it really hasn't been that long and I am 41, so a few brain cells have been wasted on the way.

P.S. Who says I'm white?

"The Tet holiday's like the Fourth of July, Christmas and New Year all rolled into one. Everyone in Nam, North and South, will be

banging gongs, barking at the moon and visiting his dead relatives".

Lt. Lockhart, Full Metal Jacket

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-13 14:17:00

QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jan 12 2008, 11:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When we began this journey one of the first things I noticed was the difference in the way Americans spelled Viet Nam's name. Does anyone know why it is different?

I'm so bored that I'm answering my own posts. I finally punched in the right Google combination and evidently I'm not the only one losing sleep over this!

http://www.lib.washi...ietnamORVN.html

http://www.asian-nat...m-history.shtml

Edited by WideAwakeInTheUSA, 12 January 2008 - 10:29 PM.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-12 22:28:00

When we began this journey one of the first things I noticed was the difference in the way Americans spelled Viet Nam's name. Does anyone know why it is different?

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-12 11:35:00

Questions About Viet Nam

QUOTE (Kevin and Tuyen @ Jan 14 2008, 03:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jan 13 2008, 01:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What about you guys? Ever think of saying the hell with it and jumping on the next flight out?

Yeah. I could sell my house, cash in my retirements, sell my car, ect.

Cool, take me with you. I have my bags packed already!

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-14 21:18:00

Questions About Viet Nam

O.K. I don't want to clog up cyberspace so I will respond to everybody w/o the quotes. I have provided her with support for the past few months and I was just wanting to make sure that it was enough. I have researched prices there and felt that $300.00 p/m should be enough to remain comfortable. Just wanting an independent opinion (or opinions). At the same time I scoured craigslist there ( craigslist.org / 5th column over and down ) and found some things to be comparable in price. I think that some people will try to get western prices for whatever they are selling/renting though.

Yes, I'm thinking about moving there. Basically it is a contingency plan if there are problems. My hair brain scheme goes something like this. Go there February 20th, get married March 2nd, come back, work hard, save money, go back there for the interview (which should be around November 2008) and leaving when, and only when, Thuy has the visa secured.

What about you guys? Ever think of saying the hell with it and jumping on the next flight out?

Anyway. For some reason this company will only pay me if I do my job, so I go drive now. I hear Kansas is lovely this time of year. About to find out.

Later.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-13 14:50:00

Questions About Viet Nam

1.) Does the State control internet service? I am wanting to provide in home internet access for my fiancee'. Who does she contact? What is the average cost?

2.) Is there insurance available in Viet Nam (for a Citizen)? Would I be able to provide health insurance through a company there?

3.) This one is purely subjective and will probably cause a lively debate. How much money (U.S.) would it take for a single person to live "comfortably" in HCMC?

That's it for now!

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-12 16:12:00

Why Do I Not Trust The U.S. Postal Service With My Passport?

QUOTE (chuckandkim @ Jan 17 2008, 07:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Unless you live in the woods, most of the metropolitant areas have Asian Travel Agent who can get you Visa to VN by obtaining a good clear scanned copy of your US Passport information page, a scanned of your Passport size Photo, email to the agent. Done deal! Visa will be issued when you come in and pick up the Ticket or mail to you with your tickets.

Sending passport to the consulate/embassy is "old school"! I am with you on not-trusting ANYONE with my passport. People may question "how can the travel agency be able to 'issue' Visa to you?", no they don't, travel agency apply sign up with the Consulate for pre-approved Visa form, all they need is to match up the ID/Passport with the name, write the name on the PINK visa form, glue the passport photo on it, and there you go, your brand spanking new VISA to VN. $30!

Question I had before, how do they know if people don't make fake Visa to VN? The question here is, what will happen to you if you try to enter VN with a fake Visa?

Thinking of 100 ways VC can make you suffer... for starter, lock you up for a few days/weeks without "1-Phone-Call" to your lawyer/US-Consulate? Then kick you out, banned you forever to return to VN? Or they can say: Visa is invalid, turn around and head home!

So back to the original question, I trust USPS not with all my heart thou! Nobody complains that they lost their passport before, at least on VN-HCMC Board!

Can't you see by my picture that I do live in the woods?

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-18 03:04:00

Why Do I Not Trust The U.S. Postal Service With My Passport?

QUOTE (PeterFB @ Jan 15 2008, 05:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The two trips I've taken this year to Vietnam, I have sent my passport to the San Francisco Consulate. I sent it USPS Express mail. One busines day to get there, one busines day for processing and one busines day back. It's also $45 for a 30 day tourist visa from them. The Vietnam Embassy in Washington said it would be longer and more expensive so I sent it to SF instead.

Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26
I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26
Touched: 2007-11-02
NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16
Consulate recieved ??????
Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11
Packet 3 received 2007-12-24
Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28

Thanks for the advice! The one thing that got me about this part of the process is trying to find out the current fee. I finally reached someone who told me it was $65.00. I just said O.K. and sent it out.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-16 23:41:00

Why Do I Not Trust The U.S. Postal Service With My Passport?

I am assuming everyone else has done this before. How long did it take for the Visa to be processed by the Vietnamese Embassy? I know their website says about a week. Did this hold true?

Edited by WideAwakeInTheUSA, 14 January 2008 - 09:26 PM.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-14 21:24:00

2 Vietnamese Foreign Marriage Tragedies.

QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Jan 19 2008, 11:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Holy #######! I hope this doesn't make a greater problem of the Vietnamese government giving us a problem in addition to the U.S. government. That is so sad for those girls (and they were just girls).

I have noticed that Americans are not mentioned in any of the articles I have read concerning fallout from these cases (not that this couldn't happen here). Most Vietnamese women that marry foreigners marry Chinese, Taiwanese or Korean men evidently. I am wondering if the mental examination that is required for marrying a foreigner (in country) has anything to do with these cases.

I'm currently trying to find out what has happened to the husbands. I am sure the punishment won't fit the crime.

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-19 13:30:00

2 Vietnamese Foreign Marriage Tragedies.

These two cases have put marriages to foreigners in the spotlight in Viet Nam. They are both immensely tragic to say the least.

Le Thi Kim Dong

http://english.vietn...2007/08/732154/

Huynh Mai

http://english.vietn...2007/08/733446/

The last letter.

http://english.vietn...2007/08/729893/

Teacher Mark

Male

Vietnam (no flag)

2008-01-19 00:36:00