ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificUntold stories from Vietnamese President’s US visit
I'm a political gelding. They had me fixed! I do like zingers though, especially when world leaders are slinging them. The political process/situation in Viet Nam is none of my business.

"American is a damn crazy people. Love to be in other people business and change thing. Act like a damn big brothers."

CK&Tydi

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=104641
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-01-20 16:15:00
Asia: East and PacificUntold stories from Vietnamese President’s US visit
The Vietnamese President mentioned his visit to the Paul Breaux family, a grape-planting farmer in Virginia, where he was welcomed very warmly on the morning of June 21. Mentioning the affection of the US farmer for the Vietnamese delegation, President Triet asked President Bush: “US people are so friendly; so how about the US Government?”

Zing!

http://english.vietn...2007/07/716167/
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-01-19 13:54:00
Asia: East and PacificWhat is the weirdest food you ate in SE Asia?
http://www.tatravelc...spx?page_id=732

Disgusting!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-01-19 12:43:00
Asia: East and PacificOf course it would happen like this...... Email from Consulate
Good deal Peter!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-01-24 10:56:00
Asia: East and PacificHow much money do I need to make a year
I have heard 2 things:

1.) HCMC will not accept a Co-Sponsor for a K-1.

and

2.) That they only concentrate on the previous years wages.

Who knows.


Here is a link for the 2007 guidelines with the 125% threshold calculated.

http://travel.state..../info_1327.html
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-01-21 20:03:00
Asia: East and PacificHow Is It Working For You? The CIS Ombudsman’s Community Call-In Teleconference Series
* "USCIS Refunds: How Is the Process Working For You?" Thursday, January 31, 1:30-2:30 p.m. EST

* "The K3 Visa Family Unification Process: How Is It Working For You?" Thursday, January 31, 3:00-4:00 p.m. EST

* “How Is USCIS Working For You?" Wednesday, February 20, 2:30-3:30 p.m. EST



Props to member alto.d. for originally posting this.

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=106511



Here is the link to the DHS site.

http://www.dhs.gov/x...1038701035.shtm
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-01-29 09:55:00
Asia: East and PacificDear guys :some questions
QUOTE (ridejewel @ Dec 14 2007, 08:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hope your fiance doesn't get approved...pay your taxes like everyother american, ya jerk.


That was a bit harsh.

My Uncle claimed his dog for years! They are both dead, so there's not much they can do about it now.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-01-29 19:08:00
Asia: East and PacificHow many people have sent money to Vietnam?
Yep, sure have! Obviously this is a personal choice and several factors led me to believe that this was the proper thing to do in our case. What powers that be may think of this really didn't factor into my decision. If she had been able to enjoy the same comfort level that I enjoy then I would not have offered assistance (which is what I did, she has never asked for a penny). If this action were to delay the processing of the visa, then it is something we would have to deal with. I would rather wait a little longer than have her struggle.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-01-16 23:10:00
Asia: East and PacificEntry/Exit Procedures: Viet Nam
I am wondering about their process for clearing customs. Was everybody treated well? Can you bring in DVDs/CDs? Laptops? I'm interested in hearing about your experiences.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-01-19 14:21:00
Asia: East and PacificHelp with AOS?
LMHG where have you been?! Glad to see you back. I can't help you, but it's good to see you are alive and well.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-16 21:36:00
Asia: East and PacificLet The Countdown Begin!
O.K., 4 days and I'll be on a plane! 5 days and I'll be on the ground! Please pray for good weather in the Northeast. Any last minute advice? Should I pack an extra set of underwear?
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-16 21:54:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Visa Expiration Question
QUOTE (Lucas @ Feb 16 2008, 12:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all, I have a question that maybe someone here can answer from experience. I am travelling to Vietnam on February 28 and I land before March 1st. My Vietnamese re-entry Visa expires on March 1st. Will I be able to enter Vietnam on this Visa and extend it when I am there? Or do I need to apply for a new visa. (I just hate applying for a new visa this close to the trip, in case my passport gets lost or delayed.)


I agree with B Weeks. I sent my to the Consulate in San Francisco via Fed Ex Overnight on Tuesday and had it back on Friday. I had similar concerns:


http://www.visajourn...howtopic=105060
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-16 21:34:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnames Culture - ALL VN please help
QUOTE (PeterFB @ Feb 15 2008, 03:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A lot of this depends on how well you know her parents. Do you talk to them? Are her parents and you comfortable with each other?

She is the oldest and therefore a role model for the other children. IF her parents are as conservative as you make them sound, there may be more at play here than what the parents say upsets them. Asking the parents for their views may lead to discovering what other issues there are that are really upsetting them.

Talk to the parents from their point of view, not yours. Their wanting to keep her home may be just culture based or a feeling of losing their daughter. Ask them how they are feeling, don't tell them they have to accept your and your fiancee's decisions. Listening to the parents may make them see she's not being disrespectful of them just she is missing you and wants to share her feelings with someone else who is going thru the same experience.

Tell your fiance that she needs to understand that her parents know she's leaving the family. The first one to leave can be the hardest one for the parents to accept and adjust to.

If you can get everyone to understand and accept the other's feeling about this, I'm sure everyone can agree on a workable solution. Perhaps having a family member go with your fiancee or having the friend come over to the parents house.

I have found listening and finding common ground without getting upset or angry works very well in both the US and Vietnamese cultures whenever disagreements arise.

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



Good, practical advice Peter! In retrospect, my was a little Pollyanna ish!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-15 06:10:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnames Culture - ALL VN please help
I would let them know that you don't have a problem with her seeing her frinds occasionally and then leave it alone. The problem will resolve itself!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-15 01:34:00
Asia: East and PacificMarrying In Viet Nam/ Vietnamese Interview
QUOTE (PeterFB @ Feb 16 2008, 06:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Who wrote "Still crazy after all these years?"

I can relate about getting surprised at last minute changes, when Thi went to schedule her exam, we found out the Consulate letter was wrong, IOM is charging $100 not $75 now and the letter didn't have all the info about what should be brought to the exam. I had checked their website and found out you should have your passport and quarantine report too. Then the US government increased the MRV fee to $131 on Jan 1, the letter (January 14) still said $100........

Now that I've bitched, I feel better, how about you?


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



I'll feel better after I've got through it! I can understand their logic, but I went through hell to get an appointment, drove 100 miles out of my route (at my employers gracious expense) and got it done....for naught! Now I'm being told to go to an interview after a 26 hour trip by plane and a 4 or 5 hour trip by car. Only for love my friend!

P.S. Paul Simon, but I'm sure you already knew that! How about Slip Slidin' Away? whistling.gif
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-16 08:20:00
Asia: East and PacificMarrying In Viet Nam/ Vietnamese Interview
Anyone have any experience with going to an interview with the Vietnamese Government when you married a National? Our wedding is in 16 days and suddenly we find out I have to go there and see a doctor and do an interview even though I've already got the "I'm not crazy" paper signed here. If you have please detail the experience, including questions asked. It looks like I get to hop off a plane and go to an interview the next morning. FUN!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-15 06:45:00
Asia: East and PacificSubmitted Blue slip documents today...
Good luck Guy. From what I have seen with other cases posted on here it appears that a month or so is the wait time. Thanks for posting about the I.O.M.. I didn't know about them. How have they assisted you so far and have they been helpful?

Edited by WideAwakeInTheUSA, 05 February 2008 - 08:33 AM.

Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-05 08:32:00
Asia: East and PacificSending Money Overseas
In the past day I have noticed several posts that discuss sending money overseas. Without getting into a debate over whether or not this is beneficial in the quest to document an ongoing relationship I would like to post my experience.

1.) American Express Moneygram.

https://www.emoneygr.../accountLink.do

I only used them 2 times. The money got there w/o a problem. That is always a good thing! I am impressed with the fact that they know that Viet Nam is actually 2 words. I never knew that until we started this journey. They are convenient in the fact that you can go to any Wal Mart to send the money. Thye charged me $10 for a $100.00 transaction. I never researched how much it was to do it online, but I am assuming that it would be $14.00 to send $100.00 to VN since that is the price that came up when I used their calculator (why more when you eliminate the human interaction?). Regardless I found that:

2.) Western Union was cheaper.

http://www.westernun...lectCountry.asp

They also suit my particular needs better since I am a truck driver. You can go to any Pilot truck stop or travel center between 7am and 11pm and complete a transaction.

The thing that I did not understand (and some of their agents AND employees don't know this) is that they have a service called Western Union Direct Connect (Pilot may be the only place to do this type of transaction). Call 877.984.0473 and they will ask you for the information. They will then assign you a Money Transfer Control Number. You then take the control number to the desk and give them the money. YOU CANNOT DO THIS AT ANY W/U. They must be a direct connect agent. It is only $6 to send up to $300.00? to Viet Nam. I used the regular service once and it was a little more. The reason was that it was not direct connect. What amazes me is that it is actually much cheaper to send money there that it is to send it to the other side of the world! I am sure that they make a little on the exchange rate but it is nominal. You can also opt to have your loved one receive U.S. currency. I was also amazed to find out that they wanted $20.00 for an online transaction (once again why more?). You can also sign up for a preferred customer card and get a free transaction occasionally plus phone card minutes. I think they may have made changes to that program though. The thing I like about the card is that I only have to give them the information once. In my subsequent transactions I provide the Customer number and they have the information from the previous transaction already. Which brings me to another problem I ran into with them once. It was the formatting of the name for the receiver. This was a Viet Nam specific problem (Last, First, SPACE Middle). We had an instance were my fiancee' was unable to get he money (temporarily) once because of this. I was actually the one to blame there. I took it upon myself to format the name properly. They switched it automatically and things got all screwed up. You should give them the information in your local format and they will change it automatically. If you run into a problem call the International Desk (make sure and ask them if it is the I/D at the beginning of the conversation as sometimes their lines get crossed) at 800.752.6077. They resolved my problem quickly (on a Friday night/Saturday morning). I now make sure and check my receipt to make sure everything is correct. The only other problem I have experienced is the outsourcing problem that has permeated customer service in America. I mean no offense to anyone but sometimes it is hard to understand their agents (I think they are in Mexico).

I don't want to sound like a Western Union pitch man here but this has been my experience. They pissed me off on more than one occasion because their agents seemed inept. I threatened never to use them again and found myself right back there the next month because of convenience and safety. Sprint customer service has hardened me to the point that Western Union is like a walk in the park! The fees that they charge are very reasonable considering the time and distance involved. I am sure that every country has different fees. Check the exchange rate and make sure they are not taking advantage. I hope this information can help somebody. I had to learn through trial and error!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-01-12 11:23:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Engagement Party
From what I have read, yes they do care. I would advise doing it. The bigger, the better. Make sure and take alot of pictures and keep all of the receipts. Once again this is a case (for lack of a better term) that you are building. The more that you have as evidence, the better off you are.



http://www.visajourn...showtopic=59928

http://culture.wordp...gagement-party/

http://www.visajourn...;sa=Search#1180

I have been questioning the logic myself lately. You must show that you are able to support your Spouse, but they want you to spend money in an unnecessary manner to prove your love. There is nothing we can do but what they want us to and hope for the best.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-18 07:58:00
Asia: East and PacificThi's Interview HCMC 2/27/08
kicking.gif
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-29 22:10:00
Asia: East and PacificWhat A Long, Strange Trip It's Been!
QUOTE (PeterFB @ Feb 29 2008, 10:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Mark

Brain mapping? Sounds like 1930s when criminals could be identified by the shape of their heads!

Glad to hear everything went ok anyway!

May you continue to have the time of your lives forever!



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 request earlier pickup)


Yes, it was a strange experience! Thuy had to submit to one also and knew it was coming. Wisely, she didn't tell me. I just relaxed and went to my "Happy Place". It only took a couple of minutes, but there were a couple of times I thought "Am I really sitting in Viet Nam at a Psychiatric Institute with electrodes taped to my head"?

By far the strangest experience in my life.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-02 05:33:00
Asia: East and PacificWhat A Long, Strange Trip It's Been!
QUOTE (ILoveTan @ Mar 1 2008, 02:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Feb 29 2008, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm on the ground in Viet Nam now. All I can say is "wow"! I am dealing with dial up right now and really don't have the time to go into alot of details burt I have ran into a few things that I didn't see posted about the process of marrying a Vietnamese National. The biggest two were the "Brain Mapping" test I had to submit to

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_mapping

and the Interview with the Vietnamese Government. I'll go into detail when I arrive back in the States. Both went off without a hitch and we will be married on March 3rd and 4th (Monday and Tuesday).

It is so nice to finally be with Thuy and we are having the times of our lives. Take care everyone.


Are you here for a visit or is she getting her interview? Did you marry Thuy in Vietnam or are you doing K1? I would love you guys to come to our engagement party if you have the time.... Nha Trang Vietnam.
Linda


Just starting the K-3 process. I wish it was time for her interview! Sorry, won't be able to make Nha Trang, though we would love to. We're in Cai Be (remote South) and will be doing our honeymoon in Sai Gon. Good luck Linda.

Edited by WideAwakeInTheUSA, 01 March 2008 - 08:06 AM.

Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-01 08:05:00
Asia: East and PacificWhat A Long, Strange Trip It's Been!
I'm on the ground in Viet Nam now. All I can say is "wow"! I am dealing with dial up right now and really don't have the time to go into alot of details burt I have ran into a few things that I didn't see posted about the process of marrying a Vietnamese National. The biggest two were the "Brain Mapping" test I had to submit to

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_mapping

and the Interview with the Vietnamese Government. I'll go into detail when I arrive back in the States. Both went off without a hitch and we will be married on March 3rd and 4th (Monday and Tuesday).

It is so nice to finally be with Thuy and we are having the times of our lives. Take care everyone.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-29 22:18:00
Asia: East and PacificEctaco "Talking" Dictionaries
UPDATE: It stinks and I have barely used it. It works good for learning English pronounciations but uis worthless for Vietnamese.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-03 03:27:00
Asia: East and PacificEctaco "Talking" Dictionaries
QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Feb 18 2008, 08:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Buyer Beware. Make sure and read the fine print with these things. I just spent $250.00 on one that speaks Vietnamese phrases but not words from the dictionary. It pronounces English words, but not Vietnamese. Unbelievable. It can be upgraded though. I wouldn't buy anything else from this company and would not recommend anyone else do so either.



Update: It CANNOT be upgraded to pronounce the Vietnamese words. It is still useful, but I could have got another version for $130.00 and been fine. It is useful for a person trying to learn English though. I still wouldn't do business with them again. Their description of the product is a bit deceptive.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-18 15:47:00
Asia: East and PacificEctaco "Talking" Dictionaries
Buyer Beware. Make sure and read the fine print with these things. I just spent $250.00 on one that speaks Vietnamese phrases but not words from the dictionary. It pronounces English words, but not Vietnamese. Unbelievable. It can be upgraded though. I wouldn't buy anything else from this company and would not recommend anyone else do so either.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-18 08:04:00
Asia: East and PacificAsian television channels in the US
I was actually wondering the same thing today. I am in Sai Gon now and was amazed to find Cinemax, HBO and The Star Channel with Vietnamese subtitles. I did some pretty exaustive reseach on the net trying to find a source for American DVD's with VN Subtitles and didn't have alot of luck with the movies I was looking for.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-07 02:13:00
Asia: East and PacificAnyone Ever Sent A Wedding Invitation To The Consulate?
QUOTE (Hien @ Mar 3 2008, 07:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Mar 3 2008, 02:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I forgot to do it! I'm getting ready for the wedding now, so it's a bit to late!


Why don't you send them the video tape of the first night together?? devil.gif It would be the best evidence. laughing.gif laughing.gif


Great minds think alike! I have considered that in passing.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-07 02:08:00
Asia: East and PacificAnyone Ever Sent A Wedding Invitation To The Consulate?
I forgot to do it! I'm getting ready for the wedding now, so it's a bit to late!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-03 03:42:00
Asia: East and PacificAnyone Ever Sent A Wedding Invitation To The Consulate?
The only gift we would like is "THE PINK"!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-16 08:23:00
Asia: East and PacificMy Trip to Vietnam - PICTURES
QUOTE (b_weeks @ Feb 9 2008, 08:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
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.....


Outstanding pictures. Thanks for sharing them.

They actually have female impersonators in Viet Nam? Thanks for the information. I can add that to the list of possible employment opportunities there if the wait becomes to hard to bear! idea9dv.gif


P.S. What's the name of the one in light blue? ?She? looks just like my Fiancee! I'm joking, but I wonder if that has ever happened?! What a buzz kill that would be!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-02-11 09:56:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Hamster Law
QUOTE (Dave_Thao @ Mar 10 2008, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Looks like a stiff fine if you have a hamster. So now I have to wear a helmet and not own a hamster! I won't have any fun on my next trip!

http://newsinfo.inqu...ticle_id=123417



They may eat some of the garbage that has been carelessly thrown by the sides of the roads though.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-19 00:24:00
Asia: East and PacificPreparing Home for Vietnamese Fiance
QUOTE (ridejewel @ Mar 14 2008, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think the hardest part of having a wife from another country is the driving aspect. It's hard to get them use to driving cars, and to trust that they won't get into an accident....? It's hard. The driving experience is so different in the States than it is in 'Nam. My advice to newbies is, 'get use to driving your wife around, especially to 'lil Saigon's and or family.' Hey, if anyone has any advice for me about how to get my wife accustomed to save driving and cultured to the American interstates, please, send me a message.


We were just watching a movie last night with a huge 70's style station wagon in it. I half jokingly said that was the type of car I was going to get! In reality I'll probably get her a Volvo Cross Country. They look pretty good and the safety aspect of a Volvo speaks for itself. That doesn't cover the insurance aspect of that particular dilemma though!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-14 19:30:00
Asia: East and PacificPreparing Home for Vietnamese Fiance
QUOTE (b_weeks @ Mar 8 2008, 09:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
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???



Bill, You may know this already but there are Vietnamese stores in Louisville:

http://www.google.co.....louisville ky

Since I travel for a living I am always on the look out for Vietnamese Grocery stores. I LOVE the coffee!
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-12 00:05:00
Asia: East and PacificPreparing Home for Vietnamese Fiance
QUOTE (caothanh @ Mar 10 2008, 10:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My friend,
we are all the same boat. I knew that we cannot take with you Fish Sauce (nuoc mam) on aircraft. However, if you live near VN hometown such as Houston ... in Texas, or Orange COunty , San Jose (California), you can stop by to shop. Even you are faraway from that, you can order online and mostly they will ship to you. I had relatives living in CHicago and when they need VN stuff (food, houseware, ....) I ship to them from Orange County (Cali.) those are very cheap comparing American food.
SOrry if my english is not easy to understand (thought in Vietnamese way) you can ask any VN tradition, custom, I will help



I think if you contact Union Carbide, FMC or Dupont you may be able to buy that stuff in a 55 gallon drum.

Sorry, couldn't resist. It takes ALOT of getting used to and I'm not there yet!

Edited by WideAwakeInTheUSA, 11 March 2008 - 11:00 AM.

Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-11 10:59:00
Asia: East and PacificCosign for I-129F
I have been informed by a knowledgeable source that HCMC is now only looking for 1 year (out of the last 3) in which the sponsor made above the 125%. As far a K-1's being able to use a co-sponsor I hear that they will not accept one.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-16 11:34:00
Asia: East and PacificExpert Opinion Needed
QUOTE (Tyrobe @ Mar 19 2008, 06:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (gfarias @ Mar 19 2008, 05:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My case, in Vermont, started sending I-130 Aug/07, got NO2 on Feb/08 and I-129F still recieved and pending. We are 7 months up to now and we got a packet sent from NVC to laywer about 3 days ago, I think our case will be at the NVC about 2,3 months, so let say 13, 14 months until I get to the interview, of course with no REF.
Keep posting if you have any further question.
Cheers,


Gfarias, since your I-130 already got approved, I assumed you are switching from K3 to CR1/IR1? If so, our timeline from here 'til HCMC should be similar. I also filled I-130 in Aug, 07 at CSC and decided from the get-go that I would go for the CR1 route. Btw, I'm still waiting for mail from NVC at the moment.

Wide, now that VSC is getting away from that July/August hike, your I-130/I-129F will probably get approved in 6 months or less. If your I-129F also get approved then you won't spend much time at NVC like gfarias and me. That will save you 3-5 months there. So from a conservative figure of 14 months for CR1, I would say 9-11 months from the date of filling to the pink slip for K3. Good luck!



Thanks for the input.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-22 08:36:00
Asia: East and PacificExpert Opinion Needed
QUOTE (gfarias @ Mar 19 2008, 06:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My case, in Vermont, started sending I-130 Aug/07, got NO2 on Feb/08 and I-129F still recieved and pending. We are 7 months up to now and we got a packet sent from NVC to laywer about 3 days ago, I think our case will be at the NVC about 2,3 months, so let say 13, 14 months until I get to the interview, of course with no REF.
Keep posting if you have any further question.
Cheers,


Thanks for the reply. I figured I was being overly optimistic. There's really no way to tell. Good luck. Keep us posted.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-19 06:01:00
Asia: East and PacificExpert Opinion Needed
I'm trying to guestimate how long we are looking at until the Interview, so I can give my wife an idea. There are only 4 k-3's from Viet Nam on here and they aren't updated. I will file the I-130 for a K-3 Visa in 2 weeks. Vermont is currently processing the one's from 08.19.2007. Anyone care to venture a guess? I know there are many variables to consider. I am thinking 8 months? Thanks.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-19 00:06:00
Asia: East and PacificWhat Do You Guys Think...
If you or your Spouse had a close Relative that had divorced after Immigrating it might be an issue that had to be addressed. I would have the paperwork on hand in case they do ask about it (they may know about it already). Don't send it in with your Fiancee' (I agree that you don't want to give them any more to think about) but have it just in case. I have been told that they do look at the relationships of relatives that have Immigrated. I don't know about Siblings that have sponsored/married. Just my 2 cents.
Teacher MarkMaleVietnam (no flag)2008-03-22 20:54:00