ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and Pacificwe got the blue slip!! help!
Why do you want to take it off? Your name looks lovely with the Flag below!!!!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-05-29 11:06:00
Asia: East and Pacificwe got the blue slip!! help!

but every case is different.


That's the key!!! Think "BIG PICTURE" why do I want to approve this girl's petition and grant her Visa to come to america???? This is where you step in and think of way that best presents your case, or LOVE Story that packed with overwhelming evidence to support it.

Good luck and don't let the little thing trouble you and lose sight of the Big Picture :) They want to give her a visa, if the case is convincing!!!


Chuckandkim,

I agreed with you that we don't need to ask for the attorney to help until we got blue sheet or problem. But it's just the idea of us, the persons who will be not in the interview.

I used to be the person who was in the interview, and I understood that how nervous the fiance / wife must be in the interview date. Someones who can keep calm and can pass it smoothly, but someones who cannot speak eventhough by Vietnamese.

So, the most important thing is to prepare for your fiance / wife in their mind and try to keep their mind be calm to pass this important step.

Good luck to all couples waiting for interview,
Hien


It is NOT just the idea of us, the persons who will not be interviewed. It is just the difference between a well prepared vs. unprepared interviewer. Attorney will not and can not help you PASS the interview if your case is full of lies and frauds and misrepresentation, unverifiable facts and misinformation. What would you or a high paying price lawyer can do but sit back and wait for the interview to do its job? Nervousness, sure everyone has, but to overcome your fear by hiring a lawyer and not take in control of your situation by prepare and more preparation for the interview, in my opinion, it's just a waste of money and in many case, it may delay your process.

I understand some of us may have doubt and fear of the uncertainty, I would be lying if I say I didn't. However, lawyer is NOT the only way to overcome the unknown, remember, it's HCMC we are dealing with, you never know for sure what they will "getcha".

Thanks,

chuck and kim
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-05-16 06:24:00
Asia: East and Pacificwe got the blue slip!! help!

but every case is different.


That's the key!!! Think "BIG PICTURE" why do I want to approve this girl's petition and grant her Visa to come to america???? This is where you step in and think of way that best presents your case, or LOVE Story that packed with overwhelming evidence to support it.

Good luck and don't let the little thing trouble you and lose sight of the Big Picture :) They want to give her a visa, if the case is convincing!!!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-05-15 09:31:00
Asia: East and Pacificwe got the blue slip!! help!
Lawyer can not do anything at this point, you haven't seen the interview decision yet! Most will need the lawyer only when their case is delayed or denied.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-05-15 07:19:00
Asia: East and Pacificwe got the blue slip!! help!
AustinJohn,

When reading these posts online, need to take into account or discount the facts and emotional posts. There is NO solid criteria which may trigger "red flag", having the "beneficiary's relative" in the US introducing you (USC - Petitioner) does or doesn't mean your case will be "blue-slipped". I would wait until you actually get the interview. No amount of work a lawyer can put to prevent a Blue-slip or change the fact that you two indeed met each other through her relatives who live in the US. How do you avoid this potential fraud/doubt triggers? You don't, you can only prepare to face the worst case scenario by having daily conversation over phones/online-chat, writing hand-writen letters and post-cards to one another, don't make trivial mistake like, not sending a birthday card to her or holiday postcards. I am a true believer in "hand-writen" letters weighted more than emails or chat-log! Taking at least 2 trips during your relationship. Buy your own air-fare, no matter how tempting it is for you to say YES when her relatives offer to pay for the trip. Ask why If you don't already know! Get your tax and financial support line-up. Make sure she knows everything about your past marriage/love-interest, family relations etc.

Like I said, there is NO one thing will make or break your case. It's the whole package and think: "BIG PICTURE". Your love is real and you have to put the little facts and proof to provide a solid story and convincing relationship to the Consulate Officer who will interview and decide your fiance's Visa or not. How can you prove your relationship is real???? Then go from there. Hold off on the lawyer, not yet!

Good luck and don't let the little thing stops you!

chuck and kim
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-05-14 08:06:00
Asia: East and Pacificwe got the blue slip!! help!
You need to PM Kevin for a good lawyer contact in Saigon. and I mean you really need a Good lawyer, not some random ones in the States here. You want a lawyer who lives and works in Saigon with good strong professional working relationship and understand HCM Consulate.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-04-07 12:26:00
Asia: East and Pacificwe got the blue slip!! help!
First thing first, please remove your BLUE SLIP or black-out the Case number, and name!
I need to read up on the letter... will be back for input.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-04-06 14:00:00
Asia: East and PacificFinally!!!

so today we got the pick slip. funny thing was the pink slip was signed and dated on the 23rd. and we were supposed to have picked up the visa and the 26th. but i ain't complaining


I like your attitude.... complaining will only drag you down further and does more harm than good... Congratulations!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-07-31 12:54:00
Asia: East and PacificCheap flights to Vietnam, Cambodia or Hong Kong
When and how long you want to travel to Southeast Asia? If you flight in Bangkok or HCMC or HK, that will determine the final price for your initial entry cost into SE.
Most of the vietnamese I know book their tickets from their trusted asian agents :) Price ranging from $800-$1300 depend which time of the year are you going to travel there.

PM if you need help
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-02 09:51:00
Asia: East and PacificAny recommendations on airlines to Saigon?
Personal Entertainment system seems to be equiped on most 777.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-03 07:36:00
Asia: East and PacificAny recommendations on airlines to Saigon?
Flew Eva, Will flight again. Good airline, service A+. Price, competitive

Edited by chuckandkim, 02 August 2007 - 09:53 AM.

chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-02 09:53:00
Asia: East and PacificPolygraph evidence.... possible to help prove bona fide?

the thinking that as a US citizen the CO's job is to make things easier for our fiances to join us here in our home.


Next, you'll be claiming it's your TAX dollars that pay for the CO's salary, then move onto the USCIS, then while you're at it, get the President and his gangs too! :thumbs: :whistle:
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-01 06:11:00
Asia: East and PacificPolygraph evidence.... possible to help prove bona fide?
John,

Overkill and in my opinion, it's useless! Why? For starter, as Jamie asked: who will administor this test? Then the questions will follow:
Who are these people?
What are their credential?
Certified by who?
Qualification?
Back to square one, you then still have to PROVE that the test was done for you, you were there at the test site, the polygraph result can be proved and certified by who?
Now you need backup evidence to back up that polygraph result.
Plus, as a wanna-be CO, I wouldn't even care if you give a polygraph or not. More likely, I will scruitinize your case even more so than before, "is he trying to hide something, normally, not everyone submits a polygraph test result?" Trust them to find dirts and flaws in your case if they really look for them.

Your response "it's hard to think like a CO" is true.... but that's why you have all these times (3-5) months typically to prepare your case, to think and role-playing your case with your wife and your VJ family :) It's not that hard John, put yourself in the CO's shoes, and think if I show up at your house saying: John, I really need your approval to borrow your car for a cross-country trip. What will you ask me and want me to show you that I will actually drive your case accross country and not trying to use your car in a drug-smuggling deal? Samething here, the CO's job is to hear your case and be convinced by you and your fiance. He doesn't have to do anything and NO, he doesn't OWE you or your fiance a dawn thing. You want what he has :) It's your job to ASK nicely and hope he likes what he hears and sees. Or else, send your case back to the US, start it over! Anh Map mentioned previously!


My vote: no polygraph, instead focus on getting the evidence you ALREADY have and prove to them this is an ON-GOING relationship! Not just a one-night-stand!!!! How? Only you can answer that question....

Good luck
chuck and kim
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-07-31 13:10:00
Asia: East and Pacificapproval letter
GREEN/TRAN and all,

Yes, the approval letter they mention in I-485 is in fact your NOA2 from the I-129F's days... seem so long agon, doesn't it? :)
Just make a photo copy and mail it in, keep your original for the Interview, if you get one :) :thumbs:
Remember, this is once again, make you really think the big picture. They want to match up your very first stage: I-129 to Visa to GC. However at GC stage, they want to once again, make absolutely sure they issue the GC to the right person, for the right kind and right reason (i.e. 2-yrs conditional GC)
Good luck with your filing and speedy approval.

chuck and kim
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-07-30 07:40:00
Asia: East and PacificI introduced a friend/coworker to my wifes sister
You enter the consulate via "invitation" or "US Passport".
Who are you? USC or VNC?
If you are USC, you can enter the Consulate by way of USC Service section.
If you are VNC, you enter the HCMC by way of invitation ONLY. By invitation, i mean either a letter from the consulate requests for your presence, or BLUE/GREEN/PINK slips.
To further submit evidence in support your case, you must already have been issued a BLUE or GREEN slips. Just come back with the evidence, show the Blue/Green slip at the door, the armed guards will let you enter HCMC.

I don't know your case, I could be wrong, unless you give us a little more insight about your case.

Good luck.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-07 06:41:00
Asia: East and PacificGoing to Vietnman in November
First thing first, Read the FAQ's and Guides. You will find the answers to most of your questions there. Read it again if you already did. Then, come back with questions. Nobody can tell you which route is faster, I dare not, only share with you my own experience based on reading many threads on VJ to go with K-1 process instead of K-3. I find it quite interesting how some people even consider K-3 right upfront where that would be your last resort if K-1 fails :)

Good luck :thumbs:
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-06 06:45:00
Asia: East and PacificAOS - Employment - SSN
Doesn't really say why to your specific question but, read up:

How do noncitizens without permission to work get a Social Security number?

Question
I am lawfully admitted to the United States, but not allowed to work. I still need a Social Security number. How do I obtain one?


Answer
In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security can get a Social Security number.

If you are lawfully in the United States but do not have permission to work, you are eligible for a Social Security number only if the law requires you to provide a Social Security number to get a federal benefit or state general assistance benefit that you are otherwise qualified for. For more information about applying for a number, see Documents You Need for a Social Security Card.

Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a number to get a driver's license, register for school, obtain private health insurance, or to apply for school lunch programs or subsidized housing. Although many companies such as banks and credit companies may ask for your Social Security number, you are not required to provide one. Ask if they can identify you in some other way. If a service provider insists that you provide a Social Security number, it may help to prove that you cannot get one by showing the service provider a copy of Social Security Numbers For Noncitizens (Publication No. 05-10096).

If you need a number for tax purposes and you are not authorized to work in the U.S., you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit IRS in person or call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676), and request Form W-7, Application For An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.



SSA Answer
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-08 07:36:00
Asia: East and PacificAOS - Employment - SSN

My wife got K3 Visa, not K1. So my question was why they need EAD for K3, but not K3K-1?
They are similiar (I-129F was filed), and the only difference was that K1 valid for 90 days, and K3 for 2 years.


K-1 and K-3 are very different eventhough you use the same I-129F petition (fiance(e) vs. spouse). If you try to find a logical reason why a K-1 is employment authorized for the first 90 days incident to status and the K-3 is not (other than it is how the law was written) you will drive yourself crazy.


YUP :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

Kevin Ly,
Check this LINK out.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-08 07:27:00
Asia: East and PacificAOS - Employment - SSN
You might want to search up on VJ.
Fact: K-1 Visa does NOT need EAD to obtain SSN when I-94 is still valid within the 90 days window. Your POE date is July 28 2007, that's good. You just need to make another trip back to the SSA office and speak to someone who KNOWS K-1 Visa. BTW, did you two GET married? If you did, You should bring the marriage certificate with you.

Things I brought for Kim's SSN application:
1. SSN Application - filled by me, signed by Kim
2. Our Marriage License Application (registered with the county court)
3. Kim's Passport
4. Kim's I-94 (valid)
5. My US Passport
6. My DL for proof of residency

SSN Card arrives less than 2 weeks at our home.

Your Green Card will not make it back in time for school if she wants to. Think: 3-6 months.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-07 06:51:00
Asia: East and PacificEAD & Green card

Thank you for your reply, Jasman.

Hien


Do you know how long it takes to get a green card through work?

Thanks


What work? How do you get a green card throu work? This is marriage based immigration discussion forum. Nobody can tells you exactly how long it will take to do anything with USCIS. Guestimate: 6 months - 1 year, or more.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-09 08:51:00
Asia: East and PacificNOA2 just approved...
First: Congratulations on your NOA2. Big step!

Oh boy here we go. After skimming through about 10 pages of topics and reading into them I am now worrying myself. It looks like from what i can gather that only going 1 time will not look to good for me and the fact i was introduced to her by her uncle here is not good for me.


Seem normal and traditional, doesn’t it? Not with HCMC, this is the typical route for marriage frauds to bring people here via K-1 Visa. I’m glad you got your work cut out in the early stage. Being worry is fine, you should be for this is NOT a walk in the park by all means. Get yourself ready for the journey. I see you were being very optimistic about the over-time of completion (3-4 months), I would say, you’re not far off, but there are cases never approved and must move on to K-3 (getting married in VN). I say, rather be doom and groom, give it 6 months ? for the overall turn around time.

For proof of relationship i have a lot of stuff from my I129F (originals and copies of all) but i also have a TON more if i use wedding stuff... we did the traditional Buddhist wedding with a 100+ person after party but did not file the papers to have a legal marriage. i have TONS of receipts for all the pictures and studio work and etc,etc. would i be okay to use all that? will they be concerned that i am really married to her? I'm talking hundreds of pictures from the party, both professional and amature as well as receipts for every last ting bought that had to do with the wedding. some things have my name on it, some don't. credit card statements, money advances while in HCMC, etc. will also be included.


This is good, very good. Organize according the order of the events (think scrap-book). But also, keep in mind, NOT ONE SINGLE item will make or break your case. You just need to read up on VJ and make your best decision on what to be included and what is unnecessary. Note: Your case is NOT the their (HCMC) first ?, they’ve seen it all, mounts of evidence and all the photos, to HCMC, these can all be doctored up for a minimal fee (in Vietnam of course) ?

also to help with the ongoing, asides from our emails, text messages, letters, etc, i've been sending $100+ to her each month to help support her while she is training for nails and going to English school. I have a copy of the receipts some handwritten, some printed both on the stores letterhead showing the money is going from me to her.

Helpful but not much of evidence, at least a strong, supportive evidence. We had a long discussion on this matter last week. Ask Jonh.Austin. Sending money monthly is NOT an evidence of relationship. Receipt again, can be doctored up, so you will need to prove beyond the reasonable of the doubt these receipts are REAL ? tough huh? I know!

also for reading enjoyment and insight into our not so normal love story (that started last Oct....)
after about 3 or 4 months into the relationship of emails, letters, chat, im, phone, etc we started talking about getting married to each other and decided it is what we wanted to do. we planned for me to be there from march 9-30 with the wedding on march 17th. we decided that when we met if the relationship continued as it did before we met in person then we would go ahead with it. Not only did i feel like i knew her for my whole life from the first time we were together, but over the time we were together our relationship developed so much and was so amazing. I know she is the girl of my dreams and it was meant to be and only by God could it have ever happened.

And by BUHDA!

i just hope that the CO can believe we truly love each other like we do with everything we present to them. I'm assuming it would be best for Tram to tell them "we talked about being married on the internet and after we met we decided it was right and got engaged and had a bhuddist wedding" iif she is asked about how we got engaged. and be completely honest about our unusual love story. ARHGHGH! is how i feel about it. Its so much to explain for her in english, i know in Vietnamese she'd be fine though.

I like your way of thinking, but hoping and convincing the CO to approve your fiance’s K-1 Visa is two different things. No matter what happens during this journey, your ultimate goal is to get the PINK. Being honest is the core success of the whole thing, if you lie, they’ll find out. If you hide, they’ll go to your house. If you try something funny, they’ll delay and Deny! Last but not least, you will face the toughest emotional struggle you’ve never had, and feel hopeless sometimes (think: you’re here in the US, she’s over there in VN, can’t get there quick enough to hug her)

I just hope and pray that the government believes this is an honest and true relationship.

The government? Which one? Commies or Cheney’s? Don’t worry about the Govt, any govt, think: how can I tell my love story that CO will believe?

Okay enough of my worrying seeping out. (more like flood gating out) i feel a little better typing all of this even if no one ends up having any advice. I'm so glad this site is here heh. MAN and its only day 2 for me. 4 more months to go.

That’s all good, there are many veterrants who have been down this road before you, with worst case scenarios, and look where they are now… happy and wouldn’t think twice if they have to do it all over again. I know I would for Kim. The Vietnamese community here is strong and knowledgeable, sometimes giving you the shoulder to cry on, sometimes they just give you the “tough love” to get you back in focus and remember why you are doing this and you are here on VJ ?

Be well,

Chuck and Kim
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-08 07:20:00
Asia: East and Pacificin USA
Hang and Kevin,

Welcome to America!!! :) Relax, wait for 2 more weeks and then apply for your SSN, get the ball rolling! There is no time to rest after that, dealing with AOS is no joke. Good luck to you two and don't lose your ID card this time :)

BTW, it is normal for you to feel sick and actually get sicked. the Vietnamese germs and viruses are fighting against the sanitized environment in America :D You will get worst before better! Drink lot of orange juice, fruits, boosting your system to fight the germs. You'll be just fine! :thumbs:
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-03 07:41:00
Asia: East and PacificProlem when My wife Went To Pick Up The Visa
Thai IBM,

Did you get the visa yet or not? What's the deal brother?
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-13 06:58:00
Asia: East and PacificProlem when My wife Went To Pick Up The Visa
For Show!!!!! Well, if they say come back tomorrow, then do that. Don't sit here and speculating what she/you did wrong. But if you want to speculate and can't do a dawn thing about it, let's go!
Just calm down, think of it this way, they can change their mind anytime! You can't think this far, but even if she had her visa in her passport, someone could call the local police and tell lies about her. Guess what Thai? She wouldn't be leaving VN anytime either, until "further investigation on allegation....(fill-in-the-blank)". Keep it under the lit!

Continue: If she were lucky enough to get pass the Vietnam Immigration Custom Inspection @ Tan Son Nhat, say, she were on the plane coming here. Upon her POE, the US CBP Officer can still deny her visa entry! He can send her back to VN still! So, be very careful and focus from now on out, do not rest until she does, in your living! Get her out of the country as soon as she gets her visa first, for everything else, you can do it later once she's here in the US :)

Good luck and again... calm down.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-07-26 07:21:00
Asia: East and PacificIntroduction from Fiance's relatives?
Step by step:

What is the requirement for K1 Visa?
Have you met? YES/no
Are you two available to marry once she arrives? Yes/no
How you two know about each other? family introduction? yes/no
Can you meet the poverty guideline (somewhere in the $16k/yr or more if you have dependens)? yes/no
File your tax? yes/no
Proof of ON GOING relationship?
Can you tell a convincing love story without lying or setting off too many obvious redflag? Yes/no

You may need preparation and practice to overcome the amount of evidence and requirement HCMC will request from you.
You may need a lawyer, if your case get complicated.
You may need to get married in VN and file for K3 (spousal visa)
You may need to get your congressman involve in helping with your case
You may, you may...

The answer is: there is no one single answer to your case. HCMC will look at the totality of your "love story" and the support evidence, then they will decide if she is worth granting a visa to come here with you or not! Brutal and almost too simple, but it is how this K1 process works!

Disagree with Gossip about the "ZERO CHANCE". None of us know how HCMC will decide! it's 50/50 Chance :) Approve or Not!

Not to be discouraging you, but I would rather see you read up on all the struggles and hardship, false accusation by HCMC toward the beneficiary and petitioner beforehand, so IF any of that ever happens to you, you will at least mentally be prepared to deal with it. Don't want to paint a rosie picture of this process.

STLSAIGON has an interesting experience, he lived and worked in Saigon with his then-fiance for a year or two, don't remember. THAT helped his case 100% even though his income was next to NONE, while making the money he made in VN. The example here is show HCMC does not ONLY look at your income, or what not, they look at everything!

So, my humble advice to you is: read up and prepare for the worst!

Thanks,

chuck and kim
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-06-07 07:49:00
Asia: East and Pacifichi
nhinhi,

As Jasman simply stated...
In addition, Plaese carefully re-read your question and statement from the above post. Are you seriously believe many cases got denied JUST because the beneficiary having relatives here in the US? The bad news is: they deny you a Visa for ANY reason they may find, not JUST one single piece of information or relationship. The good news is: They also approve you a Visa for ALL the right reasons and overlook the others. If you search more careful, you will see they don't actually DENY one's case, in most cases, they DELAY for further investigation and verification of the relationship. Just to make sure there is no FRAUD involved. Is there any money payment by her aunt to you, in return, you would go back and marry her? If the answer is YES, you should be very worried, they will find out. If the answer is no, BAU (business as usual).

Have fun on your journey
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-13 06:57:00
Asia: East and PacificPermanent Resident Card

i guess i am not used to fast when it comes to this).


This reminds me off the stupid Comcast's commercial, USCIS is too fast for you??? :devil: The Slowskys

Congrats
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-13 06:49:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC and the form I-134
In addition to Anh-Map's comment,

Neverseen, My question to you is this: How can you prove to me that you will be able to support Tram financially, when she comes to America and how you can make me feeling warm and fuzzy that you will not put her up on Wel-fare?

Financially strong: You have a job that brings home tons of bacons (back that up with pay-stubs and employment letter)
Financially strong for a long time: show ITR's (income tax return) and W-2 for the past 3-6 years
Financially stable: Continue making the same or more money with next year raises and bonuses. (stock and bond don't mean much, especially if they are your 401K plan) CO and you both know you can't freaking cash it out without penalties from the IRS :)

Making warm and fuzzy feeling that you won't put her up for welfare: your signed and notarized I-134 (not really legally strong thou) but at least you promise them you won't :)

There you go! I can't tell you all tricks, because I forgot :) but Anh Map and others will chime in soon!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-15 07:19:00
Asia: East and PacificFLIGHT TICKETS
You only need to establish the connection and the first face-to-face contact with her. IF you didn't keep the boardingpass as ONE of the many proof that you two have met within the past 2 years prior to your petition for her K-1 Visa, you only need to show other evidence to let them know: Yes, we met once/twice and here are the evidence (photo of the two of you together, pictures of you with her family in Colombia etc, receipt from stores in her country. etc)

Good luck
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-15 07:09:00
Asia: East and PacificTravel to Vietnam -- Travel Agent?
STL_HCMC

My guy can handle tickets ANYWHERE in the US the the lowest cost. You don't have to be in Philly to get the price brother smile.gif Call him up and get it started. This guy is one of the better ones out there. How about a travel agent who keeps telling you: "Save money on this, cut cost on that, you don't need that from that particular airlines, all you need is a comfortable flight and get to VN FAST, at the lowest cost!" He never up sells the package to me, telling "you don't need it" hahaha that's what I like about him.

Good luck!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-22 06:51:00
Asia: East and PacificTravel to Vietnam -- Travel Agent?
$1170 Visa included, China Airlines from JFK, include bus shuttle from Philadelphia and surrounding area. 70lbs luggage x 2 per person.
Leaving 2 weeks before Tet and 1 week after Tet 2008

Viet Tin Travel in Philadelphia.

PM if you need contact info.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-17 08:06:00
Asia: East and Pacificdifference between blue and green slip?
In my opinion:

White = It's over, case sent back to the US. Next: get married and file for K-3 if an appeal process is failed also.
Blue = Very Bad: need a lot more works to resolve, more evidence are requested, missing document in the file, or simply just a way to delay your case for unknown reason. It's one of the many tools at HCMC's disposal!
Green = Not so so Bad: Basically, you are passed but the CO needs to further review your case, just to cross all T's and dot all I's, sometimes ask few more questions and for few more document.
Pink = You know it, girls love pink, and so do we! biggrin.gif Visa granted.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-22 06:44:00
Asia: East and PacificEntry Visa to VN
Latest News (June 2007)

Vietnam to waive entry visas for overseas Vietnamese
HANOI - VIETNAM has decided to waive entry visa requirements for ethnic Vietnamese holding foreign passports, officials and state controlled media reported.
Under the new policy, overseas Vietnamese, known as 'Viet kieu', will be allowed to return to their native country without going through the visa application process, Vietnam Television quoted president Nguyen Minh Triet as saying during his ongoing trip to the US.

The decree will take effect on Sept 1, 2007.

Under the new rules, overseas Vietnamese with foreign passports can apply for resident permits from Vietnam's embassies and stay in Vietnam as long as they want, or until their passports expire, the official said on Tuesday.

There are an estimated 3.2 million Viet kieu worldwide, with more than 1.5 million living in the US.

Last year, some 500,000 overseas Vietnamese returned, many visiting during the popular Lunar New Year festivities, known as Tet. -- AP
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-23 07:11:00
Asia: East and PacificEntry Visa to VN
QUOTE (Thai @ Aug 22 2007, 11:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
if ur dump enuf to get a cert that gives the VC the rights to abuse u while ur in vn.

Again, Thai, #######???????????????

To all others,
Here is the little dirty rummor I heard out about this program... If anyone thinks they can get into Vietnam for FREE, like I was initially thinking and believing what It sounded to be too good to be true. Vietnamese Communist will NOT just waive the visa and fees, they want all vietnam nationals who would like to be recognized as "Vietnam nationals" to apply for a certificate that say so! VN Govt will run a check on your background in VN, to make sure you are who you claim you are, make sure you were born where you claimed you were etc. then only then they will issue a certificate of some kind, saying: you are Vietnamese and free to enter VN without obtaining a Visa. COST: $200 or more. (Unconfirmed rummor)

VN Express - Visa Waiver for Vietnam Nationals, starting Sept 1st. Read on... I need to find an English version for you guys, or you need to study VSL (Vietnamese as a second language) like your wife studies ESL smile.gif
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-23 06:58:00
Asia: East and PacificEntry Visa to VN
Very good news, and welcoming effort from the VN Govt. It's been 32 years already!!!! I can't wait NOT to pay the $50 visa fee to visit my homeland. :thumbs: Thanks for sharing the news with us.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-04-04 10:46:00
Asia: East and PacificIs all the blue slips the same?
No, and Yes.

No, not all blue slips are the same. Each specifically states the required document, supportive evidence that petitioner has to submit or provide to HCMC for further review of the case.

Yes, it's already typed up and ready to issue by CO at the point of interview. Note, the CO didn't just see your case on the day of interview for the first time. He/she has studied or the Vietnamese staffer already studies your case prior to the interview date, then recommend for certain decision (Blue/Green/White or PINK). In my opinion, the interview is the tool to confirm the CO's gut check! If your case is a total "diarrhea", run loose, guess what you'll get? If it's a solid case smile.gif (no pund intended smile.gif) Just relax, it's will come out ok (again, no pund intended)

Good luck.

chuck and kim
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-23 06:24:00
Asia: East and Pacificdescription of U.S. Embassy in Saigon?
Sorry Cuong, I will try my best...
Can someone update this short note, i don't remember correctly, it's been 2 years...going on 3...



Walk in: show your interview appointment letter at the door.
Armed Guards scan you for weapons, check in cellphone (best, leave it home) and any electronic devices.
Then they let you through the metal detector door.
Turn right at the iron-gated fence, walk down the hall way where it leads into the immigration/visa interview booths hall! I don't know what they call it.
Check in all her requested paperworks/evidence at the front windows. Vietnamese staff will check off the list of items you suppose to bring in for the interview. Miss one and they will send her home! Check the P4 list!
Then they tell you which booth she will be interview at...
Now, inside the non-air-conditioning room/hall, there are benches,placed opposite from the interview booths.
Your wife will sit and wait for them to call her.
Then they will call her in the booth.
One/two chairs in this closed classdoor booth, separated by bulletproof glass windown, think: movie theater ticket booth.
The interview officer will have with them a vietnamese interpreter.
The interview officer will conduct the interview in English/Vietnamese base on your preference.
With in 5-10 mins, your wife job is to convince him everything he doubt about your relationship is wrong, or convince him 100% that everything he thinks of your relationship is REAL and your wife should get a Visa.
Pink slip issued = Visa issue the same day or next day.
Blue slip issued = in doubt of your relationship, need more evidence
Green slip issued = interview OK, need to supply few more documents
White slip issued = get the heck out of my face, you fraud piece of #######!
Then she leaves, get out the same way she got in.
Get her stuff and go home!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-29 08:39:00
Asia: East and Pacificdescription of U.S. Embassy in Saigon?
I don't believe there is an US Embassy in Saigon any longer, maybe before 1975.
Here is what we have in Vietnam:

US Embassy in Hanoi
US Consulate in HCMC

Which one do you want to know?
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-28 10:15:00
Asia: East and Pacificany aussie from Camden NSW way?
Phew!!!! I thought your meant: Camden NJ. Run don't walk, run away from Camden NJ if you ever get around this part of the US. I live in the suburb of Philly, thought there is only ONE Camden in the whole wide world biggrin.gif. First time I've ever heard of another CAMDEN. I betcha your Camden must be 100X better than our Camden smile.gif

What's there to chill in Camden NSW? good.gif
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-22 06:55:00
Asia: East and Pacificflying to 'Nam
Stick with her Passport's ID Name for all booking and traveling. When she returns to the US, the name on her passport should be the same, naturally, and the CBP Officer would only care to see her Green Card to decide if she's a LPR. Don't stress out! Boarding passes have to match her passport!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-15 20:38:00