ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
Asia: East and Pacificflying to 'Nam
First, there isn't such thing called "American Green Card Holder", it's either an American citizen or a Green Card Holder.
Second, your wife is still a full-flesh Vietnamese who carries a Vietnamese passport, whose identity is still traced back to Vietnam. Her Green Card gives her the right to stay in the US legally and permanently.

For traveling to VN, she will need her Vietnamese passport and GC! To return to the US after the trip, she will need the same set of documents.

When are you leaving??? I miss VN already... :D
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-14 06:22:00
Asia: East and PacificGot Blue
Agree with David-Hien!
Two things I learn in life: There is a GOD, and I am not HIM!

M.E. is no exception here... but he is a better choice between sitting here in the US and cry out on VJ vs. reach out for assitance!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-09-05 07:16:00
Asia: East and PacificGot Blue
WHAT?
You haven't done that yet? I feel like we have been giving you a fairly sound advice for the past few days inlight of your out-come! Please, do yourself a favor and contact M.E. cool.gif sad.gif
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-31 07:06:00
Asia: East and PacificGot Blue
Kevin and Tuyen,

The only well-known with proven track-records I've heard is M.E. in HCM City. Need to contact him ASAP before they send your case back to the US. There is NOT even one lawyer I've known here in the US can stop this 'return to USCIS' action but M.E.

Good luck and please by all mean contact M.E.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-28 11:10:00
Asia: East and PacificGot Blue
Thai,

I am speechless for your lack of support and compassion toward your fellow VJ and Vietnamese American brother. Please refrain from speaking in such negative language. Explain to me for once: How in the world you think by CURSING Kevin's fiance would bring her here in the US? Did you do that? Missing the point and lose focus are the sure way to get yourself more stressful and lost in this Journey. Remember, your journey is FAR from being over. Have you gotten married yet? BTW!

Read what Kevin says, he's determined more than ever to get the Visa. I commend him for it! good.gif

Love,

Chuck and Kim
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-23 06:17:00
Asia: East and PacificGot Blue
QUOTE (Kevin and Tuyen @ Aug 21 2007, 11:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I got a copy of our Blue Paper.

1. Tuyen didn't have her Police Certificate in time. She procrastinated on getting it and waited until the 2 weeks before her interview. I told her 3-4 months ago to get it too. Then one of the officials at the office was fired so it delayed the Cert even longer.

2. HCM wants a detailed timeline of our relationship from me.

She had everything in order.

There were 2 questions that she could have done better.

1. They asked how long I and her brother have known each other(18 years). She thought they were asking about Tuyen and I (2 years).
2. They asked if I call her on the phone. When a simple Yes or No would have worked , she said "Not much, because its hard to understand on the phone."

I sent the timeline letter yesterday. She is going back to HCM this week to drop off the requested items. Fingers cross for PINK.


In all fairness, Kevin, do you think the blue slip was justified? I don't want people have the negative impression toward the CO, but be objective and openminded in their preparation of the interview. What some of you said "I don't understand, this should be a walk in the park, get throu it in your sleep type of deals etc." this is NOT at all the easiest deal I've ever seen in my life. That was then, when I thought I have to have this, I have to that to pass and missing the whole thing, the Big Picture.

Kevin saw it and he was calm throu the whole thing. As Kevin mentioned and I believe it is the major set back for his case: Police Certification of Lack of Criminal Record (Giay Chung Nhan Khong Co Tien An, Tien Su) is a BIG one! That's the only thing I find CO could not and would not give her a PINK slip. Think: no criminal record or background check, which is the big deal in the age of Terrorist-fear, you can't have a Visa to come to the USA. Pretty simple to me! Again, it's not their job to prove that you're deserved the Visa, it is yours!

Kevin, I think you are very understanding and you do see the big picture through out the journey. Expect nothing but PINK when you return on the board. Be well OK, get the PC to the CO asap!

Cuong, Timeline is a self describe letter of you and your fiance's history. Chronically listed the date, length of time, duration, frequency that you two were together or had spent together, or are being together. HOWEVER, the intention of this letter is an opportunity for you, in this case is KEVIN, to show the CO in writing that your relationship is an ON-GOING with strong intention to get married. Not just one-night-in-paradise type of marriage. The other question, I've mentioned above.

Good luck and look beyond this blue slip! I know some of you are scare and fear for your case. It happened before, blue slip happens! Think PINK.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-22 06:37:00
Asia: East and PacificGot Blue
Or else, just wait 4 years and 11 months like wait4ever and they'll give you the Visa!

Ditto what Anh Map said.... :thumbs: Just a bump on the road.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-17 10:04:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa Finally Issued
wait4ever,

I don't believe this!!!!!!! BUT yet it's one of the greatest news for you, since we have known you and your horrible situation created by HCMC.
I am very sorry to hear your story of losing a parent while going throu this process. So sad!!!
In any event, I believe you accomplish the most important goal: get the PINK. Let's fly her home ASAP, can't waste any more time being apart.

Love and congrats,

chuck and kim :dance: :dance: :dance:
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-13 06:41:00
Asia: East and PacificWould someone help me??
QUOTE (hanho @ Sep 7 2007, 03:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi chuckandkim,

Maybe i dont make myself very clear huh? Sorri about that and here is my story. I filed I130 for my wife(who lives in vietnam) in 08-2004 as a green card, I updated to US citizen in 06-2007 and got aproved, i sent I864, IV fee already. I am waitting for DS230, and i think they sent that one to me couple weeks ago but still havent received yet.

I dont know what packet 3 or 4 is, if you dont mind, please tell me. I am also her's choice of agent so I think everything NVC will send to me, not her, right? When you mentioned about packer 3 or 4 send to HCM, can you tell me why? I thought DS230 part I, i have to send to NVC but part II she will bring it to interview, AM I WRONG?

Thanks alot, chuckandkim.


Hi HanHo,

I was thinking you're doing a K1... but here, try this one out: HERE

Edited by chuckandkim, 07 September 2007 - 02:35 PM.

chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-09-07 14:32:00
Asia: East and PacificWould someone help me??
QUOTE (hanho @ Sep 7 2007, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My question was, can i send DS230 now? Because they told me the packet sent to me couple weeks ago and i still havent had yet. Abit of my case: I am living in US and my wife who lives in VN.

Also, when you sent DS230 to NVC, usually they have ATTN above the address of NVC, I just wonder what it would be? because i dont want when i send DS230 to wrong ATTN even though its the same address.

I cant update time line now because i am at work, i will update when i get home.

Thanks alot, if still doesnt make clear please say so.

Not sure
Who are they?
What packet? 3 or 4?
Why did "they" tell you they sent packet to you but not her?
Who send DS230 to NVC?
The only person who would send DS230 is your girl in VN, and she would send it to HCMC.
You don't send them in separately, the whole packet3 or 4 should be sent in together.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-09-07 14:12:00
Asia: East and PacificWould someone help me??
QUOTE (hanho @ Sep 7 2007, 11:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

I believe there are many Vns here smile.gif. I would like to ask a question if someone here had done please tell me what i should do. I recieved a letter which saying IV fee, but i called and a lady told me that they've already received the IV fee now. But one thing i dont know is DS230 generated or not but she told me a packet sent out about couple weeks ago (i think that will be DS230 packet), CAN i send DS230 now?

Also, on the address you sent DS230 to NVC, what ATTN that would be? I have one they sent to me with the missing documents letter, can i send that cover sheet and DS230 to NH address of NVC?

Thanks all in advance.


Please write your questions/information in English or Vietnamese. Give us a complete picture of where you are right now... That way we can help
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-09-07 12:51:00
Asia: East and PacificBring Home the Pink
Can we hear back from you Kevin? What's the news?
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-24 06:12:00
Asia: East and PacificSuccesfully Installed !!!!
Congratulations!!!!!

Next stop:
Apply for a marriage license then get married
SSN Card,
State ID (Pennsylvania),
joined bank account,
health insurance from IBM,
life insurance for you with her as the beneficiary.
Get her vaccinated (I-693)
Get your I-134 ready, yup, all over again.
Get I-485 application
Then apply for her Conditional green card, good for 2 years

Basically, you just need to red the GUIDES and come back with questions, we'll try to help you out.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-08-15 07:06:00
Asia: East and PacificEveryone had the pink in HCM embassy please read and respond !!
QUOTE (hanho @ Sep 11 2007, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the input austinjohn, that helps. We are doing IR1 so i dont know, might be abit different??.

IR
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-09-11 16:26:00
Asia: East and Pacificpossible receipting delays and cell phone, travel to vietnam info
QUOTE (sealedkiss @ Oct 2 2007, 10:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Guy&Hoa,

A single piece of evidence won't make or break your case.
What I realized was, if you make the CO believe the genuineness in your relationship, then a little bit of imperfection here and there won't matter. How to do that? A lot of it depends on your whole story: how you met, your life status (education, career, past and current relationships), your effort and commitment (visits, communication, engagement ceremony, length of relationship), etc. Evidence will help build your story, block by block. Writing (filling out forms, explanation, etc.) will help build your story. Presentation (how you put together your package) will also help build your story.

sealedkiss.


I'm with you 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-04 07:09:00
Asia: East and PacificThamks
Andrew and Thuy,

What a great news!!!!!! Love the PINKish "greencard" dont you? smile.gif

Enjoy, and rest easy for the next fewl years smile.gif almost! See you on the other side of Removal of Condition! smile.gif Thank you and again Congratulations!!!!!!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-05 14:09:00
Asia: East and PacificWhat do it mean when the paperworks are touched?
QUOTE (Cuong @ Sep 25 2007, 02:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can someone help answer a few questions?

What does it mean when the paperwork was touched?
How do we know when it's has been touched?
What is NOA2? Is it a packet from the NVC that tell me to send a fee of $70?
After I sent in my $70 fee, how long is it gonna take for them to send the DS230?


thank-you to a VJers people that help?

Your last question kinda ambiguous....
Let's clear up something:
Are you K1 or K3 petitioner?
Did you get a note from NVC telling you to send them $70, for what? Can you share the general content of the letter?
Why didn't you have all the fees paid upfront, seem odd to pay them on a per-request basis.
Do what ChaGio recommend, fill out your "Signature" with your timeline information.
Nobody can tell you how long it will take HCMC to mail your fiance the DS230. We can gues based on previous cases, but usually with in 3 months from the day the PHYSICAL filing package arrived and entered in the HCMC system.

For now, please fill out your timeline... Ask questions, a lot of them... smile.gif Welcome~

Edited by chuckandkim, 05 October 2007 - 02:17 PM.

chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-05 14:16:00
Asia: East and Pacifick1 visa help
Role-play!!!
What if you were the C.O., what would you be asking NeverSeen to find out if he really loves TRAM? And come up with more questions to be sure that NeverSeen is in fact not doing this whole Visa thing for $50K fee for someone's niece to bring her here!

C.O. thinks: Why should I give your honey, Suong, the Visa? Answer: fill in the blanks with evidence and supportive proof!

Have backups of the backups evidence, for they may ask you to support your support evidence with more evidence. (Sound stupid but that's how they play it in HCMC)

Vietnam said it well! You're still early in the game, get yourself ready!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-05 14:46:00
Asia: East and PacificNeed help on DS 230 form!
STRAIGHT FROM THE STATE DEPT

9 FAM 42.63 PN3.1 Form DS-3032, Choice of Address and Agent
(TL:VISA-481; 10-31-2002)
When the applicant's petition is received, the NVC will send the applicant Form DS-3032. This form permits the applicant to choose an “agent” to receive mailings from NVC and assist in the paperwork or paying of required fees. The agent can be the petitioner, an attorney, a friend or non-governmental or community-based organization. The agent cannot sign required documents for the applicant, but can assist with fee payments and document collection. The applicant is not required to choose an agent and may have all mailings sent to an address abroad. The applicant's file will be held at the national visa center (NVC) until the signed Form DS-3032, Choice of Address and Agent, is returned. If it is not returned within one year, the NVC will begin the case termination process. (See 9 FAM 42.83 for further details.)
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-05 14:34:00
Asia: East and PacificNeed help on DS 230 form!
Cuong,

Is this the form: DS-3023

Edited by chuckandkim, 05 October 2007 - 02:26 PM.

chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-05 14:24:00
Asia: East and Pacificwhere can I get my marriage license signed?
Thai,

Go to City Hall, 15th and Market, of course so close to your IBM Office. Ask them to perform a civil ceremony for you and your holmesgirl smile.gif
Or better, go to your favorite Asian Travel Agency, ask them where to get your marriage license done and obtain a marriage certificate.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-08 06:51:00
Asia: East and PacificFinally, case is done.
QUOTE (hanho @ Oct 6 2007, 10:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all, My case is done at NVC. But i just wonder how long it takes for them to interview (at HCM embassy). If someone knows please put some input and also, what kind of questions they usually ask at interview, please share to me. Thanks alot all.


Please reserve the words: "FINALLY CASE IS DONE" for thing that is important as: Visa in hand!!!! good.gif
This is NOT done, far from it, good chance your case may be delayed and denied, so be very careful when post message claiming anything is "DONE!"
I got my hopes up when I read the title of the thread, thinking i'll see PINK.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-08 06:55:00
Asia: East and PacificThings to do in Saigon?
I found myself sitting on front of Kim's house watching the people who go to the street-market every morning for 3 hrs straight, sipping my black fresh coffee. Crazy!!!! They are the most interesting people and their activities are captured my mind, just watch them sell/buy/bargain all morning and then in the afternoon, they just seem to disappear somewhere. Just to regroup after 3PM, now with all the food and street vendors who sell Vietnamese foods, cheaply! The morning market, the late after food market, and the late night market are all different in their own ways but carry the same attitude: We are Vietnam!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-08 12:46:00
Asia: East and PacificThings to do in Saigon?
Top of my list: FOODS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-08 06:53:00
Asia: East and PacificThings to do in Saigon?
Check out: CU CHI TUNNELS just to give you perspective on what kind of strong will people you are marrying to smile.gif Vietnamese are crazy... especially the VC....
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-05 14:05:00
Asia: East and Pacificin Vietnam: a problem with the ex-husband
Don't know immigration law in Australia, but for Americans, that means your wife will have to leave the boy home and come to America alone!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-11 13:58:00
Asia: East and Pacificcali service law office?
Note: Advice and recommendation from VJ should be taken with your own experience and judgement. Disclaim: We are not lawyers after all. What we share here with you solely based on our own experience and educated conclusion. When in doubt, a good experienced immigration lawyer will always your best bet!

Good luck
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-07-25 20:15:00
Asia: East and Pacificcali service law office?
dg2000,

Before asking, why not search first?
Type: "Lawyer" in the search box above. You'll be surprised when you see the returned results. Then make your decision later. Never too late to hire a lawyer for your case. Never! But as for what you tell us here, i must agree with the gurus here, No lawyer, not yet! :thumbs:
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-07-25 14:26:00
Asia: East and PacificMy Recent Trip To Saigon to See Thi
PeterFB,

You did everything right, who's there to say it's wrong
However, I want to add one more thing: The is NO ONE piece of evidence will make and break your case, but the Totality of the Case! Think "Big Picture" what do I need to show and convince HCMC that you two love each other and she should get a Visa to come here to the US! good.gif
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-10 09:04:00
Asia: East and PacificMy Recent Trip To Saigon to See Thi
Thank you for sharing your lovely story and a good time in Saigon Peter! It brings back memories!
I like your idea of going back when she has her Visa, you would do yourself and her entire family a HUGE favor and respect for coming back picking her up. That's the proper way to handle it!

Not sure why you didn't carry cash with you? Credit Cards are being promoted by the local banks and national ones, but it's NOT favored by the merchants for the 3% fee by Visa/MC/AMEX plus the issued banks, plus your bank in the US. Crazy! I used to bring a few grands in cash while travelling oversea, it's a habit after going oversea for business for awhile. Credit Cards work in big cities, cash works EVERYWHERE!

Flight Ticket: Contact your local and friendly Asian Travel Agent smile.gif They can beat any online deals at least $200-$600USD per ticket. Especially if you're in California, the price could be even cheaper!

Restaurant: is this your first trip? Recommend to let her family to call the shot in dinner and all other food related matters smile.gif They live in Saigon, should know good cheap place to eat, plus, was someone in her family there to foot the bill in CASH and You would reimburst them later in USD? That should be normal and better way to handle it, instead of running around try to find a place that takes CD. NGON is a good tourist restaurant but they "CHEM" hard (chop your head off) for the foods and services, IMO!

Mooncakes: I LOVE THEM. Too bad they tossed all your chicken mooncake....

Anyway, Welcome back smile.gif
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-09 07:50:00
Asia: East and PacificWe have the Marriage License SIGNED
To clarify:

Marriage Certification copy is what your Priest gave you to keep and to mail in City Hall

Certified Copy of your Marriage Certification: issued and certified by Cith Hall Vital Record Lawyer, this will cost you upto $25/copy. Must call City Hall to ask for it and pay for it.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-26 07:31:00
Asia: East and PacificWe have the Marriage License SIGNED
I couldn't resist the force!!!! devil.gif
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-24 09:42:00
Asia: East and PacificWe have the Marriage License SIGNED
Capt Ewok,

I probably should have responded to Thai's questions with courteous regardless of how many times we as a community asking him do not referring to his fiance/wife as a B. I feel as if I speak the same language as Thais has been, it may get the message accross! May be it did, may be not!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-24 07:02:00
Asia: East and PacificWe have the Marriage License SIGNED
QUOTE (Thai @ Oct 15 2007, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Are you people too dumb or my post isn't clear enough?


people's posts aren't clear because of your dumb questions. Did you read the FAQ's section or you randomly ask the same question which already answered many times.
dumb questions get dumb answers.

Thai's "Can I apply AOS for my wife now ? or we have to wait for the marriage cert from City Hall ?"
Yes, you can apply for AOS for your biotch now, whether or not it will be approved or rejected, who knows, who cares! I know you do! So think before post your question, better off reading the FAQ's.

You should wait for the marriage certificate from City Hall, or just not. who knows! You might get lucky and don't have to send in Marriage certificate as prove of being married to your biotch who got a K-1 Visa to come to the US.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-10-17 21:59:00
Asia: East and PacificPoint Of Entry
It depends on your location and your chosen airline for transportation.
For me, we flew China Air, POE is Anchorage Alaska, and we live in Philly.
POE was uneventful. There are two lines, Visa holders vs. USC/PR. Your wife would line up at the long line along with the folks who visit the US, on business, work, student, k1, k3, cr1 visa etc. Wait for them to check and ask question about her purpose to come to America, why is she traveling by herself, is she a terrorist blah blah, it's just like going through a quick Visa Interview again. OR, they just look at your Visa in your passport and wave you through! the POE CBP officer will stamp your passport, staple the I-94 card back on your passport with the date stamp for immigration clearance/inspection purpose. You oughta make sure the have this I-94 card in your passport before you leave the Immigration desk, you will need it for the AOS later on. Then off you go, welcome to America.

Note: this is my own experience, in Anchorage Alaska. Keep in mind, the CBP Officer has the ultimate power to deny your wife's entrance if he is not happy with what he finds in your wife's file or any valid reason. This is rare, but happens! Also, do not forget to keep the "BROWN" Envelope which the consulate office will give to you when you get your Visa, keep that brown envelop with you during travel, you will need to hand it in at POE. Some folks accidently checked it in with their luggages, SOL, can't get through Immigration until you hand in that envelop. More information about the brown envelop if you need to know, just ask!

Personally, that's basically what would/could happen at POE. Ask Lurker, his wife should be traveling to the US soon or maybe already JUST entered the country. He would have a better and fresher memory of her POE.

Last but not least tip: I know you mentioned you won't be traveling with her due to work schedule, but if you did, you could have waited in the same line with your wife, instead of entering through the USC line. The CBP Officer will still check you and her both out! Everything I said here is my personal experience and giving you some of the worse case scenario just to prepare you, mentally :) !!!! Good luck and I like how you work: think PINK baby!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-02-28 14:40:00
Asia: East and PacificNeed some help!
in that case, my apology and take it all back :D
Good VJers!!!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-03-06 10:09:00
Asia: East and PacificNeed some help!
Kath&Rob,

I dare to make an assumption that you might have answered the OP's questions, but what benefit it is to us who are participating in this forum when the information is loss in PM universe. Just my thought on posting and answering public question via PM. I wished you could have done it differently. Share the knowledge, what if your answer was incorrect that would be a disservice to OP, wouldn't it?

Just my thought!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-03-06 06:53:00
Asia: East and PacificJoint sponsor for K1. Acceptable?
Some may beg the difference... Ngan's aunt lives in America, introduced you to her? C.O. could have seen it as a marriage fraudulent case where her aunt may pay you $30K to bring her niece here to the US. That story is NOT recommended, IMO! Her aunt offers her a job may cause more closer look at the case. I thought she has a job offer by a US firm, but having a relative to offer you a job is almost as bad as you offer your wife a job to work for your company and consider that as your income :)

This "job offer" method may work for you this time, but asking a relative to offer a job, is not a strong support evidence. IMO. More risk involve if you had a tough C.O. who may ask you difficult questions about this "job offer" by her own aunt. Usually, in Vietnamese family, you work for your family is just as natural as come over for dinner without calling ahead of time.

Again, this is just me trying to throw out a risk and benefit factors may involve in using "job offer". Comments are welcome!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-03-05 12:59:00
Asia: East and PacificJoint sponsor for K1. Acceptable?

Yeah, of course. And, also try a co-sponsor, it can't hurt. What I also did was I wrote out a page long letter explaining how my fiancee would be supported after her arrival into the States. Try to find someone who will offer her a job, have him/her write out a prospective employment letter for her. Make sure the notorize it.


Good point on "job offering". However, keep in mind, that offer should state its intention for future available openning. Reason: Your K-1 will not be able to work until she obtains her EAD or Green Card, whichever comes first :) Typically, will take 4-6 months for one to start working with the proper ID's.

randh and all,

Think like a CO as much as you can, in the end, most of them are pretty reasonable! Ask the question: how can I show them I can support and take care of my new wife :) If she is approved to come to America???? We both know you won't have your parents supporting YOU and your K-1 once she arrives, so tell them how you would!
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2007-03-05 07:09:00