ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificShots and Pills!!!

I would only get a "tet'ness shot" (spelling) in case you get bitten by one of those stray dogs. I got bitten once. If you get sick or get a stomach virus you can buy almost any drug over the counter without a perscription, including Viagra. Oh I forgot, you're meeting Huong, nevermind...................:)


Very Funny, that I won't definately need. I mayn need some relaxing pills :energetic:

I think I will pass on the shots, since I had them the last 2 times, and I will just call the doctors office for the malaria pills. When we have chatted at her home this summer, I noticed she uses a bed net, so the mosquitos seem pretty bad, as I have seen her swat at them. Thanks everyone, it really eases my mind that I won't be the only one not getting the shots.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-21 06:13:00
Asia: East and PacificShots and Pills!!!
I will be traveling back to Vietnam for my 3rd time. I just wanted to get everyones opinion on this subject. Did you get your shots and anti-malaria pills before going to Vietnam or Thailand? I did the last 2 times, but was wondering if it is necessary? I called the doctors office today and they no longer give these shots and told me to contact the health department. I know it states they are not required but what is your feeling on this?
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-20 21:01:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview scheduled--HCMC
Wow, I am so happy for all of you. I am hoping to see 3 pink slips this month with some great info.

Too bad my fiancee lives in Hanoi, or we could meet up while I am visiting.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-19 20:30:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview scheduled--HCMC
Congrats Menyoo, that is great news. I wish the best to you and your fiancee.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-19 11:40:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!
Believe me I want to go without a doubt, and told her several times nothing is going to happen and I will be fine. I would never live my life by what they would tell me, but if it is important to her and she believes then I got to at least give her some thought. She definately is definately sad, because of this. That is the reason she was cryiny before I even answered the phone.

Patricks, I apologize if I was rude, but the way I read your first post about smoke and mirrors basically tells me that you feel she is hiding something from me or lieing to me. Tell me that would not get you fired up if someone who doesn't know you and is generalizing about a specific situation that you would not do the same. I am just completely stressed, because if it wasn't for this IMBRA BS I would be going there in July to bring her home.

Is it wrong to actually believe that she cares about me and doesn't want anything to happen to me? Or should we all just assume that alll cases are fraud, just because there are many cases of fraud.

I apologize if I took your post the wrong way. I am the same as you, I could never let anyone talk bad about the one I love.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-23 14:51:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!

Mike,

Why do you ask other's for their opinion if you're going to say...." you shouldn't make statements like that?" as if I over-stepped the boundries. Should I be dis-honest and "sugar coat "my answers and tell you something nice? Dealing with the Vietnamese is a whole another ballgame and many times it's NOT a pretty picture for a lot of foreigners.
Henceforth, I'll try to keep my honest prospective out of the picture...........Chuc May Man (Good Luck) :)



I am not sure what you are trying to say when you mean smoke screen. When I told her that I wanted to come visit now, she was thrilled. I asked her what days I should come due to her job. She told me the dates I should come. The next couple days we both were so excited. When she called me today she was crying, and told me what happened. So what are you trying to say?
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-23 13:34:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!

This is my honest "Gut" feeling: I think there is another reason behind her request for you NOT to visit her. it's a "smoke screen"!



Patrick's, I am sorry but you don't know anything about us. The wizard she talked to is the same one she has asked for years. He gave us the date for our Engagement ceremony. Everytime I have flown to her she visits him to make sure I will get there ok. Some families are still strong believers in this practice. This guy has been a close friend of the family for years. Him and his wife had us over for dinner at their house last time I was there. I think you are totally reading this wrong, and you shouldn't make statements like that.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-23 12:58:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!
Well, just more bad news. Huong called me today and I can tell she was crying. Everyone knows how important the wizards or future tellers are to some who live in Vietnam. Well, she went to visit the same one who has always given us great news for us. Well not this time. He told her that I should not come, because I would be in great danger. She is so sad because we both were so excited, and now she wants me to stay home. I begged her that I would be fine, but she began crying, and said that she needs me to promise her not to come, because if something would happen to me, it would kill her.

So what am I to do? I bought them thru Orbitz and can't get a refund. I can cancel them and book a flight in the upcoming year, which would be ok to go there for her interview, but then when I buy her ticket we would not be on the same plane. Any help here would be greatly appreciated. I have never had to cancel a flight and don't know how it would work if I postponed the flight until her interview.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-23 11:15:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!
I definately think it is a plus for us. I emailed the embassy and they haven't emailed me the fee for the Visa yet. Does anyone know what the fee's are for single and multiple entry?
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-21 06:14:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!

Go For It Mike!

You definitely want "Multi" entry if you're going to T-land during your stay.

FYI: Huong won't need a visa (neither will you) to visit T-land.
Actually, the CO who interviewed my wife asked my wife about the Thailand stamp in her passport; he was impressed that she had already traveled outside of Vietnam AND we had pictures of our trip to show him (we said the pics were our honeymoon photos)......it was helpful during the interview.

FYII:Very few Vietnamese leave the country (That could be changing nowadays)


Just curious.....how much was your flight?

I just paid $1300 for Tet New Year (Feb 2007), BUT it's only 1 stop in Asia and doesN'T go through California. (pay more for convenience)


Well, my parents were going to buy the ticket for me with their frequent flier miles, but the earliest they have a flight is May of next year. I went onto Orbitz last night, which I have used for my last two trips and since it is only one month advance I paid $1500. The trip to Thailand is only $300/person which includes airfare and 3 star hotel for 6 nights. I am so excited to be going, but I know the heat is going to be rough.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-20 06:15:00
Asia: East and PacificJust booked flight!!!!
As you all know, our petition has been affected by IMBRA. We have no idea how long before she has her interview now, because they are giving no information. If our petition was not recalled this trip would be to bring back my love, but due to USCIS error, it will be another great trip to spend time with her, but have another very sad ending at the airport. I can't wait until July 16th.

We might be taking a trip to Thailad for six days while I am there. I am really looking forward to visiting there, and I wouldn't mind going to see some Thai Kickboxing fights, but I know Huong would not enjoy it. My questions is in regards to the Visa. The application has two boxes, single entry or multiple entry, which should I check? I am not even sure if we will go until after I apply for the Visa.

Hopefully I will get the RFE before I leave and send it back and be processed before I come home.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-19 20:29:00
Asia: East and PacificMatt_Stevens Interview Rally
Matt, I have never heard of this after the Visa was issued, so i wouldn't worry to much about it. I think it is just rumors, IMHO. Don't let this ruin your excitement. She will be here before you know it.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-28 12:07:00
Asia: East and PacificMatt_Stevens Interview Rally
I have always been wondering what our fiancee's had to do before leaving the country. Is there any paper work involved with her government letting them know she is leaving the country?
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-28 08:46:00
Asia: East and PacificMatt_Stevens Interview Rally
Matt,

We are so happy for you and Anh!!!

Can you give us some more details on some of the evidence you submitted?
Did you send both types of IRS tax forms?
How many emails and chats? Did you show emails from the beginning of the relationship up until the end?
Did they ask her about the Dam Hoi?
What did you make copies of and how many?
Did you supply the orginal bank statements, paystubs, w-2s or just copies?
How about translations and single status papers? Were they needed?

What was wrong with the way you had the papers organized that the woman didn't like?
I have one 1" binder with sheet protectors inside with labels on each sheet of what is inside for the papers she will turn in first. I used the same approach for the other evidence as well.

Thanks so much for the info. We hope to follow thru with the same results whenever USCIS gets their butts in gear and gets our papers back where they belong.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-27 19:37:00
Asia: East and PacificMatt_Stevens Interview Rally
Matt and Anh, Congrats to you. We are really happy for you and now the worry is over and the excitement begins!!!!

Congrats,
Mike and Huong
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-27 05:21:00
Asia: East and PacificMatt_Stevens Interview Rally
Again Good luck to you both. We all are here for your support, and hoping you will get a phone call from her and with good news. Keep us posted.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-26 21:16:00
Asia: East and PacificMatt_Stevens Interview Rally
Matt, we wish you are your fiancee the best of luck and we all hope you get that Pink Slip. You will have a couple sleepless nights coming up I bet.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-06-23 08:13:00
Asia: East and PacificWonderful news I'd like to share with you guys
That is great news. We are so happy for you both. What a way to bring everything full circle. We will also have one, but maybe not as fast.

:dance:
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-05 09:02:00
Asia: East and Pacifichow to take web cam photo
I asked the same question a few months ago. I abandoned that when my computer was freezing up during the process. I think you press CTRL+PRT SCR or maybe Shift+PRT SCR. I just used my digital camera to take a few picks so they know we use a webcam. I took pics of my fiancee chatting with my kids, and my kids chatting with her son, as well as me chatting with her son. Hope this helps.

You copy paste them into a word file.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-04 18:27:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC Packet 3
I have been wondering about how long some of these notarizations and papers are good for. Does anyone know how long these are good for:

Any Notarization?
Employer Letter?
Bank Letter?
Single Status Paper?
Police Certificate?
Translations?
Anything else you can think of??


Does anyone know if our file will be worked on based on our NOA1 date or just the order they receive them?

Thanks
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-15 16:55:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC Packet 3
Well as some of you know, we filed our petition and Received our NOA2 on March 25, 2006. Our file was then sent to the Consulate in HCMC. Huong Received her packet three in the mail, and returned it. During this same time the Consulate returned our file back to USCIS due to the new IMBRA law. The consulate told me that the DS-230 and Applicant Readiness papers that she sent were received after they returned our file, and therefore cannot be used. Finally we are getting some movement, and have already returned the RFE due to IMBRA, and are awaiting the Reafirrmed Approval. Once we receive this and they send our file back to the consulate she will have to wait for them to send her packet 3 again. So basically we are on the same timeframe we were when we first started in March. Before returning her Packet 3 I had her make copies of the original documents before filling them out. Is it possible that she can fill these out and send them to the consulate once we know they have received our file? Or she can fill out the ones online and return them? Would they accept either of these? If IMBRA never affected us she would be having her interview at the end of this month, but now we are looking at another 3 or 4 months. Any advice for us would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike and Huong
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-15 12:22:00
Asia: East and Pacificneed help to post my timelime (blind member)
Martindart,

Did you show photos with your fiancee wearing a wedding dress during the Engagement Ceremony? If so did they give you any problems or questions?

Thanks,
Mike
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-22 14:00:00
Asia: East and PacificSTL_HCMC's Interview Rally
Congrats!!!! We are so happy for you. How long will you stay in Vietnam?
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-19 06:13:00
Asia: East and PacificSTL_HCMC's Interview Rally
I know I have wished you luck a few days ago, but the time is near now. I have no idea how I will feel when we get that close, but everything will be fine for you two. You have all your eveidence ready. You have lived together for many months, and if that isn't enough then I don't know what is. Our hopes and prayers are with you both, and I can't wait to I see that update tomorrow, WE GOT THE PINK SLIP!!!!

Mike and Huong
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-18 09:03:00
Asia: East and PacificSTL_HCMC's Interview Rally
We wish the best of luck to you and we see pink. We can't wait to hear the details.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-14 06:14:00
Asia: East and Pacificinterview prep
I would agree with you Justin. This region is very helpful and our fellow HCMC members are also very easy going. StLouey and Chuck and Kim are some of the nicest people I have never met, and have much respect for.

I am following your great advice, but there is just so much evidence, I guess it is a good thing. As for the tax return and transcript, I order the regular transcript and then after hearing about the I1722, I also ordered that. It looks a little different, but no stamp or anything. I went onto there website and the trascript that is available is a Tax Return Transcript.

Thanks so much for all your help we greatly appreciate it.

Mike & Huong
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-24 18:28:00
Asia: East and Pacificinterview prep

Hi Mike,

Perhaps the W2 and tax transcript is sufficient - I'm not certain reagarding this. However, I included the tax transcripts (i.e. 1722), W2's and tax returns all together. I had all of them, so it made sense to do so. I would double check this with the Consulate by email (then you have a written confirmation) and others on here to see if the tax transcript can indeed be used in lieu of the actual tax return.

STL_HCMC


Sorry to be such a pain, but what is the difference? I thought the order papers from IRS would be sufficient. I did not know there was a difference between the return and the transcript. Can you explain the transcript and the return?
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-20 06:16:00
Asia: East and Pacificinterview prep

Hi Justin & Mike,

For the documents listed in the packet 4 instructions (i.e. MRV receipt, Ho Khau, ID Card, Birth Certificate, etc.) we followed the order of that list exactly and just put one document behind the other document. Smaller items (i.e. ID Card, MRV receipt, etc.) we either paperclipped or stapled to a white sheet of A4 paper so the stack was easy to straighten up. We didn't organize it in any binder or punch holes in it. We grouped it all together and put it in a big plastic envelope type organizer that they have here in VN. Then when she got to the Consulate and her number was called to turn in the packet 4 documents, she just pulled out the whole stack and handed it to the nice VN staff (of course they were all in order according to the list of the packet 4) and that was it.

Oh yeah, the I-134 evidence I used an ACCO binder clip to keep all of that together and then it was put in order with the packet 4 instructions. Listed the I-134 on top, followed by the employment letters (2), the bank letters (2) and then the tax returns and bank statements. I put the tax transcript (i.e. 1722) on top of each tax return (i.e. 2005 transcript with 2005 tax return). Following the tax transcript on each return was the W2 documentation. They returned our 2004 and 2003 tax information.

Regarding the relationship evidence, I separated our pile into originals and photocopies. Then I checked the photocopies against the originals to make sure we had everything there. After this all of the information was organized chronologically. Everything was grouped together. So emails were one piece of evidence, cell phone bills were another piece, etc. I organized it chronologically by category, not chronologically by total composition. Then we just prioritized our evidence and put our strongest on the top and went down from there. After this I double checked the originals against the photocopies again to make sure they were both in the same new prioritized order. We left this loose just like the packet 4 documents I described above and put the original relationship evidence in one big plastic envelope and the photocopied relationship evidence in another. She gave originals to the consular officer to view. They didn't keep anything.

Emails were arranged with the most recent on top and going back in order of time to the beginning. Same with the other evidence - most recent on top and going back in time from there.

Justin,
My fiancee pulled out the entire stack of original relationship evidence and then started to hand the officer things piece-by-piece. The officer then further directed to my fiancee the type of evidence that she wanted to see next (i.e. requested "relationship evidence" and my fiancee gave her cards, emails and then photos).

Hope this helps you both out!

STL_HCMC


Thanks so much, you are always so much help. I just have a few questions. I thought we just needed the W-2's and the tax transcript ordered from the IRS? Also did you include a letter of intent to marry, or did you just feel the one in the original filing was good enough?

I have decided a few hours ago to prioritize the evidence by importance. Can you tell me how much she took. In all, I have about 8 inches worth of total paper work, this includes the binders. Here is some of the evidence I am providing, besides the papers she will hand in first. Travel documentation, including boarding passes, intineary, hotel receipts, bank withdrawals while there, and pictures (2 trips), Engagement proof, Receipts from flowers I sent her, mail receipts, handwritten letters and cards, phone records, emails, chats, and then letters and emails as proof of relationship with my kids and parents.

Thanks Again
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-19 21:02:00
Asia: East and Pacificinterview prep
That is freaky!!!

I have been trying to figure out this same issue. I will have one small binder for the documents she will hand in at the first window (Passport, ID card, etz...). Then I will have One binder with evidence of our relationship between us, and one binder of evidence of relationship with my kids, and parents, as well as my relationship with her parents. My question is this: How to organize the evidence inside the binder. I was going to either do it in order of time. Emails and phone records before first visit. Then Travel Documentation with pics from fisrt trip. Then email and phone records between the first and second trip. Then the travel documentation and pictures from second trip. Then emails and phone records froom second trip until now. Then I have all mail receipts, letters, western union receipts, flower receipts, etc... OR should I just put all emails together, all travel documentation together, and so on.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-19 17:35:00
Asia: East and PacificMenyoo's Interview Rally

Hi VJs,

Does anyone here ever proof to the CO about the prepaid mobile? The best thing I can think of is that I need to get several callers who called my fiancee prior to November 05, which before our engagement. I hope the CO would accept these statements as proof of my fiancee mobile. In our case, I think they suspect that we are related.


Hi Menyoo,

I am happy to see you are getting things together. Well, your parents birth certificates should be some proof, as well as hers. As for the mobile phone, can she go to the place she purchased the phone or the number, and get them to write something stating her number as well as her name and adress? I hope this helps you.

By the way, I read your other post, but our file is still at a stand still at the USCIS. This IMBRA law has really caused so much delay to our timeline. Basically we are at square one, and are probably looking at another 4 months. Thank you for all your help. I hope you can get something together that will provide them with what they need.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-20 20:04:00
Asia: East and PacificMenyoo's Interview Rally
Menyoo, don't let this stand in your way. Get the required info to her asap. We are all here for your support.

Mike & Huong
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-17 17:49:00
Asia: East and PacificMenyoo's Interview Rally
Menyoo we wish you the best of luck, and we are thinking PINK!!!!
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-05 11:19:00
Asia: East and PacificMy fiancee and I are reunited.
Congrats matt and Anh, I am really happy for you both. It must be a wonderful feeling.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-28 06:22:00
Asia: East and PacificNhatrang's Interview Rally
Congrats!!! We are so happy for you!!!! Get that medical to them and get that pink slip.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-24 06:12:00
Asia: East and PacificNhatrang's Interview Rally
NhaTrang, here comes your big day. I wish you the best and I can't wait to see that post "We Got Pink"!!!!
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-21 23:30:00
Asia: East and PacificDS-230 Part 2
Can someone tell me if DS-230 part II is sent in packet 4 or is given at the interview? My fiancee filled out the DS-230 part I from packet 3 and now she got packet 4 and has another DS-230 Part 1, but no Part II. Should she go to the consulate to get that or will it be given to her at the interview to fill out????
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-30 09:46:00
Asia: East and PacificGurugreg's interview rally
Great News Greg!!!!

We are so happy for you both!!!!!

Hopefully some more pink this month!!!!!!!!
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-08-04 07:38:00
Asia: East and PacificGurugreg's interview rally
Good luck, and we want Pink!!! Pink has turned into my favorite color.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-31 09:48:00
Asia: East and PacificI need help immediately!!!
Thanks for all your support everyone. Everything is taken care of now.
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-28 17:31:00
Asia: East and PacificI need help immediately!!!
As you all of you know we were affected by IMBRA, and are awaiting our approval to be reaffirmed. Well, my fiancee Huong just called me and she just received PAcket 4 in the mail with her interview date of August 14. What do we do, not say anything and hope they won't realize it. I just don't know what to do. I have all her evidence here and I want to fly there for her interview. PLEASE HELP!!!!
Mike n HuongMaleVietnam2006-07-28 07:59:00