Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	After Packet 3 is sent -pending packet 4	QUOTE (Vietnam07 @ Mar 19 2008, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Does anyone know for example is you received packet 4 will they also assign an interview day along with that? To my understand packet 4 is the medical papers correct? Can you hand in packet 4 at the embassy? Also once you hand in packet 4 will they assign an interveiw day along with that? Any info is greatly appreciated. I am getting anty waiting for an interview day. Thank you The Packet 4 includes the interview date, instructions for the interview and medical requirements. What they didn't include in Thi's Packet 4 was the notice to have 5 not 4 recent passport photos and proof of being single certificate. See my Consulate review for details about. Once you have everything ready for the interview, I would suggest getting a Clear Plastic folder that snaps. Put everything in there in the proper order as listed in the Packet 4 letter. I put my I-134 in a seperate folder with a cover letter listing everything in order. I also put the evidence of our ongoing relationship in a folder with a cover letter listing everything in date order. All that was in the Clear Plastic folder. Since our chats/emails were so many (we chatted everyday for 2-3 hours) they were bound by month and carried seperately. I believe being over prepared and organized for your interview is more likely to help you get a pink. I keep reading of people getting a blue because they didn't include something that is required or not having evidence that is likely to be asked for. Remember the Consulate doesn't know you and sees lots of people everyday about visas. You have to be able prove to them you should get the visa. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-19 23:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	I-134 conflicting info?	I would second what Yu and Dan said except in my case I didn't submit 3 copies of tax transcripts. I only submitted the current year 2007 and a non nototarized copy of my 2007 tax return. I did include bank statements (previous month) and bank/saving account information letters and business license because I am self employed. At the interview, Thi wasn't asked nor did they look at my I-134. (I'm sure they checked it before they called her for her interview.) To Sounthern_Canadian: Your situation is one that is off the books, ie no legal standing in US as I understand it (But I'm not a lawyer!) so his daugther isn't connected to you and him. His support is one of his own choosing much like supporting a child thru one of the children rescues groups you can donate money to. If you want to concrete advice, I would consult a lawyer familiar with these cases. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-15 16:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Letter of employment	QUOTE (svache @ Mar 25 2008, 02:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Maybe this is aint the place for me to reply but as I got kinda curious about few of the answers in here, I might as well ask it in here instead of starting a new topic. Anyways, my fiance has filed the petition for me, I am the beneficiary, and this topic made me wonder since some were saying that an official company letterhead should be used but what if they are not available? I mean, my fiance is selfemployed, she is in home rentals, but she doesnt have a letterhead or anything... only way for us to really prove that she has sufficient funding (and same goes for the cosponsor who runs a carehome, and again there is no official company letterhead (my fiance could do it on her own easily but we want to be sure there are enough fundings)) is to do this through tax returns.. Would this get us into trouble? I mean, I am kinda surprised if this will need to be written on an official letterhead which doesn't exist and I am wondering what to do if we really need this.. The I-134 and I-864 both state if you are self employed you need to submit your business license or business rating (ie Dun and Bradstreet). The HCMC Consulate requires the original for the interview, the I-864 for AOS, The USCIS will accept a photo copy. You can also include a letter on offical letterhead that states you are self employed with the salary, position, permanent or temporary status. Being self employed means you can write it for yourself and if using a computer make "offical letterhead" letter. I did that for Thi's interview and HCMC Consualte didn't complain or say anything about me writing my own letter. The salary can be written in annual or hourly wages if you are employed. The Consulate just wants additional proof beside your W2s (if you submit your tax return) or tax transcript. I think it's redundant but you give the government what they want and they're happy. Getting your fiance(e) with you is most important not what paperwork they want. (The same goes for companies like Walmart) Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-25 20:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Letter of employment	Roy99 If they still refuse, ask them to write a letter stating that they refuse to write letters. If they won't do that either, I would write statement saying that to take to the interview. I would also contact the HCMC Consulate to ask them if there is a form they would accept instead of the letter since Walmart won't give you a letter. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Edited by PeterFB, 24 March 2008 - 03:50 PM.	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-24 15:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Letter of employment	Roy99 The employment letter has to be on Offical Company letterhead so you can't write it yourself. There is no form that I know of, if there was then HCMC Consulate would include in the Packet 3. HCMC Consulate is clear about requiring an employment letter and it's has to state the length of your employment, whether your position is considered permanent or temporary and of course your salary. There's no reason for Walmart not to do that since it's a requirement for your I-134. You can try showing them the HCMC Consulate letter of instructions for the I-134 so they will understand that it is a requirement of the US State Department. Walmart is worried about liablity or your boss is one of those who like to impose their power over people. Showing them the letter show make them understand that there is none for them in writing the letter. If your fiancee didn't send you the I-134 instruction letter or a copy of it, I have it which I can email you. You can print it out to show them. Most jobs are like high school, not just walmart. People like to gossip, etc that's why there's many gossip mags and tv shows. Walmart may not be the best job but it's what you have now so you should use it to get your fiancee here to the US. What they think at work doesn't matter. Getting her here does matter. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-24 15:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Vietnam Consulate Interviews	Roy99 You can see our timeline shows Thi's interview was two months from return of her Packet 3. That was in December. They took a little more than 2 weeks to schedule her interview but she didn't get her Packet 4 until January 28. She lived in HCMC a bit further than 2 miles.... The Consulate I think isn't scheduling interviews any quicker because they know how unreliable mail service is in Vietnam. It's just that a couple of people (Phoung for one) here called and were told when their interview was because they hadn't recieved their Packet 4 yet. In his case I don't know, he says the packet 4 was sent on March 14th which doesn't follow the norm. Melrose Plant and others are still waiting. He sent in his Packet 3 on 2/28 so if it folllows ours, he'll have his around April 24th to 27th. He called last week and still didn't get answer yet of when. So patience is the only option that ths time. Since you have sent in your Packet 3, I have in other posts listed what you can do now to prepare for the interview. Getting now while you wait is the best way to keep busy Good luck Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-31 13:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	blue slip	It sounds like you've got what the Consulate wants. Make sure she brings everything to the Consulate, the more evidence you have to present the better, they may not look at any of it, but they like to see you have it. It also help if it has been organized by date, oldest first. Good luck. I hope you and your fiancee pass!! Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-31 02:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	blue slip	Sorry to hear that you got a blue slip. I don't know how long it will take because you didn't say what she needed to submit in your post. In some cases for example, just supplying a police certificate will get the Consulate to give out the pink slip that day if that was the only thing that the Consuate needed. If they are asking for more information about something it could be days, weeks, months or years. Guy&Hoa just got their pink slip after submitting their blue slip documents after waiting 53 days. You can check their posts for more information. I checked your posts and found that your fiancee was asked for a timeline and more evidence of how you first met. If your evidence convinces the Consulate and is all that was needed, you could get it that day but most likely it will have to be reviewed which could be a few days or weeks. They will tell her when she gives them the documents whether she needs to wait or not. Good luck Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-28 23:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Does time really matter?	Thi and I met online on July 23, 2006. We met in person on March 9, 2007. After filing our I-129f, I visited her again in September 2007 and went to her interview on February, 2008. Today we're getting married...... The amount of time from first meeting isn't what the Consulate is considering, it's whether you have a real real relationship or not. Since you were introduced by her aunt, the Consulate will be looking closely to see why her aunt introduced you, if you're related, or other possible reasons that this isn't a real realtionship. Have every evidence possible to show that your relationship is real and evidence that the Consulate may ask for. You should read Hoanie's recent post about his fiancee's interview at HCMC and getting the visa. Good Luck at the interview. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-04-26 11:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Birth Certificates for Vietnam	QUOTE (Vietnam07 @ Apr 17 2008, 08:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My fiance is going to have an interview in 2 weeks. They told her that she need my Birth Certificates. I left vietnam when I was 4 years old. My Birth Certificates was damaged during the time when I left vietnam. How important is this? I don't know how to go about in getting my Birth Certificate. Does anyone know how to go about in getting this done. My fiance has two weeks til the interview.WHat happen if I can't obtain my Birth Certificates for her to bring to the interview.Are there any suppliment paperwork for this. Any information is great appricated... The HCMC Consulate requires the original and copy birth certificates for you and your fiancee. Going to the interview without your birth certificate or other documents to show your birth/idenity and not talking to the Consulate, will most likely get result in a blue slip. You should be able to get another birth certificate from the local authorities where you were born. If you are unable to do so, get a statement from them saying that then get as many other documents as you can. The kind of documents you can use instead of your birth certificate is listed in the I-129f item # 6 "What if a document is unavailable". I assumming what is good enougt for USCIS is good enough for the Consulate. Also include the damaged birth certificate. Lastly call HCMC Consulate and explain to them the problem. They will probably want you to write a statement explaining this with whatever documents they will accept. Good Luck and get the pink. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26 Edited by PeterFB, 18 April 2008 - 02:31 PM.	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-04-18 14:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	I-134 Tax returns over Transcripts	Roy 99 You only need 07 tax transcripts for the interview (according to the Packet 3 instructions we got) that show you are above the 125% guideline. If you submit the 06 and 05 tax returns and your income is above the guidelines for those years that could make your fiancee more confident but the Consulate says it only needs and is mostly concerned with income for the current year. They aren't necessary and many recent interviewees (Thi and me included) only submited the current year tax transcript and got approved. Notarizing the tax returns are not required and only verify your signature not the tax returns, that's why the Consulate prefers tax transcripts, they are from the IRS showing what you filed. As others have said, relax, you have supplied the required documents for the interview so everything should be fine. Good Luck Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26 Edited by PeterFB, 10 May 2008 - 01:30 PM.	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-10 13:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Cosigner	Ralph I just noticed you filed in Vermont. That means you'll get your interview much quicker than those who file in California. The USCIS office there seems to get approvals in about 2-3 months instead of the 5-6 months California takes. You're on the fast track. So start getting your evidence, etc ready. Good Luck!! Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-10 22:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Cosigner	The I-134 instructions from HCMC Consulate says that you can use a co sponsor, or your fiancee's income in the US (if she has a job offer) or a combination of your income, co sponsor and her future income to meet the 125% requirements. I don't know if they actually will approve you with these alternates. I know most people are able to meet the requirement by themselves so there are few posters on VJ who can give you feedback about this. Asking the HCMC Consulate is the best route. And perhaps getting advice from Marc Ellis about this could be good as he has been sucessful for many here on VJ with their issues with HCMC Consulate. Good Luck Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26 Edited by PeterFB, 10 May 2008 - 01:20 PM.	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-10 13:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Tomorrow is the big day	We wish you the best of luck! Keep the VJ winning streak pink! Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-13 18:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Blue Slip	J & Q I understand now why you asked about the SOS stamp. I have a little problem with the Vietnamese Consulate in SFO in calling them on the phone about the visa fee. They don't like to answer the phone..... And depending on who finally answers, you get brief answer sometimes "friendly" and sometimes not. It seems the person you originally sent your documents to at the Vietamese Embassy is thinking you're from the US government....... Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-05-15 14:24:00
Asia: East and Pacific	What have been some reasons why the interviews go badly?	QUOTE (2x2y2z @ Jun 17 2008, 10:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Also, is it more difficult to pass the K-3 interview than a CR-1 interview? Does it matter which? The requirements of proof of relationship are the same regardless of the visa you file for. Getting married, having a child, etc doesn't prove a relationship. Emails, chats, trips to see each other, time spent together, supporting each other in each's endeavors, third parties seeing you as a couple or married, etc prove a relationship whether you have known each other or been married for months or years. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-06 01:09:00
Asia: East and Pacific	What have been some reasons why the interviews go badly?	What Dave_Thao and What's Next said is right on about denials, except the part about Vietnamese women lying. Some people lie rarely, some bit and some alot. You can't make blanket statements like that about Vietnamese women. One of the first things I knew about Thi is she doesn't lie. She speaks her mind just as I do. Lying isn't something either of us wants in our lives. It requires too much work. While I don't know for sure if the Consulate predetermines the outcome before the interview, I do believe in many cases it's already decided due to missing/incomplete evidence in your I-129f and submitted docs for the interview. As I've posted here already in the "visa denied" thread, The Consulate has 2-3 months to review and study your I-129f papers and about 15 minutes to check the required docs and the mountian of papers you may bring to the interview. Any possible problems you have in your case has to be faced and dealt with in your I-129f. That's the course I took and I was sucessful in getting Thi here in the US on the first try. The Consulate doesn't have the time to ask you to explain, they have more cases than they can handle (HCMC is K1 visa captial of the world) so it's easier for them to give a blue slip or sent your case back to the US because they have a failsafe reason. "They don't believe it's a real relationship". And there's little you can do about that unless you're in Vietnam, able to present your case in person to the Consulate Officer who can give you the pink slip and of course, convince him. So they can move on to the next case where everything is in order and nothing makes them suspect fraud. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-06 00:53:00
Asia: East and Pacific	The Economy: Living here vs there	If I could find a moblie income, ie a real online business that could be run from US or Vietnam which makes a income compable to the real job in the US that I have, Thi and I would spend time in both Vietnam and US. We want to have enough of income so we could keep my house here and stay for extended periods in Vietnam with her family. The reason for wanting to live over there is more based on her family than on how much it costs here or in Vietnam. We both miss her family even tho she chats with them every night. My Vietnamese is still too limited to chat with them since we're spending most of our "language" time on English. I enjoy listening and find myself hearing and understanding more when they chat. I have no desire to "permanently leave" the US and neither does Thi. Living here regardless of the price of gas, etc is still better than any other place I know of. Also there's another potential problem about moving to Vietnam to live, Here's what the USCIS has to say about this: "You may be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status if you: * Move to another country intending to live there permanently. * Remain outside of the US for more than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year. * Remain outside of the US for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year. * Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the US for any period. * Declare yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your tax returns." Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-06-29 01:42:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Time until interview	The California Service Center handles almost the entire West Coast inlcuding Alaska and Hawaii so it's very slow. So far the extra fees hasn't shown any improvement there. Other Service Centers are much quicker, Vermont is the fastest at this time. Once your petition gets to HCMC Consulate, it's important to return it asap as it takes them 2-4 weeks to process your Packet 3 and schedule your interview. Usually your interview is 6-8 weeks from when the Packet 4 is sent. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-06 15:11:00
Asia: East and Pacific	need some advice for my wife's interview	You and your wife have buillt a stronger case now. That's what is most important, that you can prove your relationship has continuied and grown. I don't think the Consulate will look at your K1 as much as the evidence, etc in your CR1 because that's the current case. The Consulate will be aware of your previous K1 so she should just tell the truth if any questions come up, people do make mistakes especially when they are nervious. We hope you are successfull!! Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-06 15:01:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Visa canceled	QUOTE (J & Q @ Jul 5 2008, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Peter, I understand that the consulate does not have an easy job and is overwhelmed with petitions. If the consulate is that overwhelmed they should either cut back on petitions, staff up for the higher demand of petitions, or step down from their position. It really is not fare to those of us who want a equal and just decision and are not getting that. They raised the cost of the application fees back in August 2007 so what are these fees going towards? The consulate does not even give you the option of explaining yourself if they do not agree with something. Where is Due Process in this whole thing? At least with the state or local officials, there is Due Process. Is this America that they are representing or have they been in Vietnam for so long that they forgot what America stands for and the simple freedoms that we take for granted? I truly believe that something needs to be done about the whole process here in Vietnam. Perhaps polygraph testing should be the new method to weed out fraudulent petitions. J & Q While I agree that bureaucracry at any level of government should be fixed, the problem is American voters don't vote for taxes or honest politicans (usually) so little gets fixed. Also the burearucracy (with their unions) resist all change to a performance based job placement/review. Once hired most bureaucrats are there until they quit or die, regardless of whether or not they are qualified to do their jobs or do their jobs properly. The new fees are suppose to help by hiring more people, buying more equipment so the process gets better. However the people in charge have a different mindset than the rest of us who are employed by a private company or in business for themselves. Therefore I'm skeptical that anything will really change until the President, Secretary of State, Congress and the rest of the heads of the bureaucracy decide to change the process. This comes under the heading of Immigration reform which we know is a "hot button" topic that causes most elected officials to avoid or make meaningless attempts at reform. The American general population doesn't help because they think it's about illegal aliens not about fixing the legal immigration problems. The legal immigration laws are based on the thinking of 1900s America not based on the realities of 21st century America. The world is much smaller than it was, better educated and with a lot more communication between people yet most governments still act like it takes weeks to travel anywhere and weeks for information to travel between people. What can we do about this mess? We have to take care of ourselves by arming ourselves with the best information we can about the process, prepare the best possible case and plan for the worst. Waiting for the US people to vote for officals who will fix this process, demanding them to do this and apply continious review and pressure to insure this gets done isn't going to help any of us now. We should do what we can to change the system of course but in the meantime, we help each other with the most information we can get about how HCMC Consulate decides our cases. For what I've seen here, your I-129f not the evidence at the interview is most important to how the HCMC Consulate decides your case. What can help us all the best with this is to share what we did right and wrong. In my case, I made sure to address any issuse I thought the Consulate would be a reason for a denial. I went through our relationship listing everything: I had decided to meet Vietnamese women in the US not Vietnam but had lots of Vietnamese women from Vietnam respond to my Vietsingle profile. Thi was one that responded to my prolife. Thi and I didn't keep any of our first emails. I'm much older than she is. She barely cold write in English. I don't speak Vietnamese tho I have clients who are Vietnamese. They never wanted to help me learn. Thi and I had only known each other for 8 months before we met in person and then got engaged within a week of meeting. I stayed with her sister's family not a hotel. I had sent her money for a computer to test her intentions (hoping it would help our relationship by not having to wait for emails and be able to video/audio chat). I had many of my friends telling me she was just trying to get money or a green card from me. So I set about answering these issues in the I-129f because the Consulate has the most time to study that. They have almost no time at the interview. They have to make up 80-90% of their decision on the petition submitted. My I-129f #18 statement plus the proof of ongoing relationship statement was I presented these problems and answered them in my own words backed up with all the evidence I could get. When there was little or none evidence, I explained why that was. Any differences between evidence was explained, for example in my case my flight to HCMC was delayed by 6 hours which cause the visa stamp to be difference than the actual time I landed in HCMC and what my itnerary/ plane tickets stated. So I wrote a statement explaining that with vouchers and a apology letter from United. I hope this helps anyone who is now in the process of submitting their I-129f because these discussions should shed light on what works and what should be avoided. To those who are waiting for the Head of the Consulate and Mark Ellis to return, I hope Mark gets back in time to stop the Consulate and get everyone their visa. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-06 00:23:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Visa canceled	We're sorry that lately there's been a lot of blue slips from VJers. However I think you need to understand that you're dealing with a bureaucracy. The HCMC Consulate is no different from the IRS or your local city department of zoning. If you don't follow their rules, they throw your paperwork back at you until you fix what is wrong. Then they look at it again starting from where they left off. They don't go thru your paperwork and tell you everything that's wrong. That's not their job. Their job is to return the paperwork at the first sign of a problem. It's a stupid practice but it's the way the US/State/local governments work. They don't work like a private business. If they were a private business operating like this then they'd be out of business years ago. If you haven't dealt with the any level of the government in the US then you would think HCMC is crazy, unfair and needs an overhall. In HCMC Consulate, it's usually too late to at the interview to clarify issues that your original I-129f brought up. These issues could be simple things like forgetting to include the chat room where you met, not having the original email of introduction between you and your fiancee (which we didn't have btw) which you didn't explain or provide evidence for. They don't want to ask your fiancee or you about it at the interview, the procedure is to give a blue slip, then see if the evidence sunmitted in response to the blue slip is enough to satisfy the blue slip then look at your case from the point where the blue slip was given. If your case didn't include any other issues such as no credit slip for your plane trip, relative info to make sure everything is legit, etc and If your fiancee didn't say anything wrong at the interview, ie get dates wrong, or names, etc then you will get your pink slip. The more issues the Consulate has with your case the more likely it could get sent back to the US. The reason for being so cold heared? They are dealing with a huge amount of cases because this is the number one K1 visa place in the world at least in 2004. (The number of K1 fiance (e) aplicaltions continues to rapidly increase, from 2,390 in 2000 to 7,840 in 2004 according to the 2004 Inspection Report on Hanoi and HCMC). If that rate of increase is constant that means they are dealing with somewhere around 15,000 cases now. If you had 100 cases a day to deal with, you'd pass the time consuming ones on (give blue slips and send back to the US) instead of taking the time to deal with them. Not right but it's human nature when overworked. It's your job to make it easy for them not hard, don't give them a reason to give you a blue slip. I understand that this is your loved one and your future they're dealling with, not a permit to build a backyard fence so it is very emotional. Just remember, the HCMC Consulate only wants to make sure the K1 Visa it grants is a valid. If you persist you will prevail. Dave_Thao are a good example of that. We hope everyone presently with blues slips/return to the USCIS, etc get their cases resolved quickly and fairly. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-05 01:31:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Evidence for Interview Day	The financial support you have given to your wife should be included in your proof of relationship. The Consulate does consider this as evidence of your relationship. While we filed a K1 visa, I showed in both in my I-129f and the evidence Thi took the interview, the receipts of me sending her money and what it was for. They didn't ask her about that nor did they look at any of the evidence she had with her except a month's worth of emails. It maybe it was a non issue because the proof of financial support to her was part of the I-129f. In other cases, they have looked at how much was sent or not sent very closely. It's better to have it than not. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-11 00:10:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Interview on Jul, 9	Rodney You never know for sure about this Consulate but I think you're divorce is far enough in the past that the Consulate won't be interested in it. It's still good that your fiancee knows about it because they could ask about that just to test her knowledge of you and your past. Someone here posted about a fiancee who didn't know her fiance had been divorced. He didn't want to tell her because he thought she'd be unhappy and suspicious of him. That caused them not to be approved...... Her not knowing that made the Consulate believe their relationship was fraud. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-13 23:56:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Interview on Jul, 9	QUOTE (Rodney n. @ Jul 11 2008, 10:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I agree. I could really care less where my ex lives, and i don't know why it matters to them. i want to get some evidence to prove she doesnt live with me. what is best to get? letter from my landlord saying i am only one who lives at my residence? rodney Rodney That would be good if it was notarized but it would be better to show an unbaised third party proof such as her gas bill. Also a notarized letter from her saying she doesn't live with you would definitely satisfy the Consulate. Of course that's assuming they ask about your exwife. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-12 00:31:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Interview on Jul, 9	Sorry to hear that you got a blue slip. While it might seem unfair right now, they are asking for more evidence that you didn't provide before the interview. They have questions and you have the answers. Give them what they ask for ASAP. Then they should give you the pink slip you want. We wish you good luck!! Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-11 00:30:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Is This A Picture Of The Consulate In HCMC?	QUOTE (STL_HCMC @ Jul 10 2008, 10:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Below is a photo of the entrance to the US Consulate in HCMC. http://flickr.com/ph...uong/474334315/ STL_HCMC I like my picture of HCMC Consulate better. It shows Thi walking with VISA in hand!!!  ThiwithVisa.jpg   74.87KB   44 downloads Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-11 00:22:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Interview today......	Sorry to hear about your blue slip. The good news it sounds like they just want the extra proof in order to give you the pink. Get it there ASAP and Good Luck. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-09 23:17:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Reverse commute	I haven't tried but I think you can use any of the money transfer companies to do send money from Vietnam to the US. Most of the transfer services go thru Techcom Bank, Sacombank, Vietnam International Bank (VIB), Phuong Nam Bank (PNB), and VIP 24. If they don't, you can send a wire but that can cost $20-30 in fees. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-15 00:54:00
Asia: East and Pacific	PINK!!!!WE PASSED!!!!!!!!!!	That's great news!! We're glad all you had to do was submit the extra evidence to get your pink! Best of luck to the both of you in your future together. 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 Received: 2007-11-16 Consulate received ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-15 18:57:00
Asia: East and Pacific	A Few days Until Interview	QUOTE (Rodney n. @ Jul 21 2008, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> her interview is supposed to be at 8:30 , but i am not sure if you still wait in line. Rodney Rodney The 8:30am call is for everyone with a visa case, including tourist visas to the US. You go to to a outside waiting area that's behind a wall so you think at first you're going into the Consulate. There's two lines, one for K1/k3, etc and one for tourist visa, etc. There's a guard who allows some from one line or the other to go thru the turnstiil gate that puts you into a short line outside of the main entrance. There's guards there who then tell you when you can enter. If you're with your fiance(e) the guard will tell you that you can't go in and to wait accross the street or go home.... Good Luck Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-21 01:23:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Interview postponed	I would email and phone the Consulate. Ask to speak to a CO. Be polite but firm. You have every right to ask why the delay. It could be as simple as the CO staff has too many people out on vacation for the case load. I have found that talking to the Consulate can result in the results you want, especially if you're proactive and persistant about it. In any case, as chuckandkim said, use this to make sure you have everything ready for the interview. Good Luck Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-23 00:59:00
Asia: East and Pacific	if you got the interview date or already had the interview, please help us answer some questions	Great Idea However, like Melrose Plant, I get an error message because I didn't fill in anything about being denied because we got pink! We met online, she has no relatives here, I visited 3 times (including her interview), and we got pink on the first try for a K1 visa. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-13 23:48:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Anyone know % of interviews passes in HCMC for 2008?	I agree with formerConOff, until fraud is really dealt with, fraud will be a problem for the honest couples. I don't think the DOJ, State Department, USCIS, Homeland Security, etc have any plans to deal with this problem. That leaves the honest couples to do their best to present a clear, complete case that dispells any hint of fraud in those cases where there is a red flag. It is in the petitioner's and beneficary's best interest to supply the correct paperwork and evidence for their I-129f. It is this that the Consulate has the most time to review, not the documents brought to the interview. Being a lot of evidence is important because you don't know what the Consulate wlll ask to see at the interview in the form of evidence of your relationship. In my case, I spent lots of time researching what to do about my I-129f and supporting evidence. I wrote and rewrote my #18 statement many times to make sure it was as direct, clear and dealt with any possible issuses the Consulate/USCIS would think of about our case. That's why I also included timelines of our relationship up to our meeting in person and after I returned to the US til I submitted our I-129f. I also submitted emails, chats, pictures, receipts, explainations of any differences of evidence (ie arriving at 3am when the flight was scheduled to arrive at 10pm). For the interview, I went to Vietnam to be onhand if needed and of course to bring Thi to the US. Thi had about 12lbs of evidence of our relationship, including emails, chats with family members of both sides, a second trip, etc. At the interview, they looked at only one month's of chats/emails, asked a few questions then gave Thi her pink slip. My point is, if you do everything correctly, the Consulate will give you a pink slip on the first try. If you don't, you will get a blue slip, and depending on the circumstances, wait for the process to complete. However, you will be successful if you have a real relationship. As to counting blues, greens and pinks. Most people want a way to quantify what is going on. They don't have anything to do but worry and wait. This in a way helps. It's not accurate but to see more people getting pinks gives one more hope. Matt don't let anyone keep you off, your opinion is welcomed by most, and those who don't agree have their right too. I won't let it bother 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 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26 Edited by PeterFB, 23 July 2008 - 01:41 AM.	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-23 01:38:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Anyone know % of interviews passes in HCMC for 2008?	The last figures I saw was from 2004 from the Embassy and Consulate performance report that someone get thru the Freedom of Information Act. It didn't brake them into categories, just said it was a high fraud Consulate with a denial rate of 55% for Non Immigrantion Visas with 7480 K1 visas being processed in that year. Unless someone can get the figures from the State department, I think anyone else is just making up numbers. I watched about twenty women come out of the HCMC Consulate with blue slips and one with a green slip. There was about 5 pinks slips I saw but there were many other women who I didn't see any slips so I don't know any exact numbers for the day of Thi's interview. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-20 00:50:00
Asia: East and Pacific	My fiancee interview is today	Congratulations!! Enjoy your new life together!! Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-23 00:26:00
Asia: East and Pacific	pink, but making us wait?	It's important to remember the US Government has it's rules about how things should be done. Sometimes they don't make sense to us or seem like anyway to run a business...... Just remember you have your pink slip and the problem is one of paperwork. Having any loose ends, ie a previous K1 case, causes paperwork problems. Soon she'll have her visa in hand. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-23 00:35:00
Asia: East and Pacific	someone went through this?	QUOTE (tung1965 @ Jul 23 2008, 09:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Dear Peter Just wonder how can we talk or see a CO? You have a right as a US Citizen to talk to a CO. You tell the Consulate you want to discuss your blue and green slips in person. Your fiancee isn't a US Citizen so there's little she can say or do get information or change the CO opinion. So call or email them about getting an appointment. It is a busy place and they don't want to talk to people until they have to. In your case you have to make them understand they have to. Be firm but polite. If at all possible talk only to Consulate officers not the Vietnamese staff. Good Luck Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-25 01:16:00
Asia: East and Pacific	someone went through this?	HCMC Consulate has done this from time to time. I would contact the Consulate to inquire about your case. If you leave it up to the Consulate to do things, they will be very slow. You have to be polite but firm with them, especially with the Vietnamese staff. It's important to talk to only to a Consulate Officer, as they are the ony ones who get thngs done. Good Luck! We hope you get an answer soon and it's a pink slip. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-23 00:25:00
Asia: East and Pacific	can you speak to a co about your case if you go too HCMC?	QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Jul 24 2008, 07:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Dude, we ran the gauntlet of marriage in Viet Nam. In the end we got it done, but what a trip! I had to submit to a brain mapping on a machine similiar to this: I kept thinking "I'm not sitting in a chair, with electrodes hooked to my head, in a former enemies country"! The version shown above is much nicer than the one they had. My Wife had already done hers before I got there and she knew I would have to do one. She didn't tell me it was coming! It was a smart move on her part. When I walked in the room I knew what it was because I have a friend who works with them. He hooked me up to one in 2005 to show me how it worked. This is the wave of the future. It is an EXTREMELY reliable lie detector. And you passed? How reliable can it be? Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier) POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles Wedding 2008-4-26	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-07-25 01:09:00