Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Asia: East and Pacific	Vietnames Culture - ALL VN please help	QUOTE (b_weeks @ Feb 15 2008, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks everyone for the advisement. I will try to speak to her parents. although she is the oldest, she is not the first to leave the house. She has a 22 year old sister already married to an american, living in the US. As far as them living in the country, Rach Gia is far from living in the country. Rach Gia is the largest city in the far south next to Can Tho. Her parents are very accepting of me and love me very much. Her family usually goes to sleep between 10 and 12, so it's not a time issue. Again, I will try to talk to her parents I'm sure you'll say the right things and get everyone to understand each other. Then everything will work out. Problems like this can bring everyone closer when handled correctly. We wish you our best! 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	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-16 05:10:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Vietnames Culture - ALL VN please help	A lot of this depends on how well you know her parents. Do you talk to them? Are her parents and you comfortable with each other? She is the oldest and therefore a role model for the other children. IF her parents are as conservative as you make them sound, there may be more at play here than what the parents say upsets them. Asking the parents for their views may lead to discovering what other issues there are that are really upsetting them. Talk to the parents from their point of view, not yours. Their wanting to keep her home may be just culture based or a feeling of losing their daughter. Ask them how they are feeling, don't tell them they have to accept your and your fiancee's decisions. Listening to the parents may make them see she's not being disrespectful of them just she is missing you and wants to share her feelings with someone else who is going thru the same experience. Tell your fiance that she needs to understand that her parents know she's leaving the family. The first one to leave can be the hardest one for the parents to accept and adjust to. If you can get everyone to understand and accept the other's feeling about this, I'm sure everyone can agree on a workable solution. Perhaps having a family member go with your fiancee or having the friend come over to the parents house. I have found listening and finding common ground without getting upset or angry works very well in both the US and Vietnamese cultures whenever disagreements arise. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-15 03:45:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Marrying In Viet Nam/ Vietnamese Interview	Of course, I did but then there's a bridge over troubled waters....... 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	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-18 05:10:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Marrying In Viet Nam/ Vietnamese Interview	Who wrote "Still crazy after all these years?" I can relate about getting surprised at last minute changes, when Thi went to schedule her exam, we found out the Consulate letter was wrong, IOM is charging $100 not $75 now and the letter didn't have all the info about what should be brought to the exam. I had checked their website and found out you should have your passport and quarantine report too. Then the US government increased the MRV fee to $131 on Jan 1, the letter (January 14) still said $100........ Now that I've bitched, I feel better, how about you? Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-16 06:44:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Submitted Blue slip documents today...	The best of luck! Thi and I hope you get a postive answer quickly! 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	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-05 02:35:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Sending Money Overseas	I have been sending money to Thi thru Xoom.com They will deliver the money to her home and it's cheap.. $2 for $100 if you use your checking account. Since I've been using them a lot , they now deliver the money before it comes out of my account. That means the money will show up the next day usually. 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	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-01-13 01:52:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Vietnam k1 - AM I CRAZY OR WHAT?!?!?!	Linda It's almost 9 months to the date of when I sent in the I129f (5/26/2007 to 2/27/2008), like the EPA gas stickers on cars, your milage may vary...... I included a two page single space one sided letter explaining how we meet. I wrote and rewrote it because once I wrote it and looked at it a few days later, I noticed I put in things that were unnecessary or redundant. I wanted to make it as compelling as possible but brief. So I kept writing it, leaving it then rewriting it until I almost the day I sent it. The goes for the proof of our ongoing relationship. That was a time line with one to three lines per proof (ie, email, receipt, money transfer, etc). The more you can get the USCIS and Consulate to read and understand your feeling about Tan, the more likely you are to not have a problem, remember they are people too. Thanks Now I have to get to working on getting our papers ready for 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	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-16 06:36:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Vietnam k1 - AM I CRAZY OR WHAT?!?!?!	Linda Remember you're not alone, as we all feel the same way or we wouldn't be filing K1 visas. Thi and I didn't keep our first emails on Vietsingle where we meet (they were deleted when we deleted our profiles, website policy......) and didn't save our chats until after we decided to get engaged. Since then we have about 200 double sided pages of chats/emails for each month since we chat everyday for several hours. On February 27 she will have her interview so we'll know if how important not having the first chats and emails were. HCMC Consulate seems to be a very hit and miss place. Some people have been denied while others will similar cases get approved. It almost seems like the CO's decision is based on how they feel that day. Some VJ's have had nice COs and others have been treated poorly. I have called them and sent emails. Sometimes getting answers to my questions and sometimes getting what has to "form" answers. I'm going to be in HCMC for her interview so if any problems arise, I'll be able to help resolve them and if she gets her visa, see if the Consulate will get it to her so we can come to the US together when I have to return to the US. That said it's not that hard to file the I129f, follow the guides here and the instructions on the forms. Prepare the best you can because the better the case you make, ie evidence of visas, tickets, phone calls, etc along with how you present your relationship with Tan will impress the USCIS and the Consulate. For K1 visas the NVC isn't a concern until after he comes to the US. Before that, they just pass the petition to the Consulate. Take a deep breath, relax, start to fill out the petition, gather the evidence and know what you're doing is getting you and Tan 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	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-16 05:34:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Vietnam Engagement Party	Linda I had an engagement party with Thi. (We're hoping she passes her interview on the 27th......) It didn't cost much and her family really enjoyed it. In the US the engagement isn't a big deal. In fact I have known some people who have been engaged several times but never got married. However in Vietnam the custom is different. I respect that and I do love her so having it wasn't an expense or inconvenience. I think most Vietnamese families would wonder why you didn't have one before you got married. Does the Consulate care? I don't know, there's nothing in the Petition papers about your engagement so it's not required. But I think the Consulate would wonder why you didn't have to have one if you told them you didn't want one. The Consulate will want to see all 750 pictures even tho they will only look at a few. Yes it's true having an engagement party doesn't mean the relationship is real but it is "normal" in Vietnam to have one. 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	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-18 05:24:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Thi's Interview HCMC 2/27/08	Thanks for everyones support. Yesterday (FridayVN) we went to the Consulate to get the visa and book the flight for her on March 5. Traffic at Dung's (her sister's house) was horrible, cars and trucks were not moving so instead of taking a taxi, Khanh (Dung's husband) drove me and Thi drove herself on motorbikes. We got there at 4:03 and Thi was able to walk right in (the guards still wouldn't let me in.....) so Khanh and I waited for about 20 minuets when Thi came out with her visa. Of course there were several guys giving her info about flights, etc. We went right over to China Airlines, got her booked and got us seated together for the flight. I'll be posting my Consulate review shortly if anyone wants to know the details Good luck to everyone with an interview coming! It looks like the wait for the visa is just a few days now. Less if you call and ask for it sooner like I did. 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 Date for Visa pickup 2008-03-05 Received Visa 2008-02-29 (I called and asked for earlier pick up)	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-29 22:00:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Thi's Interview HCMC 2/27/08	Hien Thanks, Thi had said eveyone was opened so I'm glad it's not a problem for her entry to the US. I called the Consulate yesterday about getting her visa before March 5 when I fly back, They said they would call me back but they didn't. I called today and talked to person (or one of them who can make that decision) so Thi will pick up her visa tomorrow (Friday VN). China Airlines called and have a seat for her pending seeing her visa so we will go there tomorrow after she gets her Visa to book the flight. So everything is coming 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	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-28 00:52:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Thi's Interview HCMC 2/27/08	Here's a brief rundown on Thi's Interview yesterday. I'll post more in the Consulate review. We got up before 6am and got the Consulate by taxi before 8am. The guards pointed us to the entrance for Visas and we got the security wand check before we were able to proceed to stand in line in a open air room that after going thru a gated turnstile went back out on the street, then you're directed to the short line that went into the Consulate. While in line in the open air room we saw 8.5x11 papers in Vietnamese and English saying her passport photo copy needed a real photo attached besides the photo that is part of the passport. That means you need 5 photos not 4 that the Consulate says in the Appointment letter. When we got the line back on the street to go into the Consulate, they wouldn't let me in. I gave Thi the 20 or so pounds of evidence and told her I'd wait outside for her. While I was waiting, I did see many women come out but I couldn't tell if they got pink slips or not. Many of them didn't carry the slip outside of the pouchs that held their papers or Medical Exam bags. I did see 3 who did (one was the woman in line that let Thi use a paper clip to attach one of her 4 photos Thi brought with her since the Consulate didn't say you needed 5. I sure she speaking good English helped. Most had blue and one green. Thi also said she saw most get blue slips not pink inside while she was waiting which worried her. Waiting was very boring as I was only one of 3 American fiances there (the other two were across the street with the crowd of vendors, taxis, others waiting for people to finish their business with Consulate). I don't like crowd SO I walked around the block, A very big block since the French, US Consulates and two hotels are all the same block. There's one guard with an AK47 on each street but unless you park too long or sit down, they leave you along. I also walked by the British Consulate. The US Consulate is busy but the French and Bristish had no lines or crowds. I also counted helmuts...... It seems there's a 96% compliation. Mostly little kids 6 and younger, a few teenagers and occassional adult with out a helmut. Many women have added cloth brims to the helmuts so they look like hats, a few men and women wear a baseball hat under the helmut. Here's a lot a variety in styles too. A little after 11am she came out. Thi was looking across the street for me but I was waiting on the Consulate side so I walked up to her and she said "I got the frin". Which sounded more like I got the green which is Adminstative review which would be a shock. I asked her you mean Green? NO she said Frin. (She still have problems with p words, she wants to pronounce them with f instead of p) Then she opened the large IOM bag that has her Xray envelope (for her entry to the US) and there was a pink slip! Needless to say, her family went crazy over the good news and she's busying getting ready to leave. Her visa is suppose to be available on March 5th but I fly back then at 11am (Visa pickups are at 4pm) so I'm trying to the Consualte to give it to her sooner. The other problem is finding a flight. China Airlines has no flight on the 5th for both of us. They do have room to get to Taipei but not Taipei to LAX. So right now she's on standby. I'm looking for a different flight/airline, whatever right now. If I have to stay and extra day that's ok but I really don't want to change airlines since my ticket isn't refundable but China Airlines says no confirmable seats until March 16................. There's one thing I have a problem with tho. The Consulate opened her Xrays, I thought they were suppose to be sealed along with medical exam report of POE. IS that a problem. I'm going to call the Consulate about it later but has anyone else had a problem with that. Thi said she saw them opening all the Xrays at the interview. Thanks to Guy and Hoa, Eric and An Thuy, Hien and everyone else for your help in getting us this far. 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	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-27 22:15:00
Asia: East and Pacific	What A Long, Strange Trip It's Been!	Mark Brain mapping? Sounds like 1930s when criminals could be identified by the shape of their heads! Glad to hear everything went ok anyway! May you continue to have the time of your lives forever! Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to request earlier pickup)	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-02-29 22:47:00
Asia: East and Pacific	**For anyone who has had already had their interview in VIETNAM!**	Here's our answers 1. 56 2. 37 3. Native Born US Citizen 4. K1 5. Time from sending I-129f to Visa pick up 10 months 3 days. 6. Pink! 7. N/A 8. N/A 9. N/A 10. N/A 11. Straight forward Job type. I'm self employed showed Business Licenses, tax transcript and tax return for current year as well as bank info. 12. N/A 13. N/A 14. The instructions are imcomplete or not well written so there are many questions. I called the USCIS to verify how Thi was suppose to sign the forms and Intent letter. Personal choice (she signs her name "Thi"), US way (Thi Kim Nguyen) or Vietnamese way (Nguyen Kim Thi). Answer from USCIS, US way on all forms and documents. 15. I'm writing a WikiJV article, Vietnam K1 with my thought and experiences to help others, search the Wiki for Vietnam K1 to see it. 16. Male 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)	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-03 21:30:00
Asia: East and Pacific	security and address check?	If you are asking about the security and address check on your fiancee in Vietnam. I dont' know if they actually call, check or not but they do require Passport, National ID card, a Police certificate, your Household Residency Book, Criminal and Prison records, Military records. All those are brought to the interview. If they do actually check, they don't say at the interview or in any papers they give out. It may they check if they do an adminstrative review. The only mention in the Packet 4 instructions is that you list your actual residence not what is in the Family Residency Book (unless they are the same). 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)	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-04 04:57:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Learn Vietnamese(or any language)	Craig I have BYK lite too. I find it helpful but I haven't upgraded yet. I'm still using Pimsleur's Vietnamese CD course since I find it best to help hear and speak Vietnamese. They also have English as a second language for Vietnamese speakers. Http://www.pimsleur.com is their website. They also offer specials and a "free trial" on the courses. You can pay less than the retail listed on their site with a little looking. Before I met Thi, I was trying to learn Spanish and upgraded to the full Spanish version since I live in So. California. Then I met Thi........and have been spending my time learning Vietnamese. If she has a Windows computer there are several programs for learning English if you know Vietnamese and there are English <-> Vietnamese Dictionaries as well. I have a Mac so I don't know about them but a search will find them for 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 2008-03-05 LAX	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-08 21:43:00
Asia: East and Pacific	How long is Police Certificate from Vietnam good for?	Thi didn't get her Police or Single Certificate translated, it didn't make a difference at her interview. Getting it translated doesn't hurt but according to the Packet 3/4 instruction letter, translations aren't needed. But HCMC Consulate does seem to make up rules as goes along sometimes..... 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	2008-03-11 01:26:00
Asia: East and Pacific	big mistake on 129 did not catch before it was sent to hcmc	I'm assumming from your post that you have recieved your Packet 3 from the HCMC. You haven't filled out a timeline here yet so I don't know where you are in the process. If you have recieved the Packet 3, you have two choices, one is get a lawyer who is familiar with HCMC to help you or contact the Consulate yourself and explain what happened to an American CO not one of the Vietnamese employees. Before contacting them you need to get a notatorized letter from the company that prepared your documents that verifies what happened. The biggest problem you have is that you signed the I-129f without reading it. You, not the person/company filling out the form, are responsible for what the form says. If the company that prepared your documents is willing to state in the notatorized letter that you didn't read the form before signing it nor before you sent it in because you signed the form in front of them, you will have a much better chance of convincing the Consulate. You also should get notatorized letters from the family friend, any one else who was present when you were introduced and your fiancee. They should all agree on the actual events as they did happen. Of course they shoudl be independantly written and not a form letter that each signed. If you have yet to recieve your NOA1 or NOA2 you need to contact the USCIS and ask them to amend your I-129f. They will (like the Consulate) ask you to submit a statement explaining what happened and why. They will also want you to submit evidence to prove what you say is correct. That would be the notatorized letters. It would be much better to fix the problem in this stage than at the Consulate. Whether you contact a lawyer or not, what happened should not cause you from getting the visa because you are stepping forward and correctly the error as soon as you realized what happened. Of course this is just my opinion based on what you have posted. I'm not a lawyer. This may delay your process but don't give up and you wil be joined with your fiancee. 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	2008-03-17 02:00:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Preparing Home for Vietnamese Fiance	So far, we have picked up a rice cooker and a bidet attachment for the toilet (found Mrs Bidet at Home Depot but we're a little dispointed in it as has a short hose and can't be extended). Thi wants a hand held shower head a la a kitchen sink sprayer but so far we haven't found anything that will work. I would have your fiancee bring fish sause and other cooking seasonings from Vietnam. There should be no problems with Customs to bring that stuff in. We brought mushrooms, dried squid, cashews, sugar, bananas (not the Dole kind but little brown ones without their skins), dried baby shrimp, coffee, tea and some kitchen things. Just don't bring any meat, chicken products including processed ones. There was also gifts for my family and friends she brought. She also brought lots of personal things, clothes, etc. Thi is having dry skin problems because of the lack of humidity in So Ca. so it's good that she brought plenty of red and green oil. Also make sure you have her family set up to use Yahoo Messenger, Skype, iVisit, Gizmo so she and you can talk to the family once she is here. If no computer voice system is possible (free is always best. The money I spent buying her computer has saved me a lot in phone costs.), then have a low cost calling card,ie Savingcall.com so she can talk to the family. Thi is happy that she can talk to them everyday. 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	2008-03-10 01:48:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Cosign for I-129F	QUOTE (Kelvin Ly @ Nov 13 2007, 10:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> A friend of mine is trying to bring his fiance here. He's not making enuf money (below 21K, which is the guideline). I've heard a rumor that Vietnam Consulate would not pass your interview if there's a co-sign for I-129F, but rather I-130. Is this true? The HCMC Consulate is most concerned about income but they do have to include other assets if you don't meet guidelines for income. At least according to their Packet 3/4 instructions. Currently the I-134 (I-864) only requires one year tax return that shows over $17,500 (Gross Income) for two people to meet guidelines. Does his fiance have a child? Then he needs $22,000. Thi passed her interview on 2/27/08 with my I-134 which had only my 2006 tax transcript and non notarized tax return for income. It was over the guidelines but not by much. I also included bank info and statements because I am self employed. Also the I-34 (I-864) allows for your fiance to income/assets to consided. If she has a job already in the US, she can show a notatorized letter from her employer that contains the offer of the job, description of the job with why she qualifies for it, how much she will make (including benefits, convert to cash amounts) and whether the job is immediate on her arrival. She has to show the same documents as the sponsor for assets. However I don't know whether the Consulate will agree to use them but it's in the Packet 3 letter instructions they sent to us. The letter also states co sponsors are allowed. And that all of the above can be combined to meet the I-134. However if you are trying use other means than income, I would contact a lawyer familiar with HCMC Consulate to determine what to do. Good luck to your friend. I would also suggest he join VisaJourney or at least visit often. 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	2008-03-16 16:51:00
Asia: East and Pacific	CR1 - Money in our bank account.	For Thi's interview, I only showed the Consulate the most recent US tax transcript, Bank letters for my bank accounts, a value for personal assets, letter stating I am self employed and my business license. I followed the instructions in the Packet 3 and I-134 form about what is required of the things I showed. The Packet 3/4 letters stated the Consulate is mostly interested in income, not bank balances, assets and other things. I showed the bank checking statements for the last month with the bank letters because I am self employed and wanted to show the Consualte my cash flow as I thought that would help them decide that my finances were ok since my tax transcript showed a low income (I have lots of deductions.....). My income was above the 125% guideline. Thi passed her interview with that I-134 so I don't think you have to show 3 years. If the Consulate asks for that, then you should have it ready to show them. I had 2007 and 2005 tax returns with me in Vietnam if they were needed. But they were never asked for. Other VJs have stated that they only showed income with one year tax transcripts and nothing else, they got their visas in HCMC Consulate as well. 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	2008-03-20 22:05:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Blue	QUOTE (visao @ Mar 10 2008, 02:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Peter & Thi and Congrats to you also! Peter, Do you know the valid dates on fiancee's visa by chance? Is it good for 3 or 6 months from date issued? Thanks The dates are on the Visa. The K-1 will be valid from the date of issue for 6 months. K-3 is valid for 24 months However once she arrives in the US, the clock will start to tick for the 90 days that you have to get married. If you aren't married by then she will be out of status. If you are married and haven't filed AOS (I-485) within that period too, she will be out of status (illegal and able to be deported). Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to request earlier pickup) POE 2008-03-05 LAX	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-10 15:50:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Blue	Congradulations!! Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to request earlier pickup) POE 2008-03-05 LAX	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-10 13:52:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Blue	Vietamese Americans and Vietnames are closely related, in some cases very close. There is a high level of fraud at the HCMC Consulate so they are very careful. If you were introduced by a relative to each other, the Consulate wants to know if there's another reason than love for the two of you being together. Other factors are how long have you known each other? The longer you have been in a relationship, the better. The more evidence, ie trips to see each other, bank/credit card statements showing paid for trips, etc also makes the Consulate think your relationship is real. While I'm a US born citizen, Thi does have two relatives in the US she has never met. In fact until about a month ago she didn't know she had any. They are daughthers of a second cousin. If I was Vietnamese American, that could cause interest from the Consulate even tho she has never met them. The birth certificates of your parents will give them a larger picture of how if at all you are related. Once the Consulate has your parent's birth cerificates, they may simply give her the visa, ask for more evidence (another blue slip), give you a green slip (means they want to study your case and that may mean it gets sent back to the USCIS or give her the visa). If you haven't already called to the Consulate, I would do so just so they know you want her to come. While I was waiting for Thi, I noticed most of the fiancees were alone or with thier family not their fiance. I think that also has a lot to do with it. Don't be one who just sends the paper, let the Consulate know you care aobut her. Peter and Thi I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26 I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11 I-129F RFE(s) : RFE Reply(s) : I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26 Touched: 2007-11-02 NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16 Consulate recieved ?????? Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11 Packet 3 received 2007-12-24 Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28 Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14 Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23 Interview Date 2008-2-27 Passed Interview 2008-02-27 Visa Pick up Date 2008-3-05 Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to request earlier pickup)	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-01 04:54:00
Asia: East and Pacific	What Do You Guys Think...	Phoung It's great that your brother's K1 visa has turned out well. Congrats to him. However I don't think the Consulate cares about him. It's you and your case now not his. I don't think they'll even look at it and if they do, then they could start asking questions you can't answer. You're applying for a K1 visa not a car loan. Spend your time finding things you and your fiancee can say/write to answer any questions the Consulate could raise at your fiancee's interview. You want your fiancee to pass her interview the first time. 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	2008-03-22 20:16:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Fiancee received letter requesting birth certificate - I may not have it?	I kept thinking about your post since it seems HCMC Consulate has a history of causing problems whenever it's possible. I wasn't able to find a concrete answer tho..... I went back and at looked at the instructions for the I-129f. For proof of your being a US citizen, If you are Native born citizen, you need a birth certificate, If you are a Naturalized Citizen, it states "B. If you were naturalized, give USCIS a copy, front and back, of your original Certificate of Naturalization." If you sent that in your petition and they approved it, then sending the original and a copy of it instead of your birth certificate should be ok. So as my earlier post said, you should call and talk to an American CO about using your Certificate of Naturalization instead of your birth certificate. If the HCMC Consulate really wants a S Korean Birth Certificate, then you need to contact the S Korean authority and or orphanage in the area you were born and get a statement from them or maybe they do have your birth certificate. I would get this settled as soon as possible before the interview so your fiancee can go to the interview knowing it's not a problem. Also sending emails to the Consulate can help because you can print them out and take them to the interview along with the notes you made while talking to the Consulate over the phone. 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	2008-03-20 01:12:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Fiancee received letter requesting birth certificate - I may not have it?	You can use other evidence in place of your birth cerificate if it isn't available. You need a statement from the civil registrars office explaining why you can't get one and secondary evidence such as household records, basptismal certificates, school records. In your case that may take too long so contacting the consulate now would be good so you can find out what exactly they want instead. The USCIS accepted your I-129f so maybe just the records you provided for that will be enough. The Consulate may not remember that so you should remind them about that. 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 14:26:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Called 3/19/08, Found Out Interview is on 4/1/08	Hoanie is correct, you can't go get the vaccinations without a Packet 4 letter at the medical places listed in the letter unless you have the letter. However, There's nothing to stop you from having the vaccinations done by your private doctor and take the results to the Quarrentine Service of HCMC. The Packet 4 letter states "Go to the Quarrentine Service of HCMC ... to obtain a vaccination assetment. Bring all your vaccination records with you". If you have all the required vaccinations, they will give you a form that shows that, otherwise they will give you the vaccinations. However getting the vaccinations done by a private doctor may be more expensive than getting done at QS of HCMC. 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	2008-03-22 02:16:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Called 3/19/08, Found Out Interview is on 4/1/08	Here's what the US State Department says about vaccinations:" MPORTANT NOTICE TO IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS CONCERNING VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS United States immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations (listed below) prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa. Panel physicians who conduct medical examinations of immigrant visa applicants are now required to verify that immigrant visa applicants have met the new vaccination requirement, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive one or more of the listed vaccinations: -- Acellular pertussis -- Hepatitis A -- Hepatitis B -- Human papillomavirus (HPV) -- Influenza -- Influenza type b (Hib) -- Measles -- Meningococcal -- Mumps -- Pneumococcal -- Pertussis -- Polio -- Rotovirus -- Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids -- Varicella -- Zoster In order to assist the panel physican, and to avoid delays in the processing of an immigrant visa, all immigrant visa applicants should have their vaccination records available for the panel physician's review at the time of the immigrant medical examination. Visa applicants should consult with their regular health care provider to obtain a copy of their immunization record, if one is available. If you do not have a vaccination record, the panel physician will work with you to determine which vaccinations you may need to meet the requirement. Certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of the panel physician. " In the case of a K1 visa, you can skip this before you come to the US but you have to have these done when you apply of AOS. I think the HCMC Consulate will give you a blue slip if don't have them done when your fiance(e) goes to the intervewi, but State says otherwise on their site. The State Department further says: "Certain conditions and activities may make an applicant ineligible for a visa. Examples of these ineligibilities are: * Trafficking in Drugs * Having HIV/AIDS * Overstaying a previous visa * Practicing polygamy * Advocating the overthrow of the government * Submitting fraudulent documents The consular officer will tell you, the applicant, if you are ineligible for a visa, whether there is a waiver of the ineligibility and what the waiver procedure is." Having high cholesterol, blood pressure, or other medical conditions won't keep you from getting a visa, being mentality ill where you are danger to yourself or others will. Failing the medical exam means you have HIV/AIDs, otherwise the doctors will advise you of your health conditions and what you should do about it. You will still be able to get your visa according the State Department. If you are pregnant (K1 visa) at your interview you can still get your visa and delay the vaccinations due to health reasons, however the Consulate may deny the visa because you didn't tell them or the USCIS you were pregnant and provide proper documents to show the who the baby's father is before the interview. The Consulate interview is to check the facts of the I-129f petition the USCIS and check the fiance(e)'s background, no baby on record, can throw your case into chaos. Most times, you get the shots, get tested and go to the interview with no problems. 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	2008-03-21 14:47:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Called 3/19/08, Found Out Interview is on 4/1/08	Glad to hear you have an interview date. Like MelrosePlant said, when did send in your Packet 3? I would guess you sent it in around the 1st of January. It usually takes them about 2 weeks to a month to process your packet 3 before sending out the Packet 4. The Consulate usually schedules interviews a month or so from the date of sending the Packet 4, that is in order to give your fiancee to get everything ready for the interview. As I've said in another post, mail is known for being slow and getting lost in HCMC according to the Consulate. If your fiancee hasn't received her Packet 4 yet, Have her go the Consulate and pick it up asap. She/you need to get everything in correct order and make sure to more than enough evidence including any specail statements/evidence particular to your case so you can get a pink. It took Thi about 2 days for her medical exam (one day test another for results) and a day to get her shots so it's not a problem if your fiancee calls immediately for an appointment at IOM or Cho Ray Hosiptal. 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	2008-03-21 10:36:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Does the CO Actually Call the Petitioner	QUOTE (Icarus @ Mar 23 2008, 10:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (PeterFB @ Mar 22 2008, 02:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I have heard of the USCIS checking answers during their interviews in the US where they put the husband in one room and the wife in the other because they think the marriage is a fraud but that's the only time I've heard of this actually happening. Your fiancee may have heard about this and thinks it's the HCMC Consulate not the USCIS in the US which has done this. Hi Peter- Your a little incorrect as the embassy can request independant interviews... 6 months after Nhu got a blue slip at her interview, I went to the HCMC embassy and requested a meeting to discuss any questions the CO had. They called us in a couple days later (luckily my phone is international) and ACTUALLY seperated us into different rooms to be interviewed (my fiance's 2nd). My lawyer tells me this is the hardest interview you can have and also the hardest to recieve the pink from as any discrepancy in answers can kill your chances completely. We are now approaching the 1 year anniversary of this interview. And now that Nhu is here, we both look at all we've done since and measure it against how difficult it was to bring her here, and everything in life (including taxes) is so much easier! This has truly been the best year of our lives...and I think its due partially to both of us realizing how much we fought for it! Hope this helps!!! Greg Greg Thanks for the input. Since most Petitionaries aren't at their fiance(e)'s interview and most don't go to the Consulate to fight for your fiancee as you did, yours is an unusual case. I haven't heard of the Consulate doing that until now. I'm glad you were able to pass. It goes to show that if you have a true relationship, you will get the pink. May you both have a happy life together forever, it sounds like you have earned it. 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, 23 March 2008 - 03:55 PM.	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-23 15:52:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Does the CO Actually Call the Petitioner	There's a lot of misinformation that people in Vietnam (as well as the US but most of them have never gone thru this prcess) tell each other about the interview process. I can tell you that no one called me from the Consulate to check answers. Even if they had, they would have gotten my answering machine because I was in Vietnam for Thi's interview. I checked my messages and no one called from the Consulate to leave a message. Before her interview, Thi was concerned because she heard some stories about what was needed for the interview such as I needed to have $40,000 in the bank or she wouldn't get her visa. When the Packet 3 letter came she saw that the Consulate is only concerned with income, not bank accounts for the I-134. I have heard of the USCIS checking answers during their interviews in the US where they put the husband in one room and the wife in the other because they think the marriage is a fraud but that's the only time I've heard of this actually happening. Your fiancee may have heard about this and thinks it's the HCMC Consulate not the USCIS in the US which has done this. 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, 22 March 2008 - 02:38 AM.	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-22 02:37:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Anyone Bring Coffe Or Tea Back From Viet Nam?	QUOTE (Dave_Thao @ Mar 25 2008, 10:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I brought home dried squid and fish with no problems. The officer asked what kind of food I had and when I told him he said "enjoy". Thao wants me to bring her some oil when I return. I can't remember what it is called but it smells minty and is in a green and silver packaged. She says it is better quality and cheaper to buy in the states than what you get in Vietnam. Does anyone know what it's called and the best place to buy it? Dave It's called Eagle Brand Medicated Oil imported by Anhing Corp and I don't know if it's any different in the US or overseas now because when I did a google search, wikipedia said the formula has been updated and doesn't include Chloroform. They use to use a formula containing 12% chloroform and 20% methyl salicylate.. The FDA banned it because if that. The Eagle Brand Oil that Thi brought from Vietnam is from the Anhing Corp (assuming it's real and not a fake) has a level of mehtyl salicylate of 30%. Wikipedia states the Anhing formula is 4.5% so I'm confused as a search I did found different levels of chemicals from different retailers online. Mehtyl salicylate has a wintergreen smell but can be toxic. It's used in BenGay and other over the counter remedies as well. It's only to be used externally. Thi thinks it's cheaper in Vietnam. She brought a lot green oil and red oil with her. My quick search online found Eagle Brand Medicated Oil in the $4-6 range for a bottle (did find one place who ships worldwide for free but it's $16USD a bottle). As to quality, I don't know. Glad to hear you're back WideAwakeintheUS! 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, 25 March 2008 - 09:27 PM.	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-25 21:22:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Anyone Bring Coffe Or Tea Back From Viet Nam?	QUOTE (WideAwakeInTheUSA @ Mar 19 2008, 12:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am wasting my time bringing this Coffee/Tea back? It's not expensive but I don't want to have it thrown away. On each of my trips, I brought back lots of stuff. The only things that got thrown away were chicken mooncakes. Any poultry products are definitely not allowed in. That includes processed ones like jerky or chicken mooncakes . Thi's sister had made about a dozen of chicken mooncakes for me to bring back for family and friends but they didn't make it past customs. There might be a problem in beef products but I don't know as I don't eat them. So bring all the coffee/tea you have room for!!! 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 01:26:00
Asia: East and Pacific	I129F Filer, Wedding Reception & Pictures Taken Before Interview	I would second what YuandDan wrote. I would add that I would prepare notatoized statements from everyone (photo studio, family, fiancee, etc) a about the pictures and reception just in case the Consulate finds out by asking neighbors or family members. If they suspect you got married, then they will need you to prove otherwise. 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 14:13:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Form DS-156, 156K, and 230	QUOTE (Phuong @ Mar 26 2008, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> All- Please let me know if my fiance or I need to fill any one of the above forms out before our K1 interview in HCMC, scheduled 4/1/08. I don't recall filling any of these forms out prior. I could have forgot though, because my fiance's agent in HCMC did do all of the paperwork for her. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Phuong Phuong Your fiancee should have filled out and returned the DS230 part one when she returned the Packet 3 checklist. The Packet 4 contains the DS230 part one and two. Yes, you have to fill out the part one again, I don't know why since the Consulate already has it but that's what they want. The DS-156 is filled out online and the instructions are included in the Packet 4. The DS-156k is also included and needs to be filled out. However don't sign the DS-156k until asked to do so at the Interview. (The instructions remind you not to sign it and so does the form.) The Packet 4 letter states the order all required items should be in. The better prepared and organized you are, the easier the interveiw will be. From what I've seen, heard and read the most common blue slips are for not bringing required forms and evidence that is incomplete or not organized to show give an easy to understand view of your case. A timeline showing your relationship that has evidence to back up the events on your timeline will make things much easier at the interview. Good luck at your 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	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-26 23:00:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Strange Coincidence	QUOTE (dalegg @ Mar 27 2008, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Guy&Hoa @ Mar 27 2008, 09:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi, Not necassarily. I have caller ID and it doesn't show the whole number correctly when someone calls from Vietnam. I don't think there are enough characters on my phone to show it correctly, but I remember the numbers seemed to be completely off. I doubt the Consulate pays for a calling card. Most Calling cards use a special access number. All Caller IDs will show that number, when you call it back some will give you a message saying it's a disconnected number or other message. Overseas calls made through normal phone co. will show the number. When Thi called me from Vietnam, it would show the local Vietnam access number, not her home phone. 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	2008-03-27 17:50:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Strange Coincidence	Guy&Hoa Do you have Caller ID? If the number is 011-848-822-9433 (main line) or 011-848-822-5572 (that's their fax line) or something very close to that, it could be them. Otherwise, it was probably just a wrong number. If you don't have Caller ID, call the phone company and see if they can tell you what the number was (they can tell you but they may not want to). Had you thought about it you could have *69 the number and called them back. Living in LA, I've gotten use to wrong numbers where the person could only speak Engish to the extent "Wrong number" or "Sorry". Occassionlly in good English but usually in accented English. It would be interesting to know the answer. 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	2008-03-27 00:02:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Airfares to VN	QUOTE (visao @ Mar 26 2008, 11:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Peter: You paid $962 for EVA Air round trip tickets? Was the visa fee included in that amount too or U had to pay separate? If separate, how much was the visa fee? Visao The Visa fee was extra. I got it from the San Francisco Consulate in August. My trip was 9/11 to 9/28. In February the same flights tho not as long (2/23-3/5) was over $1230 depending on dates even if I stayed longer which I couldn't. So I booked with China Airlines as they were the cheapest in January. The Visa from SF was $45 in August and $65 in January. 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	2008-03-26 23:43:00
Asia: East and Pacific	Airfares to VN	I have found booking your flight 30 days in advance, staying between 10 days and 22 days, flying out on Wednesday or Thursday have been the cheapest flights. However I have flown different airlines for each trip, because of price. Trip 1-United, trip 2-EVA and trip 3-China Airlines each had the cheapest price for each of my trips. I have to say I liked EVA the best so far in the Economy class because their planes are newer (777) than United (I flew on 474-400 that were old), China Airlines had both new and old 474s. The old 474 don't have the entertainment centers. The 474 that Thi and I flew back on was so old that the window seats still had ash trays........ I paid $861(15 days), $962 (17 days), $1068 (10 days) for each round trip ticket LAX to Saigon (one stop on EVA, China Airlines, two stops on United). I found my tickets online, EVA was cheapest thru Expedia, the others I booked their website. I found cheaper flight on Phippine Airlines but the flight times were longer. All my flight were in the 16 hours time (Ex United which had a flight delay in Hong Kong for 6 hours due to mechanical problems, they gave me a $100 voucher for domestic travel for my time) Also always use flexible times when looking for a flght. I found that the same flight one day eariler or later would be as much as $300 more. Most systems will give a 3-5 day either way (departing and arriving) grid so you can see the cheapest flight without having to research every combination of days. 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, 26 March 2008 - 11:20 PM.	PeterFB	Male	Vietnam	2008-03-26 23:15:00