ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and Pacificwhat need to be translated
QUOTE (b_weeks @ Oct 13 2009, 11:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Any document that is currently in VEITNAMESE. Including Birth Certificate, Household Registration, Police Certificate, etc. Even letters, chat logs, etc.

Please enter a timeline so people can provide more accurate answers when you post questions.... timeline.gif

If this is for the HCM Consulate, none of these documents need to be translated if they are in either English or Vietnamese. Here is an excerpt from Packet 3 instructions:

"Step 2: While waiting for interview to be scheduled, applicants should prepare the following documents
(copy and original). All documents not in English or Vietnamese must be accompanied by certified
translation, which include a statement by the translator stating “Translation is accurate” and “Translator is
competent to translate”. We will return the original documents after the interview."

You will ultimately need her birth certificate in English for AOS so get that done in her home country inexpensively.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-15 23:41:00
Asia: East and PacificA couple of questions
e-mail the consulate immediately so you can get an accurate assessment of the status of your case. They can tell you if they have sent information to your wife and how to pick up a replacement package if she has not received it.

toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-16 09:03:00
Asia: East and PacificUpdate
QUOTE (Josephs @ Oct 8 2009, 05:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Oct 8 2009, 03:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Josephs @ Oct 8 2009, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Oct 8 2009, 09:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry this is still lingering for you two.

Can you clarify a little for us what is happening? It sounds like they told her that on 12 October the doctor will send the medical results to the consulate. Sometime between 12 and 25 October, the consulate will call her with an answer. If they don't call her, she should call the consulate. Is that correct? Did the doctor give her anything when she went there?

Correct, and they gave her xrays. but he said he would send the paperwork on the 12th. Another thing that bothers me, she said he only sends paperwork out 2 times a month... yup thats what she was told... 2 times a month. thats soooo total BS. no wonder they might call in such a long time, on the 12th they must get flooded with paper work... What kind of system is that? 2 times a month? for god knows how many medical results? wow. anyways i will update after i know more or hear anything but atm im so pissed. there will be some letters and phone calls. but im going to wait until AFTER we find out their decision.

Where did she go for medical exam?

I can find that out for you in 2 days, tomorrow I will go to work in the moring so she and i will not talk but saturday I can ask.

If Cho Ray, this makes no sense at all. My wife had hers done there and when she went back for the results, they sent her with the packet.

Can't assess what they do at the other facility but perhaps others can chime in.

Sending results twice a month? wacko.gif That sounds bizarre. Maybe because they have a special form to retract an earlier finding of TB???
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-08 16:30:00
Asia: East and PacificUpdate
QUOTE (Josephs @ Oct 8 2009, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Oct 8 2009, 09:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry this is still lingering for you two.

Can you clarify a little for us what is happening? It sounds like they told her that on 12 October the doctor will send the medical results to the consulate. Sometime between 12 and 25 October, the consulate will call her with an answer. If they don't call her, she should call the consulate. Is that correct? Did the doctor give her anything when she went there?

Correct, and they gave her xrays. but he said he would send the paperwork on the 12th. Another thing that bothers me, she said he only sends paperwork out 2 times a month... yup thats what she was told... 2 times a month. thats soooo total BS. no wonder they might call in such a long time, on the 12th they must get flooded with paper work... What kind of system is that? 2 times a month? for god knows how many medical results? wow. anyways i will update after i know more or hear anything but atm im so pissed. there will be some letters and phone calls. but im going to wait until AFTER we find out their decision.

Where did she go for medical exam?
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-08 15:02:00
Asia: East and PacificUpdate
Sorry this is still lingering for you two.

Can you clarify a little for us what is happening? It sounds like they told her that on 12 October the doctor will send the medical results to the consulate. Sometime between 12 and 25 October, the consulate will call her with an answer. If they don't call her, she should call the consulate. Is that correct? Did the doctor give her anything when she went there?
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-08 09:02:00
Asia: East and PacificUpdate
Joseph, any status update? Hoping to hear great news from you on this!
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-07 10:58:00
Asia: East and PacificUpdate
QUOTE (Josephs @ Oct 6 2009, 02:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Oct 6 2009, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Joseph, that is great news!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif

Just want to be sure that you and Phi don't get too far ahead of yourselves (unless you have received specific instaructions from the consulate).

Has she actually spoken to anyone at the consulate? I'm not sure how she can pick up the medical papers and take them to the consulate and "pick up her visa." I would expect that the papers would need to be reviewed by the CO along with your case and then a pink slip issued. Then another wait of 1-10 days (depending on workload) before her visa/passport would be ready to be picked up.

Best of luck to you both.

Well your right. But the blue paper only requested the medical papers. Ngay mai she will oops, tomorrow she will go there and submit the papers. But I think that if that was all they requests then the rest of our case should be fine. Sure we will wait a few days. But we have the paper they requested. They already interviewed her and she passed that with flying colors. So I think a little wait is ok but I didn't plan on her coming here until november.

Agree and do not want to rain on your parade. Only trying to temper the enthusiasm a touch. You only have pink when she has a pink piece of paper in her hand walking out the door of the consulate and they have her passport into which they will insert a visa. Bear in mind that others have had a blue slip asking for a timeline. Timeline delivered and they were told to wait.

Not saying that I think you are bound for that but only the CO knows what he or she saw in your case and only he or she can approve her application for a visa. Think PINK and she will be here in the US in a matter of weeks!
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-06 15:23:00
Asia: East and PacificUpdate
Joseph, that is great news!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif

Just want to be sure that you and Phi don't get too far ahead of yourselves (unless you have received specific instaructions from the consulate).

Has she actually spoken to anyone at the consulate? I'm not sure how she can pick up the medical papers and take them to the consulate and "pick up her visa." I would expect that the papers would need to be reviewed by the CO along with your case and then a pink slip issued. Then another wait of 1-10 days (depending on workload) before her visa/passport would be ready to be picked up.

Best of luck to you both.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-06 11:02:00
Asia: East and PacificPaper Size
they are used to getting paper in both sizes at the consulate. Don't kill yourself getting 8.5x11 paper. They expect that some of these forms will be printed in Vietnam where the standard office paper size is A4. Any forms that she has from the government like birth certificate or police record will surely be on A4.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-19 15:55:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa to Vietnam question
Bryon, the C2 is just the category of visa that you were issued (two of my previous visas were C2). If you actually have a visa that is either loose or affixed to your passport with a validity date that spans your planned entry to and exit from Vietnam, you are fine.

You will never get a visa approval letter unless you pre-apply for a visa upon arrival. If you sent your passport to the embassy for the visa and you got the visa, you are good to go! You will get the purple stamps going in and out. If the visa is in your passport, you will get stamped in your passport. If the visa is loose, they will stamp the visa. And if it is single entry visa, they will keep the visa when you go and you will have no record of having entered and exited Vietnam.

Edited by toddandhien, 19 October 2009 - 04:05 PM.

toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-19 16:04:00
Asia: East and PacificDS-230
Part II is not required. It is not in any of the instructions or on the list to bring on interview day. I did not include it in our package and it was not asked for. Only Part I is referred to in both Packets 3 and 4 and Part I is all that is required.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-20 08:03:00
Asia: East and PacificRed Flag
Carrick, you really need to chill. The situation you have is what you have. Dau Que's comments notwithstanding, if you plan to move forward and bring this girl to the US, you need to take stock of your circumstances and apply a dose of reality now because if you don't, the CO will have plenty of reality for you. As people have been telling you, document everything, get a LOT of evidence of your ongoing relationship and make an (honest) list of your red flags, then deal with them in whatever way necessary. If you are going to do this yourself, you are going to have to take a very practical approach and be self-critical. But don't stress! It won't do you or your girlfriend any good.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-26 06:01:00
Asia: East and PacificDO we need hardcopy of appointment letter?
QUOTE (Ronnie&Hang @ Nov 1 2009, 04:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The Consulate will email an interview date for you when you email and request for it, including Package 4 info, but not the appointment letter. That was my experience.

To be clear, the Consulate in HCM will not proactively e-mail ANY information to you. After certain information has been mailed to the applicant, they will provide that information to the petitioner or applicant if an e-mail is sent requesting it. This includes Packet 3, Packet 4, the interview date, status updates, etc. As stated, the appointment letter will not be e-mailed, which means that you cannot have the medical exam until you receive the letter in the mail or go the the Consulate and get a replacement if it is deemed lost in the mail.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-01 19:53:00
Asia: East and PacificDO we need hardcopy of appointment letter?
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Oct 30 2009, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Oct 30 2009, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (cavoi xanh1 @ Oct 30 2009, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Oct 30 2009, 09:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For CR-1/IR-1, you can print the e-mail appointment letter and take that for your medical. K visas have to wait for an appointment letter in the mail or directly picked up at the consulate.



Thanks Todd (or Hien) innocent.gif How come the difference? Is it because the Consulate doesn't email the appointment letter when they schedule? and NVC emails it?

You got it. The Consulate deals only in snail mail for communication with the applicant.

Todd

They say the Ds230 and DS2001 can be emailed so they do work by email to some degree...

I was referring to the way that they communicate with the applicant. They will not e-mail an interview date to you. They mail it.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-31 09:07:00
Asia: East and PacificDO we need hardcopy of appointment letter?
QUOTE (cavoi xanh1 @ Oct 30 2009, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Oct 30 2009, 09:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For CR-1/IR-1, you can print the e-mail appointment letter and take that for your medical. K visas have to wait for an appointment letter in the mail or directly picked up at the consulate.



Thanks Todd (or Hien) innocent.gif How come the difference? Is it because the Consulate doesn't email the appointment letter when they schedule? and NVC emails it?

You got it. The Consulate deals only in snail mail for communication with the applicant.

Todd
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-30 18:25:00
Asia: East and PacificDO we need hardcopy of appointment letter?
For CR-1/IR-1, you can print the e-mail appointment letter and take that for your medical. K visas have to wait for an appointment letter in the mail or directly picked up at the consulate.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-30 08:04:00
Asia: East and PacificCant rush the system
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Nov 2 2009, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Todd, Having been through AP already it may be a good thing for us when it comes time to get interviewed... As many have said in the past.. most of the time they have some form of decision made before the interview based on the paperwork submitted and research/investigation they have conducted up to that point... Most of the people that I see that have gone through AP @ NVC are approved or denied at the interview and the majority are approved... I am with you on the beaurocracy aspect of it...
I will email them later this week to see if pkt 3 is sent.. then I can resend the forms.... a week later I can see if they got them and ask about the interview date so we can get the medical out of the way when I am there.. If not she will have to make an extra trip to HCMC or spend a longer time there when she goes for the interview to get the medical done a few days before... The later may be the best way to go, since her mother will be with her, if we cant get it done when I am there...

I'm not sure if being in AP at NVC helps but I know a lot of people that were in AP and all of them have been approved (though none were interviewed at HCM). I hope that it goes smoothly for you and you sail right through. My wife had no problems at Cho Ray but she is used to the conditions in HCM. If Thuy wants to talk to someone who has been there for the medical, PM me and I can have Hien call her.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-02 13:16:00
Asia: East and PacificCant rush the system
QUOTE (lindal24 @ Nov 2 2009, 10:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My husband got his medical done with the email attachment stating his interview date (is this the appointment letter everyone keeps referring to??). He had no problems. Of course, it may or may not be different since we did CR-1 Visa. One would think if you have a letter/email from the consulate with your interview date, you'd be able to get a medical or immigration with no problems... HMMM... tongue.gif

CR-1 folks get an e-mail appointment notification from NVC via e-mail. This is acceptable to be used for your medical because that is the means of coordinating your interview date. For K visas, the Consulate does the scheduling and they notify the applicant by snail mail. Having an e-mail with the date on it is not acceptable because there is a formal appointment letter generated by the Consulate that is required.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-02 13:13:00
Asia: East and PacificCant rush the system
Scott, I was in AP at NVC for 52 days, so I know your feeling of anxiety. FWIW, I followed up with them 5 days after I believed they got the file just to confirm receipt. 5 days later (10 days after receipt) they sent an e-mail back saying thet they had mailed the Packet 3 and also attached the PDF.

The issue is this with large bureaucracies: There is a process and there is a queue. When they are busy, the process does not get skirted, the queue only gets longer. The reason that they don't want your papers now is that they can't do anything with them. It is not time for them to be there and without the case properly logged into the HCM system, your papers would have no home. And they are not going to move you up in the queue.

The only thing you can do is follow up again with an e-mail asking for the status so they can confirm with you that they have mailed the Packet 3. THEN, you can shoot the DS-230 and the DS-2001 in there pronto so that you can get the Packet 4 clock started.

Packet 3 is nothing more than notification that you have been approved to apply for a visa and to get your preliminary paperwork in so they can complete their investigation/review and schedule you for an interview. Don't try to schedule an interview when you get Packet 3. And you cannot do the medical without an appointment letter. It will be snail-mailed WITH PACKET 4. If it gets lost, you can go to the consulate for a replacement but it will not be e-mailed to you.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-02 08:55:00
Asia: East and PacificVacination for package 4
my wife got it here. insurance paid and we did it as part of an office visit to meet her new doc. cost $0
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-02 17:41:00
Asia: East and PacificVacination for package 4
This is typical. The paperwork says that she may continue the vaccination program in the US. There will not be a problem at the interview regarding this, assuming all other aspects of her medical exam were acceptable.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-02 13:06:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam police report
QUOTE (Dave 'n' Hai Au @ Mar 24 2009, 03:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi to all, I was wondering how long it has taken people to get police report in Vietnam. My wife submitted request Feb. 23. They told her last week to come back this week. She went back today and they told her to come back next week. I asked her if they are waiting for bribe and she said not for this. Anybody that deals with Vn. system knows what I mean. I am just wondering what others have experienced as far as time to get it. I read a response on another post about Vn. mail system. My wife sent me Christmas cards the first week of December and I recieved them the first week of Feb. Her Ba sent his 5 days after her and I got them Christmas week. I sent her a Valentines present Feb. 3 using 7-10 day express mail. HCMC recieved it on the 13th, it got to Bien Hoa (45 minutes away) on the 16th, and they told her on the 23rd she could pick it up. I told her to go and complain but she didn't want to because she was afraid post office would mess with mail delivery to her family. Unbelievable!!! I can't wait to get her out of that place, if only we could get the police report!! Everyone take care and good luck on your journey!!!


Which province is she requesting Ly Lich Tu Phap from? Hien lives in Vinh Long province. When she applied, they told her to come back in 10 days to get it. 10 calendar days later, she went and it was waiting. no stress, no VND payment, nothing. I told her to be prepared because of what I had read here but she was treated well...even had the Cong An help her with something on the form that she did not understand.

BUT, we all know that this can be the exception. I am not a fan of the VN mail system in the least. The guy who runs the "post office" in Hien's little village is a nice guy...it's the folks upstream that cause all the delays/problems.

Complaining in VN is pointless. I have given up saying it because it never does any good (can do harm) and Hien simply won't do it. They have culturally been trained not to complain.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-24 11:38:00
Asia: East and PacificHow to Postpone Interview K-1
QUOTE (sorin @ Mar 23 2009, 01:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Toddandhien!

Filling out form RSI as we speak... Sadly my fiance is no where near HCMC and is currently working on a tv program till Wednesday.... so I'll see if she can fax in the form and do the waiting game again.... hopefully the mail man will get his head out of his #######.....


Sorry this happened to you. VN mail is not reliable in the least. I hope they do not make you wait 3 months for another date...

What happens when you call? Can you get any info from them at all doing that?

Just turned in our packet 3 forms yesterday (personally at the consulate). I will start e-mailing them in about 2 weeks to see if they have mailed packet 4 yet. Mail to Hien's village can be lighting quick or a con ot's pace. luck of the draw.

Good luck to both of you!!
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-23 16:01:00
Asia: East and PacificHow to Postpone Interview K-1
QUOTE (sorin @ Mar 23 2009, 12:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

The consulate in Vietnam gave us the interview date today for March 26... blink.gif that is in 2 days, with no notice (she never got the damn Package 4)... Is there a way to postpone the interview date to a new one?

Calling them has proved useless...


Thanks again,

Sorin....


The consulate website says this:

"How can I re-schedule an interview appointment?

If you have missed your interview appointment or you would like to re-schedule an upcoming appointment, you should send a written request to our office for a new appointment. The re-scheduled interview date will be approximately three months after we receive the written request. Your case may be terminated if you fail to pursue the application within one year of the original interview date."

And e-mailing usually is not fast enough because they do not respond for 4-5 days.

Because you only have 2 days (it will soon be 24 March there), I recommend that your fiancee go to the information window at the consulate tomorrow morning if she lives anywhere near HCMC. tell them what happened and ask for their help.

Good luck!
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-23 11:26:00
Asia: East and PacificPolice Certificate
You have to get Ly Lich Tu Phap in the province where you are listed in Ho Khau. And yes, bring ID and original Ho Khau book.

Ronnie, you may be a touch early to get police certificates. Looks like you are just starting the process.

Edited by toddandhien, 25 March 2009 - 12:24 PM.

toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-25 12:24:00
Asia: East and Pacificneed help tax return k3, vietnam case
QUOTE (tvn0521 @ Mar 26 2009, 02:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can anyone help me? I am really confuse, so does vietnam need 3 year of income tax or 1 year? Say during my wife's interview, should she bring in 1 year of my tax return (I don't have 3 years tax return because I did not work, I only have 1 year of self employed tax about $25,000) plus a separate co-sponsor tax return along with the i-864 for the co sponsor if they don't accept my one year tax return then she could give the interviewer the co-sponsor tax return information. I-864 is use for co sponsor, right if I am not mistaken, and I-134 is use for myself as a sponsor for k3 situation or I-134 for both?


They state that they want tax transcript from latest tax year. However, I think they would like to see the last 3. But, the fact is that you did not have income for 2006 and 2007 so you do not have tax records. Regardless of what they want, you have 1 year. So you will have to go with that. And they do not allow co-sponsors of K visas in Vietnam.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-26 21:29:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam. 2nd round. Denied.
Sorry to hear of your troubles. best of luck to both of you in overcoming these obstacles.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-26 12:04:00
Asia: East and PacificDo they allow US citizens into HMC to talk to an officer?
QUOTE (DPNH @ Mar 28 2009, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (luckytxn @ Mar 27 2009, 10:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (2x2y2z @ Mar 26 2009, 08:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks, guys. It looks like they allow a small opportunity to talk with one of them.

I'll call and see if I can anywhere with an appointment, if not I'll use the hour that they offer.

Man, how did our American system get so sour... Think about it, do we have anything else in the American bureaucracy that matches this bs?


Any and all bureaucracy is this way. I been dealing with it from long ago and this has always been normal. Wait until everyone gets the Federal health care up and running and the next phase is the Feds will be running a from birth to death total babysitter service. Try and get rid of it once it gets entrenched. Ha. Talked with someone today that was excited that with Obama in charge and the Dems about how the Feds will take care of our needs. She was stoked too and very happy.


Yeah, and the Republicans have done an outstanding job protecting business and the rich's interest and thanks to their ingenuous effort, we now are facing the worst economic crisis not seen since 1930's....
http://www.marketwat...E-24C37B5C1B21}

Specifically to those who wives just having babies in this country, do your wives use WIC? (milk assistance program from the gov't). Who do you think pay for your babies's milk huh?


If you think that the banking system got the way it got only in the last 8 years, I think you are mistaken. This has been building from the time Reagan came in, through the Bushes and Clinton. It was going to pop on somebody's watch. If we had elected John Kerry or Al Gore, it would have turned out the same. We are in a problematic period and we will work through it. We have before and we will again sometime in the next 100 years. It is called a cycle.

And who is paying for WIC? Not the federal government. they are only a conduit. The citizens and businesses of the United States of America pay for this and other programs through taxes. And FYI, the wealthier people and businesses are, the more taxes they pay and the more milk money there is for kids.

But I do agree with you on one thing. Can't have an entitlement attitude in the immigration process. Deal with the rules and plan ahead as much as possible. If dealt a lousy hand, fix what is wrong and keep pushing. We are all in the same boat.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-28 09:14:00
Asia: East and PacificDo they allow US citizens into HMC to talk to an officer?
QUOTE (luckytxn @ Mar 27 2009, 11:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (2x2y2z @ Mar 26 2009, 08:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks, guys. It looks like they allow a small opportunity to talk with one of them.

I'll call and see if I can anywhere with an appointment, if not I'll use the hour that they offer.

Man, how did our American system get so sour... Think about it, do we have anything else in the American bureaucracy that matches this bs?


Any and all bureaucracy is this way. I been dealing with it from long ago and this has always been normal. Wait until everyone gets the Federal health care up and running and the next phase is the Feds will be running a from birth to death total babysitter service. Try and get rid of it once it gets entrenched. Ha. Talked with someone today that was excited that with Obama in charge and the Dems about how the Feds will take care of our needs. She was stoked too and very happy.


2x, do we have anything else that matches this BS? Plenty. How about the IRS for one?

We are all feeling the wrath of this process because we are very close to it and are affected by it. 99% of Americans have no idea that immigration works this way. Most folks would say it is too EASY to come to the US. But ask anyone who has had their taxes audited and they will go on and on like we are about immigration. Anyway, as lucky said, all bureaucracy works this way. And not just in the US. Your hunny bunny's home country has plenty.

lucky, not to turn this into a political forum, but you are absolutely right about Federal Healthcare. I think it is coming and I am worried but hopefully it will be watered down to the point where it is only quasi-state run. some folks like Uncle Sam running their lives. not me.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-28 09:03:00
Asia: East and PacificDo they allow US citizens into HMC to talk to an officer?
QUOTE (hniHnitsuJ @ Mar 26 2009, 03:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Anh map @ Mar 26 2009, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Mar 26 2009, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Looks like Tuesdays and Wednesdays you can get in to talk to them. See consulate website here. I think this is brand new because I never saw this before when I went to the website. Good luck.



WOW, that is a nice change for HCMC good.gif


only available to U.S. citizen petitioners , my wife can't go in...


Yes, if you read the website it says that they will not re-interview applicants/beneficiaries. This is the shot that all the USC's have been looking for...to go in and speak to an American in English. But you gotta go to VN to get it taken care of. Not a long distance deal.

QUOTE (2x2y2z @ Mar 26 2009, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (2x2y2z @ Mar 26 2009, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks, guys. It looks like they allow a small opportunity to talk with one of them.

I'll call and see if I can anywhere with an appointment, if not I'll use the hour that they offer.

Man, how did our American system get so sour... Think about it, do we have anything else in the American bureaucracy that matches this bs?



Ha! Ha!

So, I called their main number and you simply cannot get to a live person if you choose operator or visa options. I finally chose services for American citizens (designed for drunken ESL teachers who have been jailed, etc.) and I got the runaround, offering me the Tuesday and Wednesday option from the website, and the e-mail option. No more live operators for handling immigration visa issues. And they have changed their phone numbers. I had the numbers from an old e-mail from their visa office and those no longer work.

They are certainly putting up a shield and hiding behind the walls. I wonder if they've got the helicopter on roof warmed up and ready to go.


This is the "upgrade" they have been working on for awhile. If you look at the newly updated website, it says that the number is now an automated system. I think they are offering the hour to get away from countless USC's calling and yelling at the VN staff.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-26 21:36:00
Asia: East and PacificDo they allow US citizens into HMC to talk to an officer?
Looks like Tuesdays and Wednesdays you can get in to talk to them. See consulate website here. I think this is brand new because I never saw this before when I went to the website. Good luck.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-26 11:48:00
Asia: East and PacificWhere can I get visa record of 2005 & 2006???
QUOTE (tvn0521 @ Mar 30 2009, 07:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Mar 30 2009, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
tvn, you asked this same question on a previous post.

If you had no luck with travel agents or the airline, it is unlikely that the VN government will go look in their archives for 3-4 year old proof that you visited. Do you have any other proof of your visits and time with her (hotel, credit card, ATM receipts or photos)?

On top of all that, I don't think it will make much difference. You have to have visited her at least once in the last 12 months (have you done that?) and you need proof of your ongoing relationship. You could have been neighbors since birth but simply having gone to Vietnam 4 years ago will not have much impact, IMO.

ALSO, could you please add a timeline. Thanks.



I know I did post it before, but I am trying to get more answer. All I got is photos, in order for the photos to use as evidence that we met in 2005 & 2006 I will need a copy of my visa record in 06' 05' showing that I did went to VN. If I just show them the photo and say " oh these photos are from 2005 when we first met and these photos here are from 2006 when I came back to visit her when our relationship got serious", how would they believe that the photos are from those 2 years that I went back. I mean we might look a tiny bit little younger but not really, in this case then I can't use those photos at all. What a waste.


Are you married to this girl? Your profile says K-3. If you are married to her, when? What is your current status? Have you been to VN in the last 2 years?

Do you have wedding photos? Really, if you had airline tickets from 1998 and 2000 and 2002, what does it prove? Build your relationship starting now.

QUOTE (hieumin @ Mar 30 2009, 07:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
try go to SO NGOAI VU and ask for it, if they deny then you try to contact "middleman". I believed HCmC have your records but will they share with you is another story. I have same story w/ you, just looked at my passport and there were no stamps. VN stamped on visa, not passport and US stamped on custom form.......


Please add a timeline. thanks
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-30 19:02:00
Asia: East and PacificWhere can I get visa record of 2005 & 2006???
tvn, you asked this same question on a previous post.

If you had no luck with travel agents or the airline, it is unlikely that the VN government will go look in their archives for 3-4 year old proof that you visited. Do you have any other proof of your visits and time with her (hotel, credit card, ATM receipts or photos)?

On top of all that, I don't think it will make much difference. You have to have visited her at least once in the last 12 months (have you done that?) and you need proof of your ongoing relationship. You could have been neighbors since birth but simply having gone to Vietnam 4 years ago will not have much impact, IMO.

ALSO, could you please add a timeline. Thanks.

Edited by toddandhien, 30 March 2009 - 06:28 PM.

toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-30 18:23:00
Asia: East and PacificWhat to do in Vung Tau?
QUOTE (Kevin&Thao @ Mar 31 2009, 10:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just finished talking to my little sweetie and SOME THINGS JUST DON'T TRANSLATE!! LOL Are there any special requirements for me to ride a motorcycle there? I asked her if there were rentals there or if I would need to buy one. She didn't answer the rental part and said yes I could buy one. But when I asked if there was a permit or license I needed VDict was no help..LOL She tried to explain but I never fully understood whether or not I could get in trouble for riding??


Kevin, I have spent almost 4 months in VN off and on. I bought Hien a nice motorbike a long time ago (I would call it a scooter because it is fully automatic and no foot controls - Honda Dylan 150). It is a nice bike and quite comfortable for 2 people to cruise short and long trips. We have been everywhere on this thing (including Vung Tau) and I always drive.

There is actually a "requirement" to have a license to drive a motorbike but is is not enforced. I worried early on but for no reason. The Cong An do not even look at me (although I am not 6'3", I still do not blend in easily smile.gif ). Was stopped once going to the airport in HCM for being in the wrong lane (cars only). Did not ask for any ID or license. Hien said to slip him 200,000 VND which I did. problem solved and we were on our way.

Hien did not know what to tell me about the license thing early on either. I think the reason is that these girls have no experience with foreigners on motorbikes so how could they know? But wear your helmet because that is a hard rule since 12/15/07 and it IS enforced.

Do NOT EVER take your eyes off the road. My rule is that when you expect something could NOT happen, it will. I get that reinforced to me every time I go. Do not expect ANY rules of the road to be followed (including driving the wrong way on your side of the road) and beware traffic circles/rotaries. They all want to go in and out at the same time with no merger rules or right of way.

Be cautious and you will be fine.

Vung Tau is a tourist town. most tourist spots have xe rentals. Just go downtown along the beach when you get there and scope it out. They will have them right on the sidewalk so you will be able to spot them.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-31 11:59:00
Asia: East and PacificFirst Blue Slip at HCM - Vote of members
QUOTE (Jack & Xuan @ Mar 9 2009, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Your blue sheet looks almost identical to the first one we got at Xuan's interview. We had Marc Ellis before the interview and we have gotten the first Blue sheet and then a Green once we submitted all of the evidence they requested. We have been waiting since Oct 15 for the "review process". Mr. Nam was very nice to Xuan and helped us with some minor issues then was a nice help for the interview prep. So far since we have been waiting there has been nothing the lawyers can do for us. That is what we are told. I will be happy to go into further detail, if you wish to know just send me a message.

Good luck from what I have seen you can either get pink, have to wait like us, or flat out denied when you turn in the evidence. I think it is a ####### shoot either way.


How often do you call or e-mail the consulate? Are they friendly when you ask for a status update? Just curious about how you are dealing with the wait.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-09 16:07:00
Asia: East and PacificFirst Blue Slip at HCM - Vote of members
QUOTE (luckytxn @ Mar 8 2009, 10:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AnhSau @ Mar 8 2009, 04:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A vote from the board members.

The question put before the members is.... Hire Mark Ellis, Immigration Lawyer or wait?

I found the writings very informative at his website http://www.marcellislaw.com/.

Almost to the point of saying awe ####...

My Wife went to her interview March 2nd, 2009, at HCM. Returned with a pretty blue letter requesting more info (Referencing 221 (g) ). Naturally she was upset. She is taking it like a trooper for now. She informed me that "Ms. Nguyen Thi Rottweiler " was polite with her.

We compiled a 2 pound package of evidence, for her to return to Saigon with, Phone bills, emails, etc. I insured we met every request pointed out in the instructions, plus added more content than what was asked for. Beneficiary info, health care enrollment, bank and finance info. Chronological report in affidavit form. I DHL'ed the documents to her on this past Friday.

Here is the awe #### part...

Once the additional info is submitted to the HCM Consulate, are they just going to issue a generic white paper refusal out of spit? Then send the file back to USCIS for refusal?

To my ignorance, I learned my Wife and about 100 other applicants were refused that morning. Even though USCIS and DOS issued approvals. I had no idea it was a cattle call situation.



Would a lawyer even be of any benefit? Our case is simple and generic. No fraud or deceit.

I was considering retaining his legal services, however I may be untimely.

What say you? Money is not an issue.


As I am her agent and also the petitioner in the case. I prepared all of the filings and mailings. Now, unpublished rules and procedures are being conjured up that certainly no reasonable person would have prior knowledge that they even existed.

It seems that if you were here from way before the interview that you would have known that all this stuff would be needed. It is known that at the interview at any embassy that one needs to show proof of an ongoing relationship and even bank info and the stuff you are sending now AFTER the interview.

It would help if you can say how the interview went and if the wife was able to have a good interview or not. If she did then sending the requested info may be enough to get a pink the next time or a blue saying to wait till the info now is digested. If she did poorly at the interview then sending the info may not be enough and you better get Marc Ellis as soon as possible. Now a lawyer is never needed from the beginning if one does what is needed and has confidence in their abilities. I for one am very confident and know that my abilities are good enough to do the visa myself. Most haven't the confidence to try to do anything without help and should have a lawyer hold their hand all the way but it by no means assures a visa.


Anhsau, if you can comment on your wife's interview (good/bad, did she do it in English, etc), that would also be helpful, as luckytxn noted. Thanks
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-09 10:03:00
Asia: East and PacificFirst Blue Slip at HCM - Vote of members
QUOTE (AnhSau @ Mar 9 2009, 02:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, what exactly did the blue slip say? What did you submit the first time? That info will help us offer comments. And yes, please fill in the timeline.



For the board members review... I am uploading the blue form as it was scanned by my wife and forwarded to me. I have blotted out the personal information for the purpose of privacy.

Also note... The resolution was intentionally enlarged due to the fine content of the writing. Excuse the large file size.

This possibly will benefit applicants with pending interview dates.


Yes, these are all common and well known requests from HCM. Other than the evidence, which is specified in Packet 4, you either need a lawyer or VJ to educate you on the consulate specifics. Sounds like you now have been briefed by both so you know what you need to do. With the volume of data that they have requested, however, you might find that they need to review it for awhile. If so, you will be notified that you are in AP. Wait times vary by case.

How many times have you visited her over the last year? This is another critical item that gets scrutinized heavily. You probably have been many times but, if not, you might consider going to VN now and submitting that proof as more evidence of your relationship.

Good luck.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-09 10:00:00
Asia: East and PacificFirst Blue Slip at HCM - Vote of members
QUOTE (AnhSau @ Mar 8 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A vote from the board members.

The question put before the members is.... Hire Mark Ellis, Immigration Lawyer or wait?

I found the writings very informative at his website http://www.marcellislaw.com/.

Almost to the point of saying awe ####...

My Wife went to her interview March 2nd, 2009, at HCM. Returned with a pretty blue letter requesting more info (Referencing 221 (g) ). Naturally she was upset. She is taking it like a trooper for now. She informed me that "Ms. Nguyen Thi Rottweiler " was polite with her.

We compiled a 2 pound package of evidence, for her to return to Saigon with, Phone bills, emails, etc. I insured we met every request pointed out in the instructions, plus added more content than what was asked for. Beneficiary info, health care enrollment, bank and finance info. Chronological report in affidavit form. I DHL'ed the documents to her on this past Friday.

Here is the awe #### part...

Once the additional info is submitted to the HCM Consulate, are they just going to issue a generic white paper refusal out of spit? Then send the file back to USCIS for refusal?

To my ignorance, I learned my Wife and about 100 other applicants were refused that morning. Even though USCIS and DOS issued approvals. I had no idea it was a cattle call situation.

As I am her agent and also the petitioner in the case. I prepared all of the filings and mailings. Now, unpublished rules and procedures are being conjured up that certainly no reasonable person would have prior knowledge that they even existed.

Would a lawyer even be of any benefit? Our case is simple and generic. No fraud or deceit.

I was considering retaining his legal services, however I may be untimely.

What say you? Money is not an issue.



Just curious...if you compiled a 2-lb package of evidence for her to take this time, how much did she have the first time. Would be helpful to know more details of the interview and the blue slip for those of us who are still awaiting interview. Thanks.

To answer your question about the white slip, it depends on what the reason was for the blue slip and whether you complied with their request. I would agree with others that it is at least worth talking to ME if money is not an issue.

And if you could fill in your timeline, it would be greatly appreciated.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-08 14:33:00
Asia: East and PacificNeed help!!! my wife received a white paper
QUOTE (andy777 @ Apr 2 2009, 12:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bryonm4 @ Apr 2 2009, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (andy777 @ Apr 1 2009, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Anh map @ Apr 1 2009, 11:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It has to be more than not knowing those names. Though that is not good. Can you post the white slip here?

sure
Petitoner has not returned to visit beneficiary since Oct 07
beneficary is unaware of basic facts of petitioner's family
beneficiary is unaware of basic facts of petitoner's personal history. previous jobs
photgraphs submitted as evidence of the relationship indicate that petitioner and beneficiary have spent obly four or five days together.

Andy these reasons are very easy to overcome. First you should have been there for the interview however thats water under the bridge now just make sure your there for the next interview.

I would make 2 more visits first I would take several more pictures. I made the mistake and only took pictures the first week I was there. I would also go back for the interview. It sounds like they were fishing for some reasons to deny you possible because of the visit.

My fiance at the time now my wife was denied and they said I last visit her in december of 2007, her interview was nov 6th 2008. They interviewed her for about 20 minutes they even asked where my brothers lived and worked she got it correct however they said she didn't know where I worked but she did she even repeated it twice. They were just fishing for wrong anwsers and when they couldn't find any they made something up because she awnsered them in a quite voice twice so they pretended like they didn't hear it. They cannot deny soley on visiting frequency.

I would hire a good attorny appeal the denied petition and when the attorny tells you to file agian go for it. It just sounds like you were not very prepared however you can learn from that and it will help you next time.

If they didn't send the case back you need to contact your congressman asap and get them to stop from sending it back if no luck there then contact a good attorny that can stop it

my file is close at the embassy and it's on the way back to uscis. my questions is can i refile i-130 or i need to appeal first. i heard appeal will take up to two years. That's just crazy waiting time. Have u hear anyone refile and pass the interview the second time???? thanks


please add a timeline
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-04-02 11:37:00
Asia: East and PacificI have not birth certificate????
you need a birth certificate to file the petition with USCIS. How did you file without that?
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-03-31 21:20:00