ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
VietnamEstimate of interview
Bryon, this is misleading data.

First, the OP is filing K-1 and this data shows I-130 dates, not I-129F dates. The processing times for these two different types of visas (fiance(e) and spouse) last year were completely different. K-1 visa processing times to NOA2 were flat all last year until about August.

Second, this is data for a particular period of time. What happened last year was based upon a host of complex inter-related variables, about most of which we do not know. This year, the times might be the same, shorter or longer. Nobody knows.

And Third, The OP asked about time to interview. Looking at the data for the last 6 months, one might assess that the time to interview would be around 7 months, factoring in time to NOA2, time to NVC, time to Consulate and wait time for interview.

Scott's estimate of 6-9 months is a good one for people to use when petitioning for a fiance(e) in Vietnam. Our experience was on the long side - 9 months - because we were stuck in AP at NVC for 52 days; most go through NVC in a few days. But those are the things that can happen, so petitioners are wise to plan for a broad range of possible durations.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-02-18 13:14:00
VietnamEstimate of interview
It will actually vary by Service Center, as well. Suggest reviewing Immigration Timeline data here on VJ for most accurate historical assessment.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-02-18 10:27:00
Vietnamcho ray x-ray sealed envelope
Do you mean just the X-Ray envelope? If so, don't worry, nobody cares about that now that you have been approved. Just don't open the sealed brown envelope that they give her when she picks up her visa.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-03-10 12:49:00
VietnamSubmitting evidence to CO
I skipped the ToC and used tabbed dividers. I labeled the tabs so that upon quick inspection, you could find what you were looking for. The CO never looked at the books I prepared but they were pretty usable and were good for reviewing with Hien before the interview so she was comfortable where to find all the info.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-03-12 12:46:00
VietnamI-129F: Issues

So for the money transfers, it would be ok if I decide not to put proof of that with my petition? I was thinking about that as a red flag I would need to address but maybe it's nothing to really worry about??




Carl

What's the red flag that you are trying to address? Self-employed stylists are common in VN and I would avoid the money thing. Focus on your visits there and the documentation of your relationship. And why are you sending her money so she can pay for things when you are there? Just bring USD and convert to VND upon arrival.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-03-25 11:36:00
VietnamHCMC Consulate has updated the website
I believe that the distinction they are drawing is that when you are formally in AP, they tell you that no further action is needed from you. When you have been blue-slipped with specific information requested by the consulate, you have one year to get the documents in or your case will be closed. See excerpt below (emphasis added):

"Section 221(g): This section of the INA states that visa applications lacking required documents must be denied until such time as those documents are submitted and found to be sufficient. Beneficiaries may submit the additional information or documents either via registered mail or in person at the Consulate as scheduled on the OF-194. Beneficiaries should include the OF-194 requesting additional information. Beneficiaries are encouraged to submit the requested documents/information in person. Note: applications refused under Section 221(g) have one year from the refusal date to submit the requested documents/information. Failure to do so could result in the termination of the case."
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-04-05 12:03:00
VietnamHCMC Consulate has updated the website
The one year does not apply to AP cases as noted in this excerpt from the revised website:

"If the OF-194 stated that “further administrative processing” is required, the beneficiary does not need to submit any documents and must wait for our consular officers to review the case. We will contact the beneficiary when the review is complete. Please note that the one year period does not apply in this type of denial."
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-04-04 19:41:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
No problems at VN immigration with the visa exemption. They didn't look funny at it and did not ask why I had it. pretty good deal once you finally get it back from the Embassy.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-12-23 12:47:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
I received a separate letter in the mail after my passport came back asking for the $10.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-27 22:15:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
If you look at the embassy website, it says $20 for the exemption and $10 for processing. However, they did not tell me about the extra $10 until the visa exemption was approved and in my passport and they were getting ready to mail it. I am out of time and needed my passport back for an upcoming trip so I begged them to mail the passport to me and I would send them another $10. They actually did that and I sent them $10 yesterday.

Matt, you would be well-served to send them another $10 now so you don't have a delay at the end. Once your exemption runs out and you get a new passport, you can send in and get another exemption. See the embassy website rules.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-24 12:04:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
QUOTE (Mr. Saigon @ Nov 21 2009, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Now I'm hearing that you still have to leave the country every 3 months to get your passport stamped, for those of you that plan on staying long term. Don't see anything about it in the regs though. Thanks for the update Todd.

That's right. I forgot to mention that. The exemption states that it is for 90 days maximum per entry.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-22 11:53:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
OK, here's the long-awaited update.

This worked absolutely NOTHING like the website that we often reference here on this subject. This was an agonizing process from which I learned a lot. First and foremost, I recommend that you visit and read the Vietnam Embassy website on this subject here. If you can't read Vietnamese, get your SO to read it to you. It has pretty much the ACTUAL rules for this.

My learnings:

1. It took 1 month for me to get my passport back with the visa exemption and I think I only got it back now because I e-mailed them once or twice a day at the end. Forget about 7 day processing.

2. It does not cost $20 as we have previously read...it is $30.

3. You will not necessarily get a 5 year exemption. Mine is for 3 years and 4 months. I think it is because they stop the validity 1 year before your passport expires, at least that's what happened with me.

4. It IS multiple entry...that's the good news.

5. Don't bother calling the embassy at the phone number that they publish. They don't answer the phone. But they do read and respond to e-mail.

Happy to answer other questions on this.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-21 15:12:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
They cashed mine in 5. 21 days later and still nothing. I sicked my wife on them today to hash it out in VN. Will find out later how that went.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-17 13:35:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
Here's an update for folks looking at the visa exemption. Plan WAY ahead! the website says 7 days. Nope. I sent mine in on 20 October and they now tell me it will be ready to mail on 20 or 23 November. Plan on a month+ to get it back.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-17 13:00:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
QUOTE (Mr. Saigon @ Nov 11 2009, 08:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Some of my fellow teachers are claiming that those exemptions are single entry. Any truth to that?

Love the 2 week processing time on your end Matt! Send me a PM when you get here. We'll head over to The Big Grill and talk politics. biggrin.gif

Not sure why they would call it a 5 year exemption if you could only use it once...but will let you all know when I receive it. should be in the next week.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-11 08:31:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
FYI, for anyone planning to do this soon:

I just spoke with the Embassy of Vietnam in Washington, DC. The lady told me that they are getting a lot of requests now for visa exemption and they are behind. It is now taking 15 working days to process.

Also, she said to be sure to include a trackable, pre-addressed envelope with postage paid so they can send it back to you. Better information is available here for those who can read VN:

Embassy of Vietnam Visa Exemption

toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-10 10:35:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
I sent it to the Embassy of Vietnam in Washington, DC. I made the $20 check out to The Embassy of Vietnam. they cashed it so I guess that part worked. Now just waiting for it to come back.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-09 14:40:00
VietnamConfusion on form to fill out for Visa exemption
I sent mine in almost 2 weeks ago. Last Friday would have been the 7th business day that they had it. the website claims that they will process in 7 working days. I expect it back any day now and will advise if what i did worked. I do know that they cashed my check last week so i take that as a good sign.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-11-09 13:22:00
VietnamHow many others out there

I am aware that I will still need a work permit. I already have all the required documents needed to obtain it. Also the schools will be the ones that will get the work permit as I am sure you already know. But my first concern is getting the 5 year visa. I actually go to work in June for one month then pending my performance they will give me a 2 year contract and get all the work permit paperwork done. Jerome

The 5 year visa exemption only allows for a 90 day maximum stay per entry. It is intended for tourist activity, not for long-term living.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-04-27 11:57:00
VietnamDoes the Consulate extend the expiration date?

Scott & others in AP: Inquiries about your case should continue to be sent, but don't expect too much in return from the email. Getting worked up or overly anxious isn't going to help your case or your mental health. I know how anxious you are about getting results whether its a denial or approval, but you guys should let the process take it's course.

Patience is key, but just remember that everything will work out in the end!

Linda, I completely disagree with this advice. It is true that everything works out in the end. However, it does not always work out favorably.

Having an overly optimistic attitude and approach in this circumstance is not prudent, IMO. If it were simply a waiting game and it was certain that the visa would be forthcoming after some period of time, then I would agree with you. Just go about your business and wait for the call. However, that is not the case here...actually far from it.

I am not advocating high anxiety, I am advocating for a prudent and well thought out course of action, with emphasis on the words prudent and action. I believe that Scott should employ all reasonable methods available to him to get the case reviewed by a CO quickly and with a favorable outcome. I only advised that repeated e-mails answered by staffers was an ineffective method of getting the needed attention on his case. But other, more direct methods are certainly called for here.

Dreaming, hoping and trusting do not get results. Action gets results.

Scott, stick with it.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-05-06 11:51:00
VietnamDoes the Consulate extend the expiration date?
I strongly suspect that the 4 month original validity is used to close a case when there is no response to either Packet 3 or Packet 4. That way, they are not waiting forever on cases where the petitioner or applicant is non-responsive. As long as things are in process, they will extend the validity automatically as long as necessary. However, I don't believe that they actually "extend" the validity by putting a new expiration date on it. Rather, when they get to processing it, as long as it is active in the system, they will continue with it regardless of the original expiration date.

In response to Bernie's comment, one does not have to request an extension. We were in AP at NVC for about 5 weeks, so when our case got to HCMC and started to be processed there, I worried that it might expire. I e-mailed and asked the question and they said that there was nothing that needed to be done; it was common for time to run out and that as long as it was being processed it would be "automatically extended."

Scott, the expiration is really a non-issue. The thing that is of real importance (IMO) is getting a CO to look at your case sooner rather than later. I would focus all of my energy in that direction if I were in your boat. Don't waste your time with e-mails that are answered by VN girls (no offense to VN girls, I am married to one) who staff the customer service positions. They give canned answers in literal book english. you want action not words.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-04-20 12:02:00
VietnamDoes the Consulate extend the expiration date?
Scott, excerpt from the Consulate FAQ section on K visas:

"1. Extending the Petition

The I-129F petition is valid for four months from the date of approval from USCIS. The validity of the I-129F petition is automatically extended by consular officers if it expires."

I don't believe they are playing word games with you. I'm pretty sure this e-mail was answered by a VN staff person so you are getting a very literal answer based on that person's interpretation of what you were asking.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-04-19 11:43:00
VietnamGuess what?
Congrats!
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-03-05 10:13:00
Vietnamdisparity between timelines

As stated before but you seem to need reminding. Follow the suggestion you made earlier. Practice what you preach but maybe that is not done outside Texas.

Tex, this Yankee sure as hell doesn't need preaching from you. You hear what you want to hear and have a mighty high view of your own musings.

But, at this stage, I have hijacked Scott's thread enough.

Good luck, Scott. Unfair and somewhat random as the process is, stick with this thing. We are (mostly) all with you.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-05-26 15:19:00
Vietnamdisparity between timelines

You need to take your own advice and not try to silence people unless they agree with you wholeheartedly.

I don't care if you agree with me or not and not trying to silence you. We are all entitled to our own opinions and views, which really is all that one can offer here because nobody truly knows what gets a visa.

My suggestion was only to get off your holier than thou perch and appreciate that someone outside the Lone Star State might have a point worth considering.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-05-26 13:45:00
Vietnamdisparity between timelines

Well think again. You told us that you were both married when y'all met. Then after y'all met you both divorced. This is a huge fraud red flag at this consulate. Much fruad has happened at this consulate by marrieds divorcing and remarrying anew and then after getting the permanent residence and then divorcing and remarrying the former spouses. Then conveniently when you need something signed by the ex he can't be found at all in a country that anything can be done with money. And then there is the red flag of your ex wife being in prison. All together since you came here and we learn more I cringed when you were applying knowing that it was going to be hard for you but of course you always have came on as an expert and advised everyone how to go about getting their visas without successfully doing so yourself yet. Now we can all see if the highly "can't miss" front loading will work. As it stands now I am surprised and I probably would have just denied you already and possibly banned for fraud. It looks like they are being careful though and giving y'all a chance to prove this is no fraud so that is good for you.

Not sure how "y'all" became the self-appointed expert on red flags. None of us know why Scott is in AP, and your supposition is as good as anyone else's. Being a condescending a$$ to other long-term members is why people get turned off from message boards like this.

If you think that Scott is somehow ruining your experience or violating terms of use, you should report him to Capt. Ewok. Otherwise, chime in when you can add true value and avoid the reply button when you just want to pick a fight.

And BTW, nobody ever said that the front-loading of an application was "can't miss." Some advocate its use and others don't. Fine. There is NOTHING that I have seen on this website that tells us what WILL and WILL NOT work. Each person advocates processes based on his/her own experiences or beliefs. You don't find me bashing you every time someone gets denied and had not front-loaded their application, though I would be happy to if you wish. There are many more who fail without it than with it.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-05-26 13:00:00
VietnamVietnamese Passport Renewal
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Jun 25 2009, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HQL2K @ Jun 25 2009, 12:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife and I just went to the Vietnam Embassy to renew her expired VN passport. She had to pay $110. The passport will be valid for 10 years. They said it will be ready in 3 weeks.


THREAD NECRO! headbonk.gif

... I mean...

You realize you're responding to a thread where the last post was a year and a half ago, right? I think it's safe to assume that the OP has worked out his problem by now. whistling.gif

Jim, I think there is merit to this necro post. The poster was not responding to help the OP, but rather adding valuable info for others who may search for and read this post. The data regarding the substantial increase in cost for the passport renewal is good knowledge to share, IMO.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-06-26 12:18:00
VietnamTB
We were deeply saddened when Linh called the other day on her way to VN with this terrible news. So sorry for your loss.

Todd and Hien
toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-06-21 21:22:00
Vietnamvietnam visa exemption
http://mienthithucvk....mofa.gov.vn/en

suggest reading posts over the last 6 months on this topic as there are subtle nuances required that are not included on the website.

Edited by toddandhien, 05 April 2010 - 11:56 AM.

toddandhienMaleVietnam2010-04-05 11:54:00
VietnamHCMC Timeline Resource
Happy to add mine, Roger. Great suggestion.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-07-26 17:10:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
QUOTE (mhaze @ Apr 20 2009, 12:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello....just a quick question from a friend..

my friend got their approval yesterday already but later found out that there is a missing form for her child (who is 9 years old)..i think the husband forgot to file the I-130 for the child...
i am not really familiar with her situation..

thank you

Is your friend in VN? This is the Vietnam forum and it is not currently active.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-04-20 09:00:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
QUOTE (almostawesome @ Apr 17 2009, 12:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey Vietnam.

Interview is May 18 in HCMC.
Did anyone here pass the HCMC consulate interview with a co-sponsor? My fiancee is hearing that her chances of passing the interview are very low because we are petitioning with a co-sponsor. The woman helping her with her application on that end said 10% sad.gif . Co-Sponsor is my mother.

Also, can I borrow money from family to put in my bank account for sponsorship purposes?


Almost, you posted this previously in another forum and got several responses. Please post once.

QUOTE (Huong and Phung @ Apr 17 2009, 12:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Apr 16 2009, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (hniHnitsuJ @ Apr 16 2009, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Huong and Phung @ Apr 14 2009, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
dang, my bad. This will show you how NOOB i am right? hehehhe Thanks


Huong and Phung, I think we should create a spreadsheet for all new vj member for updates.


I agree. maybe I will do that this weekend. seeking input on content. thanks


That's cool Let's do it
I guess ur gonna do it then?


Can you update your timeline? thanks
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-04-17 18:09:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
QUOTE (Huong and Phung @ Apr 17 2009, 12:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Apr 16 2009, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (hniHnitsuJ @ Apr 16 2009, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Huong and Phung @ Apr 14 2009, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
dang, my bad. This will show you how NOOB i am right? hehehhe Thanks


Huong and Phung, I think we should create a spreadsheet for all new vj member for updates.


I agree. maybe I will do that this weekend. seeking input on content. thanks


That's cool Let's do it
I guess ur gonna do it then?


Not trying to take charge. If you or anyone wants to do it, no problem. If folks would like to have it but don't want to invest the time, I would be happy to pitch in. Let me know.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-04-17 18:04:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
QUOTE (hniHnitsuJ @ Apr 16 2009, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Huong and Phung @ Apr 14 2009, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
dang, my bad. This will show you how NOOB i am right? hehehhe Thanks


Huong and Phung, I think we should create a spreadsheet for all new vj member for updates.


I agree. maybe I will do that this weekend. seeking input on content. thanks
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-04-16 15:08:00
VietnamHCMC Interview roll call
QUOTE (fred n Dao Honey @ Oct 15 2009, 06:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Take us off the list. Today in HCMC we got pink!!!

After several visits to the Consulate. The Supervisor promised something in a week. We recieved a request for new medical (blue paper). Dao took the new information in today 1pm VN time. She turned in the material and took a number to wait. Number was called and pink issued.

Dao was really worried that they would interview again and has been pumping me for answers about the house, city and extended family.

Good luck to all.

My advise, If you have an attorney that says be patient after 2 months of waiting. Get ride of the attorney. If you are in AP. Flood them with evidence of your relationship they have to except it. You have to proove a bonified relationship and eligability. They have to qualify a denial. Fill their file box with all your junk!!! The more times you go inside the Consulate the more you learn and become familiar with it.

Fred

Congrats, Fred and Dao! kicking.gif kicking.gif
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-10-15 23:10:00
Asia: Southneed phone Consular HCM
Please note that the phone system in HCM has changed to an automated system. You cannot speak to a person. You can also e-mail them and they will respond in 4-5 business days.
toddandhienMaleVietnam4/27/2009 15:03
Asia: East and Pacificpassport time stamp question help!!
QUOTE (luckytxn @ Feb 15 2009, 03:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Mine was a self stick visa. When I entered they stamped it. I remember when I left I handed it to the lady and she was doing something and she handed it back and I placed it in my front jacket pocket and moved on. When I got to Seould and had a day to sight see I went through customs there and noticed there was no stamp in it from VN. (I went through HCMC.) I have been to many countries in my lifetime and never not had a stamp in my passport even going through a pass through if staying long enough to leave the airport.

I asked my Fiancee's Uncle and he said that they usually do not unless you ask for them to. He also told me that the embassy could always ask the VN to look up if I had been there and they will send part of that visa to them. (Do they really do this? I don't know and he may have talking out his azz)

Anyway I just sent the certified main page of the passport along with my other proof of meeting and I seemed to be ok. The embassy seems to be aware of them doing this so all should be fine. It is not like one has no other proof to show. Somehow I was able to pull all of this off and get a visa and if I can do it then most others can also.


Just curious if you got a landing visa or if you got it from the embassy in San Francisco?
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-02-15 16:09:00
Asia: East and Pacificpassport time stamp question help!!
QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Feb 15 2009, 10:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
OK, I've gotten three visas, and all of them have been permanently affixed to my passport. The first two were single entries and the last one was a multi. Where are you getting visas that aren't glued in? I know there are more options now than there used to be. I physically sent my passport to San Francisco each time. Sorry for the stupid question.

An afterthought: Could this be a difference between POEs? I've always come in through Noi Bai Airport just outside of Hanoi. Them Commies up there LOVE stamps. I can't imagine they would pass up the opportunity to stamp your passport, permanently affixed visa or not.


I have gotten 4 visas to VN since October, 2007. All of them through the embassy in San Francisco where I sent my passport. The first was a single entry and was not affixed. The next two were multi-entry and were affixed, which at the time I thought explained the difference. Then I got my last multi-entry in October, 2008. That one was not affixed.

I can't understand what is driving the difference, and honestly after Hien gets her visa I won't care. But for now, I will continue to get multi-entry visas just to be sure that they do not take it when I leave VN. The worst part of the loose visa is the constant worry that I will lose it somehow.

I always enter VN through Ho Chi Minh so maybe they handle the visas differently? I think we here in America tend to look for the logic in everything. If I have learned anything in the last 16 months it is not to look for everything in VN to make sense. It just is. Maybe they happened to run out of self-stick visas when my last one went through so they used an old paper one? Who knows?!
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-02-15 13:06:00
Asia: East and Pacificpassport time stamp question help!!
QUOTE (Melrose Plant @ Feb 14 2009, 03:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you get the type of visa where you send off your passport to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate (which, not so long ago, was your only option), you will get a stamp in your passport.


Not necessarily with single entry visas in VN. The only country I have been to that issues visas (even from the embassy) not affixed to the passport. As I mentioned earlier, my first visa was single entry from the embassy. It was not affixed, it was kept upon my departure and they did not stamp my passport. My current multi-entry visa (again from the embassy) is not affixed and they have not been stamping my passport. I have been in and out of VN 7 times with it and they only stamp the back of the visa paper. But it thankfully is in my possession.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-02-14 15:23:00
Asia: East and Pacificpassport time stamp question help!!
It happens in VN when you get a single entry visa that is not affixed to your passport. They stamp the visa and keep it. I did this on my first visit and decided that I did not like it so I got multi-entry after that.

With most multi-entry visas there, they will affix it to your passport and then stamp a page coming in and going out. My first two multi-entry visas were affixed but my last multi-entry was a loose paper which they stamped each time on the back (not in my passport) but since it was a multi-entry, they did not keep it. It will expire soon but I have it in my possession to photocopy for the interview.

Multi-entry visas to VN are expensive but they will ensure that you have the visa in your possession and, more importantly, the stamps.
toddandhienMaleVietnam2009-02-14 14:58:00