ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificLearn Vietnamese(or any language)
I thought some of you might find this helpful, as I did. It's a great language program that is easy, fun and free(trial version). I downloaded the free trail version, called BYKI Lite, and was amazed at how extensive it was.

It uses a very effective flash card system of learning words and phrases. There is a built in key mapper that allows you to type the words in Vietnamese with the proper accents. The best thing about it is that it plays recordings of the words and phrases being spoken in Vietnamese as you learn them. So, not only do you learn to read and write Vietnamese, but speak it as well.

My fiancee gets a kick out of me surprising her with new phrases everyday and she is so excited that I will be able to speak with her parents the next time I go back to VN. I'm talking huge brownie points here, folks. I fully intend on purchasing the upgrade, only $49, once I've mastered most of the lists provided with the Lite version. If you do download the Lite version, be sure to return to the website and downlaod any additional free lists, especially one named "Useful Expressions".

Here is the link: BKYI Lite

I asked but unfortunately they don't offer a version to help Vietnamese speaking individuals learn English. My fiancee speaks English fairly well, enough for us to communicate, but she would like to expand her vocabulary and practice pronunciation. If anyone knows of a good language tool that offers Vietnamese-->English, let me know.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-07 21:57:00
Asia: East and PacificCosign for I-129F
QUOTE (Kevin&Loan @ Mar 17 2008, 10:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Technically, like everyone here says, co-sponsor is still accepted. However, when you have a co-soponsor, you are raising the red-flag yourself. Read this article, paragraph 8, I find it every interesting

http://www.rmiodp.co...wsid=7892&pid=0

"Góp ý: Các ???ng ??n (??c bi?t là các chi?u khán công v? B-1, du l?ch B-2 và du h?c F-1) nên ???c chu?n b? chu ?áo ?? có th? tr? l?i nh?ng thông tin trên các ??n t?. M?t v?n ?? chung th??ng x?y ra cho ??n xin chi?u khán di?n hôn thê-hôn phu liên quan ??n ??n b?o tr? tài chánh I-134 và ng??i ph? b?o tr?. N?u ng??i b?o lãnh không ?? l?i t?c c?n b?n nh? quy ??nh, h? s? không th? nh? ng??i ph? b?o tr? tài chánh giúp ???c. Ng??i b?o lãnh s? ph?i ??i cho ??n khi có ?? l?i t?c theo quy ??nh."


Is it possible to get this translated? I checked the website and could not find a link to an English version.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-17 13:16:00
Asia: East and PacificI129F Filer, Wedding Reception & Pictures Taken Before Interview
Nice work, Phuong. I think you are doing the right thing. The more I think about it the more comfortable I am with your decision. We will probably do the same thing.

Is the Single Certificate something that is requested in Packet 3, or is it an extra precaution that you are taking in your case? Where would my fiancee go in HCMC to obtain this and what are the fees and process times?

Good luck to you!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-26 11:31:00
Asia: East and PacificI129F Filer, Wedding Reception & Pictures Taken Before Interview
I talked it over with my fiancee and we decided not to show any pictures of the wedding ceremony. We will show pictures of the reception party and refer to it as an engagement party.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-20 22:22:00
Asia: East and PacificI129F Filer, Wedding Reception & Pictures Taken Before Interview
I am in a similar situation. My fiancée and I are filing for a K1 but because her family is Catholic, it is very important to them to have a wedding ceremony/reception party in a Catholic church in Viet Nam since they obviously can't come to the US. I emailed the US Consulate in HCMC and explained my situation and asked for their advice. This was their reply:

Visa categories that applicants apply are based on the nature of the relationship. If you marry your fiancée and sign a marriage certificate in Vietnam or elsewhere, you have to file an immigrant visa petition on behalf of your spouse so that she can apply for a visa to immigrate to the US . If you just have a wedding ceremony in Vietnam without legally documents - marriage certificate - signed, you can file a fiancée visa petition for her. For more information on filing an immigrant or fiancée visa petition, you should contact the regional Citizenship and Immigrant Services office that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. You can also find this information on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov

If you have further inquiries, please do not delete your original email in all correspondence.

Sincerely,
Info Unit Staff
Consular Section
U.S. Consulate General HCMC

The Consulate is fully aware of how important this is to many couples. I would think that any dated receipts, such as for the photographer, would establish when the ceremony took and place. Therefore, any Single Cert dated after that time(as close to the interview as possible) should be acceptable.

I want to state that I'm not recommending you volunteer the information. That is up to you. I'm just sharing some info with you so you can make your own decision. I haven't even decided how I will handle the situation when the time comes. I'm only considering it because of the short amount time I have been in this relationship and because it might lend some credibility. I also don't like the idea of keeping secrets.

Good luck to you. Keep me posted. I'd like to know what you decide.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-19 22:07:00
Asia: East and PacificAfter 53 days in AP, finally got the pink!
WOOT!!! Grats!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-27 00:11:00
Asia: East and PacificWOOOHOOO!!! She got Pink!!!
WOOT!!! Grats to the two of you. I wish you guys the best. Good luck on the next phase.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-04-01 00:09:00
Asia: East and PacificInterviewed, Blue then Green then Pink.!!
wow, those are some crazy interview questions. "what is your fiance's favorite movie?" wth?!?! i don't even know what my favorite movie is, in fact i don't even have a favorite movie. the exact place you will register your marriage license? we probably wont even decide that until she arrives in LA. we might do it at a courthouse here in LA or may do the Las Vegas weekend wedding thing. sorry, but some of the questions i read about are rediculous.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-04-26 12:54:00
Asia: East and PacificInterviewed, Blue then Green then Pink.!!
WOOT!!! Grats you two! Good luck!

I'm also curious about the birth certificates for parents. My father is deceased, so , I wonder how difficult it would be to obtain his birth certificate.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-04-25 13:11:00
Asia: East and Pacificour wedding
Congratulatioins to both of you! I'm so happy for guys. Thi looked beautiful. I'm glad you got her to move closer to you so we could see her. laughing.gif Is the dinner a live stream? If so, that's a great idea. Can't see much in the dark, but still a great idea. I would love to do something like that for our party in VN so my family and friends here in the US could watch part of it. Very clever of you Peter. wink.gif Good luck to the two of you.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-04-26 22:19:00
Asia: East and PacificI leave tomorrow
Good luck to both of you. Have a safe trip and keep us posted.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-04-28 11:30:00
Asia: East and PacificFor those who have filed the I-129 already....
he has to fill out the G-325A(all 4 pages filled out and signed), provide an original(no photocopies) statement that he intends to marry you within 90 days of entering the US on his K1 visa(aka Letter of Intent), and a passport-type photo with full name written on the back in pencil or black felt tip pen.

are you sure you read the K1 guide? whistling.gif
http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1guide

i printed the guide along with the uscis instructions and had them next to my computer the entire time i put my petition together. should've memorized them as many times as i read them. tongue.gif
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-05-06 23:50:00
Asia: East and PacificFor those who have filed the I-129 already....
the instructions on the uscis website for filing an I129f say to include evidence that you have met in person in the past 2 years. see #5A. that would include photos, tickets, receipts, etc.

http://www.uscis.gov...I-129Finstr.pdf

just evidence that pertains to your meeting in the past 2 years. other evidence of your relationship, before and since, will be submitted at the interview. good luck.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-05-06 23:11:00
Asia: East and PacificDouble Whammy Pink Slips!
Awesome guys!!! Congratulations everyone. Good luck to you all. Thanks for the updates.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-05-09 11:22:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC May30th Interview
Great news! Congratulations and good luck to you!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-06-09 20:32:00
Asia: East and PacificWeird question for those of you who know VIETNAM
I found out about this rule the hard way. What I learned from both the hotels and my travel agent was that the rule only applies to 3 star and up. As long as you stay at a 2 star hotel there is no problem. I had to cancel my original reservation and switch to a less expensive one.

There are many very nice rooms for cheap rates at 2 star hotels. The biggest difference between 2 star hotels and nicer ones is that the 2 star don't have their own full service restaurant or a swimming pool, therefore, they can't receive a higher rating. I found a nice little boutique hotel in downtown HCM for $38 a night. It had comfortable and contemporary furnishings and a big whirlpool bathtub...for two. The bathtub was the selling point for me and we made good use of it with some aromatherapy candles and a nice scented bubblebath. wink.gif
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-06-30 13:13:00
Asia: East and Pacifican overdue update
QUOTE (hniHnitsuJ @ Nov 5 2008, 09:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Nice pictures, thank you for sharing with us, and good luck both for you interview.

p.s. on the picture, I was wondering where did you took that pictures? It looks beautiful.


Thx, most of the pics are from around HCMC. The coastal pics in the second album are from Vung Tau, a resort town a couple hours boat ride from HCMC. I recommend it for a romantic get away but go during the week. We went on a weekend and didn't know that the return boat trips sell out early. We had to take a bus back to HCMC, not fun.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-05 12:40:00
Asia: East and Pacifican overdue update
We received our NOA1 in April and prepared ourselves for the long wait for NOA2. I was planning to wait to return to VN for Hieu's interview, but after five months of being apart I couldn't take it any longer and bought a ticket for the end of July. Hieu's birthday is July 31st and with the help of her friends I was able to surprise her by showing up at her party with a birthday cake and an engagement ring. We had planned on shopping for a ring together once she arrived in LA, but I decided it was a good excuse to go see her. If anyone is interested, I have pics of this lastest trip posted at the link below along with the pics from my first visit(there is a third album of pics that Hieu posted of her company trip for her friends to see).

We expected a six month wait but were surprised when we received our NOA2 in August. By the way, no 'touches', straight from 'pending' to 'approved'. Since then things seem to be moving on schedule. You can view our timeline for specifics. I sent the last of my share of the evidence to Hieu earlier this week. She should receive the package next week. Her medical exam is also next week. We already have a long list of questions prepared and have started practicing for the interview.

We have been pleasantly surprised by our experience so far with the Consulate in HCMC. They have been handling our case with greater efficiency than expected. All of my emails have been answered in a courteous and timely manner with helpful responses. If anyone has any questions, I'm happy to share any info I can.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-10-31 12:53:00
Asia: East and PacificHello ALL. She got 2 years Green Card
Grats, glad to see things are going so well.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-05 19:11:00
Asia: East and PacificTranslating Vietnamese documents
Thanks, guys. The AOS part makes good sense. Is there a concise list of the forms we'll need translated for AOS?
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-08 11:36:00
Asia: East and PacificTranslating Vietnamese documents
I know it's been a long time since I sent in the petition, but I don't recall sending her birth certificate, just a copy of mine. I think the only thing from her I submitted was her G-325a. I know I never had anything translated.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-05 21:15:00
Asia: East and PacificTranslating Vietnamese documents
So, I was recently reading the instructions that came with my fiancee's packet 4. The second bullet item of the first section states: All documents not in English or Vietnamese must be accompanied by certified translations... In some special cases, you may be requested to submit translations for Vietnamese documents.

I emailed the Consulate in HCMC and asked them very specifically:
"Are there any Vietnamese documents, such as Justice Record Check, Birth Certificate, ID card, etc., that must be translated? According to the instructions for K1 Visa provided in packet 4 as I understand, my fiancee will not be required to provide translations for Vietnamese documents since no request has been made. Am I correct?"

This is the reply that I recived:
"Yes, you are correct. Vietnamese documents are not required to translate into English.

Sincerely,

Information Unit Staff
Consular Section
U.S. Consulate General HCMC "

So, why do I keep reading posts by VJers who have had their Vietnamese documents translated? Did they receive a special request to do so or are they just being overly cautious?
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-05 18:48:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam embassy interview
You might want to ask specific questions about the HCMC Embassy in the East Asian & Pacific forum.
http://www.visajourn...h...er=all&st=0

When my fiancee returned her packet 3 she was told to call back every month after one month had passed, but she received her appoinment letter less than two weeks later. We were shocked. Her interview is scheduled for Nov 24th.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-07 17:59:00
Asia: East and PacificHow long did it take for you to get your NOA2?
QUOTE (JonasMichaels @ Nov 19 2008, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (CraigCam @ Nov 19 2008, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
NOA2 times depend on the service center, not the embassy you are applying at. Check out the graphs on this page for an idea of times up until the point HCMC receives your petition:

K1 Visa Historical Processing Times

We received our NOA2 in just over four months. Then it took about a month for my petition to arrive in HCMC. Once we returned packet 3, we received packet 4 about two weeks later. The interview was scheduled three weeks later. Just a few more days to go.


Hi Craig...Did your girl hire a company in VN to fill out the paperwork for her? If so, which one? How complex is packet 3 and is that all for her to fill out or did you need to do something?

Did she happen to turn in packet 3 by hand or mail it in? I was thinking if I am there, Phuong and I can go together to the consulate, turn in 3 and then get packet 4 right then. Is packet 4 just instructions then?

Phuong is a worrywart and doesn't trust the companies in VN to do the paperwork, she has heard about too many "mistakes". Think we can do packet 3 ourselves?

I know you will be excited and busy on your interview date but PLEASE take a few minutes to post. It goes of us waiting so much hope and ideas. Good luck!
Jonas


No, we didn't hire a service. We thought about it but the forms were pretty simple, so, Hieu decided she could fill them out. Packet 3 is very simple. Just fill out form DS-230 part 1, just biographical info, and sign DS-2001, which is a letter stating that you are ready to have your interview scheduled. The instructions provide a list of things to be gathering while waiting for the interview to be scheduled, but there is nothing that isn't listed in the guides here. She lives in HCMC, near the Embassy, so, she dropped packet 3 off by hand, but no, you can't get packet 4 at the same time. It will take a couple of weeks to get your interview scheduled.

Packet 4 will give the date of your interview and a list of everything you need and where to get it. The forms are very simple, another DS-230 part 1, DS-156 and DS-156K. All these forms are available online, in fact, DS-156 has to be filled out online and then printed right then because it will generate a bar code on the form with specific information.

The majority of the work will be gathering and organizing your evidence. A service will only be able to help you so much with that part. If your fiancee has access to a computer and the internet and is comfortable with filling out online forms and printing them, then I don't see any need for a service. If you have any questions about filling out the forms, just look at the sample forms here on VJ. That's all we did.

Good luck
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-19 20:55:00
Asia: East and PacificHow long did it take for you to get your NOA2?
NOA2 times depend on the service center, not the embassy you are applying at. Check out the graphs on this page for an idea of times up until the point HCMC receives your petition:

K1 Visa Historical Processing Times

We received our NOA2 in just over four months. Then it took about a month for my petition to arrive in HCMC. Once we returned packet 3, we received packet 4 about two weeks later. The interview was scheduled three weeks later. Just a few more days to go.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-19 14:35:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview was today...
PINK!!!

Please forgive me for not giving the details right now but I can't even think straight. I've been up for 24 hours due to working and waiting to hear from Hieu. I promise to give a full recount after I get some sleep. Thank you to everyone.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-24 10:06:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Questions
Not a stupid question at all. I don't see why you can't fill them out and send them to your fiancee. There is a question somewhere asking if anyone helped fill out the forms. Not sure what this would mean. Just make sure you go over the forms with her so she understands all the questions in case any of the info comes up in her interview. I'm not sure about the barcode on DS-156, but I know Hieu printed several copies because in order for me to proof she would have to print and scan since you can't save the data on the form.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-25 01:43:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam Questions
My fiancee just passed her interview yesterday in HCMC and we didn't use an attorney or service. However, my fiancee is computer literate and she even had some trouble with the DS-156 online form. She never submitted anything that I didn't proof read first.

If your case is very straight forward, no pregnancy, divorce, etc., then you may think about using a service. They are much cheaper than an attorney($200-400) but will only help with filling out the forms, no advice included. IOM, the service that handles the medical exam process in HCMC, offers this service and I think the fee is $200. I would still want to proof read anything before it was submitted.

I completely understand wanting to have some help there for your fiancee. I wasn't able to attend the interview and I understand how scary that can be. It could be extremely stressful for your fiancee at a time when she has enough to worry about.

Talk it over with your fiancee and take some time to research your options. The most important thing is that you are both comfortable.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-25 00:10:00
Asia: East and PacificRing sizes in Thailand
I was in the same situation and this what we did. My fiancee, Hieu, found a very inexpensive ring, just a small loop, that fit her finger just right. It could be metal or plastic even. Then she mailed it to me. Next, I went online and found an internet jewelry site. I think the name was Diamond.com. They had a very helpful 'ringsizer'. It was basically a small ruler that you print out. Then you cut it out and wrap it into a loop like a paper ring. The point at which the end comes to the other side is what size you need. So, I looped the ringsizer small enough to fit inside the ring she had sent me. The end came to the line for a size 4! In the US ring sizes don't go by standard measurements, just like shoe sizes.

Size 4, for the record, is tiny. Most jewelers don't carry a size 4. As a general rule all ring settings are manufactured in an average size and then cut down to smaller sizes, but size 4 is too much of an adjustment. So, I had to have a white gold setting custom forged for her. It was worth every penny.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-25 15:42:00
Asia: East and PacificIs anyone in VN now?
QUOTE (Uncle_Wally @ Nov 30 2008, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Dai_VN @ Nov 30 2008, 07:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Uncle_Wally @ Nov 30 2008, 06:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I went there once. Hey, maybe you guys can settle something for me that I've been since unable to figure out:
What's that stuff that looks like fried rice that folks in HCMC spread out on the bare sidewalk, seemingly so it can dry/cook in the sun? Do they eat it after it's been sitting on the sidewalk? Do they wash it? It didn't seem like it was ever on even a tarp or something, but like I said, right on the ground. What is that stuff?



It's burnt dried rice that you find on the bottom of the rice cookers. They like to dry it and wait for it to be crispy and eat it. I think it's nasty myself but some people eat it as a snack. The old country side folks like to eat it and I always see them out on the streets where dust and dirt blow all over there. Some of the foods in Vietnam don't exactly pass FDA standards or aren't very hygienic.


Thanks. I'll be able to sleep like a baby again now that that's cleared up.
That's absolutely disgusting that they don't put anything under it. Dogs take dumps on the sidewalk, and drunks pee on it. I know I do.
Doesn't sound half bad, if I wouldn't have to eat it off the bare street, and perhaps with some spices and salt on it.


rofl.gif
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-30 21:54:00
Asia: East and PacificIs anyone in VN now?
I don't know what her schedule will be like, but Hieu, my fiancee, lives in HCMC. Contact her through her VJ profile, Sao Bien. She would be happy to meet for lunch or dinner.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-28 21:50:00
Asia: East and PacificI think I see a trend
Uh oh, I hope you're wrong.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-19 22:29:00
Asia: East and PacificWhite Slip
Ralph and Hanh, I can't say how sorry I am to hear this. I wish I had some answers to give you. It really is a shame that we all have to endure such scrutiny because of the scumbags that do abuse the system. My last relationship before getting involved with Hieu lasted 5 years and we lived together for 4 1/2 of those. I guarantee that after 5 years my ex could never tell you what schools I attended.

And, as for having knowledge of where you live, how is someone supposed to be familiar with a place that they aren't even allowed to visit? If I wasn't allowed to visit Vietnam, how would I describe it? "It's hot and they eat a lot of rice?" tongue.gif

I think you have to admit that getting engaged before you actually met would be a red flag for anyone. That would be a major concern for me if I was in your shoes. Overcoming that is going to be your biggest challenge I would think. But still, it shouldn't be grounds for a permanent denial. All I can say is hang in there. It's not over yet. I'm sure someone here on VJ will have the answers you need.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-12-02 14:30:00
Asia: East and Pacific4 YEARS LATER!
Grats!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-12-10 08:56:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC interview
I'm 42 and Hieu is 32. CO was an Asian male. She thinks he was Philippino.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-25 01:14:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC interview
First, I want to thank everyone here at VJ for their help and support. Fortunately, our case was simple, so, we decided to handle everything ourselves. There is simply no way that we could have done this without all your help.

When I sent in my I-129F I didn't include anything in the way of evidence other than what was necessary to prove that we met in person at least once; no chat logs, phone bills, etc. Knowing what I now know, I would have included all the evidence of our relationship, including a timeline, because I now see that the decision is made, to some degree, before the interview ever takes place. I only submitted a dozen photos from my first visit and I truly believe that those were the main factor in our approval. I'm convinced that it is not a matter of how much evidence you submit, but rather how compelling that evidence is. It is a matter of quality over quantity. Luckily for us, what little evidence I did include must have been very convincing.

My petition was approved in just over four months with no touches whatsoever. It went straight from 'pending' to 'approved'. Soon Hieu received Packet 3 and the 'fun' began. We spent hours and hours compiling all our evidence. Hieu took nearly ten pounds of evidence to her interview; chat logs, receipts, photos, etc. The CO did not look at a single piece of evidence during the interview, except for our photos from my two visits. In fact, he never asked to see my Evidence of Support or the notarized timeline that I had sent.

I have to give all the credit for our success to my beautiful fiancee. I can't express how proud I am of her and how well she handled everything. Of course I helped her complete the forms and double checked them for her, as well as gave her guidance on how to organize everything and how to handle herself in the interview. But in the end, she is the one who had to carry it out. She was very deligent in collecting and organizing our evidence and we spent many hours practicing fourteen pages of interview questions over and over. I asked her to write a summary of her interview for those of you here at VJ and this is her recount in her own words.(She has a profile here on VJ but has been a little shy posting. If anyone would like to ask her some questions, maybe in Vietnamese, I'm sure she would be more than happy to help. Send her a pm, Sao Bien is her username.)

I went to US Consulate on 7:45am, queued on the right gate with passport and appointment letter and receipt of fee $131 and entered to the gate of US Consulate.
I got the automatic number in the reception counter, my number was A0058, then came inside and waited for calling my number, it showed on the electronic board on the top.
Some minutes went by, one US lady and her translator came in and asked for all ppl stand up and raise our right hand for swearing, this only means about US law but also express the sacred thing for what we will talk, declare and all evidence are true.
They called me for making profile first, like Fee of interview, ID card, Passport, DS230-I, …. And came back to the seat for waiting again …
Roundabout 45’, I was called to the No.10 counter for interview, the interviewer was Asian guy, like Philippino and translater, Vietnamese lady.

Interviewer : what language do you talk with your fiancé?
Me : English

Interviewer : do you speak English now? (for the interview)
Me : Yes

Interviewer : do you have any relatives in US?
Me : I have uncle’s family

Interviewer : what’s your uncle’s name?
Me : Nguyen Van Chin

Interviewer : where does he live?
Me : San Diego

Interviewer : what does he do?
Me : he is retired now

Interviewer : what did he do before retired?
Me : many things, like delivery newspaper, cleaner, …

Interviewer : how do you know your fiancé?
Me : I met him in the internet

Interviewer : what is date site?
Me : it’s Cherry Blossom

Interviewer : what does he do?
Me : Camera assistant for film

Interviewer : does he do photos and videos?
Me : no, he is Camera assistant for films and TV shows

Interviewer : what TV shows?
Me : I don’t know, sometimes American Idol, entertainment shows, …

Interviewer : does he work now?
Me : yes

Interviewer : how long does he work for film?
Me : 5 years

Interviewer : how many times does he visit you?
Me : 2 times, one was on Feb and second was on Aug, it was 31st July to 10th Aug

Interviewer : do you have engagement ceremony?
Me : no, we don’t

Interviewer : why?
Me : because when he proposed me on Valentine’s Day, he didn’t buy an engagement ring

Interviewer : when did you have engagement?
Me : he gave me engagement ring on my birthday

Interviewer : do you have photos?
Me : yes, here you are. This was first visit, here was second visit

Interviewer : who is he? (inquiring about a photo of one of Hieu's friends and myself)
Me : he is a friend of mine, it was on the first visit, we took my friends to go …

Interviewer : is it your engegament ring? (asking about the ring on her finger)
Me : yes

Interviewer : where did your fiancé buy?
Me : I don’t know, just remember SD name, Stein Diamond or ….
(I was trying to look for Receipt of Ring to let him know the name of shop…)

Interviewer : how much?
Me : 2500$ excluded tax

Interviewer : ok
Me : ah, it’s Stein Diamond
(I tried to show them receipt…)

Translator : what for? No need you Pass …
Me : oh … thank you

Translator : you will get your Visa in here on 1st Dec
Me : Thank you, sir

I received PINK paper after answering how much the ring costs !!!!!

Hieu told me that she is convinced that her approval was based on two things: our photos(the only evidence the CO looked at) and the fact that she conducted the interview in English. I had coached her extensively on how to handle herself during the interview. I told her to be very confident, look the interviewer in the eyes and to keep smiling. She said that the interviewer seemed to be impressed by the fact that she could conduct the interview in English. She says that allowed her and the interviewer to interact one on one instead of relaying questions and answers through the translator. She noticed that other interviews were conducted in Vietnamese and in these cases the interviewer kept eye contact with the translator rather than the fiancee, and vice versa. All of those cases received blue slips.

I think it is important to point out that the interviewer already had the pink slip with him when the interview started. All he had to do was sign it. As I already stated, there wasn't much evidence for them to base their decision on before the interview, only the photos I submitted with my petition. Our photos were not just the standard couple posing in front of some landmark. We had many candid photos of me with her family and friends toasting drinks, laughing and having fun. I think they painted a more complete and genuine picture of our relationship for the CO. For the interview we also included photos that I had sent to Hieu that had nothing to do with the two of us. Photos of me as a child, my apartment, my family and friends, my cats. Hieu said that the interviewer smiled when he looked at some of these. She knew then that she might have a good chance.

Everyone is welcome to view our photos online at the link below in my signature. Just makeup a username and password to gain access to the photo albums.

I often read about couples that have received blue slips and can't understand why because they had mountains of evidence. I think it proves that it doesn't matter how many pages of chat logs or emails you may have. Those are easy things to fake and therefore, don't carry a lot of weight with COs. Pictures are worth a thousand words. It is hard to fake true happiness in someones face. I'm not trying to imply anything about those who receive blue slips, but if there is anything about your case that raises eyebrows(divorces, relatives in the US. etc.), then your evidence will need to be that much more convincing.

The important thing to remember is that you are trying to appeal to someones human side, not just supply info to some robot. I think that is why it is so important to prepare your fiance for the interview. Make sure that he/she engages the interviewer in a relaxed, confident and friendly manner. However, when you consider that Hieu's interviewer already had the pink slip filled out, it raises questions about how important the interview really is. In many cases it may only serve to affirm a decision already made. Give them the right evidence to make a decision and the interview may only be a formality.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-24 23:28:00
Asia: East and Pacificphone transcript with few minutes
For our evidence, I turned in my phone bills which only showed one single phone call during the year we had known each other. The only reason I bothered submitting them at all was to show the dozen or so text messages I sent her each month. Almost all our communication was done through Skype.

To show this evidence I went to the Call History tab in Skype and scrolled down to the first entries in the log, then I used Alt+PrtSc to copy the Skype window to the clipboard, then I pasted it into Windows Paint and printed it. I scrolled up a few days and repeated the process.

Don't worry about evidence of phone calls anyway. They aren't considered very strong evidence. What is more important are pictures of your time together and proof of other things that couples in love do for each other, like cards, gifts and a thorough timeline explaining your relationship in detail.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-12-20 16:14:00
Asia: East and PacificDon't Forget About 911
QUOTE (Dave_Thao @ Jan 9 2009, 08:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I made sure Thao watched Reno 911 when she came here so she would remember what to dial in case of an emergency.


laughing.gif
all good points, thx guys. good.gif
CraigCamMaleVietnam2009-01-09 11:45:00
Asia: East and Pacificjust a general question
I've wondered this myself. My guess is the number of posts you make on the forums.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2009-01-11 22:14:00
Asia: East and Pacificwhat is best postal company to use sending to vietnam
I had a bad experience with DHL, but even FedEx takes three business days.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2009-01-14 01:48:00