ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
Asia: East and PacificPink
WOOHOO!!! kicking.gif Grats to both of you. I'm very happy for you. Looks like 2009 is getting off to a good start for you.


CraigCamMaleVietnam2009-01-05 11:30:00
Asia: East and PacificVietnam newbie member and question! :-)
I answered the question: "Yes, with work authorization". I didn't give any specifics about a profession.

If you haven't already, I suggest going to the Example Forms section. The link is on the navigation bar at the top of the page. It was a big help for me when I had questions like this.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2009-01-19 16:43:00
Asia: East and PacificOne for the Little Bitty Baby
WOOT!!! kicking.gif Grats to both of you!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2009-01-30 12:40:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa for US citizens
QUOTE (andrew va thuy @ Jan 28 2009, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (CraigCam @ Jan 28 2009, 04:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ya, it works fine. I've done it twice. You just have to fill out a form when you arrive. It takes about 10 minutes.

Good luck!



Great News - Thanks - did you use this service or another ?


No, I used the service provided by the travel agency that I booked my hotel through. It's actually a little cheaper.

http://www.hotels-in...etnam-visa.html

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2009-01-29 01:17:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa for US citizens
Ya, it works fine. I've done it twice. You just have to fill out a form when you arrive. It takes about 10 minutes.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2009-01-28 15:22:00
Asia: East and PacificWho has the next interview in Vietnam?
Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-12-08 14:46:00
Asia: East and PacificWho has the next interview in Vietnam?
I'm sorry to hear about all the blue slips recently. I would give them what they ask for as quickly as possible and hopefully there will only be a short delay. Hang in there.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-18 16:21:00
Asia: East and PacificWho has the next interview in Vietnam?
QUOTE (chaddna @ Nov 12 2008, 06:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I will be interviewed on 14 Nov ,wow only 1 day.I'm so nervous ,because i failed fiance case before .Hope i will have luck this time


Aww, no update? I hope you are too busy celebrating.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-14 12:18:00
Asia: East and PacificWho has the next interview in Vietnam?
Yes, keep us posted with all the juicy details. Hieu's is the 24th but I'm sure someone else has one sooner.

Good luck all.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-05 19:00:00
Asia: East and Pacificvietnamese--->english translator in LA
Thanks. Do you know if it needs to be notarized?
CraigCamMaleVietnam2009-07-13 17:34:00
Asia: East and Pacificvietnamese--->english translator in LA
Can anyone refer me to a vietnamese to english translation service in the Los Angeles area? I need to have a birth certificate translated.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2009-07-13 13:59:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)WHAT IN THE WORLD!!!!
We received 2 identical letters from NVC, one dated 8/21 and the other dated 8/22. I'm not sure why, but we received our packet 3 on 9/15.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-29 20:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionunder 125% and no cosponser, what do i do?
I have a question about cosponsors and instead of posting a seperate topic maybe the answer might be helpful to katie in trying to find a cosponsor.

My question is, what exactly are the legal responsibilties of a cosponsor? Say, for example, on the I-134 the cosponsor stated that they would 'help with financial aid as needed.' What does that mean from a legal perspective?

My guess is that maybe the government just wants to obsolve themselves of any responsibilty for the beneficiary. In other words, Uncle Sam could, for example, use that statement to deny any claims for welfare on behalf of the beneficiary. But, would the government actually take any legal action to force the cosponsor to provide financial assistance and if so, how much? Could the cosponsor be held accountable if the beneficiary defaults on a loan or fails to pay a bill?

It might be easier to find a cosponsor if the person knew that they weren't putting their own financial security at risk.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-14 21:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioninterview scheduled too soon?
Unless the Ukraine Embassy has different procedures, you are NOT supposed to submit those documents until the interview. In fact, if you read the DS-156K carefully, you will see at the bottom where it states not to even sign the form until in the presence of the consular officer.

I suggest asking these types of questions to your Embassy in the form of an email just to be sure. That way you will have their response in a printable form that you keep as evidence.

Good luck.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-05 14:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForeign Names
Well, the Fiancee Letter of Intent doesn't have form fields which is why I was asking if there was a prefered style. Just trying to avoid the possibility of any confusion.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-02-29 20:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresForeign Names
First, I want to say 'Hello' to everyone. I just found this site yesterday and I can't tell you all how relieved I was. I spent yesterday researching the guides and forums and found answers to most of my questions.

One question that I wasn't able to find an answer to was, how my fiancee's name should be listed on the Fiancee Letter of Intent to Marry? She is Vietnamese and the custom there is to give the family name first then middle and finally the given name. Should she use this form or the American form of given name first and family name last?

Finally, good luck to everyone here. I'm sure you will be hearing more from me in the coming months.

PS-Vietnamese is a crazy language with the letters having so many variations, but it is still an alphabet based on Roman letters, right? I mean, it's not necessary to fill in question 16 on the I-129f(write her name and address in the native alphabet), is it?
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-02-29 19:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPurchase of ticket w/o passport
I don't know if it varies from airline to airline, but I didn't have a passport(was in the process of applying for a lost one) when I booked my flight to Vietnam. The only time it was mentioned by the airline was when I received my online itinerary and it stated at the bottom that any required documents, ie: passport, visa, were my responsiblility. I did have to show my passport at check in and boarding for identification purposes, but they never asked to see my visa. I had arranged for a Visa on Arrival. The way I see it, the airlines just want to sell you a ticket. Once they deliver you to your destination airport you are no longer their responsibilty.

As for advance purchase, I'd say definitely book as early as you can. I watched ticket prices for my exact same flight increase by $400 in a matter of weeks. I think the airlines set ticket prices according to how many seats are left, as the number of seats remaining decreases, the cost increases.

Just make sure there is no danger that anything you need might be delayed past your departure date. Good luck and have fun!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-02 17:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the country on a K1
Thank you everyone for the fast replies. I don't know what I would do without VJ. good.gif
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-16 14:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving the country on a K1
My fiancée is concerned that once she arrives in the US on her K1 visa that she won't be able to return home to visit her family for more than two years. She got this information from a friend of hers who is currently in the US on a K1 and recommended that we file for a K3 if she wants to return home sooner.

I did some research here on VJ and just want to confirm my own conclusions. If we file for a K1, then my fiancée can return home once her I-485, AOS, is approved. According to the USCIS timetable that takes about 7 months to process(CVS). The 2 year period that her friend claims appears to be a worse case scenario. If my fiancée wishes to return home sooner than that, or just to be on the safe side, we have the option of filing for an I-131, Advance Parole, which appears to take about 6 months to process(CVS).

Am I missing anything here? I just want to make sure I got all the facts straight before I explain them to my fiancée, so there wont be any confusion further down the road.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-16 13:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIneligibility based on membership in the Communist Party
I'm interested to know the answer to this question. I hadn't thought about it because I'm not that far along in the process, but my fiancee is also a college graduate. I can't ask her now because of the time change, but I will ask her in a couple of hours. If you don't get any quick responses, try posting this in the Asia East Pacific thread, more VN filers hang out there. Good luck.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-03-26 19:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresage gap question
It all depends on whether you are Horde or Alliance. USCIS doesn't like Horde because they smell bad.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-04-28 23:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresblue or black ?
black
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-05-06 23:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresmy friends idea
Please, tell your friend that this type of fraud is one of the reasons why the rest of us who take the legal route have such a hard time. If I knew someone who did this I would turn them in myself...after I kicked their @$$. mad.gif
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-07 17:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresproof of on going relationship
I wouldn't stress too much about it. My fiancee just passed her interview yesterday and they never looked at any of our chat logs, emails, phone bills, etc. The thing that the CO was most interested in was our photos. Start saving your chats logs again and this time print out copies at regular intervals, like once a week. You will have to print them out for the interview anyway, so, get a headstart. And if you have computer problems again, you wont lose everything.

Good luck
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-24 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresConcerned about stupid people and their MOUTH
I find it ironic that the OP specifically asked for no replies from anyone who isn't sure of their answers and the first reply posted is incorrect. Not only incorrect but from a country with much different cultural practices than Vietnam. The fact is that a one word answer without any explanation doesn't help much anyway. So, why add to the OP's stress with a negative reply if you aren't going to give any explanation?

The correct answer is, NO, this should not be a problem. First of all, the Consulate in HCM is aware of how important the engagement party is to VN people. They will not be confused about the difference between an engagement party and a wedding. In fact, it is expected that there will be an engagement party for the family and friends, especially if the wedding will be in the US.

To take this a step further, I have sent an email to the Consulate asking about this topic. The Consulate states that it is aware that couples wish to celebrate with the family in VN before leaving for the US. The only thing that the Consulate is concerned with is that there is no legal marriage. So, you can actually have a wedding ceremony as long as there is no marriage certificate involved. No marriage certificate=Not married.

Now I have read of couples in other countries having non-legal weddings and being denied visas. This is because in some countries, India for example, a religious ceremony is considered legally binding with or without a marriage license. But, Vietnam is different. Remember, you are dealing with a communist government and religious ceremonies are viewed differently by the government.

I don't have a link to the post handy, but someone on VJ recently(about 4 or 5 months ago) was approved in HCM and they had had a full blown wedding(not engagement party) without a marriage certificate. They sent an email to the Consulate to be sure this was not a problem. The Consulate stated exactly as I have and they took the email to the interview as evidence but it was not necessary, pink slip, first try.

I'm sure that people are just trying to be helpful but have no idea what the visa process is really like in VN. That is why this post should be in the Asian forum where people who are familiar with the specifics of how the HCM Consulate works will be more likely to respond. Sure, you will find stories of couples that have had problems in similar situations, but I seriously doubt any of them will be from the HCM Consulate.

Besides, what is done is done, so, why stress out about it now? You have made it clear that the party was an engagement not a wedding. In my opinion, this is a good thing for you. The engagement party will be excellent evidence to bolster your case of a bona fide relationship. Trust me, you will have plenty of other things to worry about without adding this to the pile.

One last thing, according to the K1 guru, ME, the Consulate cannot deny your petition based on any information already approved by USCIS in your I-129F petition. Since, you included info about the engagement party in your petition and USCIS has approved it, then technically HCM cannot deny you based on that info.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-22 10:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat's the first step?
Without knowing any specifics of your case(like whether or not you will have any complications), we can safely say that the K1 Visa process will take anywhere from 6-12 months, probably on the shorter end of that range. The visa will expire in 6 months, so, even if it takes a year to get your visa, it will expire before your fiance finishes school in 2 years. You can ask for extensions and delay the process at certain stages before you receive the visa. For example, once your interview date is set, you can request to reschedule for up to one year, but I don't know if that could impact your case or not.

You have plenty of time, so, I would suggest to read what others have to say, study the guides(K1 Guide) and then make your own educated decision based on your specific case. Regardless of when you decide to start the process, start gathering your evidence now! The guides will tell you what you need.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 14:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOkay site is confusing...
Well, in a sense both are right because you both will fill out a G-325a. So, you will be submitting two, one from you and one from your fiance(e).

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 15:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-29F Photo
Ya, pay is right. The white balance is off on your pic so the background looks really blue. If it's close like you say there probably wont be a problem. My fiancee's photos for the petition were the wrong size. Since she lives in Vietnam I decided not to wait for her to send new ones and I submitted anyway. We got lucky and there was no problem. But, since you haven't sent in your petition yet, why not have them redone and give yourself some peace of mind. This process can stressful enough as it is without worrying about details like this.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 15:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBrand new to this . . . my head is spinning!!
QUOTE (Anariae @ Nov 26 2008, 12:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks to everyone who replied! We definitely want to follow the rules on this, we just had no idea it was so convoluted and drawn out, and probably like everyone, just looking for the best way to be together as soon as possible.

By the way, pushbrk, who is the "OP"? Tried looking it up on the abbreviations page and couldn't find it. Operating Procedure? Ocean Pacific? laughing.gif

Thanks again everyone!

Anita


You are the OP! tongue.gif Original Poster

PS-I see you are from Hotlanta. I used to live across from the Fox. Ahh, the good ole days of bar hopping in Buckhead. Do they still have that 'Frique Nique'(sp?) event every year? What a mess that was.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 15:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBrand new to this . . . my head is spinning!!
Talk about naivete, I thought I would just go marry my sweety and bring her home with me on the next plane. laughing.gif

I thought I wouldn't be able to bear the lengthy process, but seven months later we have been approved. Looking back, the time went by much faster than I expected. Trips during the process make the wait more bearable.

Take a deep breath, do your homework and stay organized. It will pay off.

And listen to pushbrk, he knows what he's talking about. even if he and i don't see eye to eye 100% of the time, I always respect his input.

you will make some lasting frienships here on VJ. welcome and good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 00:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshi help
QUOTE (sanjanaa @ Nov 26 2008, 06:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (CraigCam @ Nov 26 2008, 08:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Beneficiary

what i need to send n when?


I-134 along with any evidence of the relationship that you have, when your fiancee receives packet 4.

And as browneyedgirl said, read the guides. You'll find the answers to all these questions.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 21:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshi help
Beneficiary
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 20:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHI
Here is the link you need: Poverty Guidelines

Assuming you will have a 2 person household, it looks like you will need $17,600 in income. That leaves you $3,200 short. You can make up for this by having money in the bank. You need 3 dollars in the bank for every dollar that you are short in income. So, that would mean that you need $9,600 in the bank. You should be fine.

I hope this helps, but I'm not claiming to be expert, so, please, double check this info.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 21:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI need your help!!!! PLEASE
QUOTE (payxibka @ Nov 26 2008, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Nov 26 2008, 11:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I see your point and yes, in this case, it's just a letter and hey...why not. I get that

...and umm good for you getting through GUZ HCMC.

I think you have to keep in mind that we are really responding to the masses here and in most cases, sending corrected documentation to the uscis without an included rfe does no good.



receiving an RFE is not defeat, but an opportunity to cure.... responding properly to an RFE is ensuring success...

sending in a document that has no chance of of being matched up to you case and therefore having no effect is certainly not ensuring success either


headbonk.gif
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 21:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI need your help!!!! PLEASE
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Nov 26 2008, 08:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In many cases it's not just a letter that is being sent in ...it's a pretty important and/or original document.

If your personal preference is to send a random document and hope that it somehow reaches your file stacked away in the abyss then that's your preference. Have a ball. wink.gif

You will find that those of us that have been here a while just know better than to waste the time and energy.


The specifics of this situation state that it is not an original document, but rather a personal letter. The letter will be written no matter what and can be reprinted at no cost. Again, the only risk is the price of postage. Is the concern here not to lose a couple bucks?

I've been here long enough(and been quite successful in an extremely high fraud counrty I might add) to have learned not to try to cut corners. Again, nothing is lost by making the attempt to avoid a delay. If the first letter is lost, then you go to plan B. No big deal. What is the risk? I'm still not seeing it.

I'm basing my answering not only on my own opinion but that of my attorney as well. He instructed us to send an additional letter to USCIS that addressed a potential problem and to send it FedEx, ASAP. We didn't wait to see if there was going to be a problem. We addressed it immediately. BTW, I was in Vietnam at the time, so, the cost was over $60. As it turned out the letter was not even necessary, but I would do the exact same thing again to ensure I had done everything in power to ensure success.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 12:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI need your help!!!! PLEASE
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Nov 26 2008, 07:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, really. It's VERY unlikely additional or corrected documents will ever find your original petition. Many have tried... and failed. wink.gif

Wait for the request.

I must be thick because I'm still not following the logic. Worse case scenario=send in the letter, it doesn't make it into the file, they receive an RFE and resubmit the letter. How much do they lose sending the first letter...a couple bucks postage to possibly avoid a delay of a few weeks? Call me crazy. blink.gif
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 11:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI need your help!!!! PLEASE
QUOTE (spookyturtle @ Nov 26 2008, 12:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wait until they send you a request for evidence. If you send something after you have mailed your petition it will probably never get mated to the rest of your package. Wait and see if they request the information.


Really? If he sent in the letter and it never made it into his file, then he would eventually receive the RFE. But how would that hurt? At least if he sends in the letter there is a chance(and I think a good chance) that he could avoid a delay.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 03:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2 NVC Letters Received
The letters from NVC were dated 8/21 and 8/22. The Packet 3 letter was dated 9/9, but we didn't receive it until the 15th. So, give them a couple weeks and you should receive your Packet 3.

Good luck!
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-27 00:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures2 NVC Letters Received
The same thing happened to me. I received two letters that were identical except for the dates. I don't what the reason was, but I wasn't concerned and it wasn't a problem.
CraigCamMaleVietnam2008-11-26 23:43:00