ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificCell phones
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Jul 3 2009, 10:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
True that.. this is why when people go to visit they are so loaded down with things that are not easily shipped to VN. Many times taking things over for others that want to avoid shipping.

You can usually find a like new 3G Iphone on Craigslist cheap now that people are getting the 3GS.... If you want to go that route I can send you the how to's to get it to work without any problems on VN cell system...

Its funny how you can buy bootleg video games there really cheap but to get the console to play them is another thing all together...


yeah when i was there last November my fiancee gave me a cellphone to use and they all use sim cards so just try to get a cheap one off ebay. my fiancee's sister lives in HK so that's where they get most of their phones. it was cool though because all of her cousins trade phones weekly with each other.
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-03 11:00:00
Asia: East and PacificLetter, Time Line
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Jul 4 2009, 08:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here is a link to some files that were previously posted that should possibly be in the guides area or some download area...
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=192925
I also included the image below what one could see if they arrive with inadequate evidence.


Dont forget about the pain of those who recently went before us, like Jack & Xuan , 2x2y2z and philliptham...
http://www.visajourn...h...t=0&start=0
http://ww
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=188957

Thuy and I play a game once or twice each week in which I ask her questions like I am CO and she asks me questions like CO grilling me... I am working on a more extensive list of questions that we should prepare for, so there is no confusion like Philliptham had. Preparation can prevent a great deal of pain... I had no idea until last night when I was reading through past posts, just how trigger happy HCMC is to shoot us down and what that actually means and how difficult it can be to resolve if at all. Remember that whatever we say in the letter must match the docs and what the SO says when questioned... exactly...



Ok Thank you for all of your help!
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-05 20:24:00
Asia: East and PacificLetter, Time Line
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Jul 3 2009, 12:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Josephs @ Jul 2 2009, 09:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Anh map @ Jul 2 2009, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How you met should be a fairly simple statement. (met on a bus in March 200x, met online, introduced by friends, classmates in school, work for the same company, etc. )

Timelines seem to be expected at HCMC these days. Give details of all the pertinent events in your relationship and especially time spent together.



Is a the timeline a seprate document? or would that be the letter?

Thank you for your help.


Describing how you met is one ONE of the points that should be covered in your timeline. You don't need two separate letters. Here are some of the points they generally ask you to cover. Bear in mind they want details - not just dates and places.

1. How and when did you first meet?

2. How were you introduced? If you were introduced by a relative of hers then address this point thoroughly. You have to convince them that "Uncle Boom Boom" didn't set you up in order to get his "niece" a ticket to the US.

3. When did you begin corresponding?

4. When do you feel your relationship became serious?

5. When did you decide to propose? Under what circumstances? Did you propose in person, over the phone, internet? Did she accept immediately, or did she think about it?

6. If you didn't "officially" propose, when did you first start discussing marriage?

7. How many times have you been to Vietnam to visit your fiancee? How many times have you seen her total? How long was each visit? (details)

Put a statement at the end - "I swear under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, belief, and ability". Get your signature notarized.


All of the critiea you have stated i have, but the statement at the end and get it notarized i didnt think about. Thanks for your help. At the momment im about 3 and a half pages. but i need to go back and add some details. Thank you for your help! biggrin.gif

JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-03 08:48:00
Asia: East and PacificLetter, Time Line
QUOTE (Anh map @ Jul 2 2009, 09:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How you met should be a fairly simple statement. (met on a bus in March 200x, met online, introduced by friends, classmates in school, work for the same company, etc. )

Timelines seem to be expected at HCMC these days. Give details of all the pertinent events in your relationship and especially time spent together.



Is a the timeline a seprate document? or would that be the letter?

Thank you for your help.
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-02 23:21:00
Asia: East and PacificLetter, Time Line
I am currently writing a l letter to US Consulate in VietNam, in detail how I first met Phi, My Fiancee. It is about 3 and half pages long and its basically a time line. I was wondering if i should make a 2nd time line that is very to the point. basically dates with event on a paper. or would my letter be alright.

also I was wondering if someone could take a look at my letter and give me any tips or help with it. (opening/closing) and that sort of thing.


Thanks,
Joseph
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-02 19:29:00
Asia: East and PacificFinally interview date!
QUOTE (hniHnitsuJ @ Jul 15 2009, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Josephs @ Jul 14 2009, 08:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Phi just got her Packet 4 yesterday. she said there was no interview date on it tongue.gif but after reading on here i know its on there. I had her look again and yup sure enough it was there. I have almost finished my Timeline and have gathered all that i can. does anyone have that link of common questions so that phi and i can start going over them. or should i just come up with my own based on my Timeline and our papers? I know that all questions are mostly a case by case basis. any links or help would be nice! oh and our date is, 8-12-09. I'm sooo happy but getting nervous the more I think about it!


Congrats, and good luck. Start by looking back all the threads back on May-09. All our questions are there, and you should be go to go.


ok, Thank you all for posting, were both so nervous but we know that confidence is the key to success
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-15 15:15:00
Asia: East and PacificFinally interview date!
Phi just got her Packet 4 yesterday. she said there was no interview date on it tongue.gif but after reading on here i know its on there. I had her look again and yup sure enough it was there. I have almost finished my Timeline and have gathered all that i can. does anyone have that link of common questions so that phi and i can start going over them. or should i just come up with my own based on my Timeline and our papers? I know that all questions are mostly a case by case basis. any links or help would be nice! oh and our date is, 8-12-09. I'm sooo happy but getting nervous the more I think about it!

Edited by Josephs, 14 July 2009 - 10:42 PM.

JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-14 22:41:00
Asia: East and PacificHCMC Interview Today
Congratulations!!! kicking.gif
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-14 22:31:00
Asia: East and PacificMy wife interview today 07/24/2008
I hope you get pink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! soon our interview! GOOD LUCK and Post all questions they asked!!!
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-24 00:21:00
Asia: East and PacificGoing to Vietnam in August
QUOTE (ScottThuy @ Jul 23 2009, 10:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Josephs @ Jul 23 2009, 12:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Jul 20 2009, 12:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is it possible to hire a taxi for a one way trip of 300km?

when we went from Vinh Long to Can Tho, we hired a guy for 2 days, he was cheap and nice. but turns out when her cousin and sister with to the disco the night before they drank and danced with him. so he was thinking we would be in the same party mood. but Phi hates the disco:P but we did buy him a few drinks and he ate every meal with us. he was a nice guy, it was a good time.

also i am going to Vietnam from the 10th to 23rd i will be in HCMC from the 10th to 12th for her interview on the 12th. after that i have no idea where she will want to take me, but as long as i am with her i really dont care tongue.gif

I am glad you brought this up... Jim dont let the driver drink! We hired a driver for the day when we went to Thuys family home... As you know ..everyone in Vn is Brother.. so Brother driver was asked to eat with us (this caught me off guard but when in Vn do as Vn) and yes drink with the guys... I had brough a couple of bottles of CC and a few bottles of wine as well.... needless to say.. Thuys brother in law wanted to test my drinking skills and the driver wanted to prove his... I was leary of saying.. "hey dont give this guy anymore he has to drive us a few hundred Km later"... we actually had to wait to leave until he had a nap and even after that it was ify...
Its pretty easy to find someone willing to go on a trip with you as a driver... As Joseph said they wan to be part of the group when with you most of the time.... another time we hired a driver the guy slept in his car while we ran around... as long as he has a cell # you can call him when needed in Dalat... Thuy says she wants to spend a few days in Dalat when we go to HCMC for the interview... as a celebration or to relax before the inteview.. will hire someone for a few days to take us where ever...

yes agreed, dont let him drink and then drive far! it seems most men in VN love to drink. we didnt let him get too drunk. im from wisconsin so it wasnt that strange for me. everyone here drinks. we did get him a room but it was only about 20usd. the guy was a nice guy so i didnt have a problem with it.

when i 1st went out with Phi's parents they asked me how many beers i could drink, i was thinking in a day long time frame so i said oh about 10 then im good. well... they wanted me to prove it at dinner. it was hot and they went down good, but boy was that a mistake. about 2 hours later i was tanked and so was her dad and her mother didnt look too happy. but her dad seemed to enjoy it tongue.gif and phi was happy that her father liked me, hell so was I. so yeah dont let the family get you tanked either. oh and after dinner phi drove me home on her motorbike, that was a bit tough! I cant wait to go back! biggrin.gif

JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-24 00:32:00
Asia: East and PacificGoing to Vietnam in August
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Jul 20 2009, 12:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is it possible to hire a taxi for a one way trip of 300km?

when we went from Vinh Long to Can Tho, we hired a guy for 2 days, he was cheap and nice. but turns out when her cousin and sister with to the disco the night before they drank and danced with him. so he was thinking we would be in the same party mood. but Phi hates the disco:P but we did buy him a few drinks and he ate every meal with us. he was a nice guy, it was a good time.

also i am going to Vietnam from the 10th to 23rd i will be in HCMC from the 10th to 12th for her interview on the 12th. after that i have no idea where she will want to take me, but as long as i am with her i really dont care tongue.gif
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-22 23:24:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview Completed @ 11 AM on July 24, 2009
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Jul 24 2009, 09:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There have been many posts recently about timelines in HCM. They are just about a requirement now to get a visa in Vietnam. I would recommend to all petitioners to prepare a detailed timeline for your spouse or fiance(e) in advance.

There has also been some talk in the last couple of weeks about "timelines" and "detailed timelines". I have never seen any reference in any blue slip from a CO asking for a "simple timeline". Look at the language used in Ly Trinh's blue slip. It is exactly the same as every other request for a timeline. They want to know the details of your relationship. Not every minute of every day but the important aspects of how your relationship began and grew over time.

It is true that some are not asked for a timeline. Good for them. But those who are asked need to provide this detailed information. You will be wise to prepare your SO with the timeline in advance so that she has the best chance to get PINK at the first interview.

Dai, no offense, but preparing a timeline of your relationship after the interview does not make sense to me. The interview has no affect whatsoever on the history and evolution of your relationship, which is what the timeline is for. If other information is needed, they will ask for it and you can provide it but putting the answers to the questions from the interview into your timeline is not necessary in my opinion and not what the CO is asking for.

Create a detailed timeline of your relationship and prep your SO well for the interview so she knows the answers to the questions when they ask her. And if you have an ex-wife, prepare the paperwork about that in advance as well. Your objective should be to get the PINK at the first interview not to use it as a reconnaissance mission to gather intel for the next try.

All of the keys to a successful interview in HCM are in these posts. The questions are all here, the information about what is needed in the timeline is here, information about ex-wife data is here. If you are going to spend time in this forum, you would be wise to take the learnings of those before you and do what is needed to get the PINK. It works.

Ly Trinh: You are almost there. One more hoop to jump through and she will be going home with you. Good luck!

hi check yoru PMs I sent you mine, fixed and updated, almost. if you could just take one more look at it! biggrin.gif Thx
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-25 03:32:00
Asia: East and PacificBad news....
we are going to go ahead and still try to interview. hopefully we pass but only need to wait until she is healthy and then pick up the visa. this is what we are hoping for. i am not worried about getting TB as i take vitamins daily and my immune system is fine. also if it proves to be TB, its not active. She isn't coughing and doesn't have a fever. So i am still going to visit her. hopefully all goes well and she is cured quickly (few months) but i know it needs time. This is a major setback but Phi and I both need to look at the glass half full. I just thank god It wasn't something that isn't curable. (cancer or something of the sort) And I am thankful that she did see the doctor because now we know what she has and how to fix it.
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-08-01 01:25:00
Asia: East and PacificBad news....
QUOTE (toddandhien @ Jul 31 2009, 03:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Josephs @ Jul 31 2009, 12:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My Fiancee went to the doctor today for her medical, They told her she might have lung tuberculosis. she isnt coughing and doesnt have a feaver. I still plan to go to vietnam but she will not be comming back with me. if she does for sure have TB then i will move to vietnam. but this is all worst case. at best she will get approved for her visa but she will have to wait 2 months until they know for sure if she has TB or not. her interview is the 12th of August and we still plan to go. I understand the TB is curable. so we will just have to wait and see what happens.

Just wanted to give you a heads up.

joseph, did they tell her that she will need to begin the treatment process? A similar thing happened to another VJ member recently, cao luu. you should PM him for some advice if he does not see this.

Yes, it is curable and typically takes 2-3 months from what I have been told.

I have read it takes 6 to 9 months. but maybe that was wrong. we will not know for sure if it is TB or not until more tests. Monday she goes for another test and they told her 2 months until result. maybe she misunderstood. anyways she goes back on Monday. so we will know more then. for now we continue to go as plan, interview and I am going to Vietnam. we are going over questions and getting papers ready. no use in worrying about something we can not change. only plan for the future,

Thank you everyone for your wishes. I will keep you updated.
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-31 16:45:00
Asia: East and PacificBad news....
My Fiancee went to the doctor today for her medical, They told her she might have lung tuberculosis. she isnt coughing and doesnt have a feaver. I still plan to go to vietnam but she will not be comming back with me. if she does for sure have TB then i will move to vietnam. but this is all worst case. at best she will get approved for her visa but she will have to wait 2 months until they know for sure if she has TB or not. her interview is the 12th of August and we still plan to go. I understand the TB is curable. so we will just have to wait and see what happens.

Just wanted to give you a heads up.
JosephsMaleVietnam2009-07-31 11:05:00