ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificDid everyone have a good moon day celebration?
We cooked and had a bunch of friends over. I learned a lot more details about the offering of food and such. I was slacking on trying to find a moon cake for her but she said "no problem". Friends really enjoyed Linh's most excellent cooking. Everyone is now looking forward to Tet.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-10-05 10:39:00
Asia: East and PacificSending money
I used to send via Western Union from my bank. It is cheaper if you do it at your bank than at a WU branch. Save all the receipts and you can use as evidence if you want to. The pick -up in VN is a little challenging. She needs to have the number and her name and your name need to be exact matches. Linh and I learned the hard way on that.

You can also bank transfer. ACB and Vietcombank can do this if she has an account.

Perhaps you could set up a joint account with Citibank? Just a thought.


deckerMaleVietnam2009-10-08 13:18:00
Asia: East and PacificHCM medical
Linh went to Cho Ray for her exam and had a good experience. She also went to IOM for the DNA dealio and also had a good experince. Guess she hit on good days.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-10-13 10:28:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa to Enter Vietnam
Thank you for the link lindal, that is very good to know. I am sure we will return sometime in the future.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-10-13 13:35:00
Asia: East and Pacificlunex telecom
http://www.lunextelecom.com

Anybody hear of or use these folks?
deckerMaleVietnam2009-10-20 13:58:00
Asia: East and PacificPassport Issue
Take a few more trips to VN, make a side trip to Ankor or Thailand or Laos. SEA and VN is a fascinating place especially with someone who can keep you on the straight and narrow. Save boarding passes, itineraries and take pictures. It's all evidence and it adds up for a better case. Makes good life memories too.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-10-30 15:00:00
Asia: East and PacificI485 Fees incorrect????????
I filed a I485 Linh for $930. I 131, I 765 being filed with I485 have no fee.

I also filed I485 and I 131 for My. The fee is $600 because she is 10 and filing with her mother.

Biometrics are $80 a piece.

My math comes to $1690.

I put the forms all together for Linh and My and stated what I was doing in the cover letter.

I just rechecked to guide on this site and it confirms what I just stated.

US Guvmint sends me a I797 attached to each form saying I have to pay the full fee for each form. The I797's mention the waiving of the fees only when REFILING after a rejection.

Am I missing something here? Has something changed? The "new and improved" USCIS site does not address this fee waiver deal. The old site with the downloadable fee schedule did.

The shenangins continue. Awesome good.gif
deckerMaleVietnam2009-11-06 21:24:00
Asia: East and PacificConditions Removed
very nice! good.gif
deckerMaleVietnam2009-11-25 15:00:00
Asia: East and PacificPlane ticket
I used to buy mine directly from EVA Airlines leaving SEA. Plane from Fairbanks AK to Seattle WA was always free (miles) and EVA always gave me a free upgrade for being in the club. Usually around 1000 total.

SEA to TPE to SGN
deckerMaleVietnam2009-11-16 15:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmoon cakes and incense
Asian food on Cushman is long gone. Little Saigon is for all intents and purposes gone. The local supermarket is it unless you go to a restaurant. I'll keep trying I suppose. I have a year to do it now. good.gif
deckerMaleVietnam2009-10-05 16:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmoon cakes and incense
No nothing local. Fairbanks is not a exactly a must see destination for SE Asians. Japanaese tourists like it though.


deckerMaleVietnam2009-10-05 10:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresmoon cakes and incense

The really pungent incense like the pagodas use...red stick,yellow top. you know the stuff. The local hippie shop only has 2$ per stick high falootin' incense.

Moon cakes, can't find that anywhere. My searches on the interweb are not panning out very well.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-09-30 17:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionmedical
From the Consulate in HCM




Dear Mr. Decker: No, Hepatitis is not in the list of communicable diseases, so Hepatitusis eligible for K1 visa. Please visit http://travel.state.gov for further information. Sincerely, Information Unit Staff Consular Section U.S. Consulate General HCMC
deckerMaleVietnam2008-08-07 10:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionmedical
Never mind folks, I just found the answer.
deckerMaleVietnam2008-08-06 14:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionmedical
I have read that HIV and TB are reasons for denial but what about Hepatitis? From what I understand it is fairly common in SEA. Anyone deal with this? Just asking...
deckerMaleVietnam2008-08-06 13:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHepatitis B
I have the same situation and sent email to HCMC Consulate and got this response:


Dear Mr. Decker: No, Hepatitis is not in the list of communicable diseases, so Hepatitusis eligible for K1 visa. Please visit http://travel.state.gov for further information. Sincerely, Information Unit Staff Consular Section U.S. Consulate General HCMC Tel: (84-8) 822 9433 - ext 4636 Fax: (84-8) 824 5572 E-mail: hcmcinfo@state.gov (regarding visa issues) acshcmc@state.gov (regarding services for U.S. citizens)
deckerMaleVietnam2008-08-08 17:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTAX FORMS FOR INTERVIEW
Linh has her interview (HCMC) on 30 March. She tells me she needs 2007 tax returns with W-2. Can this be the copy HR Block gave me or does it have to be a certified copy from the guvmint, Form 4506?

Letter of employment, does this have to be notarized?

Thanks a bunch
deckerMaleVietnam2009-02-17 15:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionthe power of the two bit bureaucrat
VN chick said go home and Linh should have gone home and not involved American dude.

I have heard a lot of negative comments about the VN staff at the HCM consulate. Even when I did the CRBA, the VN staff was interrogating me pretty hard, but the American was very nice and relaxed. Even the American that initially interviewed Linh was very nice about everything.

As a follow up, I contacted a lab in Seattle that routinely does this DNA. The lady I spoke to said that they handle at least 2 a week from HCM alone. There are about twenty other labs on the list so how many more people are being directed to do this.

It is a pretty easy process in theory anyway, but it is costing me almost 1100 dollars to establish the relationship between Linh, me and our son and the relationship between Linh and her daughter. Awesome.

Hopefully VN chick regains face and leaves us alone after this.


deckerMaleVietnam2009-04-20 18:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionthe power of the two bit bureaucrat
my last posting was generally happy. Linh was about to get her visa. All was good. Here is the background and the rest of the story.

17 March we got to the Consulate in HCM to do a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Everything went well and no mention of a DNA test.

23 March we go back to the consulate for her interview. We had to bring our newborn son and Linhs daughter from a previous marriage. She had to return with our son's passport when it arrived and a picture of her with her daugther. Fine. Again no mention of DNA.

16 April she goes back to the consulate to pick up the CRBA and passport. She tries to turn this in and trouble starts. The VN CO tells her that the window is closed, she is late, go home. Linh tries to explain the whole infant son thing but it aint working. VN chick goes away, Linh spies and American and asks him who agrees to help. VN chick returns and she is having none of this. Starts going off on American dude and Linh. Linh is sent packing.

17 April. Linh returns and don't you know she gets VN chick. VN chick does not say anything, just hands her a instruction packet to get DNA done not only on our son, but on her daughter as well. Swell.

So the lesson here kids is do what you are told the first time. Enjoy your day.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-04-20 10:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpower of the two bit bureaucrat... act two
So to continue the saga of HCMC Consulate... I contacted a DNA testing company called GENELEX, a comany on the consualtes approved list. Gathered my cheek swab sample no problem. They sent a kit to HCM on the 27 of April and Linh was not notified until yesterday. Her appointment is on 8 July. Only a government agency can turn a 15 minute procedure into a 2 1/2 month exercise in patience. I can hardly wait for Act Three!!!!

Enjoy.


THIS IS THE BACKGROUND STORY OR AS I LIKE TO CALL IT, ACT ONE.
my last posting was generally happy. Linh was about to get her visa. All was good. Here is the background and the rest of the story.

17 March we got to the Consulate in HCM to do a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Everything went well and no mention of a DNA test.

23 March we go back to the consulate for her interview. We had to bring our newborn son and Linhs daughter from a previous marriage. She had to return with our son's passport when it arrived and a picture of her with her daugther. Fine. Again no mention of DNA.

16 April she goes back to the consulate to pick up the CRBA and passport. She tries to turn this in and trouble starts. The VN CO tells her that the window is closed, she is late, go home. Linh tries to explain the whole infant son thing but it aint working. VN chick goes away, Linh spies and American and asks him who agrees to help. VN chick returns and she is having none of this. Starts going off on American dude and Linh. Linh is sent packing.

17 April. Linh returns and don't you know she gets VN chick. VN chick does not say anything, just hands her a instruction packet to get DNA done not only on our son, but on her daughter as well. Swell.

So the lesson here kids is do what you are told the first time. Enjoy your day.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-05-28 16:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHCMC turned in requested items told now under review
Email was always a good thing for me. Pretty reasonable response time, 3-4 days. Be nice to them.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-08-13 15:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHousehold Registration Book
Ho Khao (spelling?) every family has one.

I don't know the other thing.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-10-21 16:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportstry it again pal
So I messed up and sent our K1 to the wrong place (NE) and also forgot to include some critical documents. Thankfully NE returned to me with a helpful reminder to sent to CA. Now it is complete and ready to go. Somebody was looking out for us I suppose. Linh just laughed at my mistake.

Chin up folks!
deckerMaleVietnam2008-08-29 12:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsnoa2!!!!!!!!!!!
Got an email from the guvmint saying our I129f was approved on 22 December. Very nice.
deckerMaleVietnam2008-12-23 11:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAug 2008 K1
Mailed mine in yesterday, 7 August 2008.
deckerMaleVietnam2008-08-08 18:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports90% done.
Just returned from VN. Got to visit my newborn son for the first time, completed his Consular Report of Birth Abroad on the first attempt and Linh was mostly successful on her interview. Just wait for our son's passport to arrive and then she will have a visa. Went went to the Pagoda after and gave smoke and had a good time. We are quite happy about it all.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-04-07 10:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUsing a PO Box for I-130/I-485 packets
I used a PO Box for all our doings with USCIS. No problems. Just be consistent.
deckerMaleVietnam2010-07-22 10:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresno entry/exit stamps on passport
I have returned to US through SEA and ANC and sometimes the US does not stamp unless I ask them to. On the occasions they have stamped it they did it on a random page. It is hard to find the right one apparently. The VN stamps are always in and out and in the right place, even when I did a multiple entry to VN and Cambodia. Save all boarding passes and itineraries and the airline may be able to get a manifest showing you actually being on the flight. Worth a try.
deckerMaleVietnam2009-04-20 19:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFail in travel visa will be failed in spouse visa ?
Linh had two B2 rejections. Did not hurt us.
deckerMaleVietnam2010-02-02 11:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiance is pregnant!
Hello from Alaska USA! I am a newbie to this forum. I have a question I hope you folks can help me with. I met Linh in October and we corresponded regularly. I have gone to HCM to meet her twice now (FEB 2008 AND MAY 2008) and we are going to apply for the K1 visa. I called her last night and she says she is now pregnant. Question is should we wait to apply for a K1 until after our child is born or can we forge ahead as is? If we can apply now, how do I list our child on the I-129?

I have a long road ahead as you all well know. I will be picking your brains a lot. Thank you for your help and good luck to you all.
deckerMaleVietnam2008-06-09 10:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG325 and dates
First thing, I am filling out the G325 for my SO and ran into a bit of a snag. She does not know her exhusbands birthday. Can we just leave this blank?

Second thing, apparently in VN you can pick your own birthday as far as the government is concerned or the government can select one for you. For example: Her parents were born on Christmas and New Years Day. The VN government decided to make Linh 2 years younger than she really is. Her old marriage certificate is several years older than her actual marriage date.

Linh says this is fairly common but my American-ness is not grasping this. Is this going to be a problem?

No time line just yet. Good luck to everyone.
deckerMaleVietnam2008-07-08 10:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTourist Visa
Linh tried twice from HCM. No dice.
deckerMaleVietnam2008-08-11 12:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfiling k1 from iraq
I am assuming that he is in the army. He can go to JAG and they will help out. JAG officers in overseas commands do visas regularly. And again assuming he is in the army, he doesn't need parental approval for anything. My advice is wait until the deployment is over. Iraq is a whole other planet and things may get messed up, lost etc.

don't worry about the German stuff from his parents. I was stationed in Mainz '87-'89 and thought Germany was a wonderful country with cool people.
deckerMaleVietnam2008-08-12 15:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi messed up
I mailed our K1 last week and sitting on my table is Linh's divorce certificate that was supposed to go too. Should I wait for an RFE or try to mail it?
deckerMaleVietnam2008-08-11 16:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresIs anybody familiar with the b2?
Linh tried to get a b2 twice and was denied twice. Good luck.
deckerMaleVietnam2008-09-02 11:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresB-2 to visit me while K-1 in process
Linh has two houses and a child and was still denied a b2. That seemed like pretty strong ties to me.
deckerMaleVietnam2008-09-02 11:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNo NOA1 after check cashed
The guvmint cashed my check on the 4th of September. My understanding is that NOA1 comes very soon after that. Is it normal to be over a month?
deckerMaleVietnam2008-10-10 11:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust gotta rant, sorry folks
So I was off doing some work for the guvmint and came home to find this little gem from the Kingdom of the Absurd:


Current Status: DOCUMENT OTHER THAN CARD OR TRAVEL DOCUMENT BEING HELD FOR 180 DAYS SINCE RETURNED AS UNDELIVERABLE

On October 22, 2008, the post office returned your document I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) as undeliverable. We will hold it for 180 days from October 22, 2008 to allow you time to contact us. If you do not contact us at 1-800-375-5283 within 180 days, this document will be destroyed and you will need to file a new application or application for replacement with fee.

Destroyed? File a new application? This demands action. I consulted the level 6 wizard with cloaking powers and decided the signs were favorable.

Foolishly I called the number thinking, nay, BELIEVING that somebody could explain this to me. What is undeliverable, did they return the whole packet, is it the fabled NOA1?, Come man tell us what it is!!!

NO. Apparently the customer service oracle who lives at the end of a 30 minute expedition to press a new number now street is not permitted to answer or even access the mysteries of the Realm. The maiden says I must seek an audience with the nearest immgration office. This tribe dwells beyond the mountains in the mythic city of Anchorage, a full days journey.

Perhaps some wizened sage may be able to decipher this.
deckerMaleVietnam2008-11-14 12:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresthe power of the two bit bureaucrat...possibly the end?
So, happy news first. Linh has been granted a visa good.gif We had to continue the hoop dance when she went to do her part of the DNA. The consulate changed the requirement of all of us to just her and her daughter. That set me off but she talked me down. When it was returned to the consulate, she went to her new processing appointment and don't you know the VN staff chick that originated all this DNA foolishness several months ago (the back story is a real gas) was there and glaring at her the entire time. This time Linh went to an American and all was good.

So she will fly around 24 July and then we can start a whole new process! good.gif Awesome.

Good luck to you all, I can't say this has been enjoyable but it is worth it.


deckerMaleVietnam2009-07-07 14:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresProof
You don't need a lawyer to do a I-129. That is the easy part. The Consulate is the tough part. We had some interesting goings-on with these folks but eventually it panned out. Make as many trips as you can in the meantime and enjoy a country not many people see. Learn her culture. Save all your boarding passes and itineraries for each time you go and submit as evidence when she goes for the interview. Take pictures as well, especially with her parents. Oh yeah.......MAKE COPIES of everything! Tell her to as well. I am dealing lost papers now.

The next how ever many months are going to be frustrating and sometimes will piss you off like no other, but you can get through it. The guide section here is very helpful and enough folks have been there to help you out.

Enjoy the ride!
deckerMaleVietnam2009-09-22 11:17:00