ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have
Hello. We too have a lot of evidence (7,000 pages of chats/emails over 3 1/2 years). 12 trips (1 to Europe), lot's of photos, engagement party (held long after we filed for the K-1). I agree with overkill, even if no one looks at the evidence. Our timeline is "by trip" and is about 5 pages. Like many others, our first 8 trips are not as well documented b/c we knew nothing of K-1 requirements or HCMC requirements (we cobbled together visa entry/exit stamps, flight itineraries, and some visa bills). Our relationship is quite well-documented. My fiance' speaks fluent English, has NO relatives in the US, is 37 years old with a son, and owns a house and is upper middle class (lives in Hanoi). I hope those factors helps......
logframeNot TellingVietnam2011-02-16 21:01:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have
After reading all of the posts, I am still wondering what the main purpose of having the timeline? Did anyone find out why? There are talks to about having in English version and Vietnamese version. Do I need both or just one?

I didn't submit the timeline with the I-129f package, should I submit it now before the interview or wait until the interview and then give it to my fiance at that time? Can I email the timeline with notary (scanned with color) to the HCMC before the interview so that the CO can at least read it first and my fiance has the original copy at the interview?
Jake & PhuongMaleVietnam2010-04-22 00:39:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have
so basically you're saying anyone who is present to see me sign my signature is ok? a brother, friend, sister, etc?
pholyMaleVietnam2011-04-26 02:20:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have
Hey guys I have a question concerning notarizing the timeline of relationship. Can I type it up in English, sign it and then mail it to Vietnam and have them translate over there because it is cheaper. Over here I go to Catholic Charities and they charge me $50. There has to be another way. Thanks for answering.
pholyMaleVietnam2011-04-26 01:40:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have
QUOTE (b_weeks @ Nov 15 2009, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
With so many interviews this week, I thought it would be a good time to revisit one of my older posts.


Even up to the day of my flight I am reading threads and discovering new things to consider.

Thanks guys!
DansJourneyNot TellingVietnam2009-11-20 13:43:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
Well, hi your all :)
I just being update from a friend that one of their relative who recently had the interview with the consular in hochiminh, and yes seems like they starting to discard all the co-sponsor (not officially but did happen)


Somone told me that for K1 Visa the petitioner alone must meet minimum income requirements and CANNOT have a co-sponsor. Is this true?

3AD


False!

You, petitioner can have a co-sponsor if your income doesn't meet the poverty guideline.


dellngocNot Telling02006-02-01 19:43:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have
hmm
T&JoyceMaleVietnam2011-05-31 18:53:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have

can you show me your sample of 10 yr residency and timeline? i am also doing those and like to see what others look like.


Please write to me at trung9721@yahoo.com. we can share our timelines, 10 yrs residency doc.
T&JoyceMaleVietnam2011-05-31 14:11:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have

i'm rounding up all the docs and evidence to bring to vietnam next week...i find only 2 docs i need to notarize over here, am i missing anything?

*relationship timeline (4 pages total)
*my 10-year residency

we are also submitting the VJ vietnamese timeline, but i think no need to notarize that...should i notarize my fiancee 10-year residency in vietnam (in vietnamese obviously)?

all other docs like my passport/us citizenship certificate/birth certificate etc i'm just bringing originals and making photocopies. of course all the necessary forms are originals and copies.

hi Quan,

I'm flying to Vietnam on June 11 to submit the timeline and 10 yrs residency doc. with my wife.
Perhap, we should meet up to share our experiences. My timeline is 10 pages long over the 4 years. Is that too much?

Goodluck to you and your wife!
T&JoyceMaleVietnam2011-05-31 14:09:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have
I did a 6 page timeline, but they didn't even ask for it. I guess my statement of intent to marry was good enough.

make sure you describe to the smallest detail about how you two met. My case was straight forward but they wanted to get to the bottom of how we knew eachother. They are OBSESSED with it!!!! Anybody related to how you met will be asked about in great details.
Hiep & ThaoMaleVietnam (no flag)2009-04-02 21:55:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have
can you show me your sample of 10 yr residency and timeline? i am also doing those and like to see what others look like.
ongxabaxaNot Telling02011-04-27 16:11:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have

For the timeline, Im stuck on what format to use.

 

My timeline currently has a SHORT description, a line or two about each piece. After the timeline I have our documentation, and each major part (such as trips, etc) has a cover page with a full page description and details, followed by the supporting documentation and photos for that section. Is this a good way to do my timeline, or should the timeline include all of the information posted on these "cover pages" ?


JackofallGamesMaleVietnam2013-07-19 19:45:00
VietnamHCMC - Evidence you should have
I was wondering for the 10 year residency, do we list most recent first?

Also, because my husband and I rarely take pics it is ok to only have a few pics of a few places only?

Another thing is.. We had three ceremonies.. Don dau lay ngay because it was the only good day for the next few months (because I was preggo) then we have a ceremony in the south then one in my husband hometown.. Should I explain all three or just skip the don dau part and only talked about the two ceremonies?




HaleyDNot TellingVietnam2013-07-10 22:24:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
I think it is true 3AD. I have my dad as a joint sponsor and that ain't work out either
For sure that I will go back to Vietnam and get marry then file K-3. That will take another year and a half for us to be with each other 4ever. It kinda such but you have no other choice.
Take care,
Duc
Duc_UyenNot Telling02006-03-07 15:54:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Somone told me that for K1 Visa the petitioner alone must meet minimum income requirements and CANNOT have a co-sponsor. Is this true?

3AD



I am having the same issue as you are 3AD. My fiancee got deny twice already. I don't know what to do as of this time. I might ask for help from the state's senators. Hope they can give a voice about our problem.
Best of luck 3AD
Duc_UyenNot Telling02006-03-05 20:16:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
:D
Jasman0717MalePhilippines2006-03-25 09:05:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Welcome newbies....it sucks that a little while back the powers that be here decided to erase all the threads for some reason. (maybe a good reason..maybe bad..I don't know.) ...there was ALOT of good stuff that used to on here including SEVERAL posts from an immigration attourney who specialized in VN cases and an actual consulate officer who had been posted at HCMC untill recently...That doesn't even include all the valuable input from all off the members who went through HCMC already. ...Anyhow...I still come back here from time to time to see what is going on and would be more than happy to help out if need be. Good to see chuck and kim still here...probably few other vets around as well to help out. Good luck to everyone.

Just to clarify this. Threads where not deleted by the admin for any reason. The old site became totally unstable and the only option was to move to a new site. The majority of the threads can still be found at the old site by clicking HERE You just cant post there anymore. Anything that you think is worth bringing across you can either copy and paste the posts into here with a credit to the original poster or post a link to it.

Edited by aussiewench, 26 March 2006 - 07:06 PM.

aussiewenchFemaleAustralia2006-03-26 19:06:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Yeah! That's true and last week my fiancee couldn't get a k-1 visa because I didn't earn enough income from last year and I did ask for a co-sponsor but the conofs in ho chi minh didn't take that into account! My past week experience has shown it's the case! Even though in the form I-134 states that I can ask for a co-sponsor if my income doesn't meet the 125% poverty guideline, but it's a contradiction!


So, I'm curious. What do you plan to do now?
daleggMaleVietnam2006-04-03 03:41:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Hi Dalegg,

How are you? Just quick question for you and your wife. Is her Greencard two years or more? When are you guys going to file for lifting condition?

Thanks,

Thuy & Bob


Here greencard is only for two years. I imagine we will wait until about 6 months before it expires to file for lifting the conditions.

We are doing great by the way. Hope you are too.
daleggMaleVietnam2006-04-02 13:30:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
Lan,

Could you please add a bit more details to this account? I mean, like, what color shoes were the other people wearing?!!

Just kidding. That's excellent recollection. I didn't even get that detail out of my wife! Also- very impressed with your English. It's about 5 times better than my teenaged kids who were born here.
daleggMaleVietnam2006-03-30 02:39:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Well,
We are in the line up for our interview. The only thing I am most concered about is not having the formal Dam Hoi. We just had a very small get together at a resturaunt, We do have a few pictures, and she does have her engagement ring. It is certainly too late now to have one before the interview. Has there been a case when a blue slip was handed out because of the Dam Hoi lack of proof thing. I pray I will not be the first case.

Mmm, seems like this guy fastfred had the ceremony one day before the interview and he got a blue slip and put on AR for a month. It might be better not to have one than to have one a day before the interview.
daleggMaleVietnam2006-03-29 23:07:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

I know that she could stay for like two weeks, but I don't think she would be able to do that.

:huh:
daleggMaleVietnam2006-03-29 22:29:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Lan said that 9 out of every 10 visa applicants were getting turned away with a blue slip!


Everyone should take particular interest in this statement. It has always been the case at HCMC. Almost every applicant who has posted their interview experience has made this statement (including my own wife). This is the most telling testament to the effectivness of this website, because those statistics are not the same for VisaJourney members. It pays to know what you are doing ahead of time, and obviously people who use this site do.

I think once your fiance showed she had been to the US to visit you, that clinched it. You are pretty fortunate to have that in your case.
daleggMaleVietnam2006-03-29 12:22:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
One more thing to think about right now is how envious we all are of you- yes- even me having already passed this part. At what other point will you ever get to be this excited? All of the waiting and preparation is finally over. Not that I ever want to go back to those months of chatting on yahoo, but I really kind of miss that moment of waiting to hear the results of the interview.

In my case the answer was not good right away, but I still remember the excitement of the phone call. I was online with my friends and her friends in Vietnam. It feels like you're on stage and they are about to draw lottery numbers. I hate to say it, but there will never be a time you feel this excited again- except maybe when your children are born. So, I'm really kind of envious.
daleggMaleVietnam2006-03-27 22:38:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Well folks.... tomorrow (March 29) is our K1 interview at the consulate in HCMC.

Lan and I are all set to go. Wish us luck. We're very well prepared (thanks to VJ) and I can't imagine doing this without the help of this group of people.

I'll post an update as soon as Lan calls me after the interview. I will also have her post her experiences with the consulate first-hand for the benefit of you all.

Now this guy is anxious. He's even put himself on Vietnam Time already to get one day closer to the interview! :lol: :lol: Seriously, good luck.
daleggMaleVietnam2006-03-27 21:52:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Posted Image Note: PM member Vietnam to be added to this list or to update your information.


12/09/04 --k1 interview -- Tim -------------------------------- AOS Passed ---- 02/09/05
03/08/05 --k1 interview -- chuckandkim ------ visa 05/04.......AOS Passed- 03/08/06

09/26/05 --k1 interview -- nychang ----------- visa 11/05......AOS Interview- 03/31/06
01/28/05 --k1 interview -- top-gorilla ---------visa 02/23.......EAD Received--10/12/05
12/07/04 --k1 interview -- sportGuy -------------------------- Case Xferd CSC -9/19/05
06/13/05 --k1 interview -- kd4yal & ThuHuong-----------------AOS NOA1 ----- 9/16/05
09/08/05 --k1 interview -- mk4tt ------------------------------AOS NOA1 ----- 12/06/05
05/10/05 --k1 interview -- duclinhreo --------- visa 09/06.......SSN ----------- 10/18/05

05/08/03 ---interview ---- wait4ever----------delayed
05/16/05 ---interview ---- sweetiewynn ------delayed
08/29/05 ---interview ---- Kevin&Loan;--------delayed
09/07/05 ---interview ---- tung ---------------10/11 pass
10/07/05 ---interview ---- thai0699 -----------visa....12/12
11/07/05 ---interview ---- dangho731 CR1 ----passed
12/20/05 ---interview ---- atlmatt31vn1 k3 ---passed
01/24/06 ---interview ---- nodownguy -------- passed
02/16/06 ---interview ---- scy K3 ------------- visa....2/28

02/09/05 ---interview ---- pxtran -------------
03/29/05 ---interview ---- landy --------------

12/06/05 ----- Pack 3----- JOSmith2 ----------
12/08/05 ----- Pack 3----- ct94 ---------------
01/12/06 ----- Pack 3----- Bruce Han ----------
01/25/06 ----- Pack 3----- kvtran --------------

12/11/05 - Case at HCMC -yellow123-----------

00/00/00 -----Left NVC---- ----------

02/27/06 ------NOA2------gurugreg -----------
02/28/06 ------NOA2------menyoo ------------
03/02/06 ------NOA2------STL_HCMC ----------
03/03/06 ------NOA2------Matt Stevens--------

01/04/06 ------NOA1------Icarus --------------
02/14/06 ------NOA1------songsparrow --------
02/15/06 ------NOA1------3AD------------------
03/03/06 ------NOA1------Robert & Van--------
03/03/06 ------NOA1------Idinh K3--------------




How come "pxtran" got his interview date and never informed us what happened with the interview? :angry:
Haven't seen a post from him for over a month. Did he change his name to "kvtran" and start over?
This is like chicagoman all over again.
daleggMaleVietnam2006-03-16 20:06:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Question for you folks. Howlong after Packet 3 is being sent is the wait for an interview these days? It looks like the wait has shrunk from what I am seeing? Am I wrong on this? My case should be at the HCMC Consultae any day now, which means packet 3 will be soon. Will my fiancee have her interview before August then?

By the way, I need to send her money for the Dam Hoi. What is the best way to send money to her? I want it to get to her safely, but without too many fees.


Best way to send money? In short answer: Any asian supermarket will have at least one or two "Travel Agency" which also provide "wire-transfer" or sending cash "FAST" services. These range from $5 flat-fee for each $100-$350 fund transfer, or % upto but no more than $3000 per fund transfer transaction. I've never had to send money to my wife family for "Dam Hoi" or anything like that, it's a sign of insult for some family if you "send" money to help them out, in my case, it was out of the question for me to send money! Check with her family before you do send the money, unless they are economically challenged then, by all mean, send the cash!

You can do this way, which i've done before to send gift to my wife's nephews in VN. Ask friends who are going back to VN, or who are already there to bring the cash to your family and you will pay them back here in the US. Work well, no fees, and guarantee the money will get there, FAST!

Just my 2 cents.
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2006-04-03 07:25:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
Unless your fiancee lives in the countryside which i do recommend her to stay in HCMC the night before. She does not need to be there as early as 3 hours before her appointment. ONLY people who have been scheduled for interview that day will be allowed inside the Consulate. The consulate does have their limitation and workload cut out for themselves, so there isn't any LOOOOOOOOONG line like some said. YES, they may be a long line, but you already have your appointment, you will be let in no matter how many people who have arrived before you but do not have the appointment letter.

Eat a good meal that morning, since she'll be waiting for awhile before they will interview the K-1 cases. Just how they work, IR and K-3 go in first, the rest of their time is for K-1. I never once heard anyone with K-1 in HCMC got let in at the very first hour of the day. :)

So, relax, bring everything but the kitchen sink... notice what Andy said, be VERY organize and chronological about your evidence.

Good luck and Congrats Andy and Lan... your English is perfect... i'm still working on mine... still :) hahaha

When are you arriving in the US? Big party in Landy Land :)
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2006-03-31 07:05:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
Tran,

When your fiancee entered the Consulate, she will hand in ALL of her paperworks, except the evidence, to the Consulate workers. These workers will sort out your fiancee's documents/paperwork, check-off "must-have" items (Birth Certificate, Affi-Support etc.), put/organize them in a nice folder to prepare your file for the Consulate Officer who will interview your fiancee. During this phase, IF your fiancee is missing any of the MUST have documents, they could send you home right there. Or they still could send you home after the interview, it depends! But these "WORKERS" are major pain!!!

No, they won't just give it to the CO, the workers will check it out first.

I think it's not more or less important ifshe met your parents or not. Each case is different. Think of Lan and Andy, it's a normal question for the CO to ask, just in case "did you meet his parents"? Of course Lan did :) she was here visiting Andy during Christmas.... It would be crazy for them to ask you :) knowing that she never been to the US and your parents never come to VN. (at least in my case, it is) Either way, the key is having an engagement ceremony and reception :) which you did! So rest easy!

my 2 cents...

Love,

chuck and kim
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2006-03-29 14:12:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
Andy and Lan,

What is your thought about the Journey so far? Is it too hard? I thought it was pretty straight forward myself...
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2006-03-29 12:35:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
Lan and Andy,

I think we all expected the Visa all along :) Come on, remember how i said I jeolous of you both for you having her visiting you while waiting for K-1 Visa? :) :) :)

I know EXACTLY how you feel when that phone call arrived... Heart pounding like an african drum, then the news broke, then a million plans start forming in your head... GREAT!!!!

Congrats to you both...
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2006-03-29 08:18:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members


I think it is true 3AD. I have my dad as a joint sponsor and that ain't work out either
For sure that I will go back to Vietnam and get marry then file K-3. That will take another year and a half for us to be with each other 4ever. It kinda such but you have no other choice.
Take care,
Duc


I asked you this question in the K-1 forum but you didn't answer.
What does the green 221(g) denial letter say? What exactly does it ask for?

I went through HCMC with a co-sponsor and passed.
If you need a co-sponsor now, you will need one with a K-3. You should find out the exat reason for denial and try to correct it. Even if you file K-3, there is no guarantee you will pass. Being married is not a guarantee for any visa.


Scy,

True, there is NO guarantee by getting married will lead to Visa issuance, but it is the next option. I must say, you're right about not to get over the simplest thing... asking Duc_Uyen what were noted on their 221(g) is a good question.

Usually they do not just flat-out deny one's case. Is it a DENY/REJECT/RETURN or DELAY, requesting for more evidence/information? Please be clear on this... Another tool you can use is contacting your Congressman to intervention.

Please, come back with detail reason why they "deny" your case (i hope it's just a DELAY)

Thank you :)
chuckandkimMaleVietnam2006-03-07 16:47:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
I would venture to guess those of us awaiting packet 3 are missing it more! :blink:

I sent an email to the US Consulate on Tuesday for an update. Still awaiting their reply. I'll let you know ASAP on ours.

STL_HCMC


Posted Image Note: PM member Vietnam to be added to this list or to update your information.


12/09/04 --k1 interview -- Tim -------------------------------- AOS Passed ---- 02/09/05
03/08/05 --k1 interview -- chuckandkim ------ visa 05/04.......AOS Passed ---- 03/08/06
06/13/05 --k1 interview -- kd4yal & ThuHuong-----------------AOS Passed ---- 03/21/06

09/26/05 --k1 interview -- nychang ----------- visa 11/05......AOS Interview- 03/31/06
01/28/05 --k1 interview -- top-gorilla ---------visa 02/23.......EAD Received--10/12/05
12/07/04 --k1 interview -- sportGuy -------------------------- Case Xferd CSC -9/19/05
09/08/05 --k1 interview -- mk4tt ------------------------------AOS NOA1 ----- 12/06/05
05/10/05 --k1 interview -- duclinhreo --------- visa 09/06.......SSN ----------- 10/18/05

05/08/03 ----interview----wait4ever----------delayed
05/16/05 ----interview----sweetiewynn ------delayed
08/29/05 ----interview----Kevin&Loan;--------delayed
10/07/05 ----interview----thai0699 -----------visa....12/12 :joy:
11/07/05 ----interview----dangho731 CR1 ----passed------ :joy:
12/20/05 ----interview----atlmatt31vn1 k3 ---passed------ :joy:
01/24/06 ----interview----nodownguy -------- passed------ :joy:
02/16/06 ----interview----scy K3 ------------- visa.....2/28 :joy:
03/21/06 ----interview----ct94 --------------- passed------ :joy:
03/24/05 ----interview----JOSmith2 ---------- passed------ :joy:
03/29/06 ----interview----landy -------------- passed------ :joy:

02/09/06 ----interview----pxtran ------------- :huh:

04/13/06 ----interview----yellow123 --------- :yes:
04/24/06 ----interview----Bruce Han --------- :yes:
05/12/06 ----interview----kvtran ------------- :yes:

00/00/00 ----- Pack 3----- ----------------------

03/20/06 -Case at HCMC--STL_HCMC --------- B)
03/25/06 -Case at HCMC--menyoo------------ B)

03/16/06 ----Left NVC-----Matt Stevens ------ :thumbs:

02/27/06 ------NOA2------gurugreg ----------- :dance:
03/23/06 ------NOA2------Icarus -------------- :dance:
03/27/06 ------NOA2------mike1972e --------- :dance:

12/30/05 ------NOA1------My Le K3------------
02/14/06 ------NOA1------songsparrow --------
02/15/06 ------NOA1------3AD------------------
03/03/06 ------NOA1------Robert & Van--------
03/09/06 ------NOA1------Idinh CR1------------




I miss all of my pack 3s :crying:


STL_HCMCMaleVietnam2006-04-05 23:09:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
Dillons - The Kroger grocery chain in Kansas! That just brought back some memories of my days growing up in Andover, Kansas. Thanks yellow123!

STL_HCMC

At dillions they charge you $10 for a $100 and $15 for $200 sending money through Western Union.


STL_HCMCMaleVietnam2006-04-04 20:36:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

STL-HCMC
Are you getting married in VN? I filed a CR1 from VN and it only took 4 months for everything. Mind you, I had to prove I had been living and working in VN for that previous year, BEFORE filing. (Plus, my wife got her SS# within 2 weeks of arrival in the USA) Sounds like you're sincere and you have a lot evidence; you'll be fine.............My wife is from Can Tho also!


Hi Patricks,

Thanks for the reply. I have lived/worked in HCMC since the end of May 2005 (May 25, 2005 to be exact); not quite a year yet. Plus I was back in St. Louis for 26 days over the holidays. So it looks like either way the timing would be about the same since we're already in this deep with the K-1 process. To answer your question, we are NOT married and didn't plan on doing that in Vietnam.

I wonder how your process was done so quickly? Did you DCF?

STL_HCMC
STL_HCMCMaleVietnam2006-03-29 23:42:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members
A few questions for all of you:

I've read a lot lately about the engagement ceremony. My first question is not in regards to having one - we did - but to the necessity of the elaborateness?

I live/work in HCMC. Our ceremony was small (30 people). I was the only one, representing myself. Of her guests it was family only. We did the ceremony (i.e. meal, drinking, etc.) while we were visiting her family in the countryside of Can Tho this past Tet holiday. They, like my family, are very laid back and were more than pleased with the occasion.

We hired a photographer, no DVD made (nobody in the countryside available during Tet), had a cake made, she wore the traditional pink ao dai, have pictures presenting the ring, etc.

I see her EVERY day, she cooks dinner for me every night, and technically (VN laws) she has her own place in HCMC, but lives with me every night.

Right now our evidence (aside from checklist items & I-134) looks like this:

1. MobiFone (cell phone) call logs for her and I both.
2. Emails from her and I, and also her frequent emails with my family (i.e. mom, dad, sister) in the USA.
3. Skype Chat Transcripts. Sometimes we chat a bit on my lunch break at work
4. Phu Hai Resort (Phan Thiet) receipt (no signature, but pictures showing us there)
5. Engagement ring sizing receipt (passed down the ring my dad gave my mom 30 years ago)
6. English school receipts (I sign for payment)
7. Pictures (engagement ceremony; showing dates consistent with me living here)
8. Airline boarding passes (I pay up front for ticket, company reimburses me)
9. Passport stamps and business visas
10. Congratulatory emails/cards from family/friends on engagement
11. Letter I wrote to her family
12. Letter her mom sent back to me (translated to English)
13. Probably something else I'm forgetting to list as I write this at work!

- Pictures: should we only show pictures that have BOTH of us in them? I've got many of myself with her family, their place in Can Tho, etc. Perhaps we just put em all in there!

- Will the fact that I live/work in HCMC be a benefit to our situation?

I just wonder if the process will be different for us seeing that I'm currently living/working here. I still maintain a domicile in St. Louis, Missouri (parents home; the home I moved here from), and my contract here is finished in December 2006, although an earlier departure only requires 30 days notice. I've got a co-sponsor (father) lined up as we all know VN salaries bring one very close to the poverty line in the USA.

We are just a normal happy couple (met June 2005) and so very lucky that we get to spend every day together during this process. I just hope that doesn't take the edge off for us and get us too relaxed. So I'm writing to let you all "check us" and make sure we're in line.

Sorry for the length and thanks your responses in advance!

STL_HCMC
STL_HCMCMaleVietnam2006-03-29 21:34:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

SHE GOT THE VISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just talked with Lan (my fiance). She just got the K1 visa!!!!!!!! YAH YAH YAH!!!!

The interview was 5 minutes long. Very shortl.... just a few questions. Details to follow tomorrow, ok???


THE BEST OF CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH LANDY!!!

I'm sure there are a lot of us that are looking forward to your detail of the interview!

What an exciting moment and day for you! Best of luck to you both in the future.

STL_HCMC
STL_HCMCMaleVietnam2006-03-29 03:02:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Well folks.... tomorrow (March 29) is our K1 interview at the consulate in HCMC.

Lan and I are all set to go. Wish us luck. We're very well prepared (thanks to VJ) and I can't imagine doing this without the help of this group of people.

I'll post an update as soon as Lan calls me after the interview. I will also have her post her experiences with the consulate first-hand for the benefit of you all.


Landy,

I'm sitting here in the office in HCMC and thought of you and your fiancee. I imagine she is downtown right now immersed in the process.

Just wanted to drop a quick note! Best of luck.

STL_HCMC
STL_HCMCMaleVietnam2006-03-28 20:58:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

One more thing to think about right now is how envious we all are of you- yes- even me having already passed this part. At what other point will you ever get to be this excited? All of the waiting and preparation is finally over. Not that I ever want to go back to those months of chatting on yahoo, but I really kind of miss that moment of waiting to hear the results of the interview.

In my case the answer was not good right away, but I still remember the excitement of the phone call. I was online with my friends and her friends in Vietnam. It feels like you're on stage and they are about to draw lottery numbers. I hate to say it, but there will never be a time you feel this excited again- except maybe when your children are born. So, I'm really kind of envious.


I completely echo you dalegg. I think the blind friendships that we develop on VisaJourney are a great benefit to all of us. While we may never meet in person, we've shared hard times through the process, helped each other with specific Vietnam related tips, rallied behind those with blue slips and delays and most exciting, we've shared together in the very excitement you reference in your post.

It is odd how we all just stumble upon this site. I can't even remember myself how I found it, but I'm more than happy I did. First you find the K-1 board, and then you are slowly steered to the Vietnam VisaJourney Members page; a wealth of information and page of new friends. I know for my situation - and probably many others just starting out - one could never imagine this process could be done alone without the guidance of another with experience or an immigration lawyer. However, VisaJourney puts those thoughts behind us all and gives us the confidence, knowledge and support to tackle the petition with our own bare hands.

I know the interview process is becoming closer for those like landy, yellow123, bruce_han, kvtran, myself, matt stevens and menyoo. Blue slip or pink slip for any of us, it doesn't matter. We've got a board of support to turn to no matter what color the interviewee is handed.

STL_HCMC
STL_HCMCMaleVietnam2006-03-27 22:54:00
VietnamVietnam VisaJourney Members

Well folks.... tomorrow (March 29) is our K1 interview at the consulate in HCMC.

Lan and I are all set to go. Wish us luck. We're very well prepared (thanks to VJ) and I can't imagine doing this without the help of this group of people.

I'll post an update as soon as Lan calls me after the interview. I will also have her post her experiences with the consulate first-hand for the benefit of you all.


What an exciting time for you both! Good luck to you both coming out pink! Looking forward to both of your post-interview comments.

STL_HCMC
STL_HCMCMaleVietnam2006-03-27 21:53:00