I have seen quite many people receiving a blue slip and requested for a time-line.
I just got my i130 approved at USCIS, however, I'd like to prepare for the time-line. Otherwise, we may get a blue slip.

Please show me how to create a proper time-line.

Thank you!!

The timeline I made was a list of the dates and what happened. I also included a few paragraphs about our relationship. The purpose of the paragraphs was to further impress on USCIS (for the I-129f) and Consulate (for the interview) that we have a real relationship, truly love each other and expect to be together soon and forever. Here's an example of the paragraphs from my cover letter about the evidence for my September trip:

"In July 2007, Thi and I decided we wanted to see each other again. Being apart is difficult even though we video chat almost everyday and talk on the phone since December 31, 2007. We decided September would be best since we thought her interview would be in January or February. Waiting until then would be very hard. I decided on EVA Airlines and booked the date September 11, 2007 to September 28, 2007.
My flight was pleasant and spent time talking to a French Canadian doctor who is working in HCMC on the flight from Taipei to HCMC. His postive feelings about Vietnam reinforced my own opinions."

Here's a short example from my cover letter which had the timeline from my September trip to see Thi which I submitted at her interview at HCMC Consulate (which of course they didn't even ask to look at!!):

"The following is submitted as proof of our relationship and my September trip:

* Passport and Visa stamps dated September 12, 2007 (Arrival) and September 28, 2007 (Departure)
* Interary printed from Expedia.com showing my EVA flights to and from Vietnam.
* Boarding Passes and Bagage Claim Tickets for the flights
* Wells Fargo Credit Card Statement dated 8/13/07 showing payment of flight. Note red arrow.
* Wells Fargo Credit Card Statment dated 9/13/07 showing See’s Candy charge (9/10) for candy gift for Thi. Note red arrow.
* Wells Fargo Credit Card Statement dated 9/27/07 showing CVC Pharmacy charges (9/4/ & 9/5) for candy gifts for This’s family, An Dong SBit charge (9/17) for diamond earrings, EIBVN Vietnam Eximba charge (9/22) for curtains and Liberty 1 Hotel charge for 9/26/07 family dinner. All marked with red arrow.
* Khanh Duc Tran’s Temproraty Residence Book page.
* Bus tickets from September Trip
* September 12, 2007 Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport photos
* September 13, 2007 Photos of sightseeing
* September 13, 2007 Receipt of Lunch at Pho Xua with discount coupon and photo
* September 14, 2007 Receipts from Dam Sen Park
* Photos from Dam Sen Park. It rained while we were there.
* September 16, 2007 Receips from Suoi Tien Theme Park. I paid for Thi, Khanh, Dung and Nhung, a neighbor of Dung’s. Also the Suoi Tien Theme Park map and game tickets
* September 16, 2007 Photos from Suoi Tien Theme Park. It also rained while we were there."

I used a red marker to outline dates or items of importance on the evidence I submitted which I remarked about in the timeline. The layout of this is similar to the #18 "Statement of having met your fiance(e) in the last two years" and "Proof of on going relationship" evidence I submitted.

I hope this helps you in getting a pink!


Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26
I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26
Touched: 2007-11-02
NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16
Consulate recieved ??????
Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11
Packet 3 received 2007-12-24
Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28
Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14
Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23
Interview Date 2008-2-27
Passed Interview 2008-02-27
Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05
Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier)
POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles
Wedding 2008-4-26

My immigration attorney told me today that 98% of applicants wont' get their visas approved on the day of their interviews. Usually, the Consular Officer will request for more evidence. Hopefully we will be in that 2 percent if this statistic is accurate.

Vietnam is Very Hard have all your paper work ready and have a true realtionship and you should pass make sure your fiancee is confident. Goiod luck on your interview

Thanks everyone for helping answer the question.

I have another question regarding to the Poverty Guidelines. As of now, what is the minimum income requirement for 2 people? When they say minimum income requirement, do they mean Income or Adjusted Gross Income shown in Form 1040?

The minimum income requirement is Adjusted Gross Income for the Poverty Guidelines. For 2008 it's $17,500.

Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26
I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26
Touched: 2007-11-02
NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16
Consulate recieved ??????
Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11
Packet 3 received 2007-12-24
Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28
Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14
Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23
Interview Date 2008-2-27
Passed Interview 2008-02-27
Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05
Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier)
POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles
Wedding 2008-4-26