On the Vietnamese embassy website I saw they have their own process for foreign citizens marrying a Vietnamese national. Now I have to say this is something I never thought about before, as I was so busy trying to figure out our own K-1 visa process... Well their process also looks a bit of a hassel to say the least. Has anyone ever done this?

That's if you legally marry in vn. Then you will need to go through the K-3 visa process.
Since you're going to marry in US, you don't need to fill out any vn paperwork.

Your wife will need to visit many offices in VN to get a VNs marriage certificate (which is fully recogonized in the USA as a legal marriage), and you can also apply for the CR1 visa. That's what we got.

Me and my fiancee were going to go that route, and began that process. We filled out all the papers, but before we sent anything in, we decided to do the K-1. All I can say is that it is only going to add much time on to your process as well as money. So it all depends on the couple. If this is something her and her family wants then iit is your call, but if you two want to be together as soon as possible, then do the K-1. The K-1 process does not require you to file those papers, those are for marrying in Vietnam and your marriage being recognized in the US.

Hello songsparrow,

Kim and I went through the similar thought process it's only normal to figure out your options. Why did we come down to the K-1 route? For a few reason but the major factor is that: If you choose to go with the K-1 Route, you only have to deal mainly with the US Government, which compared to VN Government is 1000 times EASIER and 99% corruption-free!

If you choose to go the other route, you must prepare to pay out a lot of money for the Vietnamese Government Officials in ALL LEVEL of the process, and the wait is LONGER for no good reason from the VN side. Even if you try to ask for some information, it will cost you money for them to answer your inquiry.

Just make sure you weight your options out, who do you want to deal with during this coming stressful times: US Government or VN Government?

One more note, even after you married your lover in VN, now you have to go back to deal with the US Gov., for your K-3. Why double trouble yourself?

Just some of my opinions

Good luck and no matter which route you choose there are some cool people on this board can help you out...

love chuck and kim