Matt,

Here is the number for NVC, (603)334-0700. When you get to the voice prompts enter 1 and then 5 to speak to an operator.It is really hard to get thru. I see on the Vietnam members page that they sent your petition out on March 16? If that is correct, I checked the DHL site and a package left the NVC on the 16th and arrived at the Consulate on March 20th, and was signed for, so all is good. Both of ours are there, and probably haven't been touched yet. I know we are both so anxious to get packet 3. After looking at your timeline, both of our petitions arrived at the Consulate in less than 1 month from sending it in, that is pretty fast, and I hope both of us continue to have that same kind of luck in getting to our interview.

Ah, OK. How did you know mine was sent? Freaky that that info is available to all.

Here is what I got from the HCM consulate:

Dear Mr. Menyoo

Please be informed that we received the electronic file for
your fiancée on March 20. It usually takes one week for us
to receive the physical file. However, it takes
approximately 8 weeks for us to process the case and update the
information in our system due to the large volume of visa
petitions we receive monthly. We will send an Instruction
Package (packet 3) to your fiancée at the earliest opportunity.

Sincerely,

Info 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)
Adoption: HanoiAdoptions@state.gov
Website: http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov

Menyoo, how long after sending your email did you get a response? I sent mine two days aog now.

Matt

about a week including weekend. You'll get a reponse from them sometimes next week.

-Probably because the timeline on your signature says "03/20/06 -Case is at HCMC Consulate"

Uh, that was added after he told me it was there. The 3/16 entry was also added based upon his information.

Hey Matt,

DHL doesn't list your names. If you know the date that the NVC mailed it, then you go to the DHL website and track by reference, not by name. It will give you a list of packages that were sent from NVC to all the embassies and conculates, showing the date shipped and date delivered, but no names. So you just assume that it is yours. I tracked mine, because I knew they shipped it on MArch 30th, so I tracked all packages leaving NVC on the 30th, and one was listed going to HCMC, so I knew this was ours, and it says delivered on April 3.

I called today and couldn't get through. EVentually had to hang up. Oh well. I'll try again on Monday.

Aha- so you are adjusting your timeline solely based on mike1972e's word that the consulate should have it, although you haven't confirmed this. You ARE mister positive!

I am trying VERY hard to be positive, despite the mountain of negatives involved in our case. When I think of it I get sick to my stomach. Being seperated from my Anh has been hell. God, just get my ### to Vietnam next month! It cannot get here soon enough.

I will be a happy man for two weeks.

This is true. Don't forget you could always turn around and go for the CR-1 or K3. The marriage based visas tend to do a little better in Vietnam.

If we are Blue Slipped and there is no easy or quick way to reverse it, then that is what we shall do.

This was posted as a reply to another topic, but I thought I would include it on this post as well. This seems to be the Vietnam hub for all of us.

----------------------------------------------
This is not aimed at any member. Just my two cents.

(1) We don't know ALL the specifics of cases that have been put on hold for further review. We only know what we are told by the members posts on the board and stories we hear outside. There is always TWO SIDES to every story.

(2) For those of us that haven't interviewed yet, we've merely just experienced the US Consulate in HCMC from outside contact (i.e. email, phone or the information booth). We can't pass judgement on consular officers and staff inside that we haven't encountered yet. I hope people don't completely judge me by what they hear from others. There is a lot more story to a book than its cover.

(3) I believe immigration should still be looked at as a privilege instead of a foreign nationals right.

(4) I think it would help us ALL to frame our thought process and pre-conceived/pre-interview thinking to that of the US Consulate in HCMC as a government institution trying to do its job as best it can (given the circumstances of high fraud), and NOT as our enemy. Such negative thinking before the interview, and before any "put on hold review" has even happened to any of our cases, only results in an anger driven and quite defensive attitude going into the interview. This doesn't help the USC's frame of thinking and communication/interaction with the US Consulate, and it sure can be a negative factor being subconsciously leaked into the frame of mind of the beneficiary/fiance(e). We should all know how important confidence and comfortability will be to the fiance(e) interviewing. There is no use raising the stress level before anything negative has happened.

What I'm not trying to do is defend the US Consulate in HCMC, but nobody/institution is perfect. Is it possible my case will not pass the first time? SURE! It is possible for all of us. Is it possible we could all pass on the first try? SURE! Will we accept that fact? We have to.

It is still best to prepare diligently and make sure all your ducks are in order, but lets not lead ourselves - and the others that might read our posts in the future - into such dark ideas that we don't know of yet.

Everyone keep your chin up, think positive, be here to answer questions to help others prepare the best and realize that we cannot control everything.

I'll step down now!

STL_HCMC

Tell her to call the consulate, it will be easier. It seems answering emails is a difficult job for them so it takes forever too.

Well, it appears mike1972e was correct afterall, eh? STL_HCMC should be seeing pack 3 soon also then..and menyoo not too far after. I'm so happy. I missed my pack 3s.

We'll see about a packet 3 soon!

I called the consulate on Thursday (4/13) and got the same general response I've always gotten: "we've received the electronic file for your case. However, it can take up to 8 weeks to physically process a case."

I'm not going to worry about it. I emailed them to update the mailing address. I was concerned the "countryside" address in Can Tho would prove an obstacle for receiving packet 3. The consular gal on the info line told me they didn't care what mailing address they have on file, as long as the mail can get to the beneficiary. So I put my office address in HCMC! Fiancee lives in HCMC, but is registered in Can Tho in the ho khau.

STL_HCMC

Packet 3 is on its way!

I called today (4/19) because I got no reply to my email after 7 days.

They said they mailed packet 3 on 4/18 to the Can Tho address on file. I asked if they received the address update I emailed about, and she said they were just now replying to emails sent April 5th. She was nice and updated the address and said they would send out another packet 3 to the HCMC address (my office). I didn't ask for the additional packet 3, but I guess she realized the delay in the email, and the addy update should have happened sooner.

We'll see how efficient the mail in Vietnam is. Will the packet mailed on the 18th to Can Tho arrive before/after the second packet sent to the HCMC address?

I will say this, I've received very good service every time I've called the info line!

STL_HCMC

There is a very good chance Nha and I might be moving over to the Canadian message board soon here. Those of you who know us know we haven't been the fastest movers through Ho Chi Minh City and the U.S. immigration process and you might also know that we are experiencing "further processing" which in HCMC can take years as in the case of wait4ever and who knows how many others. Meanwhile us and other couples try to live their lives as normally as they can from a distance. Starting the process over and trying for the CR1 or other spousal visa doesn't offer overwhelming hope for at least a year and who knows how long and if that would be any better at all?

Years ago I looked into immigrating to Canada. I have traveled through B.C. and the Yukon several times and I dare say it might be my favorite piece of land on this earth. Vancouver is definitely the most enjoyable city I have ever experienced and the area around it is unparalleled beauty. The Canadian government likely has problems but in general I think the general Canadian way is unmatched. like the idea that for my tax dollar I am receiving health insurance rather than creating an insurance industry like we do in America and I like the emphasis Canada places on education... well.. To be honest I like Canadians even if I AM a dumb and ignorant American sometimes. I feel I have always been treated well, fairly, and with respect from Canadian citizens and government alike and of course people are people but the general feeling I have in Canada is a very good feeling. I don't want to generalize too much but my attitude towards Canada and my gut feeling told me I belong there many years ago and I looked into it. At the time there was no way I was going to be accepted into Canada. I didn't have fifty grand sitting in a bank and I didn't have anything to offer Canada on paper.

Today I looked into it and I am absolutely stunned! Seriously I was not expecting anything like I have been reading on the Canadian immigration pages and I am ever pleasantly surprised. I am pretty certain that Nha and I can both fly right into Canada with open arms based on the friendly assessment test offered by the Canadian government here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/assess/index.html

Nha and I, WHO CAN COME IN AS A COMMONLAW MARRIED COUPLE! together score an 87, well above the estimated acceptance score of 67, and the test did not even allow me to enter my full range of qualifications for a "Skilled Worker" under Canadian law. Their test only allows you to enter one skilled labor job experience, but the law says you can use multiple, so according to the law we are even more overqualified to be accepted into Canada. Their website is WOW! It is user frinedly and I think they put it online to actually help people rather than dissuade people. It's a breath of fresh air and reading and understanding the text is just unexpectedly fabulously sanctimoniously - I can't say enough good about it right now and it feels so right.

The catch is that we need, or actually only one of us needs, a job offer in Canada. I don't think this will be a problem for us. I may have already lined up jobs for us both at a ski resort which I have been to a couple of times but never skied at yet and for those of you who don't know I am a skier and have experience doing professional ski action photography. It is a passion I have. The job I have applied for pays well, uses lots of my skills and isn't routine work. It's advertising, which is somethign I love and have experience combined with photography and skiing.. and pays enough to make it worth going to work too. For Nha, we tried for an entry level position and made mention that she is quite skilled as well but has little experience. For her, the skiing is not a real draw. I am holding my breath that she will be happy there if we do this. Sure, she says she wants to try snowboarding or skiing, which is good if you're going to be living in a ski town, but for her the snowsports will more likely be a way to forget how cold and snowy it is. If we both don't get jobs, we're not going there because without a job that will keep her interacting and growing etc., it just wouldn't be good. Not being a ski fanatic like me could be serious but the town I have in mind is not only a small ski town but is an international mecca and I think Nha will get more enjoyment out of the experience than from the skiing or snowboarding. For me, I've got the great skiing and access to everything I need and for Nha she's got a wide variety of introductions to people from all over the world in a place where people carry many different ideas. I am thinking it might be a good introduction to North America and with Canadian citizenship being granted within only 3 years, Nha would be able to come and meet my family here in the States and be able to travel here with me without a problem, which really satisfies all our needs. Maybe we won't stay in Canada forever and maybe move around there too but right now it might be our best option and it looks so easy I feel like it's too good ot be true still. The reality of the feeling of true freedom to roam about our earth freely and as we choose, wow, Au Canada!

Wow. All I can say is Wow. Please keep us informed of this.

I really think you need to write every reporter out there about this stupid situation and try to get it out there.

I hear what you're saying, Matt. However, I am not convinced it is the best way to go about getting action taken. I am forced to believe the HCMC consulate will get it done whenever they do and nothing we can do, with the exception of Congressional intervention will help to speed it along. Here is an interesting immigration diary I found of a guy who did probably everything you are suggesting and more:

http://www.jeffreyleehollis.com/idiary1.html

It's ridiculous how much effort this guy invested and in the end he said it probably had nothing to do with his case finally getting approval.

You might be right but first I will try with the Congressman again and in the mean time be making plans to be together too. As far as I can tell, our case isn't being held up because other people $omehow get put ahead of us and it is just a matter of our circumstances and some mistakes we have made. Believe me I have tried to find wrongdoing in every way and come to the conclusion that as hellish as this process is and as simple as it would seem, we aren't actually being abnormally victimized, it just feels that way sometimes.

Nathan,

Will Miss Anh be able to get a visa to "visit" Canada?

Just curious?

GOOD LUCK

I agree it's ridiculous, but it's ridiculous because 99.99% of what he did he had no reason to do. His case went flawless from beginning to end and he wasted his time and others'. Look at his timeline:

4-29 App mailed
5-05 NOA1
7-09 NOA2
12-18 Interview- approved!


But within 2 weeks of mailing his application he's sending letters to mayors, congressmen, senators, and talk show hosts.

He has the nerve to post this as if it was all necassary and none of it was.

"I am still overwhelmed by the magnitude of this whole saga (and the horrible use of my tax dollars that the INS and the American embassy in Manila represent)"

The only person responsible for wasting his tax dollars was him.

"As to #3: I present the following diary of my experiences trying to get my wife’s immigration to America approved. This will prove beyond the shadow of any doubt that it is neither quick nor easy to bring a Filipina to America."

No, it proves within a shadow of a doubt that he has a compulsive overreactive personality.

She could likely get a visitor's visa but that also requires that we have (I am paraphrasing, despite the quotation marks) "enough money to stay for 6 months and also to return home", which, when I checked is equal to about $10,000 sitting in stocks or a bank or something.

The way I am thinking right now to do it is to come in as skilled workers. The most amazing part is that she can come in as my commonlaw wife and no need to be technically married - This is according to what I have learned so far but I could definitely be wrong and I am still not convinced it can be so easy.. As my commonlaw wife, we are looked at together and it actually seems to make it even easier for us. In some cases, families are only required to submit one form for the entire family! They will let me add my commonlaw wife's education and experience to my own and adds even extra "points" for us in giving preference. The skilled worker visa is an immigration visa but from what I can tell it is often used for temporary visitors and is another term they use with it. As a skilled worker, the asset requirement is waived so long as you have an employment offer waiting. I hate to leave my business behind mostly and get a j.o.b. but it's a matter of priorities I guess.

I still have a lot to figure out and there may be problems which make it impossible so I am trying to be conservative in my excitement. I am still not 100% sure about all this and if others know answers please post, but my god it seems so easy that I have this fear I am missing something. Since we'll still have the process going in HCMC consulate, I'll be consulting about this and need to make sure that is still ok and if it affects either visa. When I know more I will definitely keep you posted, in case others find this an idea to help them through the long wait times.

The worst thing about this is what ying-yangs like this do to cases like yours. This guys sends all of this unnecassary mail to these senators and they take the time to E-Mail him back. He's asking if they can do anything to speed up the process when the process wasn't even slowed. It's guys like this that make congress take true stalled visa cases less seriously.

I just returned yesterday from Vietnam. Lan and I returned to America together last night! The POE experience at San Francisco was very easy! Here is a short description of what happened:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11679

We are so happy for you both!!!

Good Luck on your future!!!!

Somehow I left my fiance's mother name off the G-325A form! Yet my fiance already received and sent back Packet 3.

OK, I have no idea how this happened. Strange that no one has caught it yet (since it was done all the way back in the I-129 stage). But since I am dealing with Vietnam, I know that this will become an issue.

I somehow left the space for my fiancee's mother blank. Her DOB, place of birth and residence is there, but the name is blank. Somehow I messed up in typing this out.

Last month my fiancee received Packet 3. She filled out the form(s) and sent it back in.

But if this error is there in the G-325A form, the case could be delayed because Vietnam is notorious for delaying things for months with missing information. They really like to stick it to us.

WHAT DO I DO!?!? I have called twice and each time could not talk to someone who could or would help. I emailed them, but they are weeks behind in answering.

I'll be leaving for Vietnam on Thursday, so my fiancee and I could easily go to the consulate and hand over the corrected form, but will they allow that?

Matt - There's not much else I can say other than that you have two options, ignore it and if they dont bring it up to you and approve her visa, then it's cool... I'm thinking if you bring it to their attention they may be trigger happy to delay... Or you can try to update the information and hope it doesnt delay... Either way I hope everything works out for the best

Matt,

Do what icespots said...

When you are in Saigon, coming with your fiance, bring her birthcertificate (BC) and ask to speak to the consular about YOUR petition (bring your NOA1 receipt) etc. Only USC can request to meet with a consular for any business prior to your beneficiary's interview (correct me if i'm wrong) At this meeting, you can present your case and tell them you would like to admend the mistake. Hopefully they will let you get by and update your file. Remember, up to this point, the issue is on your end (petitioner) so you can request to give them an UPDATED file.

Worse case: they will make you re-file your I-129F.
Better scenario: request to send in an updated G325A

Knowing HCMC Consulate, delaying will be unavoidable if you are NOT proactive in your preparation. Come clean, come all, tell them upfront that you make mistake. Keep in mind, it is UP to you to show them (US consulate) how sincere you are and truthful you are to them. They will find out if you missing anything or anything is out of order. They have these "vietnamese staffs" who will comb your file with a fineteeth comb to pick up disorderness or any fault/mistake. Basically, come clean and tell them you need to update your G-352A. done!

If you "wait and see", they could look at your case as if you try to pull a quick one on them... "Why didn't you put her mother's name on her G-325A?"; "How could you forget something that important?"; "Ok, go home, we will investigate more into your case to make sure you are not a fraud" etc.... I am not trying to scare you... but: don't mess around with these guys

I wrote to much... but: come in the consulate, bring BC and updated G-325A.

Good luck Matt, don't worry about it... things will sort themselves out...

Right now I am sick with worry. After finally coming up with a way to prove income so that our case will likely be approved, THIS happens. I am just sick.

Be strong Matt. Like other guys posted, face the officer and tell them what was missing. Have a pleasant trip and goodluck.

How much is the actual interview? I need to send my fiance money.

Matt,

As far as I know, the only fees for this process after packet 4, is the $100 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee payable at Citibank on Nguyen Hue Street, and the fee for the medical examination at Cho Ray Hospital or the International Orgranization for Migration office in Q.1.

STL_HCMC

So besides that, there are no fees to pay at the actual interview?

No! Just make sure she brings that receipt of the MRV fee!

Wow Matt, every bit of this process seems to have been a fast-track for you.

I just hope that is a good thing. Anh is terribly nervous now. SHe was not before, but now she realizes that she will have to speak in English and communicate with someonewho will likely be hostile towards her. Anh has no conifidence in her English for important discussions, despite it now being near perfect.

Matt, my fiancee Huong is the same way. She is worried about the interview because of her English. I tried to explain to her, the person interviewing her has interview probably thousands of Vietnamese people speaking broken English. I am sure that they are very familiar with hearing them speak English, so it should be no problem. We also wanted to wish you both good luck.

Matt,
My fiancee was the same too. I encouraged her to break the ice just when she stepped up to the window and look the CO in the eye and say 'Good afternoon' or morning. Keep building her confidance up. After she said this the CO looked back and smiled and returned the compliment, then the translater left the window. Have her establish the fact that she speaks english at the very beginning, this will giive a good first impression.

Hi Matt,

Coach your fiancee to think of the interview as a mere question and answer session. Leave the hostility thoughts at the door of her home when she leaves that morning. If she goes in with that frame of thought and attitude, things could start out very defensive from the beginning. Nervousness is expected, but prep her for the confidence she needs in her English skill.

We'll all be thinking of you both!

STL_HCMC

It's so strange to hear her say she thinks her English is bad because really, it isn't. It's better than any English I heard from any Vietnamese person while in Saigon. Her English is amazing.

We will be talking about the interview in depth from here on out. I want her ready.

Hi Matt,

My fiancee, and it sounds like many others on VisaJourney, struggles with the same lack of confidence. Nobody expects anyone to go in there with fluent English skills - although some are probably very close to it.

Do the best you can to pump her up and keep the focus on the positive side, while still preparing for tough question situations that could arise.

We are still looking forward to packet 4, but are eagerly awaiting the news of your interview as well. We both seem to have similar co-sponsor situations, and I'm curious to see how that works out for you and me both.

Best of luck bud!

STL_HCMC

Thanks. Anh and I need all the well wishing we can get. My entire family is now going crazy with anticipation of when Anh can come to the US. I am trying to keep them calm because it is likely we will all be disappointed. I must remain realistic about this. If she gets a pink slip, then I will be happier than I thought possible. If she gets a blue slip, well, then I knew it was coming and can deal with it rationaly. Maybe.

Matt, your fiance's English is 100% better than your Vietnamese, isn't it? Good luck Matt!

Chuck and Kim

Hi Matt,

Yes - realistic thinking is nothing bad to have. It does prevent from the hopes getting to high, or putting on the dancing shoes before the music starts.

However, with that being said, the more positive and confident you can be in conversation and prep with her, that will only translate into more confidence for her on the big day.

Always remember - things could be A LOT worse. Think how many people go into the HCMC Consulate WITHOUT the support and knowledge of VisaJourney. I really don't know where my fiancee and I would be in this process if I hadn't found VJ.

Just remember that you've got a whole Vietnam VJ crew on here that has been with you since the day you joined and found the Vietnam forum. We're going through it together, and also have excellent "already approved" Vietnam VJ members that still take their time to come back on the board to share experiences and help us through difficult questions. What more could we really ask for throughout the process? At least we all know, if a blue slip is received, we have somewhere to turn to. Those that don't know about VisaJourney - well I'm sure they feel very lost in the woods!

In any event, pink slip or blue slip, there is an excellent resource of support and info rebounding waiting for you and your fiancee after the interview!

We'll get the Matt_Stevens rally going in about 3 weeks! Pink slip baby!

Best of luck to you both!

STL_HCMC

So I am updated on my interview date in the master thread, followed by a

I just hope that on June 27 we can change that to a

No, it would change to a

If Anh does not get the visa, you can make it this:




If she does, then we can all do this:

We have a possible BREAKTHROUGH in our case:


Ok, I called the state department's Office of Visa Services that is mentioned on: http://www.usaimmigrationattorney.com/Secu...tiveReview.html under the section
titled, "ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW" and talked to a real live person. She
told me two times that there was nothing I could do, just to wait.
They are investigating and I asked how I can help and she said nothing
I can do, they have their own ways.. Then I tried to keep her on the
line a little longer by talking about it and just repeating like she
told so it was clear like while I thought of a way to pry more. Then
I asked her like this "you know, I have nothing to hide and I will
help them however they need and point them in the right direction in
any way I can and asked but what I am trying to do is find out the
reason for suspicion and then I can help them find anything they are
looking for or clear anything up. So... Guess what? Then she asked
if I have been married before and asked me about that. I told her
"twice, yes" and just told her. Then she asked if I ever brought
anyone here before and I told her "no" and she was surprised but asked
if I ever filed an I-129f before and I said "no" but I told her I did
file an I-130 before and never followed through on it and never heard
back or got her a visa. She said like "oh so you brought someone here
before" and I said "no, no, hold on, no, she was here already!!!"
God! So then she told me that probably they were thinking I had
brought someone here before and I had to eplain clearly to her that,
no, I never did and no, I never followed through and also never heard
anything back and actually though, I was not sure if I had ever mailed
that paper or not. It has been a few years and I didn't even know if
I had actually put it in the mail or not because as soon as I figured
out what she was after (visa and $) I decided to divorce her and also
put her on a plane to Mexico! God! So now I know! Now I know it is
that wench AGAIN causing me headache o mania. Ok, I think I am going
to be able to clear this up right quick now that I know what the dayum
problem is!

I have already explained clearly to the immigration people about my previous marriage but! I did not say anything that I remember about ever filing an I-130. On the I-129f it asks if I've ever filed an I-129f and I marked "no" on my form but it doesn't ask about an already married couple filing and therefore I didn't talk much if any about the thing. Now I am just thinking of the best way to get them the investigative evidence or whatever they are looking for. Do I go see my congressman and tell him in person the problem and what the situation is? Do I write to the consulate like the woman on the phone did not advise me to do and just tell them the detailed account and help them any way I can?