Newbie post, so pardon me if I did not find the answer in the threads...

Great forum, lots of excellent advice. I'm convinced that the engagement party is a valuable step. Thanks to all for sharing their thoughts on that topic.

The question:

Is there any benefit to the petitioner being at the interview in HCMC? If for nothing else than moral support for my/our fiance(s)? And to help organize the files.

They will not allow the petitioner to be at the interview, so unless it's because you want someone to be with you for the drive home- no.

this is a really big thing for the lady involved so even if you are waiting outside the consulste gate I would say yes bee there and let her go in holding your passport it is such a big moral boost. I will be there if at all possiable even if I must wait 100km away she will know my heart is a close as I could get it

Anh map,

Welcome to VisaJourney and to the Vietnam forum of the board. We're a pretty tight group here. This Vietnam section of VJ is an invaluable place for information. Read plenty and re-read again!

I think the others have answered your question regarding the interview!

Best of luck and post any questions you have; there are no stupid/dumb questions!

STL_HCMC

Agree with Dale!

1. HCMC won't let you inside the Visa/Immigrant section of the consulate (you are USC)
2. HCMC won't allow anyone in the Interview "Booth" but the Visa Applicant (you are USC)
3. There is nothing you can do or say at the interview to influence the C.O. even if they let you inside

I would save the trouble and wait for the Visa in her passport after the interview.... THAT is when I will flight back and bring her here with me. Which one is more supportive than the other? Being in Saigon while she's inside HCMC for her interview, or come back to bring her here on her (for some would be the first time on an airplane flight accross the ocean) trip to America.

Kim and I decided there was no need and no reason why I should be there in Saigon, just make sure I get my butt back to VN once she has her Visa. It's a very nice thing to do and show to her family and friends how much you care for her.

See the big picture, interview pass/fail/delay is only a part from the longer JOURNEY. Won't let a little speedbump or pothole to stop you from moving right along...

So my vote is: no need to be there at the interview. 100KM away or 10,000 miles away, your hearts are still close together...

Good luck and welcome to VJ "Anh_Map", I like that name btw... I'm going to be "anh_map" soon with all the cooking from Kim since she came here...

Anh Map --- Everyone have said enough. So, good luck to you and please remember, have lots of patience for yourself, your fiancee and the whole process.

Thanks for the input folks. Depending on my frequent flyer miles and work schedule I may go at interview time just as an excuse to go see her. The waiting stinks, but it's definitely survivable.

Anh Map = "Fat Man", that's funny............

I get plenty of stares riding on various motos in Vietnam. The closest I'll ever get to feeling like a celeb. hahahaha

I guess the good thing about that nickname is that in the US not many people will realize what Linh is calling me.

Just keep telling your girl, Em de blum, because that she is.

I may be wrong But I do think it is "Em dep lam" I found that as a socitiey they tend not to point out our mistakes and it makes it alittle harder to get it right so please let me know if I am in error
Thanks
Chris

Well, the spelling may be off, but I know hot so say it. I used it on a number of girls in Saigon to make them blush. It was too much fun and Anh just laughed because she knew it was her fault for teaching me.

woodgc,

You are correct with your spelling!

- em dep lam or em dep qua
- qua dep (i.e. very beautiful)
- dep trai (i.e. handsome)

STL_HCMC