I see many posts that say it is a plus for the sponsor to be there for the interview, especially for Vietnam, the marriage fraud capital of the world (whatever), but how are you supposed to do that? I would more or less have to quit my job (willing to do that, done it before to go to Vietnam), but I don't see anywhere how much notice you get before the interview.

How does that work practically? Should I just get a 6 month visa when it's getting a little closer, and hope I can get a decent air fare? I make a decent living, but I'm sure not made of money, and I do have a son I need to worry about. Thanks for listening.

I am going back for the interview because i want to support An and i have only been there once this year to see her Its not required to go back but it would be nice if you could . I understand about the work thing I too am missing allot of time from work. Its also nice if you arte there so if the consulte has any questions or she is missing something you can get it back to them fast. Since she lives on the North side its quite a trip for her. You will get about a months notice about the interview I am seeing.

I think it does help to be their for her interview in HO CHI MING. I wished I was their for my fiance but back then she didn't think it help her case and after she got her visa denied she found out it does help. I been waiting for my NOID letter from USICS since April of 2007 and next year in Nov of 2008 I am doing the K-3. This time I am going to be their for her interview.

Been banging around immigration forums a LONG time and have yet to see anyone saying it wasn't beneficial to attend the interview even where some embassies wouldn't let them in the door!
Multiple trips add fire power also.

Seen a LOT of petitioners kicking themselves in the butte for NOT attending tho.

Well, we have our interview in the next couple of weeks. I'll be letting everyone know how it goes. I will not be attending the interview. I have already made 2 trips this year.

In my opinion, being there for the interview is another piece of ammo for you. It is my understanding that you will not be allowed in the door so you would need to have her mention it to the CO. If she never mentions it, does it really help?

If you can, why not!

I found out in the 1st week of Nov that our interview would be in early Dec. So its roughly a month's notice that you will get.

Remember, Hind sight is 20/20. Would the person that was denied be accepted just because they showed up? Showing up doesn't change their marital status or their income. It doesn't change how they met or how they filled out the paperwork. It really is just one more piece of evidence of a relationship. It's been said plenty of times, 1 single piece of evidence is not going to make or break your case.

I quit my job to go to Viet Nam to but that was 1967.

As much as I'd like to be there for the interview I can't because of work. From Jan - Macrh of 2008 my company is going through a reorganization and a lot of projects are on the line. Our interview date will most defintely land within those months where I can't afford to leave (unless I quit my job first or will be let go if I decide to take another trip). Either way I'm in a no win situation unless we get the Pink the first try. If not, then it's going to be tough. I was able to only get 1 week off to travel and that I must be back to work by year's end. So I will be going back there next month for the 3rd within a 1 year span. I chose the week of Christmas to be there. Total amount of time spent altogether for the 3 trips will be 6 weeks. I hope the HCMC realize and understand that it's not that easy for us to just put in a request and leave our jobs. If it's within the country then it's much easier.

May not but it sucks being 1/2 a world away when your petition is denied and try to do something about it long distance.
Been there, done that!

here's what you can do. at her first interview she'll more than likely get one of those 221g letters with instructions. comply with the letter as soon as possible and have your fiancee submit whatever is needed. after that, when you can arrange to travel to the Consulate, bring with you a photocopy of that 221g letter. the Consulate only allows american citizens into the building between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. with the soul purpose of speaking with the American Citizens Unit (and they can't help you in regards to your petition). the Immigration Unit operates between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. ..they only allow entry to individuals with a 221g letter. but you won't have the original letter because your fiancee will have already gave that to them. so be sure to make a perfect photocopy of it beforehand.
now with that letter in hand, at 1 p.m. show it to the guard and demand entry. he will direct you to a long line. when you get inside go to the Immigration Unit. request to speak with the Chief Immigration Officer. (be very very prepared with an abundent amount of evidence and documents). His name is Greg Adamson or Addenson (just spit out his last name fast enuogh and nobody will know the difference). he will review your petition. he also seems like a reasonable man. good luck.

The main plus of being there for her inteview is the fact that you are there and you are allowed into the consulate as an american passport holder. What I did was I wrote a letter to the consular, stating that I was waiting outside for the outcome and that if it was negative, he would be seeing me soon. You see, what the consulars depend on is that: A. the american husband/wife are not there, B. The american is a greencard holder...either one of those, you can't debate the outcome, you're not allowed inside. Me, I did quit my job and decided while I was young, I should see the world and experience the orient with my love. I moved in with her family for one year...without hotels and food costs, it only costs a dollar a day to live, and that's if you want to go to the internet everyday. I only spent 2 grand in that year there and that was with out mock/catholic wedding costs. I hope that helps some.

I think it helps alot to be there during the interview. I arrived 2 days before the interview and stayed 2 weeks. My wife got a blue sheet (221g) and I went in and politely demanded to see an American CO about it. The Vietnamese that work at the consulate tried to give me "the run-around" but I didn't stand for it. Be persistent yet polite. I think it helps. When I told my wife what I did at the consulate, she laughed. I acted very un-Vietnamese but I told her, "I know how to deal with Americans." Good luck. You can see my wrap up here....

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry1179386

Thanks much John. By reading your story, it will help me in the future.