Which Visa to Apply For?

[ChicagoSarah 127]

As someone else mentioned, there is an unknown timing issue with the K-1 or CR-1. They can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to process. If you have your heart set on the football game or a wedding a certain time of year, you're chasing the wrong visas for it.

You seem to have done your research, so do what works best for you.

[Boiler 43,401]

1. If I read that correctly, if we cancel the permanent residence status, we can file to have it reinstated again from Vietnam?

2. Are there any damaging effects to her long term immigration chances by cancelling the PR status?

1. You can reapply so yes.

2. No.

[tcgator 1]

Pretty sure to keep your green card valid you have to remain in the US for 6 months out of the year or you can't be out of the US for more than one year. Make sure you double check too that she will be able to get a new GC when/if you DO decide to immigrate further down the line. Would hate for you to pick this as a temporary solution and then get screwed later on.

It's really ridiculous that they make it so difficult for some people to get a tourist visa when that's what you need. Now you will have to jump thru a ton of hoops and probably spend a lot more money and time to make your plan work. And I think you said she doesn't even really want to go to the US, so definitely make sure all of this is going to be worth it for both of you.

[LoveMyTico 999]

Without a doubt, I know my father would co sponsor or do anything for us to go visit. I told him today I wouldn't go back to the US without my fiancee.

So, you're saying we could get married here, file the CR1 (wait 12 - 14 months), go to the US, then cancel the permanent residency status? That might work. How would this affect her future chances of immigrating (say, in five or six years).

my husband just immigrated this past January. The embassy told him that he MUST live in the US for at least 7 months out of the year to keep his green card valid. If you stay outside of the US for more than 4-6 months , they will assume you have abandoned your green card. I am not sure what happens after that.

Also, you mentioned you make $3000/ month over there. You would still need a co-sponsor because the USCIS requires US income.

IMO, if you show leases and employment letters to the embassy, I would think that would be enough to show she has strong ties in Vietnam and only want to visit. If you get the B2, then you can travel back and forth to visit for 10 years as long as she doesn't overstay.

[VOL 425]

That is correct. This law is not applied to foreign girls, only Vietnamese girls. Some of the cheaper Nha Nghi (motels) might turn a blind eye. But the nicer hotels certainly won't allow it (unless you purchase two hotel rooms, and only use one). Most of the 'working' girls will have a partnership with a local Nha Nghi where they'll be able to stay the night. Most non-working girls would never leave their family or home towns to tour with a foreigner without a very serious commitment. Although many women might be more progressive in HCMC and the capital, Ha Noi, and might go with you on a vacation if they've spent some time getting to know you.

Vietnam is still a communist country (one of only five left in the world), and they monitor the movements of foreigners and citizens rather closely. Each family has a home 'guestbook', and if anyone comes to stay they must notify their local block leader and police station. Even if the Vietnamese wish to move from one house to another (even in the same town), they must notify their local authorities of where they are going.

It's a lovely country, and the people are truly remarkable. They're of a generous and kindhearted nature that only being truly impoverished brings.

You should certainly come to Vietnam for your next vacation.

Thanks for the information.

I may have to reconsider my adventure there.....

[RocketElephant 7]

Just as an update:

We got married here in Vietnam and did the paperwork also. Our plan was to try the B2 and if no dice, then attempt the CR1. We just got back from the Embassy yesterday and our B2 visa was approved.

Super happy about it, and ultimately, I don't think her being married to a USC damaged her chances at all.

Thanks again for everyone's help. I suppose a mod can close this thread now as the issue has been resolved.

[Ryan H 3,790]

Thanks again for everyone's help. I suppose a mod can close this thread now as the issue has been resolved.

***Thread closed per request.***