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Posted

I'm leaving for Vietnam on Wednesday. I'm flying to Ho Chi Minh City then on to Vung Tau and I'll be staying a little over a month. I met Thao through a mutual friend and have been talking to her since December. Since then I have saved every piece of correspondence and all the receipts for everything I have sent to her (money, flowers, etc.). Here's my dilemma. I understand that the more trips I can make to see her, the better. I'd like to be able to visit her 3 times and propose on the 3rd. I would then come home and file the K1 paperwork. Life likes to throw curves though as we all know. I was laid off on March 1st. It's a catch 22 really. If I had not been, I could not have made this trip but now...well you see where I'm going with that LOL. I'm not sure, given my current circumstances, when or if I will be able to go back.

So my ultimate question is - How bad could I make things by just marrying her while I'm there? I only know of one couple (the friend who introduced Thao and myself) who did it. They met face to face, he stayed 2 weeks during which they were married and after appx a year she was issued her visa. How big of a fluke is that? I will figure it out if I absolutely have to make several trips but I thought I might just throw it out there for all of you to pick apart.

I know Todd, I know!! LOL Impatience is a virtue too though isn't it? :D

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline
Posted

Introduced 6 months ago? Out of work? No dam hoi? Married on the first visit? Well, the only thing that would make it worse is if the "mutual friend" happens to be a relative of hers. :blink:

I think you already know that this is going to smell like fish to the CO. Marrying her on the first visit is going to set up road blocks you'll never be able remove later. If you can only have one visit for the foreseeable future, so be it. Maybe you should wait and see - maybe it will be possible to get another visit or two in the coming year. Maybe you'll even be able to arrange a dam hoi on one of those visits. I wouldn't do something now that you can't undo later, and that you KNOW is going to be a huge red banner that will follow your petition to the Consulate.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

12/15/2009 - K1 Visa Interview - APPROVED!

12/29/2009 - Married in Oakland, CA!

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline
Posted

Well, you could also try the CR1 visa, or whatever it's called. The main worry I would be thinking of is that the consulate in Ho Chi Minh wont take co-sponsors, so you're going to have to be above the poverty line by the end of this year, and possibly next year as well. Good luck.

K-1

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Consulate : Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I-129F Sent :2006-06-23

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Packet 3 Received :2006-11-14

Packet 3 Sent :2006-11-15

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Interview Date :2007-02-13 Submit Review

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Your interview took 235 days from filing.

Adjustment of Status

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Date Filed :2007-04-02

BioMetrics: 2007-05-03

Touched: 2007-05-04

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Employment Authorization Document

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Approved: 2009-08-13

10 Year Card Arrived: 2009-08-18

Posted
  JimVaPhuong said:
Introduced 6 months ago? Out of work? No dam hoi? Married on the first visit? Well, the only thing that would make it worse is if the "mutual friend" happens to be a relative of hers. :blink:

I think you already know that this is going to smell like fish to the CO. Marrying her on the first visit is going to set up road blocks you'll never be able remove later. If you can only have one visit for the foreseeable future, so be it. Maybe you should wait and see - maybe it will be possible to get another visit or two in the coming year. Maybe you'll even be able to arrange a dam hoi on one of those visits. I wouldn't do something now that you can't undo later, and that you KNOW is going to be a huge red banner that will follow your petition to the Consulate.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

I have had a lot of help from everyone here and don't plan to do anything stupid. I know in my heart that I can't do what I'd like to do. My friend is the only case I have heard where an approval came like it did. Why, I don't know but they were approved. It's not worth the risk and I know he wouldn't have married her so soon if he'd known what I do now. I just thought perhaps lightening had struck before? Maybe there were other couples who had gone through it so quickly and easily? Perhaps I'm missing something or something has changed in the process? Or maybe I just need to hear what I already know..lol (wishful thinking)

-USCIS-

COMPLETED - March 9th, 2010

-NVC-

CASE COMPLETE - April 2nd, 2010

-INTERVIEW-

APPROVED - May 18th, 2010

POE - Detroit, June 11th, 2010

GREEN CARD - July 21st, 2010

SS CARD - August 13th, 2010

-ROC-

I-751 Sent March 23rd, 2012

NOA1 March 26th, 2012

Biometrics Appt. April 27th, 2012

Bio done early - April 18th, 2012

ROC Approved - September 12, 2012

10 Year GC - September 17, 2012

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline
Posted

Wow, Todd striking fear into the hearts of other VJ'ers. LOL Maybe marriage will mellow him.

Marrying there takes a bit of paperwork, but you'll have enough time. I'm not versed in the process, but I am sure others here can fill in the blanks.

You know the ropes of HCMC. CAN it happen? Yes. Is it LIKELY to happen? :unsure: If you marry on this trip, come home file for CR1 and address the job situation, return to VN for a second visit before the interview then I would vote maybe.

Go over, have a great visit, get to know one another face to face, come home and let it sink in further before making decisions. That way you are both sure of the next step. (I'm channeling Todd)

Have a great trip!

I-864 Affidavit of Support FAQ -->> https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/support/i-864-frequently-asked-questions.html

FOREIGN INCOME REPORTING & TAX FILING -->> https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54/ch01.html#en_US_2015_publink100047318

CALL THIS NUMBER TO ORDER IRS TAX TRANSCRIPTS >> 800-908-9946

PLEASE READ THE GUIDES -->> Link to Visa Journey Guides

MULTI ENTRY SPOUSE VISA TO VN -->>Link to Visa Exemption for Vietnamese Residents Overseas & Their Spouses

Posted
  Anh map said:
Wow, Todd striking fear into the hearts of other VJ'ers. LOL Maybe marriage will mellow him.

Marrying there takes a bit of paperwork, but you'll have enough time. I'm not versed in the process, but I am sure others here can fill in the blanks.

You know the ropes of HCMC. CAN it happen? Yes. Is it LIKELY to happen? :unsure: If you marry on this trip, come home file for CR1 and address the job situation, return to VN for a second visit before the interview then I would vote maybe.

Go over, have a great visit, get to know one another face to face, come home and let it sink in further before making decisions. That way you are both sure of the next step. (I'm channeling Todd)

Have a great trip!

LOL @ channeling Todd. He's been a HUGE help and I know what I need to do I just DON'T WANNA!! lol I have a job lined up when I get back. I talked to the "boss" there (a friend) and he just told me to come see him when I get back. I think I'm going to figure out how to get back as quickly as I can after this trip, spend enough time for the dam hoi then get back here and get to work. I have a long work history with the company I'm laid off with and this is a similar job (less pay of course..bah). Unless of course I go to work for Todd somewhere between SFO and Taiwan ;)

-USCIS-

COMPLETED - March 9th, 2010

-NVC-

CASE COMPLETE - April 2nd, 2010

-INTERVIEW-

APPROVED - May 18th, 2010

POE - Detroit, June 11th, 2010

GREEN CARD - July 21st, 2010

SS CARD - August 13th, 2010

-ROC-

I-751 Sent March 23rd, 2012

NOA1 March 26th, 2012

Biometrics Appt. April 27th, 2012

Bio done early - April 18th, 2012

ROC Approved - September 12, 2012

10 Year GC - September 17, 2012

Posted

Ha ha! :lol: don't know how I got to be the heavy on this one!! And now I'm being channeled by Roger (well we only live 100 miles apart so I guess it's possible!!)

Kevin, you know I am very happy that you are developing a special relationship with Thao. I am anxious to meet her next week. :thumbs: I just don't want you two lovebirds to have any heartache in the future! We all know HCM is tough. But only you can decide what makes the best sense for you...just like all the rest of us.

I suspect that after a month together in person with Thao, you two will come to a decision about your relationship, timing, etc. (L) Whatever you ultimately choose to do, I will be hoping that it goes smoothly :) and I am always happy to help in any way. see you in SFO!

Posted
  toddandhien said:
Ha ha! :lol: don't know how I got to be the heavy on this one!! And now I'm being channeled by Roger (well we only live 100 miles apart so I guess it's possible!!)

Kevin, you know I am very happy that you are developing a special relationship with Thao. I am anxious to meet her next week. :thumbs: I just don't want you two lovebirds to have any heartache in the future! We all know HCM is tough. But only you can decide what makes the best sense for you...just like all the rest of us.

I suspect that after a month together in person with Thao, you two will come to a decision about your relationship, timing, etc. (L) Whatever you ultimately choose to do, I will be hoping that it goes smoothly :) and I am always happy to help in any way. see you in SFO!

Thanks Todd :) I'm just walking the fine line between over thinking and being prepared I guess. Thao already told me "You think too far" LOL! She knows me too well already it would seem. Can't wait to get underway!! Look forward to seeing you there!!

-USCIS-

COMPLETED - March 9th, 2010

-NVC-

CASE COMPLETE - April 2nd, 2010

-INTERVIEW-

APPROVED - May 18th, 2010

POE - Detroit, June 11th, 2010

GREEN CARD - July 21st, 2010

SS CARD - August 13th, 2010

-ROC-

I-751 Sent March 23rd, 2012

NOA1 March 26th, 2012

Biometrics Appt. April 27th, 2012

Bio done early - April 18th, 2012

ROC Approved - September 12, 2012

10 Year GC - September 17, 2012

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline
Posted

It's a long flight. Great that you are travelling with someone to be able to talk.

Enjoy Vung Tau. Stop in at this cafe to sip coffee and watch the fishing boats. :)

I-864 Affidavit of Support FAQ -->> https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/support/i-864-frequently-asked-questions.html

FOREIGN INCOME REPORTING & TAX FILING -->> https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54/ch01.html#en_US_2015_publink100047318

CALL THIS NUMBER TO ORDER IRS TAX TRANSCRIPTS >> 800-908-9946

PLEASE READ THE GUIDES -->> Link to Visa Journey Guides

MULTI ENTRY SPOUSE VISA TO VN -->>Link to Visa Exemption for Vietnamese Residents Overseas & Their Spouses

Posted (edited)
  Anh map said:
It's a long flight. Great that you are travelling with someone to be able to talk.

Enjoy Vung Tau. Stop in at this cafe to sip coffee and watch the fishing boats. :)

Looks amazing! Thanks I definitely will :) I plan to run around Vung Tau for as long as Thao would like, then I have a little trip planned to Dalat too. I plan to pack as much into my 32 days as I possibly can.

Edited by Kevin&Thao

-USCIS-

COMPLETED - March 9th, 2010

-NVC-

CASE COMPLETE - April 2nd, 2010

-INTERVIEW-

APPROVED - May 18th, 2010

POE - Detroit, June 11th, 2010

GREEN CARD - July 21st, 2010

SS CARD - August 13th, 2010

-ROC-

I-751 Sent March 23rd, 2012

NOA1 March 26th, 2012

Biometrics Appt. April 27th, 2012

Bio done early - April 18th, 2012

ROC Approved - September 12, 2012

10 Year GC - September 17, 2012

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline
Posted

Are you guys taking the "redeye" from SFO to Taipei? What time do you come into SFO domestic?

I live across the bay, just south of Oakland. If you've got time, I'll pick you up for beer and pizza (last chance for American food!). I know a good restaurant only 10 minutes down the 101 freeway from the airport. If you check your bags and get your boarding passes at your international carrier beforehand, you'll have plenty of time to make the 1:00am flight if you're back at the airport by midnight. The security checkpoint at the international terminal usually doesn't take more than 10 or 15 minutes.

BTW, all the bars and restaurants in the SFO international terminal close at midnight, so that last hours wait is DULL! I never seem to get there in time to grab a beer before they close. :whistle:

:D

12/15/2009 - K1 Visa Interview - APPROVED!

12/29/2009 - Married in Oakland, CA!

08/18/2010 - AOS Interview - APPROVED!

05/01/2013 - Removal of Conditions - APPROVED!

Posted

We are taking the redeye. I get in around 9:30 and Kevin even earlier. We can be checked in by 10. I'd love a pizza and beer before we go if Kevin is up for it and you are willing to play the host, Jim. Thanks!

The departure time for this flight seems to bounce around a bit. I have been on it with departures ranging from 12:15 AM to 1:30 AM. Ours departs at 1:35 so we will have plenty of time.

Posted

Pizza !??! Hellya I'm in :D:thumbs:

-USCIS-

COMPLETED - March 9th, 2010

-NVC-

CASE COMPLETE - April 2nd, 2010

-INTERVIEW-

APPROVED - May 18th, 2010

POE - Detroit, June 11th, 2010

GREEN CARD - July 21st, 2010

SS CARD - August 13th, 2010

-ROC-

I-751 Sent March 23rd, 2012

NOA1 March 26th, 2012

Biometrics Appt. April 27th, 2012

Bio done early - April 18th, 2012

ROC Approved - September 12, 2012

10 Year GC - September 17, 2012

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline
Posted

Sound great! This coming Wednesday, right?

Do you have to shuttle your own bags to the international terminal, or are you booked straight through? If straight through, then you should be able to get over to international and get your boarding passes in 1/2 an hour. If you have to move your own bags then it will take a little longer. I'm not sure how that process works because my point of departure is always SFO. When I get to HCM, however, I DO have to move my own bags over to the domestic terminal to check in for the flight up to Phu Bai.

Ok, I can pick you up in front of the international terminal, where the departure counters are. I'll PM you my personal email so we can work out the details.

If you've got pictures to share then put 'em in your carryon because I wanna see 'em! :thumbs:

12/15/2009 - K1 Visa Interview - APPROVED!

12/29/2009 - Married in Oakland, CA!

08/18/2010 - AOS Interview - APPROVED!

05/01/2013 - Removal of Conditions - APPROVED!

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline
Posted (edited)

Just don't miss the flight!! :pop:

Edited by Anh map

I-864 Affidavit of Support FAQ -->> https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/support/i-864-frequently-asked-questions.html

FOREIGN INCOME REPORTING & TAX FILING -->> https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54/ch01.html#en_US_2015_publink100047318

CALL THIS NUMBER TO ORDER IRS TAX TRANSCRIPTS >> 800-908-9946

PLEASE READ THE GUIDES -->> Link to Visa Journey Guides

MULTI ENTRY SPOUSE VISA TO VN -->>Link to Visa Exemption for Vietnamese Residents Overseas & Their Spouses

 
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