Jump to content
Melrose Plant

Being there for the interview

 Share

13 posts in this topic

Recommended Posts

Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Vietnam
Timeline

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline
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.

TimeLine

Consulate : Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I-129F Sent : 2007-09-26

I-129F NOA1 : 2007-09-28

I-129F RFE(s) : none

RFE Reply(s) : none

I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-30

NVC Received : 2007-11-05

NVC Left : 2007-11-06

Consulate Received : 2007-11-09

Packet 3 Received : 2007-11-17

Packet 3 Sent : 2007-11-23

Packet 4 Received : 2007-12-16

Medical Taken : 2008-01-03

Medical Passed : 2008-01-04

Interview Date : 2008-01-11

Interview Passed : 2008-01-11

Visa Issue : January 18th 2008

USA ENTRY : January 23rd 2008

POE Entry : Seattle Washington

Wedding : February 9th 2008

Social Security Card Received: February 19th 2008

Civil Surgeon I693 signed : April 14th Vaccinations Complete.

AOS: Sent on April 15th 2008 USPS Confirmed . April 17th 4:56 Am

AOS: Hard Copy Received NOA1 April 22nd all 3 arrived same day.

Biometrics : Received Appointment Letter Today April 27th = May 23rd 2008 10 am appointment

Transfered CSC June 4th

EAD: Approved June 13th 2008

EAD: Recieved Card June 18th 2008

AP: Approved June 13th 2008

AP: Received June 18th 2008

AOS:touched :Card ordered July 26th

Approval: AOS : Aug 4th

Green Card :Received : Aug 5th with Welcome Letter . 2 years Dated July 26th

Thank You USCIS

Thank You Visa Journey...........................

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Country: Vietnam
Timeline

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

K1 denied, K3/K4, CR-1/CR-2, AOS, ROC, Adoption, US citizenship and dual citizenship

!! ALL PAU!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline

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.

2-22-08 - I-485 rev'd

2-27-08 - NOA1

3-17-09 - Transferred to Cali.

4-12-08 - Biometrics

4-22-08 - Touch

4-28-08 - EAD received.

...waiting...

3-04-09 - Had to renew the EAD :(

3-04-09 - Got annoyed at being outside of the processing window

3-04-09 - Called and they confirmed. Will contact me within 45 days.

3-05-09 - Date on the EAD NOA1

3-12-09 - Received a confirmation email that I am outside of the window and will get a decision in 60 days.

3-12-09 - TOUCH!!!

3-27-09 - Touch!

5-09-09 - Randomly received the renewed EAD Card... w/ wrong A# :(.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline
Seen a LOT of petitioners kicking themselves in the butte for NOT attending tho.

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.

2-22-08 - I-485 rev'd

2-27-08 - NOA1

3-17-09 - Transferred to Cali.

4-12-08 - Biometrics

4-22-08 - Touch

4-28-08 - EAD received.

...waiting...

3-04-09 - Had to renew the EAD :(

3-04-09 - Got annoyed at being outside of the processing window

3-04-09 - Called and they confirmed. Will contact me within 45 days.

3-05-09 - Date on the EAD NOA1

3-12-09 - Received a confirmation email that I am outside of the window and will get a decision in 60 days.

3-12-09 - TOUCH!!!

3-27-09 - Touch!

5-09-09 - Randomly received the renewed EAD Card... w/ wrong A# :(.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

05/07/2007 : I-129F Sent

05/29/2007 : NOA1

09/28/2007 : NOA2 (144 days from filing date)

11/02/2007 : NVC Received Case (35 days from NOA2)

11/06/2007 : NVC Sent Case to HCM Consulate

11/16/2007 : HCMC Received Case

11/17/2007 : HCMC Sent Packet 3

11/20/2007 : HCMC Received Packet 3

12/10/2007 : HCMC Called Fiancee (Packet 4 Sent + Interview Date)

12/18/2007 : Packet 4 Received

01/02/2008 : Medical Appointment

01/09/2008 : Interview passed!

01/29/2008 : Visa Received

02/02/2008 : POE @ SFO

Favorite Links:

K1 Process Flowchart

Vietnam Visa Seekers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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

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.

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!

K1 denied, K3/K4, CR-1/CR-2, AOS, ROC, Adoption, US citizenship and dual citizenship

!! ALL PAU!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline

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.

K-1

Service Center :California Service Center

Consulate : Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I-129F Sent :2006-06-23

I-129F NOA1 :2006-07-11

I-129F NOA2 :2006-10-11

NVC Left :2006-10-26

Consulate Received :2006-11-02

Packet 3 Received :2006-11-14

Packet 3 Sent :2006-11-15

Packet 4 Received :2007-01-22

Interview Date :2007-02-13 Submit Review

Visa Received :2007-02-14

US Entry :2007-02-20

Your interview took 235 days from filing.

Adjustment of Status

CIS Office :Seattle WA

Date Filed :2007-04-02

BioMetrics: 2007-05-03

Touched: 2007-05-04

Interview: 2007-07-19 PASSED!!!

Employment Authorization Document

Touched: 2007-05-04

Approved: 2007-6-18

Card Recieved: 2007-6-25

Removing Conditions

I-715 Sent California: 2009-4-23

I-715 recieved: 2009-4-24

I-797C NOA recieved 2009-5-16

Biometrics letter recieved: 2009-06-22

Biometrics: 2009-07-10

Approved: 2009-08-13

10 Year Card Arrived: 2009-08-18

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Vietnam
Timeline

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

9/26/2006 Met online

12/24/2006 - 1/6/2007 Visited Fiancee in VN

12/31/2006 Engagement ceremony

2/1/2007 Mailed I-129

2/12/2007 NOA-1

5/2/2007 NOA-2

5/21/2007 NVC received I-129

6/6/2007 - 6/28/2007 Visited Fiancee in VN

6/9/2007 Wedding Ceremony in VN; no paperwork

6/11/2007 - 6/18/2007 Honeymoon in Nha Trang and Dalat

6/29/2007 Packet 3 received (in person)

6/29/2007 Packet 3 returned to consulate (in person)

7/30/2007 Packet 4 received

8/22/2007 John arrived in Vietnam for interview

8/24/2007 Interview - blue slip

8/31/2007 Pink slip

9/5/2007 Visa granted

9/6/2007 POE

9/12/2007 Wedding in U.S.

11/30/2007 Mailed AOS paperwork.

12/26/2008 Biometrics

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Second K1: I-129F Timeline

--------------------

Sept 15, 2007: I-129F sent to VSC

Sept 24, 2007: NOA1 hard copy received

Jan 25, 2008: Approved

Feb 01, 2008: NOA2 hard copy received

April 24, 20008: Interviewed

May 06, 2008: Received Visa

May 11, 2008: Entry to US "Chicago"

May 15, 2008: Registered Marriage's license

Sept 19, 2008: Received Green Card w/o interview

=========================

***Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence

June 19,2010 - I751 Package sent to VSC

June 28,2010 - Received NOA1

July 07, 2010 - Biometrics appt

August 09, 2010 - Approved w/o Interview

August 19, 2010 - 10 Year Green Card Received

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Feb 2012 - Received U.S Citizenship

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
- Back to Top -

Important Disclaimer: Please read carefully the Visajourney.com Terms of Service. If you do not agree to the Terms of Service you should not access or view any page (including this page) on VisaJourney.com. Answers and comments provided on Visajourney.com Forums are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Visajourney.com does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. VisaJourney.com does not condone immigration fraud in any way, shape or manner. VisaJourney.com recommends that if any member or user knows directly of someone involved in fraudulent or illegal activity, that they report such activity directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can contact ICE via email at Immigration.Reply@dhs.gov or you can telephone ICE at 1-866-347-2423. All reported threads/posts containing reference to immigration fraud or illegal activities will be removed from this board. If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by contacting us here with a url link to that content. Thank you.
×
×
  • Create New...