menyoo

VJS,

I apologize for the delay. it's been hectic for ever since I got to VN. Our interview was reschedule to today. it's over and we did not get pink, blue instead.

I'm very disappointed, but still some light at the end of the tunel. They asked my Fiancee to show them our parents birth certificate and mobil phone bill. I also need to get any utilities bills from my ex-wife to prove that we live at two difference address.

resumit all documents request for further review.

Reason for blue slip:

"we are unable to make our decision at this time due to lack of documents.

Thank you all for your supports.

Thank you all for your support and will keep all of you update.

Congrat to both of you!!!!

I'm excited and very anxious

Hi Everyone!

Perhaps the answer is clear as day.

Regarding the section of the I-134 listing the amount of savings on deposit in banks in the United States, I'm seeking your input for which way to go:

- My bank letter was successfully obtained, but is dated about 2 months ago. It is obvious that the amount stated on that letter as the present balance as of writing is different than the balance in the account as of today (i.e. lower) when writing this.

My question: on the I-134 that I will have notarized at the US Consulate in HCMC next week, should I list the current balance of the account, or list the balance that was certified by my bank in the letter dated 2 months ago?

Thanks for the direction! The world has started spinning a little faster since receiving the interview date!

NOTE: we are using a co-sponsor AND most of my savings isn't on deposit in a bank in the United States (don't like the hassle of transferring money from VN to USA), but on deposit in my fiancee's account (not joint) in HCMC.

STL_HCMC

That was what I did a coupon months ago. I got my bank letter first, then I put in the I-134 the axact balance stated in the letter, then certified.

To: menyoo and/or nhatrang,

Either of you receive packet 4 yet? We're still waiting here. We were told it was mailed out on June 17th. We aren't too far from Q.1, just a quick ride to Q.Tan Binh!

STL_HCMC

We got our Pkg 4 yesterday, 6/22/06

Goodluck to both you and looking forward to hear good news!!!!!!!!!!

Cool, We will have to hook up. You will get your Pink slip on the 10th and Vans Birthday on the 10th, Time to celebrate. I know this nice restaurant that van took me too. it's right across the caravel hotel called The(BRODARD) Cafe and Restaurant. You think about it. I will be staying at the HOANG LONG HOTEL ( http://www.vietnamhotelsbooking.com/saigon-hoanglong/ ) For the first week that I'm There. Van get's me a pretty good discount, 25.00 per night for a Suite.

Awsome, I'll definitely look for you at your hotel. I'll stay with my aunt in District 6, (Q6). I bought a bike last time when I went back. I just got my M1 license in CA. I'll get my International diriving permit from AAA sometimes next week. This time around I can get around Saigon much easier than the last time i was becuase I either took taxi or bike taxi (xe om).

Looking forward to see you all if any members from this from plan to go back between 7/8/06 and 8/5/06.

I definately think it is a plus for us. I emailed the embassy and they haven't emailed me the fee for the Visa yet. Does anyone know what the fee's are for single and multiple entry?

Mike,

fees for VN visa if filing directly with the VN ambassy $65 plus fed express stamp prepaid. I would go the any travel agent that offer ticket to asia. They do for $40-$45 bucks.

Good luck to you and enjoy your adventure.

Thank you all for your support, I'll arrive in VN 7/8/06. I'll definitely see you there.

Goodluck to all of you keep up with all the good news.

Wow, Great news for all of us!!!!! Our fiancees will get pkg 4 sometimes early July. The info unit at HCM also told me and assume all of you the same thing, "come to our office and pick up pkg 4 if you don't get it in early July."

I know STL_HCMC is already there in VN, but any of you going back? I just booked my ticket yesterday, cost $1,300, Cathy Pacific Airlines, that's $500 more than what I usually book.

Goodluck to all of you.

Hi VJs,

What a relief! Whew, I called in yesterday and to my surprise, we got the interview date but have not received pkg 4 yet. Finally, the last step of part 1 in this process. I'm going back to be supportive of my fiancee.

Thank you all for your help and support and goodluck to all those still waiting for their interview.

Menyoo

Hello Everyone!

I just received a reply from the US Consulate in HCMC regarding my email requesting information about the single status certification for BOTH the beneficiary and petitioner. Below is my original email and their reply.

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

SUBJECT: Single Status Certification (K-1 visa)

To Whom It May Concern:

Question #1: Is a "Single Status Certification Document" required for both the beneficiary AND the U.S. Citizen Petitioner for the K-1 visa application?

Question #2: If such single status certification is required of the U.S . Citizen Petitioner, can you please instruct me on the proper place to obtain such single status certification document while I'm living/working in HCMC, Vietnam?

Question #3: The completed and certified single status certification document given to my fiancee by the officials in her registered ward office is titled:

"GIẤY XÁC NHẬN TÌNH TRẠNG HÔN NHÂN (Ðể dùng ở nước ngoài)"

Is this the correct document needed for single status certification for the beneficiary and the K-1 visa application?

Best Regards,

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

Dear Mr. XXXXX,

Thank you for your inquiry. Single Status Certification is no longer required of the beneficiary and the petitioner of a fiancee visa case.

Please do not delete your original inquiry with all correspondence if you have further inquiries.

Sincerely,

Information Unit

Consular Section

U.S. Consulate General HCMC

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

So is the example packet 4 (i.e. Topic: HCMC Packets Scanned) outdated with its request for:

"11. A typed single status statement certified by the local authorities for all female applicants age 18 and over and all male applicants age 20 and over who are single, divorced or widowed."

We already obtained the single status document for my fiancee, but I'm thinking about skipping the one for myself. I've NEVER been married and neither has my fiancee.

Just an update on the official word from the consulate!

STL_HCMC

Seems to me as if nothing is required now when we ask, but I'm pretty dam sure that these emails are aswered by the Vietnamese staff. I'm just wondering if these people provide accurate info to all petitioners. The C/O is the one who makes the important decisions in our lives. In our case we'll do exactly what the instructions said in package 4.

Mike,

I'm truely sorry about your situation. Just a few months ago, I thought I'd see you in Saigon to be there for your fiancee's interview. And now I still hope the new law would speed up it process so you and your love can be together soon. If your record clean, you need not to worry about. You'lll united with your love before you even blink.

Menyoo

In my Opion, I believe that for all foreign birth certificate (especially in vietnam) there is an original BC and there is a certified birth certificate (ban sao), which is not a photo copy of the original. If you have the original BC, you don't need the certified BC. You can simply photocopy the original. The consulate is asking for that most documents presented in dupilcate (one original and one photocopy.) But again I'm not there yet, those who already gone through this process, please help us out.

Even the email sent to me said that they don't need documents translated, I'll translate them and have them ready when the COs ask for. As you all know, the HCMC consulate is very tricky in how they conduct business. I believe that even if I print out the email, it'd not do anything to help my case.

Hi VJs,

This email is what I got from HCM Consulate office.

Question,

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to know where do my fiancee need go to get all officialdocuments in Vietnamese translated to English that are acceptable toyour office, such as police certificate, birth certificate, and etc...?

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Response,

Dear Mr.

Thank you for your inquiry. A translation of documents is no longer required at our office.

Please do not delete your original inquiry with all correspondence if you have further inquiries.

Sincerely,

Information Unit

Consular Section

U.S. Consulate General HCMC

Tel: (84-8) 822 9433 - ext 4636

Fax: (84-8) 824 5572

E-mail: hcmcinfo@state.gov (regarding visa issues)

acshcmc@state.gov (regarding services for U.S. citizens)

Website: http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov

STL_HCMC,

I do aware of your advice. Of course, we all want this process done professionally and respectfully. However, I just don't agree with their (HCMC) method oversea. After all, they're all working for USC just like those in Washington DC. My Ref is not directly to those C/Os, but to those Vietnamese employees whose hired by C/Os which pays by tax payers. It does not matter anyway, USC can trash George Bush and nobody cares. Their jobs are to help and to assist the C/Os to communicate with Vietnamese beneficairies, not to insult those who need help. About bribry, no one knows for sure, but the fact is bribry always exist and is part of all public servants' culture, examples: at airport custom, traffic violation, (very common almost everyone withness these) and many others (hiden within the Vietnam society for decades.)

Any way, Thanks for you advice.

Hi VJs,

It's been a long wait for us since the HCMC CON told us that the package 3 was sent out on 4/19/06. I notice that the date stamp (5-5-06) on the envelop was not even close. I guess those bastards who work there were F****** lazy to send it out, Waiting for bribe money may be! Any way my fiancee just returned the checklist and ds 230 p1 today.

Mike,

When you call the H/C office and if they give you a date when they send it out, expect at least 3 weeks for it to arrive at your fiancee hometown.

Good luck to you

Menyoo

I feel alot better now after reading all your posts. I hope we all get through this without delay. We have all documents required ready. The only thing we are waiting for is the package 3 and 4 so I can come back to see my fiancee again. I know for certain that my fiancee will come the office to pick up package 3 if she have not recieved it by 5/19/06.

Thank you all for valuable info posted here and goodluck to all

Menyoo

STL_HCMC,

My fiancee lives in Can Tho City near the post office. I sent her stuff from the states, and there are no problems with any packages I've sent. I don't know why domestic mails got lost in transition and it takes so long for delivery. I will ask her to change the mailing address to Saigon, which My aunt currently lives. What does the package 3 instructions tell you and what documents need to be returned to schedule to the interview? As I understand that we need to return DS 230 part I and checklist readiness. Is this what you have to do?

Any info is appreciated.

In Mike's case, I hope the package will not get lost in the transition. I think Mike can called the HCMC to request that his package needs to be sent to Consulate office in Ha Noi and his fiancee can come to the Ha Noi Office to pick it up if it gets lost in the mail. Good Luck to all of you with a sucussful result in this jouney.

Menyoo

Hi Menyoo,

Sorry for the late reply, my fiancee and I were in Can Tho for the long weekend holiday in Vietnam (victory day and international labor day).

Regarding packet 3, there is no information inside regarding the medical exam. From what I've read, that information will be explained in packet 4 sent from the consulate.

Due to the holiday and just plain being busy, we are still sitting on packet 3. Will probably get it turned into the consulate this Friday.

STL_HCMC

STL_HCMC,

Have you had any chance to look at your package 3? I would like to know if package 3 has any kind of insturctions related to medical exam. Does your P3 tell you when fiancee can schedule for medical exam?

Thanks alot for any info

Menyoo

STL_HCMC,

Cool! Thanks for the info. My fiancee still has not received package 3; she called and the HCMC representative told her that she sent out the package around 4-19-06 and still waiting today. she told her that if she does not recieve the package by 5-15-06, she can come to the office to pick it up. Any way have fun and hope you still around when I take a trip back around my fiancee interview.

Menyoo

Mike,

That is the EXACT same form response I got to my email on 4/18, which was also the same day they mailed the packet 3 to Can Tho. Don't lose hope. It is easier and safer for them to put the form response, then to give you any detailed information that you could use against them should they not meet that deadline. You'll have packet 3 soon.

STL_HCMC

Well, after waiting 2 weeks for a response to my email, I just received this email from the Consulate. Is this saying that they don't have my physical file, or does this say they may have it, but it takes approx. 8 weeks for them to know they have it?????

Here is what they sent me:

Thank you for your inquiry. Please be informed that we received the electronic file for your fiancée on March 31. It usually takes one week for us to receive the physical file. However, it takes approximately 8 weeks for us to process the case and update the information in our system due to the large volume of visa petitions we receive monthly. We will send an Instruction Package (packet 3) to your fiancée at the earliest opportunity.

STL_HCMC,

Have you had any chance to look at your package 3? I would like to know if package 3 has any kind of insturctions related to medical exam. Does your P3 tell you when fiancee can schedule for medical exam?

Thanks alot for any info

Menyoo

Hello VJS,

I found this to be very interesting reading for those whose petittion has been denied or delay:

"I know of a case where consular officers in Ho Chi Minh City forced a beneficiary to sign a confession to marriage fraud. The officer told her if she did not sign this confession, she would never be allowed to enter the US. The officer was making a misrepresentation of the law - or else it was not translated correctly to the beneficiary. The officer did not mention the IMFA, which provides that any person who has been found to commit marriage fraud would never be eligible for an immigration benefit. The frightened beneficiary dutifully wrote out her confession, believing she still might have her visa approved, if she just did what the consular officers ordered her to do. " by Marc Ellis, Esq.

No readjudication of petitions

7. In general, an approved petition will be considered by consular officers as prima facie evidence that the requirements for classification - which are examined in the petition process - have been met. Where Congress has placed responsibility and authority with DHS to determine whether the requirements for status which are examined in the petition process have been met, consular officers do not have the authority to question the approval of petitions without specific evidence, generally unavailable to DHS at the time of petition approval, that the beneficiary may not be entitled to status (see 9 FAM 41.53, Note 2, 41.54 Note 3.2-2, 41.55 Note 8, 41.56 Note 10, 41.57 Note 6, and 42.43 Note 2) due to fraud, changes in circumstances or clear error on the part of DHS in approving the petition. Conoffs should not assume that a petition should be revoked simply because they would have reached a different decision if adjudicating the petition.

For full reading checkout this link:

http://www.ilw.com/articles/2004,0429-ellis.shtm

Thread title pretty much explains my worries. I'll have an expensive ring and I will not want to let it be off my person at any time whatsoever. When flying into HCMC do I have to go through metal detectors? If so will the ring set it off?

Please give me some advice. I know someone who's ring was "confiscated" by "officials" at the airport in HCMC some years ago. It caused a huge scene and even after a complaint by the US Embassy the ring was never returned or paid for.

Matt,

Just put the ring in the carry on luggage to go through the metal detector in the US; after you get through, take it out and put in your pocket. I don't remember there is a metal detector at the HCM airport on arrival when I went back last December. That was what I did and I had no problem.

Goodluck to you and wish you all the best.

Hello VJs,

For those who'd gone through the HCMC interview, did you recieve the medical form in package 3 or package 4 like the "I-693" or something different? How soon can one schedule the medical exam at Cho Ray or IOM?

Thanks,

More wonderful news for those of us still waiting for this moments, congratulations and good luck in the next process, Bruce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!