siennaslammer

rcearley
here is the link to general guidelines for what items are needed for K1-Fiance (I-129F) VISA application.
The application & required documents must be completed & collected + submitted by the petitioner (US citizen) to the regional processing center (california, texas or vermont). all of the items should be complete & as much as possible, more is always better.
http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide
Keep everything.
Make copies of everything.
"certificate of marriageability" is needed from both person, if they were applying for a formal marriage certificate to get married in VIETNAM.

AWEOME!!
CONGRATS!!

HungNhi:
last year, i started going down that path of getting officially married in VN, with getting local & state signatures and approval from VN embassy in the US. and even started the forms in Vn with mental health checks..so after about $700-800 USD.... then, after speaking to my immigration lawyer friend here in the US. I stopped all of that and went with this K1 VISA route. less paperwork and stress, so far. and i do believe it is faster and cost less as well.
After 1 year of getting to know each other & visited 2x (very short visits compare to yours), we got engaged in VN - with all the traditional VN 'dam hoi' fanfares - it was great!!
currently, in the process for K1 - fiancee VISA (I-129F) now, see my timeline - she just got her letter yesterday to officially apply for US K1 VISA !!
hoping for a late Summer arrival to the US :-)
will get married here once she arrives (and of course within 90 days) then submit change of status to permanent resident
then will head back to VN within 2 years to have a VN wedding there.
These are my suggestions - mere suggestions:
IMO, I would suggest to slow down just a tad... you are going 60mph in a 30mph zone. Trust me, I know.
since it looks like it can take 8 - 12 months to get a K1 VISA once you start
since you are a Math and Economic guy, map out the next 12 months...starting now
look, review, print = all the available resources on here and on official US VISA websites
since you already got engaged, then you can begin the process with I-129F (K1 VISA)
- Work - SAVE $ - put it in the bank = since you will need to show this later
- Save everything from the very begining!!!
1) communications: tele call records emails, text & chat history (download now & save it for later)
2) Pictures
3) receipts: airplane, hotels, food, gifts, engagement ring
4) as far as "evidence of support", the poverty level = ANNUAL salary, not what you made up to now from your new job.
if you don't have adequate evidence of financial support, you ask someone to be a sponsor, in addition to you, like one of your relatives; like, "a co-signer when you buy a car or house"
BTW, go and search and/or ask on here for all your questions = its all here.
best -

ok, here is the link it's 3 years old.....
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/300277-extend-visa-to-stay-in-vietnam/

As you know there are a lot of ambiguity when it comes to fees in Vietnam or at any consulate/embassy. never see clear & concise information & fee schedule.

but with 5 years VISA EXEMPTION, there is a process & procedure for extension before the 90 days - see below - you pay a small fee like $30 USD, I read this one VJ forum a couple of weeks ago (have to find the topic on VJ somewhere); i think since your friend went past the 90- days, the $55 USD fee sounds like the $30 fee + penalty.

the $75 renewal fee - is his VISA EXEMPTION still valid; ie, expiration date... if still valid then he should not have to pay......sounds like a scam to me.

http://vietnamembassy-usa.org/consular/visa-exemption

"A visa exemption certificate has a validity duration of up to 5 years which must be at least 6 months shorter than the remaining validity duration of the passport or residence permit granted by a foreign country.

People entering Vietnam with visa exemption certificates may stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days following each entry. Those who wish to stay longer shall carry out visa application procedures according to current regulations before or after their entry into Vietnam. -

Please visit the official website: http://mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/ for information on how to get the visa exemption certificates."

Hi - Just to follow up.
I went back and picked up my US passport and the "visa exemption" certificate sticker was added to one of my passport page.
good until April 2, 2019.
so, no more Visa on Arrival letter or waiting at Visa on Arrival window :-)

Just an FYI. Visa On Arrival - for new travelers
I don't know about the increase in VISA fees.
I can't find it anywhere on the web of this recent increase.??
before I did the on-line "invitation letter"
i did call the Washington D.C. VN embassy for 1 month, 1 entry; i got different answers
1st call = $300
2nd call = $250
so i looked for alternatives since i knew it only cost $45 for a 1 month, 1 entry VISA.
VISA stamp cost at TSN Airport - HCMC at VISA office (as of December 2013)
1 month single - $45
3 months single - $45
1 month multiple - $65
3 months multiple - $95
My experience last year - multiple trips
before you fly:
1) USD money $45 - $95 for actual Vietnam VISA stamp, cost depending on how long you will be staying & number of entries
2) a pen
3) a couple 2"x2" passport photo
4) print out your "invitation to visit letter"
5) your passport
how to get your "invitation to visit letter"
various on-line services - the company is usually in US, need to check, some have Paypal = so safer alternative.
Service Fees:
a) cost = varies from $8 USD to $50, usually takes 2-3 days, cost more for RUSH or longer stay. different website companies = different service fees. example: you pay anywhere from a low $8 per person (fee schedule is listed in table) for 1 month – 1 entry
b) service: what you get for the fees = cost for an agent in Vietnam to go and apply and get you an invitation letter, only a letter to come to Vietnam with your name, passport number and date of visit (info from on-line form that you fill out). They will email you this letter in 2-4 days (varies) but not too long. The letter may have a few to many other people on there since the local agent in Vietnam goes and request this letter once daily. You can pay extra for a letter written just you and your group. This letter allows you to travel/fly to Vietnam. kinda like a pre-VISA letter. I used this service twice, 1st = 1-month single visit, 2nd 3-month multiple visit.

Process:
a) you fill out the on-line form
b) confirm the info
c) pay by credit card - the company is usually in US, need to check
d) they will confirm with an email
e) in 1-3 days, you will get an email with an attachment = your letter = approve for to get the VISA when you arrive at airport (TSN, hanoi or da nang) – your name will be listed among other people (they submit as a group in vietnam) or if you wish to do it as individual or small group = you can = just pay extra fee = private; but it is not big deal with the big list
- i usually print out 2 copies (1 with my passport and ticket, the other in my bag just in case) and bring with me to airport
=> see a copy example of what I received in my email -names & info have been blacked out for privacy - i can't seem to attach or paste it

f) at airport check-in and at all gate(s): you will NEED to show the airline representative this letter
- no letter = no travel, unless you already have a bonafide VN VISA to travel in which case ignore the rest :-)
g) arrive at airport in Vietnam
h) at TSN airport HCMC, follow the path to "immigration" then at the big hall, on the left side of the “VISA immigration checkpoint” is the VISA ON ARRIVAL window
i) Fill out form at the table against the wall
j) Get in line with the completed form + your VISA ON ARRIVAL LETTER + photo 2”x2” + your passport
k) give them above
l) they check it for a 10 - 15 minutes, longer if crowded
m) they call your name = pay $45 (1 month – 1 entry)
get VISA stamp sticker placed in your passport
n) go to VISA immigration checkpoint with your passport
o) ask a few questions while they scan your passport – get stamped
p) go to pick up luggage downstairs at carosel (don’t get help = $) unless you really need it, the luggage carts are free for you to use
q) go to custom with all your stuff – x-ray your luggage - have had no problems
r) done
no problems, no hidden moneys inside or under passport, no extra fees.
TAXI Cab = another story
"VISA Exemption":
here is the link to the ministry of foreign affairs on this matter.
http://mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/Default.aspx?alias=mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/en
as others have mentioned this. you can apply for this "VISA Exemption, a little booklet with your info & picture, last 5 years". It cost $40 for my cousin and $50 dollars for my sister, maybe $70 now ???, i will have to get this done and see on cost$. This is to make it easier for those who wish to travel to VN qualified under this path. I did not know about this last year. My cousins, sister and brother just got this. So, I will be getting this soon.

Just an FYI. Visa On Arrival - for new travelers
I don't know about the increase in VISA fees.
I can't find it anywhere on the web of this recent increase.??
before I did the on-line "invitation letter"
i did call the Washington D.C. VN embassy for 1 month, 1 entry; i got different answers
1st call = $300
2nd call = $250
so i looked for alternatives since i knew it only cost $45 for a 1 month, 1 entry VISA.
VISA stamp cost at TSN Airport - HCMC at VISA office (as of December 2013)
1 month single - $45
3 months single - $45
1 month multiple - $65
3 months multiple - $95
My experience last year - multiple trips
before you fly:
1) USD money $45 - $95 for actual Vietnam VISA stamp, cost depending on how long you will be staying & number of entries
2) a pen
3) a couple 2"x2" passport photo
4) print out your "invitation to visit letter"
5) your passport
how to get your "invitation to visit letter"
various on-line services - the company is usually in US, need to check, some have Paypal = so safer alternative.
Service Fees:
a) cost = varies from $8 USD to $50, usually takes 2-3 days, cost more for RUSH or longer stay. different website companies = different service fees. example: you pay anywhere from a low $8 per person (fee schedule is listed in table) for 1 month – 1 entry
b) service: what you get for the fees = cost for an agent in Vietnam to go and apply and get you an invitation letter, only a letter to come to Vietnam with your name, passport number and date of visit (info from on-line form that you fill out). They will email you this letter in 2-4 days (varies) but not too long. The letter may have a few to many other people on there since the local agent in Vietnam goes and request this letter once daily. You can pay extra for a letter written just you and your group. This letter allows you to travel/fly to Vietnam. kinda like a pre-VISA letter. I used this service twice, 1st = 1-month single visit, 2nd 3-month multiple visit.

Process:
a) you fill out the on-line form
b) confirm the info
c) pay by credit card - the company is usually in US, need to check
d) they will confirm with an email
e) in 1-3 days, you will get an email with an attachment = your letter = approve for to get the VISA when you arrive at airport (TSN, hanoi or da nang) – your name will be listed among other people (they submit as a group in vietnam) or if you wish to do it as individual or small group = you can = just pay extra fee = private; but it is not big deal with the big list
- i usually print out 2 copies (1 with my passport and ticket, the other in my bag just in case) and bring with me to airport
=> see a copy example of what I received in my email -names & info have been blacked out for privacy - i can't seem to attach or paste it

f) at airport check-in and at all gate(s): you will NEED to show the airline representative this letter
- no letter = no travel, unless you already have a bonafide VN VISA to travel in which case ignore the rest :-)
g) arrive at airport in Vietnam
h) at TSN airport HCMC, follow the path to "immigration" then at the big hall, on the left side of the “VISA immigration checkpoint” is the VISA ON ARRIVAL window
i) Fill out form at the table against the wall
j) Get in line with the completed form + your VISA ON ARRIVAL LETTER + photo 2”x2” + your passport
k) give them above
l) they check it for a 10 - 15 minutes, longer if crowded
m) they call your name = pay $45 (1 month – 1 entry)
get VISA stamp sticker placed in your passport
n) go to VISA immigration checkpoint with your passport
o) ask a few questions while they scan your passport – get stamped
p) go to pick up luggage downstairs at carosel (don’t get help = $) unless you really need it, the luggage carts are free for you to use
q) go to custom with all your stuff – x-ray your luggage - have had no problems
r) done
no problems, no hidden moneys inside or under passport, no extra fees.
TAXI Cab = another story
"VISA Exemption":
here is the link to the ministry of foreign affairs on this matter.
http://mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/Default.aspx?alias=mienthithucvk.mofa.gov.vn/en
as others have mentioned this. you can apply for this "VISA Exemption, a little booklet with your info & picture, last 5 years". It cost $40 for my cousin and $50 dollars for my sister, maybe $70 now ???, i will have to get this done and see on cost$. This is to make it easier for those who wish to travel to VN qualified under this path. I did not know about this last year. My cousins, sister and brother just got this. So, I will be getting this soon.