Tony_H

Here’s our report of her interview yesterday. I am attaching our Relationship Evidence List for your reference as you read through our report. I was prepared with lots of evidences but only a few were looked at. I hope this report will be helpful to you who are preparing for your interview.

She arrived at the consulate at 8:24am for her 10:00am interview appointment, presented her passport and appointment letter to the security guard, then she entered into the security area. She was asked to leave her cell phone if she had one, send her bags through the X-ray machine, and then she walked through the metal detector.

She was shown to go down the right corridor for Immigrant Applicants into a very large waiting room (Non-Immigrants on the left to a different room). There were about two hundred people in that waiting room, individuals, mother and child, families, old folks, group of people, children of all ages, etc… There are 2 TV monitors in that room continuously giving detailed instructions on this entire process for applicants to listen to while waiting. There were instructions on where to get a number to wait, how to do your fingerprinting correctly, if you get your pink slip then to come back not before 4pm today to pick up your visa, if you get a blue slip then you need to follow its instruction on the slip to bring additional documents, and a few pictures of famous spots in the U.S. such as Grand Canyon and so on… Then she was directed to go to a window to get her number. She was given number A036 and was told to go wait at window #11. She guessed that the A prefix appears to be for fiancé and marriage applicants, and B prefix is for family applicants like children, parents, siblings, etc… There are 15 windows with protective glass. Her scheduled appointment time seems to be just a target time for the interview. So she went over to that area and nervously waited for a long time.

Shortly after she sat down to wait; there was an American man who came into the room with an interpreter, asked everyone to stand up and raise their right hand to take an oath that they are to tell only the truth and nothing but the truth. There were occasional reminders over the PA to arrange your paperwork in order and your evidence in time-chronological order. Apparently, many applicants were not organized enough at the interview. After the facts, she felt that she was more organized than most because it took very long for others to have their documents examined. It was a long agonizing wait then finally it was her turn to go to the interview window at around 11:15am. Up to this point, everyone working there were very courteous and pleasant. There is an electronic board always with 3 numbers changing frequently. They also called the numbers over the loudspeakers.

Her first interviewer was a nice 40’s Vietnamese man behind a secured window with a document tray below the glass with a small 2” open slit. This is the reason why you have to take all documents out of any plastic sleeves and their binder. He asked to see her paperwork and she slid her first batch through with a summary list of documents so he could see what she got in which order. He began to ask for those documents one by one and she continued to slide them over to him. He thoroughly checked the order and read them carefully as he asked her during this time:

- When was he divorced?

- When did he come to the U.S.?

- Are you related to him?

- Do you have any relatives in the U.S.?

He returned any extra copy of documents she had and the Single Status document. As he inspected the documents, he was checking off a white checklist. It appeared that he was verifying her answers against the paperwork. He also asked her to enter the name of her sponsor into a section of DS-156 and that she agrees to marry the petitioner/sponsor within 90 days after arrival in the U.S.. She also had to sign a form stating that she understands the reason for the interview. He took the medical exam result and returned the X-ray envelope. She asked if he wanted to see the immunization record, he said “No”. This process took about 5 minutes. He did not ask for any evidence. She still had her relationship evidence in a binder of plastic sleeves organized for quick access. Then she was asked to sit down and wait.

About 10 minutes later, she was called back up to window #9. Her next interviewer was a nice, late 20’s, & good-looking American woman with an interpreter. They greeted each other pleasantly in English. My fiancé was asked if she can speak English. She answered that she can but she might need some help. The lady asked my fiancé in Vietnamese to do the fingerprinting. Then she was asked to sign the DS-156 forms. The interviewer then asked:

- How did you meet each other?

- When did you start your communication?

- Do you continue to communicate?

- Can I see some emails?

My fiancé slid a list of emails (#4,5)and a stack of emails (#6) to her (please note that they already had these document in my I-129F application). The lady interviewer then asked:

- When did you first meet him in person? What date?

- How did you continue to communicate with each other?

- How many times did he visit you?

- When were the dates?

- What kind of work does he do?

- Does he have any children?

- When was the date of engagement?

My fiancé answered quickly and precisely to each question. Everything that my fiancé said was noted by the interviewer. The lady then asked to see our pictures. My fiancé slid over the 1st pack of my family & personal pictures (#48). The lady looked at them all very quickly but picked out a picture of my college diploma and put it aside for some reasons. She continued to look over other groups of pictures quickly such as my 3 trips’ pictures, and very carefully at the Engagement party’s pictures. She seemed to note all the dates carefully. She did not seem to pay too much attention to the wedding studio pictures. My fiancé then asked if the lady would like to see our video conference logs, the lady waived her hand and said Ok, Ok, OK, that’s enough, no need. Then the lady interviewer signed the pink slip quickly, handed it to my fiancé, and said “You passed, and you can come back to pick up your visa at 4pm”. Then the interviewer returned all pictures and document originals such as everyone’s birth certificate, ID card, Family Household Book, divorce papers, but not her passport.

This process took between 5-10 minutes. Then my fiancé left the consulate at 11:40am. I got her text message of the good news about 7 minutes later.

LIST OF RELATIONSHIP PROOFS

1. Petitioner’s Statement of Intent

2. My Statement of Intent

3. My Web Personal Posting

4. Email List for 2/20 – 4/28/06

5. Email List for 4/28 – 10/24/06

6. Email Letters from 2/20 – 3/21/06

7. Petitioner’s and my Phone Number Proofs

8. Sprint Calling Log to Vietnam

9. U.S. Calling Cards

10. Calling Card Proof of Purchases

11. Vietnam Calling Cards

12. Call Logs from Vietnam

13. My ADSL Internet Bill

14. My Yahoo Profile

15. Petitioner’s Yahoo Profile

16. Yahoo Chat Log for 2/20 – 3/8/06

17. Sample Sightspeed Chat Session 10/26/06

18. My Sightspeed Profile

19. Petitioner’s Sightspeed Profile

20. Sightspeed Call Log – April to December 2006

21. My Skype Profile

22. Petitioner’s Skype Profile

23. Skype Call Log – May to December 2006

24. Copy of Petitioner’s Visa Entries: April, July, & November 2006

25. First Trip Itinerary

26. First Trip Ticket and Stubs

27. First Trip Mileage Deduction – American Airlines

28. First Trip Money Exchange Receipts

29. First Trip Hotel Bill

30. Second Trip Itinerary

31. Second Trip Ticket and Stubs

32. Second Trip Mileage Deduction – U.S. Airways

33. Second Trip Money Exchange Receipts

34. Second Trip Home-Stay Registration

35. Third Trip Itinerary

36. Third Trip Ticket and Stubs

37. Third Trip Mileage Deduction – Continental Airlines

38. Third Trip Money Exchange Receipts

39. Third Trip Home-Stay Registration

40. Engagement Ring Packing List & Appraisal Certificate

41. Wedding Gown & Studio Picture Receipts

42. Engagement Party Contract & Receipt

43. Engagement Party Invitation

44. Mailed Greeting Cards from both

45. A Sample E-Card

46. Ex-wife Information

47. Ex-wife Residence Proof

48. Pictures: 1st Trip, 2nd Trip, 3rd Trip, Engagement Party, Petitioner’s Family & Personal, Studio

How about putting NA or Not Applicable? if it does not accept /'s.

The link on their website take the info we entered and generate a barcode to be printed out along with form DS-156 and does not send that data anywhere else. So as Ridejewel said, you can redo it any time. It the encoded barcode is what they want for machine-readable purpose.

Congratulation to you both! We are supposed to pick up our visa on Thursday now so I kinda know how you feel. I wish and pray that God will bless you both with a nice & safe journey home to the U.S., tie the knot, settle down, and have a wonderful life with lots of happiness, good health, and God's blessings.

Tony

I wish you both the best of luck in her interview and I pray that God will bless you both with smooth sailing on 1/29 and she will get the pink as trouble-free as we did. Get that pink slip!!!

Tony

I have been interviewing her for the last 3 hours and working on a report for all of you. However, she got tired and just went to bed which is 1:30am her time now. So I am still working on it and I will finish it up when she wakes up in about 4-5 hours from now. I am trying to get as much info from her as possible for our benefits.

There is one update; even though she was instructed by the video to come back to get her visa the same day at 4:00pm but it was not true. When she came to get the visa, she was told that it will be ready on Thursday 1/25 instead. The interviews seem to be conducted in the morning only and the visas are usually given out 2 days later. There were no visas being given on 1/23. She then rechecked her pink slip and it was written 1/25 with the "5" looking almost like a "3". So we are very close but not quite there yet.

She got there at 8:24am, got her number, and waited for her turn. It was definitely based on "first come first served" so the sooner you get there, the earlier you get your turn. The interview time seems to be a target time only. She waited until 11:30am to have her paper checked then the interview was followed shortly afterward. So, you need to get there as early as possible.

It was "first come first served" basis at the interview. I will prepare a detailed report for you all. She was in there from 8:24am till 11:40am mostly to hurry up and wait. The interview took about 5 minutes and it appears to be pre-determined. She got the pink slip and was told to come back for the visa at 4:00pm today (the same day) her time. Thanks God for his blessing on us and thanks to you all for your wonderful help and support throughout this process. We feel like we just won the lottery. Yeee.........................................................ees !!!!

May God bless you all, too...

Tony

Darn it. Ok...well i was going off the original poster and what they said by not putting N/A because they said the instructions said not to use N/A or None and not fill out the state or province of issuance. This is painful.

Hi Lurker,

I just reread the instruction in pack 4, here is what it says:

g. Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application (in duplicate), Form DS-156K, Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application (single copy, only for fiancé(e) visa applicant), and Form DS-230 Part I, Application for immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, Part I-Biographic Data. Fill these forms out completely in English, using a typewriter or printing in block letters. Every numbered part must be completed. If any paragraph does not apply to your case, write in “Not Applicable” or “N/A”. Form DS-l56 (in duplicate), Form DS-230 Part I must be completed for each member of your family who plans to travel with you. PLEASE SIGN ALL PAGES EXCEPT THE FORM DS-156K; YOU WILL HAVE TO SIGN THIS FORM IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CONSULAR OFFICER.

Ok good, i filled it out with her current VN passport information for her. Now I also left fields blank were they didn't apply. Is that what the instruction say for the 156?

What is the deal with not filling out the country or province in section 2? This didn't seem clear to me.

Thanks all for your help.

Hi Lurker,

For the issuing country, I selected Vietnam from the drop down menu, and put N/A in the state section. I believe that the instruction says not to leave any field blank on any form; use N/A for those fields that do not apply to your case.

Again, many many thanks to everyone for your support and good wishes. She is off now to the consulate now. I am anxiously awaiting the news. As soon as I hear from her, I will post an update. Only God knows what will happen and I am praying.

Hi Lurker,

You are supposed to fill out the DS-156 using their link to a form because it takes the information you fill in and generate a bar code which contains all of your information. You are supposed to prepare 2 of these forms.

The DS-156K is a fillable PDF file that can be filled in and printed out. You can do it by hand as well but it is neater if you use the PDF file. This document must be signed in front of the officer.

The DS-230 is the same way. You can also use the PDF file format to fill and print out; or you can fill it out by hand as well.

Here are the PDF forms that I used:

or http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds0156k.pdf

or http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa/ds0230.pdf

The DS-156 form is available from their website:

http://evisaforms.state.gov/

https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp

on noa 1 and noa 2 the name was correct. then when she got packet 3 name was missing and i sent a email to them with our case number and explained the problem they said to bring birth cert. to the window and they will correct so she did along with a leetr explaining the problem tran thi bich hanh and they spelled tran thi bich han missing h off the end they had already had a bith certifacate with the i-129f and now they have 2 and still didnt fix the problem interview feb 6. are they just trying yaNK us around or what???

As the last resort, I would say that you should keep all records of your attempt to correct the problem and have her presented that at her interview. You should continue to try to correct the name issue in the meantime. I guess that's all you can do. Maybe others have other ideas.

Hi All,

Is my birth certificate required for the interview? My fiance has her birth certicate but I don't. I left Vietnam when I was 4 years old and no one in my househould has a vietnam birth certificate. Please help. Thanks.

Yes, your birth certificate is required along with hers. I had the same problem. On USCIS website, it is stated that your mother can make an affidavit of your birth stating when, where, by whom etc.... For me, fortunately, I happen to have a form G350N - Certificate of Birth Data from the U.S Immigration in 1981 which certified that my birth data is what being reflected in my immigration record. A friend of mine is having this problem trying to get his data because USCIS has discontinued this form. I have been looking into alternatives that might be acceptable to USCIS such certified DMV records, or Social Security records, affidavit, etc...

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...es_1308.html#bc

Here's the excerpt:

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

Birth certificates

Obtain the original, or certified copy, of the birth record of each family member (yourself, your spouse, and all unmarried children under the age of 21).

The certificate must contain the:

Person’s date of birth

Person’s place of birth

Names of both parents, and

Annotation by the appropriate authority indicating that it is an extract from the official records.

Unobtainable birth certificates

Your birth record may not be obtainable. Some reasons are listed below.

Your birth was never officially recorded.

Your birth records have been destroyed.

The appropriate government authority will not issue one.

Please obtain a certified statement from the appropriate government authority stating the reason your birth record is not available. With the certified statement you must submit secondary evidence. For example:

A baptismal certificate that contains the date and place of birth and both parent’s names providing the baptism took place shortly after birth

An adoption decree for an adopted child, or

An affidavit from a close relative, preferably the applicant’s mother, stating the date and place of birth, both parent’s names, and the mother’s maiden name.

Note : An affidavit must be executed before an official authorized to take oaths or affirmations. Information regarding the procedures for obtaining birth certificates is usually available from the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.

My fiance goes by the consulate everyday when she goes to work and she notices a line waiting outside there but not so long. So knowing all the input from here, she is planning to arrive there between 8:00 and 8:30am for her 10:00am interview. Let's see if it would be enough for her soon. It will happen in about 6 hours from now.

Quick question on the form you guys got on the Package 4.

Form DS-156, and DS-156K, and DS-230 Part 1 and 2. I thought the DS-230 part 1 and 2 already get turn in on the package 4. Now we have to resubmit it again. Also, on the DS-156 and DS-156K, this need to be fill out on the Web right? not on the actual Form they sent. This is confusing, Also on the web, the only form need to fill out is the DS-156. Can you guy clear it up for me. I just want to get all the paper form ready when i be back there in Feb. Anyone have a complete scanned package 4 please upload it here.

Thanks,

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

I loaded them to this website last month sometimes. You can find it here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=39522

These instructions are a little older but did not change that much from the current ones. I hope this helps.

I am also attaching the text file of one instruction here.

We are very grateful of all the best wishes from you all. And most of all, we would not get here without help from you all and all the past petitioners. Your input and experience have been tremendous in our journey. I feel very blessed of being a part of this forum and receiving all of these valuable advice and insight. May God bless you all!

Again many thanks.

Tony

Thanks to Patricks' shared experience, I modified part of our materials. Since we have 2 binders, 1 for required documents and 1 for relationship proofs, we pulled everything out of the first binder and grouped them together in the required order. There seems to be no large allligator clip available overthere, so we bought several smaller ones for holding documents together in smaller groups. Then we are putting all fo them into a large and long folder pocket with open side for carrying purpose.

We decided to keep all of our proofs in the sleeves for easy access until she's asked. Since she will be holding on to that binder and wait for the question, it will help her get them out quickly. She will still give the interview officer the master list of all proofs. We are assuming that they will ask for the proofs when it's time to do so during the interview. Is that correct?

The first group of documents still has the master list in front and will be presented to the clerk at the window for checking. She will tell them that the proofs are in the binders to be presented separately.

It's too late for us to devise another acceptable document arrangement at this point. So I hope this works. Please pray for us.

Many thanks.

Can I ask how you put all of those in order? Did you use a folder, or a paperclip? Kind of a stupid question, but me and my fiancee are getting ready to organize all that stuff. I know some of it's hard to clip together. Maybe we'll end up with a big airline bag full of papers...

I prepared 2 3-ring binders 1" & 2". They both have many clear plastic pre-punched pockets. I insert each document and its copy in each pocket. The first pocket has a table of content with titles and numbers of all pockets. The first binder contains all required documents per packet 4's order. The second binder has all the proofs of relationship in the same manner. I have an extra copy for everything in both binders. Loosed pictures are ordered chronologically and group together per trip and in a labeled envelope. The medical exam result is too big because it has the X-ray so I asked to carry it separately but there is a placeholder in the binder for it. I also used 2 type of stick-on labels, 3"x .5" long, and .75" round.

She has a copy of each table of content to hand to the interview officer. She can quickly look up the item needed and go directly to that pocket to get it.

The reason that I used clear plastic pockets because each item or group of items can be seen easily through the pocket, easily grouped together, moved around, added on, not having to punch holes in anything, or not stapled, nor clipped together. Things like the passport, Household reg. book, ID, boarding passes, hotel bills, etc.. can drop into these pockets easily. The title label was put on the pocket first while collecting documents. The numbering scheme was added on last when all documents are in place and ready by using small round labels as numbered in the table of content.

I found this method very easy for me to organize, move around, update, and change my materials throughout this process. I started it in July and have been adding to it as needed through now. So on Tuesday when she goes to her interview, all she has to worry about is to bring those 2 binders with her and she can be organized through the interview process.

It is probably not the best way but it has been great for me.

Hi Lurker,

I just got done with preparing my documents, so this is what you can use as the guideline.

Assemble the documents listed below in the order they are listed and bring all of the documents (originals and photocopies) pertinent to your case with you to your interview. Your application will be refused if you fail to bring all required documentation. Do not mail the following documents to the Consulate General. Bring them with you to the interview.

a. Your Appointment Letter

b. Color visa photographs (see instruction attached)

c. MRV payment receipt

d. ID card (CMND) (original and photocopy)

e. Household registration book (original and photocopy)

f. Passport valid for at least eight months past the date of visa issuance (original and one photocopy for each applicant). Please note that we require one photocopy for each applicant, including children who are listed in their parent’s passport.

g. Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application (in duplicate), Form DS-156K, Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application (single copy, only for fiancé(e) visa applicant), and Form DS-230 Part I, Application for immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, Part I-Biographic Data. Fill these forms out completely in English, using a typewriter or printing in block letters. Every numbered part must be completed. If any paragraph does not apply to your case, write in “Not Applicable” or “N/A”. Form DS-l56 (in duplicate), Form DS-230 Part I must be completed for each member of your family who plans to travel with you. PLEASE SIGN ALL PAGES EXCEPT THE FORM DS-156K; YOU WILL HAVE TO SIGN THIS FORM IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CONSULAR OFFICER.

PLEASE NOTE: Responses to question on the Form DS-230 Part I and Form DS-156, visa application forms must be complete and accurate. Addresses given must be actual places of residence (where you sleep and eat), not addresses once used for household registration. Addresses and telephone numbers must belong to the person indicated; if beneficiary or petitioner does not have his/her own dwelling or phone number, applicant must so state. If a contact address or phone number is that of a relative or friend, applicant must so state. Failure to follow these instructions could result in processing delays or in refusal of the visa application.

h. Birth Certificate for each applicant and the petitioner (original and photocopy)

i. Evidence of the legal termination of any prior marriages by you or the petitioner: divorce decree or death certificate of spouse, if applicable (original and photocopy)

j. 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 windowed.

k. Police Certificate(s) issued within the past year by the Department of Justice office in your district of official residence as registered in your household registration book (Ho Khau) for each applicant age 16 and over. In Ho Chi Minh City, you may apply for a police certificate at the Department of Justice at 143 Pasteur, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.

l. Foreign Police Certificate(s) for persons age 16 and over from any country in which you resided for more than six months

m. Court and prison records, if applicable

n. Military record, if applicable

o. Medical examination results

p. Affidavit of Support, Form 1-134 and the specified financial documents:

Affidavits of Support (Form 1-134) must be signed by the sponsor and notarized by a Notary Public no more than one year prior to the date of interview. Please submit one copy of the 1- 134 for each applicant.

Complete tax returns and W-2s for the past year

An official letter of employment (on company letterhead) signed within the past year or a valid business license for the petitioner

Proof of your relationship with the petitioner and your derivative family members (see below):

YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO PERSONALLY KEEP A DUPLICATE FILE COPY OF ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR VISA APPLICATION.

PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP: Please be prepared to present suitable documentation to establish the bona-fides of your relationship with your petitioner at the time of your visa interview. The type of documentation you present will depend on your particular circumstances. Failure to present satisfactory documentation may delay or prevent issuance of your visa. The following types of documentation have proven helpful in the past in adjudication of visa cases involving engagement or marriages.

Photographs of you and your fiancé(s) together, photographs of your engagement ceremony/party, letters and/or e-mails that you have exchanged, telephone bills from your fiancé(e) showing that you and your fiancé(e) are in telephonic contact with each other or any other evidence to demonstrate that you and your fiancé (e) maintain an on-going relationship with each other from the time the relationship began. Please arrange all materials in chronological order.

NOTE: Do not bring photo albums. Remove relevant photos from albums and bring loose photos only.

Receipts showing joint obligations for housing and living expenses, such as rent, utilities, telephone, etc.

Correspondence to both you and your fiancé(e) from family members;

Evidence that those who know the parties recognize them as a couple, such as invitations, cards, correspondence, and so forth;

Any other documentation or evidence would be suitable which shows a bona fide relationship exists.

Hi ridejewel,

Chechk this hotel link out. It was helpful for my friend who recently visited Saigon in November with me.

http://www.hotels-in-vietnam.com/hotels_saigon.html

I stayed at Parkview Hotel (Canh Vien) on Hai Ba Trung in April for $25 a night (2 persons with breakfast, including tax, and internet connection). I enjoyed it.

http://www.vietnamparkview.com/

Oh, one more thing. I have yet to make any hotel reservations. Any ideas on cheap hotels around there? I'm going to look into those tomorrow, ill let you guys know if those are all booked as well...

I guess generally it is in the Vietnamese nature to be a news commentator. Everything get spinned, guessed, elaborated, amplified, dramatized, then repeated. So by the time it gets to the third or fourth person, the story becomes a legend. In addition, generally it is very hard for a Vietnamese to keep a secret.

It is so wonderful to hear that your case went through. Congratulation and may God bless you both with your new life together in the U.S..

Tony

Mine is actually one of the slower ones in CSC. Recently, I noticed there have been a few that went through very quickly in 2 months instead of almost 4 months like mine.

Here is a sorted list so you can see by CSC and Vietnam:

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list...2%2C28%2C3%2C25

Tony

Hi Sealed Kiss,

As you already said, buy at the duty free shop at Tan Son Nhat is your best bet. Here's the number to the shop I bought my wine:

Shop Mai Khanh

55 Bis Nguye^~n Tho^ng, Qua^.n 3, Saigon

Phone: 9 317906

I am pretty sure that they don't have it based on what I saw on their website. They prefer well known brands. I found lots of California brands and French brands.

Do they have hiney wine?