andrew va thuy

I used myvietnamvisa.com & they seemed quite helpful & responsive. But I have not used my arrival visa yet...the journey is not complete

Yes my wife had strange rashes & she swore by a chinese herbal medicine BAR thuoc loi gan mat. But eventually she got bored with these pills. We also looked up teh contents and began to see there was not much magical in them. She still gets rashes some. Then she got acne on her back - which has not gone away. But apart from that the rashes and allergies have died down. Maybe your rashes will go away with time too. We can hope

My wife, son & I are returning to VN next month after 2 years for our anniversary. We have never been to Phan Thiet. We have heard conflicting reports about train & bus service. Has anyone been there recently ? Is there now a direct train to Phan Thiet or how far is the station from the town. The idea of taking a train appeals to me - getting up standing & maybe even a restroom & taking a pictures out the window, Our neice ( 10 ) who also lives in VN will be accompanying us. Thanks

whatever you write is fine. it isn't an issue to worry about. just as long as she remembers her answer should they ask again.

This is the best reply. We did not find it important. Its probably used by some statistics gathering by the govt. Best wishes. This is a great place to get good info

This is a separate question.

My wife wants to be certain that in returning to VN for a 3 week visit she does not get stuck there. I think she only needs her passport for entry & green card to leave.

She has read confusing stuff on the internet & wonders if she needs a special visa of some sort to return. Does VN have additional requirements like that ???

Thanks Andrew

Can someone tell me how much I need to pay to submit I-751 - I cant for another 3 months but I want to be ready. I dont see any fee on the form

Hello all,

Before I got my visa done by a travel agency. The one I am consdering using does not do that and if I buy ticket directly on the net, I have to arrange for VISA.

I have the embassy application, but I also saw an option called Visa On Arrival - for example http://www.myvietnamvisa.com/vietnam-visa-cost.html

This looks like 50$ US total ( 25 up front & 25 on arrival - just remember to bring photos) - less than the embassy wanted & none of the hassle of sending stuff in return envelopes.

BUT DOES IT WORK ??????? Who has done it ???

Thanks Andrew

Yep, done it several times for single entry and multiple entry. No problems!

Jonas

That is great to know and I can use that for my young son without feeling worried.. In my case I am preparing to use the special visa for spouses. Thanks to this forum I have solid answers to both. I cannot imagine how messed up things would have been, had it not been for the help I received on this forum. What a blessing !

FYI:

If you're married to a VNs Citizen living in America, you can apply for a special 5 year visa for only $20. Ask your wife to read the Washington DC VNs Embassy's web site, in VNs language.

P

Thank you Patricks ! I would never have known ! We are reading the pdf on the site

Ya, it works fine. I've done it twice. You just have to fill out a form when you arrive. It takes about 10 minutes.

Good luck!

Great News - Thanks - did you use this service or another ?

Hello all,

Before I got my visa done by a travel agency. The one I am consdering using does not do that and if I buy ticket directly on the net, I have to arrange for VISA.

I have the embassy application, but I also saw an option called Visa On Arrival - for example http://www.myvietnamvisa.com/vietnam-visa-cost.html

This looks like 50$ US total ( 25 up front & 25 on arrival - just remember to bring photos) - less than the embassy wanted & none of the hassle of sending stuff in return envelopes.

BUT DOES IT WORK ??????? Who has done it ???

Thanks Andrew

I am sure every person has an opinion and many may just not offer it.

Having disagreements or differences in opinion is normal. What you both need to consider is do each of you bring out the best in each other ? What skills do you have to make peace early & communicate properly or why did the situation get ugly ?

You will have many more differences of opinion and as you already know - an argument quickly becomes a case of one person wounding the other & eventually the wound is big enough or opened frequently that it does not heal.

Going K-1 is a big thing and not easily repeated, so take your time and make sure. Best Wishes.

My wife and I are supporting my niece 9 year old niece. Her mom ( single ) is not very enthused to mothering her & would prefer we adopt her. I read an article on the internet that said per gov docs you need to be with the child for 2 years before adoption. Moreover it recommended child come here first. I think this may be possible for Philippino children but probably not for VN, and how would that work if the mom cant come ?

Since Thuy has just been in the US 1 year this week, that's not a very practical idea - even though she joint raised & took care of her niece. About 8 months ago we found a family and the niece now is with them/ Currently we send money to the family who watches over her.

.I dont know if this issue would be one Marc Ellis would consider. idea ? Any idea how I could inquire about this ? Thanks

My wife also did tailor work in VN and I eased the cost of internet, lost opportunity for work & additional nutrition. It was not substantial nor did I want it to bethought of as a basis for a relationship. PeterFB example may be useful only in their situation. I do know of another VJ member who despite doing as PeterFB did was delayed at least 18 months. Dont worry about the money any more, but the relationship.

YES - Packet 3 can be delivered in person. I believe that is the most secure way.

Look at my timeline and you will see that we had prepared everything for Packet 3 in advance - the intent seems mostly a recognition that you are seriouse about getting a date & will be able to respond with all documents for the interview.

From return of packet 3 Dec 26 we had an interview date of Mar 14th. That accounts for the break for Tet. Remember that the dates & processing times still vary even based on packet 3 submissions.

When you get to AOS you will actually see that the consulate has forwarded back to the US everything they did and I think you did. She even knew details about my father which I was sure were not in my application. Although I was not permitted to see the documents - there was not time, the stack seemed to be about 2" high. I mention this because the consulate apparently do some work on each applicant and times do vary. Be prepared to check for a interview date about mid Feb if you turn in packet 3 now. Good Luck !

Hi Peter,

I looked at your timeline and it matches fairly close to mine ( less 1 year ). Since you asked:

All dates are approximate - I had people 2-3 weeks before us, end up with Packet 3 & Packet 4 dates behind our date.

So around now Thi should be getting a packet 3. { could be now to 2 weeks ). There's not too much you can do but follow the process - and show up to pick up the applications if they get lost.

I did go to VN while my fiance had her interview.

Not all people are rude at the consulate. Some are helpful and even friendly, but you have no control over who will do the interview, or what kind of day they had or who was last rude to them. Much as we might like to think we can control / infuence outcomes, sometimes we simply cannot.

In emails to the consulate I found they woud reply in less than 14 days usually. In those emails that they did answer the question needed to be something that was specific and could not be addressed by typical FAQ. I also made effort to be polite as possible.

Once you have been there & seen the whole process you may have a different opinion.

We first got blue & we spent a week carefully making a new packet for their review. the guidance I woud have here is if you have ever been audited, this may give you a good idea on how to prepare. That is how I found their approach.

Best wishes - its a one of a lifetime kind of experience & only deepened our relationship. Andrew & Thuy

Sorry for the tangential question.

I thought I recall email when I was going through the process of K-1 that my wife would give up everything to immigrate. Actually at the time the topic I think it had to do with a moped.

My wife had a joint account in VN - with only a small sum.

If we return, will she be able to remove it.??

I also met a VN from the midwest who was selling condos in HCM area to VN ? How does that work ? Just curious. I know I have bumped into at least one person in this forum who wondered about going and living in VN at least for some time when retired.

Is there a reasonable website with vald information ofr such topics ?? Andrew va Thuy

Strange.

I did not have any problem at all with my fiance staying with me in the same hotel.... Maybe they were more relaxed.

Just a matter of clarification - I can see why I need a visa to return to VN with my wife. But, does my wife, with a VN passport and a US grren card =visa need a Visa for her own country ? That strikes me as backward but then ...... maybe it is true.

Just want to confirm the 20 $ would be for me .... or 40 for 2 ?

Thanks -

There's a difference between a marriage license ( application ) and the certificate from the state saying ( certifying ) you are married. Usually you can find a state official who is a justice of the peace or the state authorizes ministers and others to sign ( some ship captain, monks, etc ). You will also need the witnesses & then return the documents. Until you do that you only have an application to get married but ARE NOT MARRIED. You need to get that fixed ( done ) before 90 days . .... see this http://www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/unite...nia/index.shtml and also see the county clerk can perform marriage.

We went to the court and got the marriage license after she arrived about 2 weeks. she got her social security # . we just don't know where to get the marriage license signed. since we do not do a marriage blessing in the church so I dont think the priest will sign for us. Can I take it to the lawyer or a notary service ? please help.

I dont know about your state, but when we got our application to get married in the state of Washington there was 2 kinds of papers inside, - one for the minister to sign & witnesses that we needed to return to the state & a second that we did not need to return because it was unoffical but looked nice. If the state married you, then they may have taken the records directly.

When we returned the form, we also paid for extra certified copies. I suggest you return to where you got your marriage application and find out if they have a signed one by the state - or how the process is supposed to work. Good Luck & let us know

Just a moment to express my gratitude to those who offered advice along the road to getting a Visa. I found VisaJourney just over a year ago, when I began to think my NOA1 was not adequate. Actually I had no idea how inadequate, but I found out in a hurry esp after seeing this site. A special thanks to frequent moderators Chuck & Kim and other that have provided a balanced perspective & experience.

Today we received our Green Card, Our application was fairly uneventful. There was a small delay because we missed an appointment for final xrays. You can get an idea on that process time from our timeline. The card is good for 2 years & 90 days earlier we will again see what forms and fees are needed.

The best part is my wife is a better friend than I ever imagined. The wait, the effort and sacrafice has brought us closer. I can say is that if adversity causes you to draw together, that's a good omen. I am so fortunate to have her as my Ban Tram Nam. I hope your marriages are as happy as ours.

Keep in touch. The journey has special memories with all who shared !

I could not understand your question. Are you able to complete a timeline so we know what you have done & where you are in the process. Where are you & where is he/she ?

This forum has lots of very helpful people so please give more information.

I don't remember there being an approval letter. I think they may be talking about the approval of her I-129F...I could be wrong though.

Yes it sounds weird, but you need the original NOA2 for the K-1. Another VJ contacted me and we went over the documents he had submittted. His AOS was delayed for missing documents -> the difference & what they wanted was the NOA2 for the I-129 F. Yes it makes no sense. Best Wishes

Yes - I also only bought a one-way ticket ! And we went through customs & departure ok No issues

I think I have the record for biometrics date

The ve received my package 06/04/2007.

and app. date is 07/10/2007.

37 days. I havent seen somebody yet here that long waited for bimetrics.

Edit: Sorry J&K also had it at day 37.So 2 winners.

It depends on the availability of appointments at your local office. It could be that they are very busy and that was the first available appointment. Don't worry.

How is it that you track touched ? I did that with K-1, is it the same way ? And appointments ... what's typical ? or is there anything typical ?