TQN

So we're waiting for visa. Yesterday, I received a call from the consulate since they couldnt reach my fiance at work. They said that there are problem with my DS-230 form and they need my fiance to come to the consulate. We got all of our documents and come to the place. The guard only allowed my fiance to come in with her pink slip. It turned out that my fiance's signature on the form looked like photocopy, because of the pen she was using when she signed it. The staff asked her to sign it again in front of him/her. Then, the staff told her to wait a few minutes. Finally, they returned her passport with the visa sticker in it. Voila! We got the visa 1 day early. I have already contacted China Airlines and they have reserved a seat for her to fly back on the same flight with me. Now we need to show them her visa to confirm and book it.

Thank you for your kind words. We're looking ahead for the best and pray for VJers who're still waiting. I have posted my experience in the consulate review page, have a look

We had our interview on Tuesday and received the pink slip, we'll pick up our visa on the 24th and will leave VN in the middle of July. Thank to all fellow VJers for your supports and tips! I'll post review soon.

I filled out the DS 156 using the online visa form at the State department for my fiance a while ago. At the time, I did not print 2 copies of the form. However, in package 4, the consulate required DS 156 in duplicate. I dont know if I could just make a copy of the completed form I have or I need to fill it again online. Because the DS 156 as a barcode on it, I wonder if it's make a difference? What do you guys think?

Yes, ATMs are available in Vietnam but I do not think you can withdraw USD from them. I see they're only for Vietnameses who have bank account with affiliated bank to withdraw their VND. But you can exchange USD in most banks or shopping centers in district 1, their exchange rates are relatively close to another. One of the most annoying thing I encountered was the bank clerks refused to exchange USD because the bill has slight crease on it. . This seems to be the case for most exchange venues. They need fresh mint bills to sell it, I guess.

Woot hoo! My fiance called to US consulate Tuesday afternoon and our interview is June 17.

Congratulation to two of ya, great milestones and excellent news indeed!! Thanks for keeping the rest of us in touch

Yes, it's normal. K1 cases usually stayed at NVC less than a week before it sent to US Consulate so they're not updated in the automated system, if you want to know NVC have received your case and/or it's already sent to consulate, call NVC number and talk to a representative.

Regards

Woohoo!, congratulation to you and your fiance, Haonie!

My fiancee submitted Package 3 to HCM Consulate back in April 7, I guess it's too soon to call them and ask about interview date, I bet they're gonna give me the stock answer. I'm predicting our interview should fall in the middle of June or so. What do you guys think the approriate time to give them a call?

Thanks

TQN

Woot!!, Congratulation! Rock On

I'm sitting here on the floor, with documents spread out all over the place, going through Peter/Haonie's checklist, trying to get all my things together, trying to decipher all these numbered forms, what is part of Packet 3 that I don't have, and gathering all the rest that I do.

Then I run across this item, "MRV payment receipt." I did a search and can't find a definition. I see it mentioned several times, but nobody ever said what it is. What is it? I'm guessing it's something we do in Saigon, not me right here, right now, but I just wanted to check and make sure. Thanks in advance for your help.

MRV stands for Machine Readable Visa. It's the $131 visa fee need to be pay at a CITI bank in HCM before your fiancee go into interview. Your fiancee will receve a MRV payment receipt after she has paid the fee.

Woot! We're are officially approved today superexcited!!!, the light at the end of the tunnel is much much brighter now. Thank you for all your kind words and encouragements.

Check cashed 10/29, look like they're beginning processing September filers. For me, here comes the uber long wait.

Good luck to y'all !!!