toddandhien

Are separate timelines written by each person needed for HCM? If so, can one timeline be in Vietnamese and the other be written in English, or are they to be translated into one language? Are both turned in at the same time?

You only need to write one timeline in English. Someone was required by Consulate for notary. Relationship Status need to be written by both sides.

Relationship status?

Sorry, it is Statement of Relationship.

This is not necessarily true. Hien (my fiancee) never wrote a "statement of relationship" nor did she write or sign any statement of intent to marry me other than the statement that is part of the DS-156K.

One timeline in English (signed by the petitioner and notarized) is all that is needed.

Yes. Statement of Relationship or Intent to marry. One of them is enough. I just want to make sure you do one of them.

If you have "Intent to marry", you should write timeline.

If you have "Statement of Relationship", you may not need the timeline because the "Statement of Relationship" shows it alread.

Hien, I am just curious where you are getting these rules. This may confuse many readers.

My fiancee did not sign any intent to marry or anything else. Ever. I wrote a detailed timeline that I signed. She only signed US Government forms, as required.

My timeline was very spartan and to the point. Do not make this harder than what is needed. Never volunteer info.

luckytxn, I know that you are in a different place on this issue. But to offer another viewpoint to balance the argument, I would advocate giving them the details, both with the petition and in a timeline. It isn't the details that seem to get you denied, its having your story and your SO's differ that creates many of the problems or if she does not know the answer at all to something that you provide. Good prep will take care of that. Of course, you don't have to give every detail of your life, but telling the history and evolution of your relationship with dates, names, etc, I am not at all sure how that can hurt. Again, just be sure that the two of you say the same thing.

I did not find the creation of the timeline hard at all...it was my relationship and I knew the facts. My goal was to get approved at the first interview and not get blue-slipped. Everything that I did was to achieve that goal. Sometimes I may have done more than was necessary but I was determined not to have done too little.

Are separate timelines written by each person needed for HCM? If so, can one timeline be in Vietnamese and the other be written in English, or are they to be translated into one language? Are both turned in at the same time?

You only need to write one timeline in English. Someone was required by Consulate for notary. Relationship Status need to be written by both sides.

Relationship status?

Sorry, it is Statement of Relationship.

This is not necessarily true. Hien (my fiancee) never wrote a "statement of relationship" nor did she write or sign any statement of intent to marry me other than the statement that is part of the DS-156K.

One timeline in English (signed by the petitioner and notarized) is all that is needed.

H1N1 should not be a primary cause of concern in flight travel now. Take the precautions that are recommended by WHO. Many of us fly regularly domestically and internationally now and we did when H1N1 was at its peak. I drew the line at going to Mexico during that time, but other than that, I felt that there was no more risk than at any other time when I fly.

I would not let this interfere with whatever plans you have made to travel or for her to travel here.

The timeline is not a "required" document. That's why there is no specified point at which to hand it in. However, after reading about so many getting blue-slipped for the timeline, I decided to try something different. I produced 2 copies of the timeline and had them both notarized as originals. The first one I had Hien hand in with the required documents at the first window (I added it AFTER all the documents that were mandatory). If they did not accept it or threw it away, no problem. She had another original in her bag in case she was asked for it by the CO during the interview. BUT, they did accept it and, in fact, Hien saw that the CO had it open in front of him during the entire interview and he asked her questions from the information in the timeline.

My advice is this: It cannot hurt to try to give them a timeline at the first window. But have another one just in case. They may not accept the first and may not ask for the second, but you must do everything you can to prepare and help your case get approved at the first interview. You will never be sorry for a little extra effort upfront. It might save a lot of extra effort later.

Thats what I was planning on doing Todd. Slipping it in with the stuff they ask for at the window... and keeping another just in case

The lady who reviews the docs is quite fussy about the order. Be sure to put all the docs in the EXACT order that they specify in the Packet 4 instructions or the wife will be scolded (see other posts on this). I put the timeline AFTER all the required docs so as not to frustrate her with an "out of order" document. It worked.

Like with any culture, there are traditionalists and then there are some who are more liberal. Of course, most Vietnamese families would prefer to meet the intended spouse early on. And the Dam Hoi/Dinh Hon is a big deal for the girls and their families. But, in the end, it will come down to some form of a compromise somewhere because the OP cannot legally do what would be the "easiest".

If the OP's GF can persuade her family, I would recommend marrying here now, adjusting status and later returning to VN to have a big ceremony and party. It is out of order from the normal method but there tend to be many things in these immigration processes that force things to be done a little differently.

I will also add that if the OP petitions his GF for a K-1 or CR-1 visa, there is no certainty that it will be granted. Just read the SE Asia posts of folks going through the HCM consulate for a reality check.

wait for CO to ask

goodluck Jerome

really? can someone else please confirm this?

CO will never asked your fiance at the interview, you're either get the Pink slip or blue if it's require a timeline. It seems they're very busy in the morning and don't have much time to go over the timeline. In the afternoon is the best time for them to review it.

The timeline is not a "required" document. That's why there is no specified point at which to hand it in. However, after reading about so many getting blue-slipped for the timeline, I decided to try something different. I produced 2 copies of the timeline and had them both notarized as originals. The first one I had Hien hand in with the required documents at the first window (I added it AFTER all the documents that were mandatory). If they did not accept it or threw it away, no problem. She had another original in her bag in case she was asked for it by the CO during the interview. BUT, they did accept it and, in fact, Hien saw that the CO had it open in front of him during the entire interview and he asked her questions from the information in the timeline.

My advice is this: It cannot hurt to try to give them a timeline at the first window. But have another one just in case. They may not accept the first and may not ask for the second, but you must do everything you can to prepare and help your case get approved at the first interview. You will never be sorry for a little extra effort upfront. It might save a lot of extra effort later.

You must have your timeline in correct order. Good luck

Some people said they still required another timeline even though it was brought to the interview. What is up with this? Seems to me that they won't accept any timeline at the time of the interview? a qualified timeline will be accepted only at a later date to serve their purpose?

almost seems like a stalling tactic...

They accepted mine when Hien interviewed but with many others, they are told to bring it later. I think it is a way for them to have more time to look at your paperwork, research some things that they want to look at more closely and then look at your timeline a month later.

For this reason, I am a big proponent of front-loading the petition. Hit them with absolutely everything so there is not much new for them to have to assess come interview day. They are going to see it all eventually...not sure why one would not want to get it all in early...??

This does not help the OP, but rather a consideration for others who may just be starting the process.

Here is the info from the state dept. website:

How long may I stay on my F-1 student visa?

When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:

F-1 student - An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school.

M-1 student - An additional 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year). The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and maintained status. An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program.

As an example regarding duration of status, if you have a visa that is valid for five years that will expire on January 1, 2001, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 card as "D/S"), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are a full time student. Even if January 1, 2001 passes and your visa expires while in America, you will still be in legal student status. However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before being able to return to America and resume your studies. A student visa cannot be renewed or re-issued in the United States; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.

So, the minute that she leaves the US, she will have no status here. She will have to start again either at the consulate for a new F-1 or you will have to petition her to come here as your wife or fiancee.

Good luck.

If she gets a new F-1 and comes here with the intent to marry you, that would be an issue. I don't think she will be able to return to the US after leaving without getting either a CR-1 or K-1 visa if you plan to do everything legally. In addition, you should assess whether or not she is currently out of status with an expired F-1...that may pose additional problems.

The interview letter says that regardless of whether a copy was sent to NVC and accepted, they want the originals at the consulate for the interview. I would not take a chance on this. I would recommend that you bring the original of every document listed on page 2 of the letter.

Regarding the I-864 and what you need: If you provide the tax transcript (available by fax as Scott mentioned...but not sure if they will fax it overseas), you do not need to provide W-2. W-2's are only needed if you provide a copy of your tax return. read the instructions at uscis.gov.

So you can take Roger's advice and have a friend fedex you your files from home or do as Scott advises and do a new I-864. Just be sure that you do it exactly the same and get your tax transcripts faxed to you.

Good luck.

yes, it is one of many potential red flags at the HCM consulate. Just be prepared to document it well, be sure to provide a list of relatives she might have in the US and be certain that the story she tells about your introduction and first meeting exactly match what you may include in your timeline.

If you are a US citizen, you can come to the US any time you want. Staying in foreign countries is up to each country, but the doors to the US are ALWAYS open to a USC. 2 years, 10 years, 50 years. Validity of the passport will have to be managed, of course, while outside the US.

The interview questions tend to be drawn from the same very large pool of questions that exist. What will vary is your unique response. As Jim noted, review all the questions that you can find in the forums and then practice the answers with your fiance. A lot. You don't have much time, so make it a priority.

It seems that they will focus the questions that they ask in areas where they want to probe based upon the information submitted previously (red flag areas). Pay particular attention to these in your practicing but be sure to cover all the small ones as well. She should know everything well enough to project total confidence at the interview.

Don't underestimate the importance of this work over the next 4 weeks.

After 5 weeks, Hien is beginning to enjoy American food. I agree with others that when she first arrives, plan on eating at home and let her cook what she is comfortable with. That will mean quickly taking her to the local Asian market and getting stocked up with nuoc mam and other vital ingredients, along with the "correct" type of rice. Remember that she has just flown for 20-28 hours and is setting up camp in a new country...she may want something that makes her feel comfortable.

Hien much prefers when we eat at home. Whether we cook VN or US is now less an issue but controlling the cooking and the taste is very important to her, as well as not spending money at restaurants. Last week we made buffalo wings at home. She liked them so much that we have had them twice now. We used the hottest sauce we could find and it was barely enough spice for her.

I found that her desire to eat American foods is much higher here than in VN. The reason is that the American food in VN does not taste like it does here so she never developed much of a taste for it.

I was under the impression that AP was to be used for extreme circumstances requiring urgent travel while awaiting AOS. You may want to contact USCIS and ask because I would be surprised if they just gave you unconditional AP in advance. If you are successful with this, please let us know! Thanks.

Great advice by others already given. I agree completely that the issue is the circumstances of your first meeting. Be sure that what you include in the timeline is EXACTLY what you and she described before and not a different version of this meeting.

If this were a typical blue slip, I would say that it would not be critical to return to VN when she turns in the new evidence. However, in your case, since the CO invited you into the interview before, he may be looking for you to answer more questions when the new evidence is presented. If at all possible, I would recommend returning to VN with the evidence and supporting your fiancee when she returns to the consulate.

Good luck!

PS scan your blue slip if you can so that we can better assist you.

My ex would not sign a letter but did give me copies of bills. I signed and had notarized a letter that described her history and attached her bills. Get as much as you can from your ex but if she will not help, get the info some other way. Be sure to give the consulate plenty of evidence.

i believe it is sufficient

L179 This may be the case at other Consulates, but NOT HCMC.

The USC should be prepared to show proof that the ex no longer resides with them. This can be a notarized affidavit from ex, bills showing different addresses, if ex owns a home the tax role for ex.anything that shows the ex somewhere else than where you live... The fact that they asked John for it was actually expected... as the rest of us that have exwives going through HCMC expect the request.

The timeline for his ex was a special situation... unless your ex came from VN as a K1 you wont likely see that request.

Did John say they needed a timeline for his ex?...or just a timeline and info about his ex? I would recommend showing evidence that proves that the petitioner and the ex lived apart from well before the petition until current time. As Jim notes, you are trying to prove that you are not scamming them with a fake divorce.

I also produced a notarized letter from me that gave my address for the last 10 years, along with my ex-wife's address for the last 10 years, her SSN, DOB, city/state of birth, phone number and e-mail address. I was trying to show them that I would welcome them to contact her by any means possible if they so choose. Attached to that I had bills from past and current showing my name/address and similar bills past and current showing her name/address. If you have nothing to hide, why not give them everything?

Another interview or they want the information returned by Aug 6?

They want a time line and the information about your ex wife? She only had the timeline with her at the interview? Or she had both the interview and info about your ex?

If they asked for something that she did not have that is why they said to wait and send all together.

They also asked me for proof of where my ex wife lived. My ex did not cooperate, but I was able to give them enough proof. Let me know if you need some ideas for that.

If she can scan the blue slip and email to you and you can post that will help so we can read everything.

Dear anh map

I do have anything for her timeline and exwife bit the CO not looking and return the Thoease papers told my wife that bring to aug 6

Sounds like they had the blue slip prepared before your wife ever got to the interview window. In that case, it won't make much difference what she says or tries to give them - they've already decided. If they say to bring the information back on August 6, then that's what your wife should do. Don't worry - most people seem to get the pink after turning in the timeline and other requested info.

I seem to recall one VJ member recently managed to avoid the blue slip by including the timeline with the documents that are submitted the first time your fiancee is called up to the window. I also seem to remember that somebody else tried the same tactic, but the VN girl taking the documents wouldn't accept the timeline. Other people have been including the timeline with the I-129F package, which I think is probably the best bet for anyone going through HCM. Most of the things they want to know about in the timeline happen before you submit the petition anyway.

Good luck!

That was me. Actually, I did both. Put a timeline in the 129F package and then an expanded one with the papers at the window. More is better, in my opinion. They can always refuse to look at it but they can't look at what you don't give them.

John, I don't think you need to worry. Many before you have had the same request and later they receive the pink. Please be sure to update your timeline as needed and give plenty of evidence to show that you and your ex-wife have been living apart for many months (not just apart now). Good luck!

Just dropping in to say hi.... I used to be a regular on this thread, was stuck 50 days in AP back in Jan/Feb/March.

I see some of the old-timers are here: hi Lisa, cdneh, Talyss, and Badgerella!

Sorry to see people still getting stuck in AP, but glad to see that the wait times really seem to be shorter than they were.

Well, I just wanted to update folks of some good news....

we finally had our embassy interview, and we PASSED!!! My fiancee Thanti had a straightforward interview, after all the hassle we had at NVC and then getting Packet 3/4 at the embassy in Bangkok. She'll pick up her passport with the K-1 visa on Wed, board a flight on Thursday night, arrive in Chicago on Friday morning, and be here with me in time for fireworks on the 4th of July on Saturday. So, things do have a way of working out well in the end if you're patient. Need lots and lots of patience.

Congrats, Ron and Thanti!

So, happy news first. Linh has been granted a visa We had to continue the hoop dance when she went to do her part of the DNA. The consulate changed the requirement of all of us to just her and her daughter. That set me off but she talked me down. When it was returned to the consulate, she went to her new processing appointment and don't you know the VN staff chick that originated all this DNA foolishness several months ago (the back story is a real gas) was there and glaring at her the entire time. This time Linh went to an American and all was good.

So she will fly around 24 July and then we can start a whole new process! Awesome.

Good luck to you all, I can't say this has been enjoyable but it is worth it.

Congrats! You have been through a lot but finally persevered! Well done

Here is a recent case in HCM for you: I was married when I met Hien in November. Divorce was final on July 29, we got engaged on August 8 and we sent our I-129F to USCIS on August 26. I was completely forthcoming about this in the original petition and in our timeline. I included evidence for Hien to bring to the interview about ex-wife's address and mine throughout the entire period of our relationship so they could see we were living apart. They did not ask for it.

The previous marriage was discussed at the interview. Why were we divorced, does he have kids, etc. They did not dwell on it but they asked and she was prepared to discuss it. It is a fact and you are best served dealing with it as a fact. You can't change it now, so the only thing you can do is make sure that she gives the same answers as you have in any paperwork that you have submitted to USCIS or the consulate.

I think the fact that we had a fair amount of time between meeting and my divorce (real divorces take time) made it appear legit but I was prepared for them to question it.

Here is a link to some files that were previously posted that should possibly be in the guides area or some download area...

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=192925

I also included the image below what one could see if they arrive with inadequate evidence.

Dont forget about the pain of those who recently went before us, like Jack & Xuan , 2x2y2z and philliptham...

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t=0&start=0

http://ww

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...howtopic=188957

Thuy and I play a game once or twice each week in which I ask her questions like I am CO and she asks me questions like CO grilling me... I am working on a more extensive list of questions that we should prepare for, so there is no confusion like Philliptham had. Preparation can prevent a great deal of pain... I had no idea until last night when I was reading through past posts, just how trigger happy HCMC is to shoot us down and what that actually means and how difficult it can be to resolve if at all. Remember that whatever we say in the letter must match the docs and what the SO says when questioned... exactly...

I prepared a list of more than 200 questions that I took from our timeline, the guides here at VJ, from others' posts and from elsewhere on the internet. For 3 months, Hien and I practiced going through these in English to be sure she was comfortable and then she practiced the answers in VN with her sister during her free time. This made sure that there was no confusion about anything I had put in documents for USCIS, it boosted her confidence level and it also taught her a lot of new English words. EVERY question that she was asked at her interview was on the list we had practiced (including "describe the town where he lives"). Made it a breeze for her to confidently talk to the CO in VN and English.

If you are planning to apply for K-1, be advised that co-sponsors are generally not accepted at HCM consulate for that kind of visa. You will need to find employment that allows you to have income above the poverty level for a household of 3. As mentioned before, you will not need this evidence of income until his interview, which will be 6-8 months after filing (ours took 9 months to get to interview).

I am unaware of any fee waiver for the filing. Good luck.