Jim, as Anh Map said, it will cost you $130 to see if she can get the tourist visa. However, my opinion is that, for two reasons, her chances are slim:
1. Her assets are modest.
2. She has already applied for K-1.
I believe the consulate is looking for significant assets from developing countries because the whole intent is that you must assure them that you intend to return. You have already told them, by filing for K-1, that she does not intend to live in VN in the future, as she is an intending immigrant.
I think traveling together anywhere that involves planning, effort and money is what the consulate is looking for. It is as easy for VN people to fly to Thailand as is is for them to fly to Da Lat or Hai Phong. Pick a place that you both like and go there and enjoy. We took 3 plane trips together and it was a great experience for Hien, as she also had never flown before. Great picture opportunities, too!!
But, let me offer the one benefit that I can see to applying for the tourist visa. Hien applied for one earlier in our relationship (prior to filing K-1). While we were disappointed in the outcome, what we later realized was that the experience of going into the consulate, seeing how it works and getting interviewed was great practice. Because she knew what it was like, she was very calm on K-1 interview day because she had a prior run under her belt.
Whatever, you choose to do, good luck and enjoy.
Is it only that you did not get a chance (no time) to meet her or is it actually prohibited culturally for you to meet her prior to marrying? While it is theoretically possible to prevail as noted by others, it will be a challenge. Could you consider marrying her in India and then petitioning to bring her here as your wife? Might be a lot faster and with much less anxiety.
toddandhien got a reaction from wxman22 in Getting a tourist visa to US from Vietnam
toddandhien got a reaction from Ivie & Eguagie in RFE for evidence that qualifies us for the exemption to have met within the past two years