Kevin&Loan

Thai,

You can either email or PM the admin and ask him to remove that particular post. You are the one who volunteer your personal info. No one is tricking you here. You are old enough to know what you are doing.

CK,

I do not want to sound like I am generalizing or being patronizing but we all know very well that our folks back home are lacking information pertaining to fiance visa application in particular and US-immigration law in general. In other words, they are clueless. Beside, they are so used to see corruption and middle-man (or visa agencies to be more specific in our conversation here) for everything. Thus, they automatically apply the same mindset when comes to getting the visa application done. They are afraid that if they don't use the middle-man (co` in vietnamese slang or di.ch vu. for a more business-like term), their cases would not go as smooth as others. These middle-men know this and they pray on their own folks. Our folks' downfall is the Co`s gain. Anyone from Vietnam must agree with me that Co` is everywhere. Anything you do, everything you touch, everywhere you go, you must go through Co`. That is the way of life in Vietnam. My wife had her business in VN, thus, having had to deal with Co` everyday is nothing new to her and when she came to Houston, she was so shocked that I was able to walk up to the counter, have a pleasant conversaiton with a lady, while applying for my wife's social security card and walk away without having to put up with any hassle or "coffee money" (tien cafe for us vietnamese) ... My wife's eyes are as round and as big as two light bulbs when I told her that there is no need to bribe anyone here to get your driver license, trying to give some money to the police who stops you for a traffic violation is a crime, getting a permit for her salon does not need a middle-man and it can be done online, the list goes on ... Talking about culture-shock, huh ...

Here is my takes and they are very much in line with Dale and CK

1. Those self-claimed visa agencies in Saigon are really doing nothing more than just organizing the paperworks for you. They do, however, help you fill out forms if your English is somewhat limited but that's about it. Do not count on them for anyting else.

2. If you and your fiance have the followings: no prior marriages, no previous K1 pettitions, no children, strong solid on-going relationship with at least 2 years, stable job with satisfactory income --- then your change of getting approved is 99%. I leave 1% for errors and unforeseen ciscumstances.

Austin John, a few things for you

1. We are in Houston, PM me should you need to seek any assistance.

2. There is no service in Saigon can do to "calm" your wife down or build her confidence up. If they clain they can do so, better take your money and run for the hill.

3. I have only used IOM twice for my wife health's exam and ticket booking and on both occasions, they succeded my expectation. So, as I have said many times here, I highly recommend IOM. I am not sure if they can help your fiance with her paperworks but it's worth a try to phone them up for details.

4. Lastly, everyone is very nervours or stressed beyond belief before the interviews. It is like waiting for your judgement day. I was even more nervous then my wife back then. So, tell your wife to go out, hang out with friends, exercise, do whatever to get her mind off of the upcoming event, provided that all paperworks are in order and she have done her homework. Stage a mock interview with her would help.

Recently, we have seen a wave of blue sheets from Saigon. Unfortunately, these denials have 3 distinct characrteristics: length of the relationships, previous petitions and the relationship between family members of the petitioners and beneficiaries. Those who are denied based on these 3 red flags must realize that to win their battles, it takes times, money, and commitment. If you can't do it yourself, it is time to get a lawyer. Chuck&Kim have said over and over and over that you need to put yourself into the CO's shoes and convince them to beleive in you. So far, no one was able to do so. You guys are so focused phone bills, emails, chat logs, money receipts, number of trips made to VN and in the meantime, loose your sight on the big picture. Anyone can easlily fabricate these evidence. You know that and the COs know that. Only you can make your own case genuinely and convincingly. Please do not think that I am preaching to you. I only trying to share my perspective of the whole thing. When you are denied, I am sadden because I know how sad and desperate it was. I have been there, done that and frankly, I have been on these board along with many other old members long enough to spot your problems right on. If I could do it, I am sure the CO, who are professionaly trained to do their job, can smell something wrong the moment your fiance walks into that door.

So, if you guys need my support or advice, please do reply or PM me. I am here everyday

Thai, why would you call your wife "#######" ??? I hope you guys are really in "love"

Anyway, you should not book the ticket in advance. Although this is the high season but getting the outbound ticket should not be a major concern. Like I have stated above, focus on the interview. Anything else should come later. Good luck.

I believe they are widening the Ho Chi Minh trail this month, so expect delays.

Dale, I often find your comments hillarious. LMAO

Me too

Thai,

You are almost there. A month away from the big day. Don't worry about the money at all. If you are keeping track of what you spend for this whole ordeal, beleive me, you will go crazy. 100 bucks for the interview is chump change compare to all the dope you have to shell out later for airplane tickets, AOS, driver license, car, clothes and many many many other things. All and all, your money means nothing if you really love her, right?

Enough said, let's get ready for the big day. There is no need to print 1000+ pages of chat log. Trust me, they won't even glance at it. Sealedkiss said it well, 4 trips will means day and night versus pages of chat log. If I can make one recommendation about the medical exam, I would use IOM on Pham Ngoc Thach rather than Cho Ray. Good luck

Pete,

Chuck said it well. It is way too early in this game for you to loose it. There will be a long journey ahead of you. How long? It is all depend on your particular situation. However, prepare yourself and your fiance mentally for what lies ahead of you. Have plenty of patience, Pete. Like Chuck said, once your petition leaves the States heading its way to Vietnam, you will have lots of headache then. Good luck. We are help to help you. Please stick around

3 days is really pushing the envelope. I have personally used both FedEx and DHL. They are reliable in my own opinion. Both FedEx and DHL WILL get your documents to VN in 3 days but clearing Custom in VN is another story. It could take up to 2 days. So, 5 days is average to me in the past.

Etrnaly,

When you write to the congressman, your main objective in the letter is to convience them to beleive you, to beleive in your bona-fide relationship with your spouse. How do you do that? I don't think no one can help you but yourself since you are the one who most know what's up. Of course, including information about your case is important but it should not overwhelme the letter.

Etrnaly,

First, you fill the form out so they can inquire on your behalf. Then attach a letter explaining your situation. The letter must be clear, straigh to the point try to limit to one page. Please keep in mind 2 things when you seek help from your elected officials:

1. Your Senator/Congressman does not review your case personally. They never will. Their Constitutent Services Office will handle your case.

2. These Senators/Congressmen receive thousands of requests like yours so it is best that you keep a tigh relationship with whoever handle your case. Make them trust you, make them feel for your pain.

Good luck

D-day had passed. Where is the good news?

Consular services are not financed through your tax dollars.

Really? I do not know that. So where do they get the funding from?

AustinJohn,

This is strictly from my own experience. I hired my friend, an immigration attorney, for our K1. Before the interview, all he or should I say his staff did was putting together all the required paperwork. That was it, no more no less. Could I have done the paperwork myseld? Of course, I could. But why didn't I? Because I was lazy. After the interview, our case went straigh to AR for 8 months. Was there anything my lawyer could do to help? Not at all. Why? He tried but he did not know how. I had to ask for help from my congressman and as soon as my congressman stepped in, my wife got her visa.

So, here is my take. If you "can do it yourself" before the interview, go ahead. Then if you have problems after the interview, then contact Marc Ellis (M.E. should have given us a "group buy" discount here since he is such a household name in this forum)

Wow, I am the first to read such breaking news ... How great!

When my wife and I came out of AR a year ago, ChuckandKim told me this "You guys are my heroes" but I think you deserve it more than I do. So, here to you and yours: YOU GUYS ARE MY HEROES!!!

I feel nothing but overwhelmed joy. My wife and I send you guys our biggest and warmest congratulations. Job well done! You have been through, probably, the toughest challenge in your life and you both came out winning. You guys prevailed at last. Now, it is time to move forward with happiness, prosperity and longevity.

With lots of love, respect and admiration, Congratulations!

Etrnaly, I am very sorry about the difficulty you have with your case. I was there and I kow how tough it is. Here a few things I know which might help you out a bit.

1. The Embassy has nothing to do with your case. The US Consulate in Saigon where your fiance had her interview handle all the matters.

2. You can schedule an appoitment to talk to the Chief of Information Unit, not the CO. The CO will never meet you.

So, if I were you, I would first call the Consulate (848) 822-9433 and set up an appoiment to see the Chief of Information Unit. Usually you will be able to meet him. There is no such thing as being on hold for 2 or 3 hours on the phone. Once you are in Saigon, go see him and find out about your situation. Some AR cases are moving fairoly quickly and some are not. That is the fact and I do hope you are prepared for this ordeal. If all things fail, give it 90 days, and contact your Senator. They might not be much of help but at least you should try them. Good luck

Deptrai, answers to your questions are:

1. Hepatitis B is vaccine-prevantable diseases. Thus, it will not stop your fiance from getting her visa. Hovever, it must be treated and documented. Please refer to this link for more info. http://www.uscis.gov/propub/ProPubVAP.jsp?...c84cf8ac5f30e91

2. Medical Exam: I keep refering people to IOM office on Pham Ngoc Thach. Much better service and more professional than Cho Ray. There is no need for appointment but you can call ahead if you prefer. However, you do have to return the next day for the X-ray result. My wife had her exam done 1 week prior to her interview. Two things to keep in mind: a. do not have the exam too close to the interview date. Sometimes, delay in getting the exam result will cause delay for your visa and b. your fiancee must have her current vaccination record.

3. You can always reschedule your appointment but it is not advisable. Do you really know how much more longer does it to treat the diseases? So, I'd say you go ahead with the interview and inform the CO of the situation. Of couse, blue slip will be given but at least you know you pass or fail the interview.

I'd like hear what other have to say about this case. This is not a "typical" question I see here often.

Ridejewel,

Of yes, how could I forget such service? There are some pharmacy in downtown Saigon opens 24/7. I know I am always in good hand Back to your questions, you might have problems with US Custom if the shipment has prescription drug.

What's next,

Price of airfare to Vietnam depends on two factors: your location and season. If you are living in the West Coast, then $1000 or less (inclusive of visa) for rountrip ticket to VN during the summer season is reasonable. On the other hand, $1300 is considered fair for the central part of the country since there is an additional flight to the coast. Sign up with China Airlines, United Airlines for the membership if you frequently fly to VN. That way, on your 10th trip, you can either fly for free or upgrade to better class free of charge. I don't know how you guys do it but after so many many business flights back and forth between VN and the US, I am so tired of going. As much as I love Saigon, 18 hours of flight does not thrill me a bit.

Green/Tran,

I am having difficulty understanding your post. I know you are upset and dissapointed but please, be in your stable state of mind when you post something. That way, we can all understand and may be, offer advices. So, what are you saying? Is your case still with the Fraud Prevention Unit or is it not? Back then, my case was put under AR for nearly 10 months and I almost lost my mind. However, I was able to convince the people at my congresional office and as soon as they intervened, my wife was able to secure her visa within a month. One thing I know for sure that if, indeed, your case is being investigated by the FPU, any inquiries from your Congressman or Senator will be denied and they will be informed to hands off your case. In your case, I'd say you really have to press your lawyer to fight for you. He was right about the 2 things with FPU. This not the time to loose your concentration. Good luck

Yes, I did used the tax return transcripts and the Consulate never raised any problems. I guess I was lucky. I wrote them for their confirmation before I sent the transcripts in though.

According to the info I got from IRS, a "tax return transcript" is a computerized printout that shows most line items from the federal tax return (Form 1040EZ, 1040A, 1040, 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ, 1040SS, and 1040PR) as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. It does not reflect any changes you or the IRS made after the return was filed. In many cases, a tax return transcript will meet the requirements of lending institutions such as those offering mortgages and student loans.

I've used tax transcripts in my case and the US Consulate had no problem with it.