Advice Needed for B2

[confusedbyvisa 0]

Hello, I'm brand new to this forum and would like to give an advanced thanks to everyone who will hopefully help me through the VISA process. I recently (3-1/2 months ago) met a Vietnamese girl and we have started a relationship. We met in Shanghai and I have been back to Asia two times to see her since (one time to Shanghai the second time to Bangkok and Shanghai). I am planning a visit to Vietnam in July and I will also join her and her family in Thailand in August for her sisters wedding. After that she would like to come to America to visit me. This of course would require her application and approval for a tourist B2 visa. She has travelled extensively around Asia (China, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong) and had a valid VISA for Australia several years back and lived in Australia for a couple months. She now lives outside Ho Chi Minh City. She will probably apply for her VISA sometime in late August or early September, by that time she will have paid the note on her home and have documentation of being a home owner in Vietnam. For the record she is 27 years old and speaks fluent English. In preparation for her VISA application I have a few questions.

1) Is it advisable for her to inform the consulate that the main purpose of her visit will be to visit me or should it be left as just a toursit visit to America?

2) If it's best to advise them of the visit to me what question will they be asking? I am currently separated and going through a divorce but it is not yet final.

3) Is there anything we can do in advance? During my July trip to Vietnam is it advisable or possible to visit the Embassy to see what is required in advance?

4) Should I and can I be present during the VISA interview, would it be helpful?

5) What documentation should she bring to help with the VISA approval? As I mentioned earlier she has left Vietnam many, many times and always returned, she will have proof of home ownsership and has a mother, grandmother and family living in Vietnam.

Thank you in advance for all your help.

[confusedbyvisa 0]

I thought I was posting this to the Vietnam portal but I guess I don't know what I'm doing. Can anyone help with advice on how to get this to a specific portal or is it best to leave here?

[milimelo 4,412]

Moving to Vietnam regional forum.

[tcTTct 37]

The US grants very very few tourist visas to young people and doesn't care whether or not the applicant did not overstay her visa in other countries. My sister owns a travel agency in Saigon and says that even business people with company invites and all the proof of ties to Vietnam with fat bank accounts get refused for no apparent reason, even if they've been to the US before. The one thing that seems to guarantee approval is if you can prove the ties AND you're over 60 years old.

Like yours, my girl has been to France, Italy, all over Asia and own a house etc but I didn't want to risk her getting a B2 visa denial so I go to visit her every few months instead. I didn't want her to have a denial record just in case it affects the K1 process.

By the way, is your girlfriend's name Khanh by any chance? It would be an incredible coincidence if it was.

[confusedbyvisa 0]

It is my understanding that a B2 denial has no impact on the K1 process so I think we will move forward with a try for a B2 VISA later this year. She just had a friend in similar situaiton (I think maybe 30 years old) just get approved for her VISA so they are approving someone. I just want to make sure she has the best chance possible. And no, her name is not Khanh.

[Maranda 3]

Hi Confused;

I know every country/consulate is different, but I'll share my experience because our circumstances seem similar.

Like you, I was in the process of divorce when I met my (now) husband. We spent much of last year traveling back and forth between the States and the Netherlands so we could be together, but dealt with the 90 day limits (Netherlands with Visa Waiver Program). Basically, as we had considered from the beginning, we knew Arnold needed some sort of visitor visa to be able to stay longer than 90 days because we couldn't bear to be apart, but we couldn't keep doing the constant travel thing.

It seemed like a shot in the dark to apply for a B2 because he had very little proof to show as ties. Lived with his dad, no residence in his name, no lease, etc. He had quit his job at the end of the summer to be able to come to the States for 90 days in the fall, so no permanent job. Really, the only proof of ties he took to the interview with him were his cell phone bills (no contract), his car title and insurance, and bank statements (here's what saved him - in October, he won a large jackpot at a local casino here, and after paying US taxes on it, put it in a bank account here in Michigan, so although he had no proof of income, he could show proof that he would be able to support himself). My impression of the interview process is that a LOT of it has to do with your means to financially support yourself abroad.

Anyhow, long story short, by some miracle he received his B2 and flew back to the States with me this past February. He's allowed to stay the full 6 months term. We recently got married in Las Vegas, and are currently weighing the odds between returning to the Netherlands and filing a CR-1, or, depending on what this summer brings, AOS'ing from here.

So, to answer your questions with our experience:

1. The first question the Embassy in Amsterdam asked Arnold was of his purpose for visiting America (WHO he was visiting, specifically). At that time, our relationship was very serious, and he said straight out, he would be staying with his girlfriend. Even though my divorce from my previous husband had not yet been finalized (which as I read it, is the same thing happening with you?). Coincidentally, in the big picture, I think me not having a finalized divorce actually HELPED the situation, because it meant - at least at the time of Arnold entering the US - I was legally off the market. This point came up in the interview, actually. Just be honest and straightforward answering the interview questions, but you don't have to give more information than is asked for. I suppose this kinda answers question 2 as well.

3. We did some research in advance, but found most everything he needed online through the Amsterdam consulate website. That's also where he did the application, then called for the interview appointment a few days later. The Embassy seemed like a scary place, and an expensive taxi ride, so I'm glad they feature most of the info you need online.

4. Can't speak for all Embassies, but the one in Amsterdam was surrounded by a LOT of security and a giant metal "cage" at the entrance. I would not have been allowed inside even if I had wanted to, so I waited outside the gate while Arnold went in (full metal detector, pat down, no cell phones, no electronics, etc. It is an intimidating experience.). In his case, the Embassy has a list of who they're expecting for the day's scheduled interviews, and if you're not on the list, you're not getting in.

5. Obviously her passport, birth certificate, driver's license, and any form of ID she has to prove who she is. Take proof of ties to Vietnam - a lease, insurance, contracts, bank statements, car titles - anything that shows how she's established there, and gives them evidence of the life she has in Vietnam that she will be returning to. Definitely proof of income and finances. Like I said, the financial aspect was probably the most important part in Arnold's case.

I hope this helps, even just a little, although we're talking about different countries here. I wish you guys lots of luck with the process and all the best with your relationship.

[ScottThuy 140]

The way they handle things in HCMC is very different from the way they do them in the Netherlands...

If she is denied a B2 visa and you then file a K1 visa in the near future, it could have a serious impact depending on the other issues in the case as well as the CO that gets the file...

They dont issue B2's from VN as easily as they do in other countries... It is a much higher hurdle to overcome. I have seen a great many of my grad students denied B2 visas to visit the US for commencement and they had strong ties to VN... The older one is, the more likely they are to get a visitor visa... A young single woman with a boyfriend in the states is not likely to get a B2 approved... Since she is not from the North you are not going to try to talk with the Embassy about it, since she lives near HCMC you will go to the consulate,and it could actually hurt the case.. By your going to inquire, it actually shows how important the relationship is.. it shows that there is incentive for her to overstay..... again ..A young single VN woman with a boyfriend in the states is not likely to get a B2 approved...

If she does not say anything about you or your ongoing relationship during the B2 interview, and she gets denied.. it could cause problems if you decide to file K1 in the near future...

[confusedbyvisa 0]

So what if she does mention me during the interview and I give her a letter and supporting documentation that I will support her financially when she is in the States and insure her funds for return to Vietnam. I know it's still a very slim chance but my major concern would be the affect on a potential application for a K1 VISA. If we are completly honest and truthful up front and still denied a B2 VISA because she is young and single will that negatively affect the K1 VISA application?

[ScottThuy 140]

Have you or her been married before? The truth should be the only info provided... anything other than the truth could result in a ban... A B2 denial does not mean automatic problems with a K1... Its all about the big picture... But the way the consulate looks at things, they will see the stronger the relationship between you as more incentive to overstay and more likely its a visa application based on some form of Fraud... Not that any fraud exists, just that they see fraud in relationships that are totally legit...

Try the B2 route, but it will take a very very strong tie to VN to get them to approve it... If you do go the B2 route, keep in mind that a strong bond between you helps the K1 not the B2... the strong tie to you makes her tie to VN look weak. You could get lucky and get a CO that sees in her passport that she has returned from other visits elsewhere without issue... its a possibilty.

The impact on a K1 would have to do with the timing of the petition for K1 relative to a B2 and if nothing was left out at the B2 interview... example.. if she said she was just going to visit as a tourist and didnt mention you and then later you filed a K1 for her... a huge red flag gets created...

[confusedbyvisa 0]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I am currently married and separated with divorce in process but not final. I would imagine when she files for a B2 VISA my divorce will still not be final, I am more than willing to disclose this information in a cover letter to the consulate. I hope they see that as an incentive for here to return to Vietnam since I am still not legally divorced. We would in no way every hide anything or do anything that would create a red flag.

[luckytxn 2,264]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I am currently married and separated with divorce in process but not final. I would imagine when she files for a B2 VISA my divorce will still not be final, I am more than willing to disclose this information in a cover letter to the consulate. I hope they see that as an incentive for here to return to Vietnam since I am still not legally divorced. We would in no way every hide anything or do anything that would create a red flag.

I think before you get too farther along you may need to do a lot of reading here. If you think this relationship is going to amount to an eventual K1 or CR1 then you may want to take a lot of time for this relationship to develop. Almost everyone that started a relationship when they were married (Even if they claimed they were separated) had a huge mountain to overcome to get a visa. As it stands you are looking like a big denial in the future.

A B2 looks like it is not going to happen for her if she even mentions you at all and no matter how much you say you will support her. If she doesn't mention you as the reason and y'all go the K1 or CR1 route then that will be another nail in the coffin. But please go ahead and try it and let us know how it goes. Many here have tried and failed and it would be awesome if that consulate started to go easy.

[ScottThuy 140]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I am currently married and separated with divorce in process but not final. I would imagine when she files for a B2 VISA my divorce will still not be final, I am more than willing to disclose this information in a cover letter to the consulate. I hope they see that as an incentive for here to return to Vietnam since I am still not legally divorced. We would in no way every hide anything or do anything that would create a red flag.

I had a feelin.....The fact that you are still married and have so much documentation of an ongoing relationship before the divorce is a huge red flag when it comes to the K1... That is the same boat we were in as have others been... For you to tell the CO that you are married (they dont care if divorce is in the works or not) will likely cause the CO to take a second or third look at everything. IMO the way the CO's look at it is that if the woman has no problem carrying on with a married man, what else are the capable of... As I said, I was still married but seperated when Thuy and I met.... but that did not change things, we still had a tough row to hoe...

[Dau Que 6]

OP, ask her to visit US consulate website for detail instructions on how to apply for that tourist Visa. She'll pass on the fly since she has an extensive history of traveling and always returned back to VN.

As far as you're concerned, finalized your divorce ASAP and then file for a K-1 petition right away after that. Your case is straight and very simple. She'll be guaranteed another Visa just like that.

[confusedbyvisa 0]

ScottThuy, sounds like your situation is exactly the same as mine. Do you mind sharing with me the exact steps you took, how long it took and your success at getting the K1. In other words how long should the relationship be established before filing for the K1? As I mentioned earlier we have know each other for a little over 3 months now and I will be going to Vietnam in July and then meeting her in Thailand in August for her sisters wedding. After that we were thinking about applying for the B2 VISA but maybe not if you think it will hurt us in the long run as it will establish our relationship prior to my divorce. Let's saye my divorce is final in November, when is it advisable to start the K1 process? Should I start immediately since we've know each other for 8 or 9 months or should I wait a couple months, visit Vietnam and then start the K1 process? Would you mind sharing with me through personal e-mail, I need as much advice as possible. I'm not familiar with these boards so if there's a way to send me a personal message or something I'm more than happy to give you my e-mail address so we can chat, as I mentioned I need as much advice as possible and I'm a little overwhelmed and scared.

[Operator 1,927]

Hello, I'm brand new to this forum and would like to give an advanced thanks to everyone who will hopefully help me through the VISA process. I recently (3-1/2 months ago) met a Vietnamese girl and we have started a relationship. We met in Shanghai and I have been back to Asia two times to see her since (one time to Shanghai the second time to Bangkok and Shanghai). I am planning a visit to Vietnam in July and I will also join her and her family in Thailand in August for her sisters wedding. After that she would like to come to America to visit me. This of course would require her application and approval for a tourist B2 visa. She has travelled extensively around Asia (China, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong) and had a valid VISA for Australia several years back and lived in Australia for a couple months. She now lives outside Ho Chi Minh City. She will probably apply for her VISA sometime in late August or early September, by that time she will have paid the note on her home and have documentation of being a home owner in Vietnam. For the record she is 27 years old and speaks fluent English. In preparation for her VISA application I have a few questions.

1) Is it advisable for her to inform the consulate that the main purpose of her visit will be to visit me or should it be left as just a toursit visit to America?

2) If it's best to advise them of the visit to me what question will they be asking? I am currently separated and going through a divorce but it is not yet final.

3) Is there anything we can do in advance? During my July trip to Vietnam is it advisable or possible to visit the Embassy to see what is required in advance?

4) Should I and can I be present during the VISA interview, would it be helpful?

5) What documentation should she bring to help with the VISA approval? As I mentioned earlier she has left Vietnam many, many times and always returned, she will have proof of home ownsership and has a mother, grandmother and family living in Vietnam.

Thank you in advance for all your help.

I have no VN specific experience but my situation was very similar to yours in another high fraud country. Over and over she was told she would be denied a tourist visa to the US but I told her if she didn't apply she would never get one either. I'll tell you that I only went as far as writing her an invitation letter and proclaiming that I would sponsor her during her visit and ensure that she would return home when the visit was over.

She proved her strong ties with a letter from her employer, bank statements and a copy of her lease. She was 26 at the time. They gave her a three year multi-entry. My divorce was not yet final at the time. She was never questioned about our relationship during her 2 minute interview at the embassy.

HCMC may be a completely different ball game my motto has been "if you never try you'll never know"

Good luck!