SAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)

[birch- phuk_beer 0]

yes, it does NOT come in a sealed envelope

[magic girl 0]

I just got off the phone with Nan, she is riding back to BKK on the 11 hour overnight bus from Chaingrai. I have to give her credit, she went there for her proof of non-marriage document and she went left to go up there on the monday overnight bus. She got the document then turned around and came back the same day **WHEW**. I think she deserves some flowers!

She is picking up the police document this week, hopefully. She says that the police document comes in a sealed envelope and she must not open that, just submit to embassy...is that true? Isn't the police document in Thai and therefore needs to be translated to english before submitting to the embassy? What have you all done?

Thanks!

The police document does not need to be translated. The embassy will accept documents in Thai.

I'm surprised about your statements regarding "sealed envelope". We have obtained two original police certificates, neither was in such an envelope. We got two because of Birchbeer's experience where they demanded an "original" even though an "original" was already submitted with Packet 3. We felt better to have two originals.

Thanti just went to pick up the second one yesterday. I know for fact that it's not sealed in an envelope because she held it up to the Skype webcam for me to see.

Good luck!

Confirm ! The police cetificate does not to be translated coz it is already in english and it is not sealed.

I think she means the Med-exam report and X-ray film these 2 envelope will be sealed DO NOT open it

until the interview date.

[AaronLV 12]

I think she means the Med-exam report and X-ray film these 2 envelope will be sealed DO NOT open it

until the interview date.

DO NOT open it at all, the embassy will open it.

[GeneT 0]

I think she means the Med-exam report and X-ray film these 2 envelope will be sealed DO NOT open it

until the interview date.

DO NOT open it at all, the embassy will open it.

Wow, thanks everyone for the great info!

[daboyz 36]

I just got off the phone with Nan, she is riding back to BKK on the 11 hour overnight bus from Chaingrai. I have to give her credit, she went there for her proof of non-marriage document and she went left to go up there on the monday overnight bus. She got the document then turned around and came back the same day **WHEW**. I think she deserves some flowers!

She is picking up the police document this week, hopefully. She says that the police document comes in a sealed envelope and she must not open that, just submit to embassy...is that true? Isn't the police document in Thai and therefore needs to be translated to english before submitting to the embassy? What have you all done?

Thanks!

The police document does not need to be translated. The embassy will accept documents in Thai.

I'm surprised about your statements regarding "sealed envelope". We have obtained two original police certificates, neither was in such an envelope. We got two because of Birchbeer's experience where they demanded an "original" even though an "original" was already submitted with Packet 3. We felt better to have two originals.

Thanti just went to pick up the second one yesterday. I know for fact that it's not sealed in an envelope because she held it up to the Skype webcam for me to see.

Good luck!

Confirm ! The police cetificate does not to be translated coz it is already in english and it is not sealed.

I think she means the Med-exam report and X-ray film these 2 envelope will be sealed DO NOT open it

until the interview date.

Police report is in English.

[eric_f 0]

Wow, it appears the embassy has become quite slow at processing. I'm so glad I plan on moving there anyway in a year. My AP might not be up by then!

[girarm 0]

Here's the latest e-mail I have received, I wonder what could be missing and when they plan on "getting back to the applicant by mail"

Dear Mr. xxxxx and Ms. xxxxx:

The IV Unit has received the returned Packet 3 documents of Ms. xxxxxx through the mail on May 12, 2009. The returned documents are not sufficient to schedule an interview appointment. The IV Unit will get back to the applicant by mail regarding additional documents she will have to mail to the U.S. Embassy to schedule a visa interview appointment.

Regards,

Correspondence Unit

Like afisher, I also got an email from the Embassy. I just got this from them (Yes, me - USC) ....

I'm furious. They're asking for my name change certificate. My parents changed my middle name when I was 7 years old. I included photocopies of this in the original I-129F petition last September. USCIS and NVC never raised any issues. Thanti of course has the original documentation to bring to her interview. But they are saying here that they won't schedule an interview till we mail a photocopy to them now. THEY HAVE A PHOTOCOPY! What is the matter with these people??

I'm going to reply to their email right now. And ask Thanti to mail another copy of it to them. She can get it there faster than I can from the states.

From: Bangkok Visa(Bangkok) <Visasbkk@state.gov>

Date: Tue, May 19, 2009 at 1:07 AM

Subject: BNK2009xxxxxxxx - IV inquiry

To: xxxxxxxxx@gmail.com

Dear Applicant:

Bangkok’s Immigrant Visa (IV) Unit has received documents for your immigrant visa application. From the preliminary document screening, some documents are still missing. We CANNOT schedule an interview appointment unless below item(s) are submitted.

**Please mail only photocopies and bring originals/certified copies on your interview day.**

· Namechange Certificate of the petitioner from xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx to xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

You can mail the documents to:

US Embassy

Immigrant Visa Section

95 Wireless Rd. Bangkok 10330

Sincerely,

Immigrant Visa Unit

Ref: A

When I found out that it takes at least 6 months to get this visa, I was calm

When I didn't receive (and still haven't) a hard copy of NOA2, I was calm

When they told me I would have to pay 340$ for a new NOA2, I was calm

Now I get this e-mail saying there isn't enough documents to schedule an interview?! ####### Now I don't feel so calm.

this appears they are screwing with everyone and their documents. As they did us. Something must have happened a few months ago to make them be so hard core in getting original and more docs. hell, we had to get a name change document for my wifes deceased mother. Now ####### does that have to do with anything? They're making people jump through hoops.

Glad to see you made it meow

Excuse me. I'm going to go throw up now...

I'm feeling a little sick myself...

We are still getting the packet 3 together and its depressing to see what lies ahead, but what can you do...

I have a question on packet 3 submission, can you deliver to the embassy in person or will they only accept through mail or DHL?

Thanks!

Holy #######, I was feeling pretty good today thinking have a little patience things will be ok.... check in on the Visa Jouney web site and see others in your position. Maybe get some support.... Then I read this.... Push over Danny I am going to throw up also.

What the h@ll is going on over there.

[BishopMnA 0]

Man - Hang in there guys! You are so close!

I have to admit, I am at a real loss for words to describe the difference between your PK3-4 & interviews experiences and the same steps when AAm and I went through it about 2 years ago.

I mean, when we went through it, it literally was a cakewalk! We were missing one document, but the CO was a real advocate and helped us immensely! And, he even gave us his personal cell phone number and told us to call him directly when we had the document and he would meet us in the front. So, we got the document and came back, we called him directly, this was about 3 weeks later. He still remembered us and came directly out to us, took our documents, and went in...and I swear he personally put the visa in AAm's passport at that very moment, because he came back out in about 30 minutes or so and the visa was in place in AAm's passport! I mean, he truly was a God-send for us! He even gave us his email address and continued to email back and forth with us until we made it through the AOS process. For reasons known only to him, he really took a deep and personal interest in seeing AAm and I succeed. I have no idea why...maybe he was always this way with all people, or maybe we were his last case and he wanted to end on a high note, but without a doubt the BKK consulate sounds like an entirely different experience now!

However, have faith my brothers and sisters, for you will all soon be successful and happily married!

Peace to All,

MK+JC+AK

[AaronLV 12]

Man - Hang in there guys! You are so close!

I have to admit, I am at a real loss for words to describe the difference between your PK3-4 & interviews experiences and the same steps when AAm and I went through it about 2 years ago.

I mean, when we went through it, it literally was a cakewalk! We were missing one document, but the CO was a real advocate and helped us immensely! And, he even gave us his personal cell phone number and told us to call him directly when we had the document and he would meet us in the front. So, we got the document and came back, we called him directly, this was about 3 weeks later. He still remembered us and came directly out to us, took our documents, and went in...and I swear he personally put the visa in AAm's passport at that very moment, because he came back out in about 30 minutes or so and the visa was in place in AAm's passport! I mean, he truly was a God-send for us! He even gave us his email address and continued to email back and forth with us until we made it through the AOS process. For reasons known only to him, he really took a deep and personal interest in seeing AAm and I succeed. I have no idea why...maybe he was always this way with all people, or maybe we were his last case and he wanted to end on a high note, but without a doubt the BKK consulate sounds like an entirely different experience now!

However, have faith my brothers and sisters, for you will all soon be successful and happily married!

Peace to All,

MK+JC+AK

That is a great experience. I see also that you went for an interview almost the same time of year we did, January. I really think the time delays are more to do with the time of year then anything else.

[scandal 951]

Man - Hang in there guys! You are so close!

I have to admit, I am at a real loss for words to describe the difference between your PK3-4 & interviews experiences and the same steps when AAm and I went through it about 2 years ago.

I mean, when we went through it, it literally was a cakewalk! We were missing one document, but the CO was a real advocate and helped us immensely! And, he even gave us his personal cell phone number and told us to call him directly when we had the document and he would meet us in the front. So, we got the document and came back, we called him directly, this was about 3 weeks later. He still remembered us and came directly out to us, took our documents, and went in...and I swear he personally put the visa in AAm's passport at that very moment, because he came back out in about 30 minutes or so and the visa was in place in AAm's passport! I mean, he truly was a God-send for us! He even gave us his email address and continued to email back and forth with us until we made it through the AOS process. For reasons known only to him, he really took a deep and personal interest in seeing AAm and I succeed. I have no idea why...maybe he was always this way with all people, or maybe we were his last case and he wanted to end on a high note, but without a doubt the BKK consulate sounds like an entirely different experience now!

However, have faith my brothers and sisters, for you will all soon be successful and happily married!

Peace to All,

MK+JC+AK

That is a great experience. I see also that you went for an interview almost the same time of year we did, January. I really think the time delays are more to do with the time of year then anything else.

Thanks guys.

Considering that we had our NOA2 on January 14, had we not been held up at NVC our file would have arrived at Bangkok consulate in late January and been in "good season". Am I bitter? Naaaaah. Not in the slightest.

Sorry - obviously I'm not upset with you guys, you clearly had no part in the delays we've experienced.

All I know is that this system is sufficiently random and arbitrary to allow the following result. Consider Aaron & my cases. Both K1, both Thailand beneficiaries, both CSC. Let's compare time lines, shall we?

Aaron sent his I-129F one week before I did (Aug 29 vs. Sep 5), and his NOA1 date is 6 days before ours (Sep 4 vs. Sep 10).

His NOA2 date was Dec 19, ours was Jan 14 (that's close to a month 'slippage', just at the CSC stage).

Now is where things get fun. Aaron zipped through NVC, sailed through Packet 3/4 all in January, and had an interview on Jan 29 barely a month after NOA2. Meanwhile here we sit through Jan, Feb, March, April, May and no end to this process in sight.

Here is Aaron, married and living with his wife in LV since February, while we still have no idea when Thanti will finally get here. June? July? August?....

For two cases that began 5 FRICKING DAYS APART.

Now I know there are people even worse off than us. There are people in the 6+ month club and even the 1-year club who don't get their NOA2 for that length of time. There are people (particularly MENA men) who get automatic AP at the embassies for over a year.

That's really my point -the system makes absolutely no sense at all.

I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

Every member of VJ knows what I'm saying here.

I just really need to vent it sometimes.

[daboyz 36]

Man - Hang in there guys! You are so close!

I have to admit, I am at a real loss for words to describe the difference between your PK3-4 & interviews experiences and the same steps when AAm and I went through it about 2 years ago.

I mean, when we went through it, it literally was a cakewalk! We were missing one document, but the CO was a real advocate and helped us immensely! And, he even gave us his personal cell phone number and told us to call him directly when we had the document and he would meet us in the front. So, we got the document and came back, we called him directly, this was about 3 weeks later. He still remembered us and came directly out to us, took our documents, and went in...and I swear he personally put the visa in AAm's passport at that very moment, because he came back out in about 30 minutes or so and the visa was in place in AAm's passport! I mean, he truly was a God-send for us! He even gave us his email address and continued to email back and forth with us until we made it through the AOS process. For reasons known only to him, he really took a deep and personal interest in seeing AAm and I succeed. I have no idea why...maybe he was always this way with all people, or maybe we were his last case and he wanted to end on a high note, but without a doubt the BKK consulate sounds like an entirely different experience now!

However, have faith my brothers and sisters, for you will all soon be successful and happily married!

Peace to All,

MK+JC+AK

That is a great experience. I see also that you went for an interview almost the same time of year we did, January. I really think the time delays are more to do with the time of year then anything else.

Thanks guys.

Considering that we had our NOA2 on January 14, had we not been held up at NVC our file would have arrived at Bangkok consulate in late January and been in "good season". Am I bitter? Naaaaah. Not in the slightest.

Sorry - obviously I'm not upset with you guys, you clearly had no part in the delays we've experienced.

All I know is that this system is sufficiently random and arbitrary to allow the following result. Consider Aaron & my cases. Both K1, both Thailand beneficiaries, both CSC. Let's compare time lines, shall we?

Aaron sent his I-129F one week before I did (Aug 29 vs. Sep 5), and his NOA1 date is 6 days before ours (Sep 4 vs. Sep 10).

His NOA2 date was Dec 19, ours was Jan 14 (that's close to a month 'slippage', just at the CSC stage).

Now is where things get fun. Aaron zipped through NVC, sailed through Packet 3/4 all in January, and had an interview on Jan 29 barely a month after NOA2. Meanwhile here we sit through Jan, Feb, March, April, May and no end to this process in sight.

Here is Aaron, married and living with his wife in LV since February, while we still have no idea when Thanti will finally get here. June? July? August?....

For two cases that began 5 FRICKING DAYS APART.

Now I know there are people even worse off than us. There are people in the 6+ month club and even the 1-year club who don't get their NOA2 for that length of time. There are people (particularly MENA men) who get automatic AP at the embassies for over a year.

That's really my point -the system makes absolutely no sense at all.

I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

Every member of VJ knows what I'm saying here.

I just really need to vent it sometimes.

You have every right to be pi$$ed. This process is not fair at all. There is no rhyme or reason to it. Not talking about the consulate, but even the service centers. CSC gets approved in 30 days, VSC takes 6 months.

I at least thought the consulate would be consistent. Apparently that's not the case.

This is a broken process, and there is no incentive for the politicians to fix it since less than 50% of the people involved can even vote.

[BishopMnA 0]

Brother USCandual,

You and I are alot alike. I would not say I was any different than you when I was going through the process. I have been blessed with great patience, but the K1 really tested it...and I would not say that I passed the 'stress test' each time. I just want to keep reminding you guys that you're nearing the goal...so keep your eyes on it! Have faith, you're going to be married soon! Besides, its easier to figure out the mystery of the Trinity than to figger out the K1 process...so don't even try! <HAHA>

Now, I will reflect for a moment... Did you ever see the movie with Chevy Chase called 'Christmas Vacation?' I LOVE THAT MOVIE! Well, to me one of the funniest lines is between Chevy Chase and his dad. In that line, Chevy is asking his Dad how he ever survived their Christmas holidays...and his Dad gives back a great great great great one liner, which basically cements how I made it through my K1 process. His Dad told him, "I had a lot of help from Jack Daniels' <HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA>

That still makes me laugh now...so have a JackNCoke (or 12) and kick back and relax...its all you can do for now...believe me...if you're Thai-wife-2-be is anything like my Thai wife, you're life is going to go into hyper-speed once lands on USA soil :-)

Chowk-dee - ITS TUESDAY!!!!

MK+JC+AK

[AaronLV 12]

All I know is that this system is sufficiently random and arbitrary to allow the following result. Consider Aaron & my cases. Both K1, both Thailand beneficiaries, both CSC. Let's compare time lines, shall we?

Aaron sent his I-129F one week before I did (Aug 29 vs. Sep 5), and his NOA1 date is 6 days before ours (Sep 4 vs. Sep 10).

His NOA2 date was Dec 19, ours was Jan 14 (that's close to a month 'slippage', just at the CSC stage).

Now is where things get fun. Aaron zipped through NVC, sailed through Packet 3/4 all in January, and had an interview on Jan 29 barely a month after NOA2. Meanwhile here we sit through Jan, Feb, March, April, May and no end to this process in sight.

Here is Aaron, married and living with his wife in LV since February, while we still have no idea when Thanti will finally get here. June? July? August?....

For two cases that began 5 FRICKING DAYS APART.

Now I know there are people even worse off than us. There are people in the 6+ month club and even the 1-year club who don't get their NOA2 for that length of time. There are people (particularly MENA men) who get automatic AP at the embassies for over a year.

That's really my point -the system makes absolutely no sense at all.

I feel for all you guys that are waiting. It sucks. I feel damn lucky everything came as quick as it did. Initially based on VJ timelines I expected to not have her here until end of April going into May.

I am fairly certain the AP and the delays are not random. It may seem random to everyone on the outside, however, there may be something in the application, background check etc that triggers a red flag and requires further investigation. All government agencies have certain policies that aren't advertised, one in particular is the IRS. That is why when you do your taxes there are certain things you deduct and certain things you don't bother with. To many points and your getting an audit.

It might be interesting to send a letter to the FOIA (Freedom of Infomation Act) and ask for the AP criteria from NVC. If there are particular rules then it would be published and as a tax payer you are entitled to see it, also do a FOIA on your self and see what information comes back. I got my background investigation back, a few things were blacked out.

I would also be curious if the more educated/professional career beneficiaries get put through extra scrutiny, because in reality these would be the people that would have money to pay off a petitioner and/or benefit from much larger earnings in the states compared to Thailand.

Just some food for thought. Don't beat me up over it.

[scandal 951]

All I know is that this system is sufficiently random and arbitrary to allow the following result. Consider Aaron & my cases. Both K1, both Thailand beneficiaries, both CSC. Let's compare time lines, shall we?

Aaron sent his I-129F one week before I did (Aug 29 vs. Sep 5), and his NOA1 date is 6 days before ours (Sep 4 vs. Sep 10).

His NOA2 date was Dec 19, ours was Jan 14 (that's close to a month 'slippage', just at the CSC stage).

Now is where things get fun. Aaron zipped through NVC, sailed through Packet 3/4 all in January, and had an interview on Jan 29 barely a month after NOA2. Meanwhile here we sit through Jan, Feb, March, April, May and no end to this process in sight.

Here is Aaron, married and living with his wife in LV since February, while we still have no idea when Thanti will finally get here. June? July? August?....

For two cases that began 5 FRICKING DAYS APART.

Now I know there are people even worse off than us. There are people in the 6+ month club and even the 1-year club who don't get their NOA2 for that length of time. There are people (particularly MENA men) who get automatic AP at the embassies for over a year.

That's really my point -the system makes absolutely no sense at all.

I feel for all you guys that are waiting. It sucks. I feel damn lucky everything came as quick as it did. Initially based on VJ timelines I expected to not have her here until end of April going into May.

I am fairly certain the AP and the delays are not random. It may seem random to everyone on the outside, however, there may be something in the application, background check etc that triggers a red flag and requires further investigation. All government agencies have certain policies that aren't advertised, one in particular is the IRS. That is why when you do your taxes there are certain things you deduct and certain things you don't bother with. To many points and your getting an audit.

It might be interesting to send a letter to the FOIA (Freedom of Infomation Act) and ask for the AP criteria from NVC. If there are particular rules then it would be published and as a tax payer you are entitled to see it, also do a FOIA on your self and see what information comes back. I got my background investigation back, a few things were blacked out.

I would also be curious if the more educated/professional career beneficiaries get put through extra scrutiny, because in reality these would be the people that would have money to pay off a petitioner and/or benefit from much larger earnings in the states compared to Thailand.

Just some food for thought. Don't beat me up over it.

Thanks guys!!

Scott, Mark, Aaron -- I really appreciate your comments.

That's the amazing thing about VJ sometimes. I vented, I posted, and within 10 minutes I read your thoughtful responses.

Scott --- you are right. Even if we get immigration reform it will be all about how to make 12+ million illegals suddenly legal. It's not gonna do a whit for those of us going through the legal channels.

Mark --- my poison of choice leans more towards scotch than bourbon, but your point is well made

Aaron --- I've thought about FOIA etc. And I wonder too if there's something sticking out in my file. I spoke to Danny about this - he thought perhaps it's my history of having lived in US, Canada, Israel and jumping around so much internationally. Particularly Israel, maybe that set off a flag for them. Who knows. It's possible. It's just maddening as hell.

We'll get through it, I think we're close. Pete, Danny, Mike.... we're all getting close here. Hang on a bit longer.

[daboyz 36]

All I know is that this system is sufficiently random and arbitrary to allow the following result. Consider Aaron & my cases. Both K1, both Thailand beneficiaries, both CSC. Let's compare time lines, shall we?

Aaron sent his I-129F one week before I did (Aug 29 vs. Sep 5), and his NOA1 date is 6 days before ours (Sep 4 vs. Sep 10).

His NOA2 date was Dec 19, ours was Jan 14 (that's close to a month 'slippage', just at the CSC stage).

Now is where things get fun. Aaron zipped through NVC, sailed through Packet 3/4 all in January, and had an interview on Jan 29 barely a month after NOA2. Meanwhile here we sit through Jan, Feb, March, April, May and no end to this process in sight.

Here is Aaron, married and living with his wife in LV since February, while we still have no idea when Thanti will finally get here. June? July? August?....

For two cases that began 5 FRICKING DAYS APART.

Now I know there are people even worse off than us. There are people in the 6+ month club and even the 1-year club who don't get their NOA2 for that length of time. There are people (particularly MENA men) who get automatic AP at the embassies for over a year.

That's really my point -the system makes absolutely no sense at all.

I feel for all you guys that are waiting. It sucks. I feel damn lucky everything came as quick as it did. Initially based on VJ timelines I expected to not have her here until end of April going into May.

I am fairly certain the AP and the delays are not random. It may seem random to everyone on the outside, however, there may be something in the application, background check etc that triggers a red flag and requires further investigation. All government agencies have certain policies that aren't advertised, one in particular is the IRS. That is why when you do your taxes there are certain things you deduct and certain things you don't bother with. To many points and your getting an audit.

It might be interesting to send a letter to the FOIA (Freedom of Infomation Act) and ask for the AP criteria from NVC. If there are particular rules then it would be published and as a tax payer you are entitled to see it, also do a FOIA on your self and see what information comes back. I got my background investigation back, a few things were blacked out.

I would also be curious if the more educated/professional career beneficiaries get put through extra scrutiny, because in reality these would be the people that would have money to pay off a petitioner and/or benefit from much larger earnings in the states compared to Thailand.

Just some food for thought. Don't beat me up over it.

Not going to beat you up, but I have to disagree. I honestly think they randomly choose people for AP. I have zero confidence in the US government to actually dig deep and get any sort of relevant info that will either prove or disprove any info pertaining to a marriage or fiance visa.

I really think it is like playing the lottery. Maybe you'll get lucky and cruise on through, maybe you wont.

The U.S. govt. is famous for it's incompetence. This whole process proves that point.