Timeline needed for HCM Consulate Interview

[BinhJerome 14]

The timeline I did was based on documenting every important event and having evidence to back it up. It was made up of two parts attached together. The first part was the actually timeline which also had a paragraph explaining that the timeline would have the evidence immediately following the timeline and the evidence was in the same order as the timeline. For example, I sent flowers and candy for Valentine's Day, the timeline listed it with a brief description, ie they delivered them while we were video chatting (really it did happen!) and included the online reciept and hightlighted photocopy of the credit card statement showing the charge. I felt doing it this way would give USCIS and HCMC Consulate the "short" version where they could see the developement of our relationship. Then they could refer to the evidence that followed to see there was third party verification of the timeline entry. If the timeline referred to an event that was only in the chat or email logs, it included the date of the chat or email log and a copy of the email or chat was included following the timeline.

Feb 14 Sent Thi flowers and candy for Valentine's Day via Saigon Flowers. They were delivered while we were video chatting.

Feb 15 Thi sent me an e card wishing me Happy Valentine's Day. She also told me her family all had some of the chocolate in our chat dated Feb 15.

I included all this in the original I-129f and expanded with everything that happened since the I-129f filing for the Interview at HCMC Consulate. Thi was one of the few who got a pink slip that day. In fact they didn't look at any of the additional evidence she brought, they looked at a few pictures, asked about 10 questions and gave her the pink!

I think it's most important to file the best possible I-129f, as complete as possible with a timeline, evidence of the relationship, etc. The one I filed weighed about 4lbs. The USCIS and the Consulate have the most time to look at your I-129f, not what you bring to the interview. It seems the outcome of the interview is mostly decided before the interview. Your fiance(e) answers are to verify what the Consulate believes to be true. If they think you have a real relationship, and her/his answers confirm that, you get the pink. IF they don't think you have a real relationship, and the answers aren't better than perfect to change their mind, you get the blue, white or green.

The good news if you have a real relationship, you will end up getting your visa, it may take longer than you want, but you'll get it.

Peter and Thi

I-129F Sent : 2007-05-26

I-129F NOA1 : 2007-06-11

I-129F RFE(s) :

RFE Reply(s) :

I-129F NOA2 : 2007-10-26

Touched: 2007-11-02

NVC Recieved: 2007-11-16

Consulate recieved ??????

Packet 3 sent 2007-12-11

Packet 3 received 2007-12-24

Packet 3 returned 2007-12-28

Packet 4 sent 2008-1-14

Email Reply with Interview Date 2008-1-23

Interview Date 2008-2-27

Passed Interview 2008-02-27

Visa Pick Up Date 2008-3-05

Received Visa 2008-2-29 (called to pick up earlier)

POE 2008-3-05 Los Angeles

Wedding 2008-4-26

Filed AOS 2009-1-2

NOA 1 2009-1-8

Peter Nguyen Brunner born 2009-1-12

Advance Parole recieved 2009-3-27

EAD recieved 2009-3-11

AOS Interview 2009-5-20

THESE ARE VERY USEFUL INFO AND VERY HELPFUL. THANKS.

[luckytxn 2,264]

I knew that they would want a timeline but waited till after her interview and found out any and all questions and the answers she gave to make sure I incorporated them all into the timeline. After the interview and the green I made one up but only had to incorporate one of the answers to fit hers as I had no idea they would ask that particular question. If I had to do it again I would have made one up and notarized it and sent it before the interview. After she returned with the timeline I sent they gave her the pink. They did also ask for a list of her relatives that lived in the states but we only sent a list of 10 and not all.

[toddandhien 2]

NOTE: This information is directed ONLY at VJ'ers going through the HCM consulate in Vietnam.

Just thought I would share this information with everyone to reinforce the importance of preparing and bringing a detailed timeline to the interview in HCM.

Hien went yesterday for her medical at Cho Ray. She said that the place was packed with people, all doing the medical for a US Visa. The topic that was discussed the most with everyone was the timeline. Many women had family members who had been interviewed before and the Number 1 reason for people not being approved at the initial interview was failure to have a timeline or having a timeline that was not detailed. She was shocked at how many people that were there had never heard about the timeline requirement and how many knew about it but did not know what it was or how to prepare it.

This timeline is an absolute must at HCM. Petitioners, please be sure that you have this timeline prepared and notarized and provided for your spouse or fiance(e) to bring to the interview. If you read this and do not know how to do the timeline, please ask and we can help you. Do not skip this thinking that you can get away without it.

bro not to be rude or anything but you need to state that its for K-1 visas only. CR-1 visas are not require a timeline. getting a lot of us CR-1's confused

bro, not to be rude or anything but CR-1 visas are now being asked for timelines. Ask Mr. Leggs.

It is not a REQUIREMENT for any kind of visa. It is not listed as a REQUIRED document anywhere. But it IS being asked for at or after the interview in many, many cases. That's why I made this original post...to alert readers to the fact that this one document could be the difference between your SO walking out with PINK or BLUE.

Up to you, bro.

[konton 0]

I'm a little confused on the timeline. I think the Consulate actually asks for CR-1's to break any pictures up to show before and after marriage. I need to take more pictures on the after part. But this timeline thing is confusing. I don't feel like I should be writing, "September 22, 2007: Got trashed in the afternoon with Van and my buddy Steve at Highland Cafe above the Tax Center in downtown HCMC." I assume this is more important if you have a long distance relationship, so my wife's just bringing pictures and plane ticket stubs.

Proper signs of respect are difficult for me out here in Vietnam. It's hard for me to understand why I can't call my father-in-law by his first name. I'm used to calling everyone "dude." I have a student from Texas who keeps calling me "sir" and it's driving me crazy. I can't wait to get back to San Francisco.

[Anh map 2,098]

I agree that a DCF case is different. But, best to play it safe with the HCMC consulate and produce one.

I'd make it a bit less colorful and include major points that would demonstrate a relationship. If the meeting you described was where you met or proposed to your spouse then list it, if it's one of a number of interactions, then leave it out.

Photos and boarding passes are a minimum. As you are filing for DCF I would think there is a lot of evidence in your life of two married people living together. You just kind of accumulate things even in a short while.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

From what people have posted here in the past, the timeline request seems to be a pre-written form letter that describes the sort of questions they expect the timeline to answer. I don't think they really care if it's formatted like a conventional timeline, where you list a date followed by what happened on that date. I think it would be sufficient if you just listed the questions, and answered each one with specific dates, places, or whatever they asked for.

If anybody knows of anyone who submitted a timeline and it was rejected because the CO didn't like the way it was formatted, and NOT because it didn't provide the information the CO was looking for, then speak up...

[toddandhien 2]

There is no timeline "format". The timeline is not officially "required". The list of questions that I have seen in a sample timeline format are just examples of what you may want to answer in your timeline. But, by no means is that "the" list of questions to answer. I personally think that the question and answer format is "cold". Every couple has a different story, a different history, different circumstances, and therefore, a different timeline. We used a narrative format that was 6 pages and also included a 7th page, which was a table summary of my visits to VN that showed dates, why (business or personal), how many days we were together and a brief note of what we did on that visit.

Sure, the format can be what you choose, but I will offer another piece of advice on this. LEVERAGE everything you do to do the most work for you. Regarding the timeline, here's what I mean: You could do a 1 page timeline that answers 10 questions and say almost nothing. OR, you could tell them your "Love Story" (credit to Anh Map for coining the term). Take them on your journey from the first time you met, what you did, how you felt, how incredible she is, how much you want a life with her in the US. If they actually read your timeline, make it WORK for you. Don't be scared to tell them about your relationship together, just be sure that she sings the same song verbally when she goes in. Create the timeline together. Talk about your important relationship events. True love can be seen and felt by others if you let it (sorry, mushy but true).

And contrary to advice by others in VJ-land, I recommend front-loading the ####### out of your case, especially in VN. I wrote a 3 page timeline that I included with my petition. It had our story up to the point that I submitted the petition. I then took that document, added to it and notarized it for our final timeline that Hien took with her.

This visa process is one of the most important things that you will ever do. Work it hard and get the PINK!

[Haonie 0]

Here you go, this is my timeline back then. Hope it helps you all.

Affidavit of Andy Nguyen

The Beginning

02/22/200703/10/2007

I, Andy Nguyen a citizen of the U.S and currently reside at...., Louisville, Kentucky 40214, do hereby state that the following is true and accurate the best of my knowledge;

1.I am a fiancée of Kim-Thy T Nguyen.

2.On February 22, 2007, I went back to Vietnam to celebrate TET, visited Kim-Thy T Nguyen and replaced new tombstones for my brother and sister. I arrived at Tan Son Nhat airport around 11:20 PM on Friday 23 Feb.

3.On the next day, Feb 24, I visited my relatives and celebrated TET with them. I spent the entire day with my relatives.

4.On Feb 25, I went to church early in the morning and had breakfast with my uncle at his house. At that moment, my uncle called Kim-Thy T Nguyen came over.

Furthermore, my uncle also let me knew about Kim-Thy T Nguyen a little bit (family background, personality and so forth) before I made this trip to Vietnam.

5.I introduced myself to Kim-Thy and we have a conversation while my uncle went out to buy food for our lunch. During our conversation, I looked at Kim-Thy face, which was intriguing. I suddenly looked at her eyes and I could see she looked very gentle and virtuous.

6.I told myself that I need more time to learn more about Kim-Thy while making a note to myself not make the same mistake again I had previously. At that moment, my uncle came home and Kim-Thy helped him cook our lunch. After lunch, Kim-Thy stayed for an hour and went home. At that moment, I asked my uncle about Kim-Thy.

7.On the way back to the Hotel, I was thinking about what the plan was for tomorrow. Suddenly, Kim-Thys image came cross to my mind. I didnt think about it much because I thought that was just a feeling. But before I went to bed, the same thing happened over again. I knew there was something in my heart. I called Kim-Thy during that night to wish her sweet dreams and to show appreciation for her cooking.

8.02/26/07: My uncles and I went to Long-An province to replace tombstones for my brother and sister. I stayed there with my relatives for the day and went back to Saigon during that night.

9.02/27/07 03/01/2007: I just hung around with my relatives, friends and had a fun time with them all.

10.03/02/07: I called Kim-Thy and asked her out for dinner. We had dinner at Com Nieu restaurant at Ho Xuan Huong Street and also had drink at Pianos Café (it was few blocks from restaurant). After that, I drove Kim-Thy to her house.

11.03/03/07: Stayed with family.

12.03/04/07: I went to church at Kim-Thys place and met her again. Two of us took a walk to Cafés shop and stayed there for couple hours. We then went to the ThaoCamViens zoo. I also called KimThy that night again.

13. 03/05/0703/08/07: I stayed with relatives and spent time with my cousins in Saigon.

- 03/08/07: This is a holiday for women and I took Kim-Thy to the restaurant at DongKhoi Street to have dinner with her.

14.03/09/07: I asked Kim-Thy out before I left Vietnam. We went to Cafés shop and stayed there for few hours. I drove her home and also bid farewell to her. I felt her sadness. I told Kim-Thy, I knew the time for us was very short to understand each other. However true friendships and love is everlasting. I promised her that I would visit her again in this year.

15.As I sat on the airplane back to United States of America, I asked myself a question, If it comes easy, it will go easy. Is she a part of my life? Is this just a feeling or shock that came over me in a short time period of time or will it stay there longer? The mistake I had been over last year left me feeling wretched. I knew that time would prove our relationship.

¨ In addition, on July 2007, my father and sisters family went back to Vietnam. My father also visited Kim-Thys family while he was there to get to know them.

A promise

8/16/20079/03/2007

16.As a promised, on August 16, I went back to Vietnam to visit Kim-Thy. I arrived to Tan Son Nhat airport at night on Friday 17.

17.The purpose of this trip is to visit Kim-Thy. Moreover, I really want to know if we have the same feelings for each other and are willing to accept our personality, habits, and so forth. I also know that to understand a person could not happen in a day or two.

18.08/17/07: Kim-Thy, my uncle and I went to HoangThanh at NamKyKhoiNghia Street; we stayed there until 12:00 A.M.

19.08/18/07: I rested at AnThais Hotel for entire day and went to visit KimThys family during the evening.

20.08/19/07: We had breakfast at NgocLans Café (Quang-Trung Street). We then visited my aunt and went to watch movie at TanSonNhats Cinema. During the evening we went to church and then went to have dinner afterwards. I drove Kim-Thy home around 10:00 P.M.

21.08/20/ - 08/22/07: I picked Kim-Thy up at work and had lunch with her. I also drove Kim-Thy around the city during the evening. Every time we went out it rained which made this trip unforgettable.

22.08/23/07: Kim-Thy and I traveled to my grandfathers hometown at LongAn province. We visited the cemetery and had lunch with my relatives. We headed back to Saigon around 5:00 P.M

23.08/24 08/25/07: We had lunch, dinner, went to a coffee shop, and went shopping.

24.08/26/07: We went to church in the morning and then to BinhQuoi and Dam-Sen. We stayed at each for a few hours. In the evening my uncle, aunt and I had dinner with Kim-Thys family at her house.

25.08/27 08/31/07: Kim-Thy and I spent most of our time with each other. I drove Kim-Thy around Saigon where we ate, watched movies, and went shopping. I also took Kim-Thy to visit all my relatives and show her my old neighborhood. We had so much fun. The main point is we learned to understand each other better and also saw if we were compatible.

26.09/01/07: I prepared a dinner at ComNieus restaurant. After that, I drove KimThy to AnNams Café at TruongDinh Street. This place is so romantic because it resides underground.

¨ I propositioned Kim-Thy to see if she would like to be my fiancée and be willing to be with me for the rest of her life. After a few minutes silence, she accepted my proposal. I could feel my heart jump out from my chest. I held Kim-Thys hands and could not say anything because I was so happy.

27.09/02/07: We went to church in the morning, had breakfast, lunch, and also bid farewell to my relatives and Kim-Thys family. Before I left the airport I could not stand it because of the tears that came from Kim-Thys eyes. I felt like something stabbed me in my heart because I couldnt undo her tears. I told her that I would come back to marry her so we can live with each other for the rest of our lives.

28.Most importantly I found in Kim-Thy what Ive been looking for all my life.

¨ She is always there for me, patiently listening to my problems, share my opinions, thoughts and I did the same for her.

¨ Last but not least, the most important thing in marriage is love and be loved. I definitely find it with KimThy T Nguyen.

29.Kim-Thy T Nguyen and I still remain in contact while were apart from each other. We also intend to marry and look forward to starting our lives together as husband and wife when Kim-Thy T Nguyen arrives here in the U.S.

Date: _________ ________________

Andy Hao Nguyen

Sworn to and signed before me this ______day of ___________, 2007.

_____________________

Notary Public

Edited June 18, 2009 by Haonie

[johncali9 6]

Hi friend,

Too Much Not right,I dont think they have the time consideration and reading your timeline like that

John

Edited June 19, 2009 by johncali9

[Haonie 0]

Hi friend,

Too Much Not right,I dont think they have the time consideration and reading your timeline like that

John

When I first submitted the timeline, it took the CO 3 hours to go over my case, and second green slip gave out. it was asked for BC. Again, I had to submitted BC and waited for another 3 hours to get the pink slip. Plus, I canceled my first K-1 on Jan 2007 (we didn't work it out before an interview), and opened a new petition on Sept 2007. I just wanted to ensure that the CO understand our relationship.

[David-Hien 11]

Timeline is showed at some nicks' signature in this topic already.

They required timeline because it shows very clearly the development of your relationship.

[vietazn 1]

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?

[Mr. Leggs 0]

my timeline is 6 pages long, the Co spent 2 hrs to go through all the evidence (not sure if he read all the emails and chat logs but all the paperclips clipped back not the same way i clipped before turned them in)

Hi friend,

Too Much Not right,I dont think they have the time consideration and reading your timeline like that

John

[David-Hien 11]

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.

Edited July 20, 2009 by Hien

[ScottThuy 140]

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?