The Malaysian VJ Thread

[kamhoe 5]

I went to the e-Consular and filled up the online form of Certificate of Good Conduct. Then, my wife printed out 2 copies, attached all required documents and sent out with registered mail.

After read all the troubles that you guys had, I start to worry about it! Do I really have to keep calling those unfriendly people since I'm still waiting for the NOA2? Or I just need to keep tracking online?

Thanks!

[Bsze 50]

Calling them constantly won't help - they might just even more annoyed and they do need time to make the proper background checks. Maybe calling them once in a while just to inquire?

It looks like the current waiting time for the certificate of good conduct is about 2 months. Your timeline suggests your approval will occur in the next month or so. Packet 3 and 4, as well as the medical will take another couple of weeks to a month, depending on how quickly you can get your documents together. So you might get it in time.

[sueling 2]

Hi everyone,

Just a quick question... when you get Packet 3, do you mail off DS-230(1) and a copy of your passport first or do you mail those along with the checklist and the applicant statement in one go?

I'm just rather unsure about this.

Thanks!

[Élan 3]

^ Either is okay. If you have everything on the checklist already, send them together. However, if you are still waiting on your Certificate of Good Conduct or anything else, then send them separately.

[Bsze 50]

Elan, I gather you and your man are in the US...???

[sueling 2]

^ Either is okay. If you have everything on the checklist already, send them together. However, if you are still waiting on your Certificate of Good Conduct or anything else, then send them separately.

Thanks, I already emailed them about this and they also said either is fine. I think I should wait to send all four until I got my Certificate of Good Conduct since that's the only thing missing right now. My concern of sending them separately is who knows the first two might get misplaced somewhere since I still ahve to wait 1.5 months for my cert.

[Jamie and Shirley 2]

Hi all... We are waiting for the check to be cashed from the Dallas lockbox. I hope the process goes smoothly, we hired one of the best immigration attorneys in the Gulf Coast region

Has anyone been through the entire process with a Malaysian fiance? What was it like? Any snags that we need to look out for?

Jamie

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<!--sizeo:1--><span style="font-size:8pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><b>VJ SPECIFIC</b>

<a href="http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php" target="_blank">This</a> is the Malaysian US Embassy review:

<i>For reviews on K1, K3, CR1 experiences. Select 'Malaysia' under Consulate drop box</i>

<a href="http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?act=Members&field_4=Malaysia&sort_key=last_activity&sort_order=desc" target="_blank">This</a> is a list of Malaysian VJ members.

<i>Yay!</i>

<a href="http://www.visajourney.com/portals/index.php?country=Malaysia" target="_blank">This</a> is the Malaysian portal page.

<i>To view newest members, latest posts by members, hottest topics.</i>

<a href="http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Malaysia&cty=Lumpur" target="_blank">This</a> is the Malaysian US Embassy information.

<i>For list of medical places, shots needed, packet contents and general country specific embassy information.</i>

<b>MALAYSIAN GENERAL</b>

<a href="http://malaysia.usembassy.gov/index.html" target="_blank">This</a> is the US Embassy in Malaysia.

<i>In Kuala Lumpur.</i>

<a href="http://www.kln.gov.my/" target="_blank">This</a> is where you download the form and instructions for Certificate of Good Conduct.

<i>It now says the US Embassy won't accept the speedier one day version.</i>

<a href="http://travel.state.gov/pdf/medical/KLL-MED-ENGL-0001-0803.pdf" target="_blank">This</a> is medical information for medicals at the US Embassy.

<i>List of panel physicians in East Malaysia and Peninsular as well as vaccinations requirements.</i>

<b>IGOR'S LIST</b>

<a href="http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/igor/vjdata/vsc.aspx" target="_blank">This</a> is the old Igor's list for VSC.

<i>Covers K1 and K3.</i>

<a href="http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/igor/vjdata/default.aspx" target="_blank">This</a> is the old Igor's list for CSC.

<i>Covers K1 and K3.</i>

<a href="http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/monthly_filers.php?visa=1&form=1&scenter=2&option=2&sortby=2" target="_blank">This</a> is the new Igor's list.

<i>Filter for CSC and VSC, K1 or K3 or IR-1/CR-1, unapproved and approved.</i>

<b>GENERAL</b>

<a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD" target="_blank">This</a> is where you download USCIS forms.

<i>Also where you can double check editions of forms based on date and edition to ensure they are up to date.</i>

<a href="http://travel.state.gov/visa/laws/telegrams/telegrams_4437.html" target="_blank">This</a> is the 2009 poverty guidelines.

<i>Required for affidavit of support and needs to satisfy 125%.</i>

<a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp" target="_blank">This</a> is where you can track your case online.

<i>Once you have a case number after petition is sent. Note: They don't seem efficient in updating it.</i><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec-->

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So if anyone has any country specific questions about the Malaysian embassy relating to either visa, please direct them here and hopefully someone who has gone through the process can enlighten you. Same goes for any general questions, or simply introducing yourselves and sticking together.

[sueling 2]

Hi all... We are waiting for the check to be cashed from the Dallas lockbox. I hope the process goes smoothly, we hired one of the best immigration attorneys in the Gulf Coast region

Has anyone been through the entire process with a Malaysian fiance? What was it like? Any snags that we need to look out for?

Jamie

Hello Jamie and Shirley!

I'm almost at the end of my process but I believe that if you look around in the forums and read this Malaysian thread, you should be able to get an idea what you need to prepare and/or expect. So far, I don't see Malaysians having much of a problem with this process as not many of us do go through this process as some other countries (i.e Philippines, Nigeria, etc).

My advice is make sure you get your certificate of good conduct two months before your expected NOA2... I made the mistake of waiting until I got my NOA2 so now everything hangs until I can get it before the US Embassy can schedule our interview Also, though the website does say that you need to certify your documents, there is a loophole where they will still accept it even if you "forgot" to get them certified. I know, because I did this and panicked and gave them a few frantic calls which they then informed me that they also accept uncertified copies. I wouldn't advise you to get the conduct of good certificate right away, as it is only valid for 6 months and just in case it takes longer than 5 months for you to receive the NOA2, that might just bring on unnecessary stress.

I would advise you to however continue collecting evidence of your relationship (instant messaging, skype, phone logs, etc) right until your interview. Apparently, there is some level of importance placed on evidence within the time frame of your I129F petition-K1 Visa application.

Will you be bringing your fiance(e)? to the interview? Though not necessary, I have read that it help a-plenty! Mine will be accompanying me when the time comes.

Good luck!

Ps. Though I don't want to infringe on your decision to have a lawyer help you through this process, in all honesty though, a lawyer is not necessary and only adds to the cost. Having a lawyer in no way guarantees an approval. My future brother in law is an immigration lawyer and originally wanted to help us but in the end told us that this was a procedure that the couple can perfectly handle themselves. The only time a lawyer is needed is when you hit some major legal snag (which also, isn't very often). I say save your money until of if that time ever comes.

Edited July 17, 2011 by sueling

[Yan & Chris 0]

Hello Jamie and Shirley!

I'm almost at the end of my process but I believe that if you look around in the forums and read this Malaysian thread, you should be able to get an idea what you need to prepare and/or expect. So far, I don't see Malaysians having much of a problem with this process as not many of us do go through this process as some other countries (i.e Philippines, Nigeria, etc).

My advice is make sure you get your certificate of good conduct two months before your expected NOA2... I made the mistake of waiting until I got my NOA2 so now everything hangs until I can get it before the US Embassy can schedule our interview Also, though the website does say that you need to certify your documents, there is a loophole where they will still accept it even if you "forgot" to get them certified. I know, because I did this and panicked and gave them a few frantic calls which they then informed me that they also accept uncertified copies. I wouldn't advise you to get the conduct of good certificate right away, as it is only valid for 6 months and just in case it takes longer than 5 months for you to receive the NOA2, that might just bring on unnecessary stress.

I would advise you to however continue collecting evidence of your relationship (instant messaging, skype, phone logs, etc) right until your interview. Apparently, there is some level of importance placed on evidence within the time frame of your I129F petition-K1 Visa application.

Will you be bringing your fiance(e)? to the interview? Though not necessary, I have read that it help a-plenty! Mine will be accompanying me when the time comes.

Good luck!

Ps. Though I don't want to infringe on your decision to have a lawyer help you through this process, in all honesty though, a lawyer is not necessary and only adds to the cost. Having a lawyer in no way guarantees an approval. My future brother in law is an immigration lawyer and originally wanted to help us but in the end told us that this was a procedure that the couple can perfectly handle themselves. The only time a lawyer is needed is when you hit some major legal snag (which also, isn't very often). I say save your money until of if that time ever comes.

Hi Sueling,

I have been following your posts as i am about to start the process, and you have quite lively discussion. May i know whether the Packet 3 requests for police certificate for < 1 year (not current residence)? Also, i thought that the police certificate is valid for one year until the interview date? So many paperwork and things to watch out for, but i think the end will make it all worthwhile.

Thanks.

[sueling 2]

Hi Sueling,

I have been following your posts as i am about to start the process, and you have quite lively discussion. May i know whether the Packet 3 requests for police certificate for < 1 year (not current residence)? Also, i thought that the police certificate is valid for one year until the interview date? So many paperwork and things to watch out for, but i think the end will make it all worthwhile.

Thanks.

Hello Yan & Chris!

If I understand your question correctly, as long as you are Malaysian you will need that certificate, regardless of your current residence. If you are Malaysian but for the last x years have been residing overseas, then I believe you will need to get a police certificate from that country. I am not 100% sure on this (it is what I have read from others in the forum) but to clarify you can email the US Embassy in Malaysia as they are very helpful and extremely prompt in replying emails.

Oh and yes, Packet 3 requires you to send back a checklist, of which you need to tick that you have ALREADY OBTAINED the police cert. Do not send the checklist back if you do not have all necessary documents in hand.

Also and again, this information about the validity of the police cert comes from reading others' posts. I have read it is valid for only 6 months but you can make a call to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Msia) to find out. Their number is +603-8887 4000, +603-8887 4570 (after working hours). Speaking of which, I have just received my police cert today after LESS than a month (and they purportedly take 2 months to do this) so I think our government is bucking up!

I see that your petition has been sent to VSC. They have been picking up speed lately too, which is very good news. Phil and I were approved in 4 months. Best of luck to you both!

IT IS WORTHWHILE. I spent 2309492304823 hours scouring the forums here but it made me all the more prepared... and quite frankly, paranoid

Edited July 19, 2011 by sueling

[sueling 2]

Sorry, I have to correct myself regarding the police cert. If you have lived in Malaysia (and /or ) any other countries for a period of more than 6 months since the age of 16, you will need to obtain the police certs from each locality. If you have been arrested in any place, a police cert must also be obtained from that country regardless of length of stay.

I hope this is clearer.

[Yan & Chris 0]

Sorry, I have to correct myself regarding the police cert. If you have lived in Malaysia (and /or ) any other countries for a period of more than 6 months since the age of 16, you will need to obtain the police certs from each locality. If you have been arrested in any place, a police cert must also be obtained from that country regardless of length of stay.

I hope this is clearer.

Yikes. I thought i read somewhere that 'Each applicant aged 16 years or over is required to submit a police certificate from the police authorities of each locality of the country of the applicant's nationality or current residence where the applicant has resided for at least six months since attaining the age of sixteen in all names that the applicant has ever used. Police certificates are also required from all other countries where the applicant has resided for at least one year.' And i see lots of discussions stating the same 1 year rule. Maybe this is different for each country. But i am aware that what you said is consistent with the offical website. This concerns me becos i have 11 months period stay in Australia like 15 years ago. Well this adds to the to-do list.

Thanks for reply, Sueling.

[sueling 2]

Yikes. I thought i read somewhere that 'Each applicant aged 16 years or over is required to submit a police certificate from the police authorities of each locality of the country of the applicant's nationality or current residence where the applicant has resided for at least six months since attaining the age of sixteen in all names that the applicant has ever used. Police certificates are also required from all other countries where the applicant has resided for at least one year.' And i see lots of discussions stating the same 1 year rule. Maybe this is different for each country. But i am aware that what you said is consistent with the offical website. This concerns me becos i have 11 months period stay in Australia like 15 years ago. Well this adds to the to-do list.

Thanks for reply, Sueling.

No problem! I suppose you should get started on the Australian one first since who knows how long that will take.

[Bsze 50]

Hi all... We are waiting for the check to be cashed from the Dallas lockbox. I hope the process goes smoothly, we hired one of the best immigration attorneys in the Gulf Coast region

Hey Yan,

I'm with SueLing, this can be a lawyer free process. It's much more uncomplicated that way.

[Bsze 50]

Oops, I meant Jamie and Shirley. I need new glasses.