Passport Issue

[WeatherEmperor 21]

Hey guys,

I have decided to take about 4-5 trips to VN over the next year or two. My problem is that my current passport will expire in October 2011. I am expecting to take my 4th trip to VN during Spring 2011 which is around the time I will file the K-1 (or CR-1 if we decide to get married). This leaves only a few months until the expiration of my passport. I worry that after my passport expires, all the passport stamps that I can show as proof of visiting Vietnam will no longer be valid. Currently I do have passport stamps of my entry to Singapore to prove my first meeting with Thu in Singapore and I worry that those will also become invalid after my passport expires. What can I do here??

<CARRICK>

[lindal24 1]

They won't ask you for your passport (unless your going to see the consulate officer in HCMC, in which case they'll ask you for a valid passport).

When you renew, they won't make you turn in your expired one. But just in case, make a copy of the whole passport book.

[hniHnitsuJ 8]

They won't ask you for your passport (unless your going to see the consulate officer in HCMC, in which case they'll ask you for a valid passport).

When you renew, they won't make you turn in your expired one. But just in case, make a copy of the whole passport book.

Make are your copy of your passport now.

[WeatherEmperor 21]

Aaaah ok I understand. So even when my passport expires, I can still be allowed to make "photo copies" of all the passports stamps from it and submit it with my petition as proof of visitation to Vietnam?? Will the photo copies of the stamps still be valid even if the passport was expired?

<CARRICK>

Edited October 29, 2009 by WeatherEmperor

[lindal24 1]

Aaaah ok I understand. So even when my passport expires, I can still be allowed to make "photo copies" of all the passports stamps from it and submit it with my petition as proof of visitation to Vietnam?? Will the photo copies of the stamps still be valid even if the passport was expired?

<CARRICK>

Yes, you can submit it with your petition as proof of your visits, but it may be a better idea to save your flight stubs and submit copies of those. The photo copies will be valid even if your passport expired because all you're trying to do is show proof that you entered/exited the country. Again, it will be better evidence if you provide your ticketstub from your flights.

[WeatherEmperor 21]

Excellent. Good advice. Thanks Linda!

<CARRICK>

Aaaah ok I understand. So even when my passport expires, I can still be allowed to make "photo copies" of all the passports stamps from it and submit it with my petition as proof of visitation to Vietnam?? Will the photo copies of the stamps still be valid even if the passport was expired?

<CARRICK>

Yes, you can submit it with your petition as proof of your visits, but it may be a better idea to save your flight stubs and submit copies of those. The photo copies will be valid even if your passport expired because all you're trying to do is show proof that you entered/exited the country. Again, it will be better evidence if you provide your ticketstub from your flights.

[Anh map 2,098]

You are over thinking everything. Slow down, live your life normally. Yes, you want to save everything you can that shows the development of your relationship.

A used visa, passport stamp, boarding pass are all expired items. But they still document your travels.

[WeatherEmperor 21]

Roger,

Thanks my friend. I just got a bit nervous when I heard that Jerome's visa was denied a few days ago. Thu is actually thrilled when I told her that I plan to visit her at least 4 more times. Again, thanks for helping me out

You are over thinking everything. Slow down, live your life normally. Yes, you want to save everything you can that shows the development of your relationship.

A used visa, passport stamp, boarding pass are all expired items. But they still document your travels.

[dq2000 1]

FYI, when your passport expires, they return it to you after punching a hole thru it to make it invalid for travel. so, you'll get it back anyhow to make copies, etc.

[BinhJerome 14]

They won't ask you for your passport (unless your going to see the consulate officer in HCMC, in which case they'll ask you for a valid passport).

When you renew, they won't make you turn in your expired one. But just in case, make a copy of the whole passport book.

A friend of mine just got a new passport and she was mad because they DID take the old one from her, this may or may not be normal, just one instance. I feel as Linda does that they would not make you turn the old one in. But as Linda said make a copy, and have it certified this way you can show your old passport visa's, but plane tickets will work just as good as a passport. Jerome

Edited October 30, 2009 by jeromebinh

[BinhJerome 14]

You are over thinking everything. Slow down, live your life normally. Yes, you want to save everything you can that shows the development of your relationship.

A used visa, passport stamp, boarding pass are all expired items. But they still document your travels.

Yeah slow down, don't base your decisions on what people tell you here, we are all wrong. What I mean, is that just because something worked for Roger, or Linda, or John, this does not mean it will work for you. You could have an exact case as mine, and do it the very same way as we did and get approved. Mark Ellis said that with our case it "SHOULD" have been approved, but they did not look at the evidence. I have a rebuttal for every thing they said, and the funny thing is that it was ALL in front of them, they just choose to read between the lines and ignore the proof, come on how can they say that I live in Kansas and that there is no way to "PROVE" I live where I live? All my tax forms, bank statements, pay stubs, even phone bills are all showing my name and being mailed to me at this addy. Not to mention that on my first visa filing over 2 years ago I did infact put in a change of address with USCIS because i moved while it was being filed. So remember, don't look so far into it. If you want to make 4 or 5 trips before you file, then do it, if not don't wait. All the things they require are straight forward, easy, and simple, just fill out the paperwork and submit it. If your fiancée leaves with a blue at interview, and also with some documents that you feel they should have looked at, have her go back the next day and give them all to the consulate, this way they have to look at it. If your CO still wants to deny it he has to forward ALL evidences that you submitted to his supervisor with a reason for denial, and with all the papers, his supervisor will think something is up and not pass off on the denial, with our case I did not do that, and we had proof of what they said we did not prove. Just take it easy and take a deep breath, sit back and relax, then do what YOU want, not what I say or someone else says to do. This is YOUR life, not ours, we will ALL be here to help you if you need us, at least I know I will. Jerome and Binh

[decker 1]

Take a few more trips to VN, make a side trip to Ankor or Thailand or Laos. SEA and VN is a fascinating place especially with someone who can keep you on the straight and narrow. Save boarding passes, itineraries and take pictures. It's all evidence and it adds up for a better case. Makes good life memories too.

[Bernie C 24]

Hey Carrick!

When I renewed my passport my old one was returned with a hole punched in it. However it was returned separatley in a different package. Always best to make a copy of anything you send before hand, you never know when something will get lost or misplaced (it happens everywhere).

It's great if you can make more visits. It all aids in the proofs. The more the better. Apply when you are comfortable and confident. As others have mentioned, each case is individaul. Unfortunaltey the reality is a CO may deny just because he got out of bed on the wrong side. But it isn't the end of the world. We all want to be approved on the first try but we take what we are dealt and move forward.

I hope we pass on the first go but I am preparring myself mentally already to be composed and supportive to Doan if we are not.

Best Wishes Always!!!