Going to VN in Oct

[VN2010 0]

Hi,

Im going to VN this coming Oct with a friend of mine. She's going home to visit her family and I come to see her sister. We've been talking for a while and I decided to go there for a visit. Here is the story :

Her sis and her husband came to the casino where I work once in while. We talked and became friends. She lives only 40 minutes away. I went to visit them sometimes as well, Frist time I didnt pay attention much on her giant family picture in their living room but few times after that I started to pay more attention on the picture and saw a very beautiful lady . I asked and she says that's her younger sister who just turned 18 . Nothing happen then and I didnt ask anymore question after that cause I was so hesitate bout her age. Later on I decided to give it a try cause I've seen her sister's happy married and they're like 23 years apart. So, I asked her sis If I could have her email address and if she wants to me. Well, the answer wasnt that friendly from her cause she said she check her email like one a month and If I dont mind to wait for her to reply then go ahead. I still tried and we've been talking every since. We have no plan to get married yet when I go there this time but I do want to go back more if things go well. Since we were introduced by her sis who lives here in the States then will this be a big red flad in our case?and will this get myself and my girlfriend into a hard visa journey later? Any suggestion would help alot. Thank you so much for reading my post.

[Dau Que 6]

Yes. The solution is be patient and allowing time to develop the relationship. Visit her numerous times, and document (pictures of you two, saved copies of every travel-related documents). Write to her (snail mails), send her B/D cards, phone her (use service that allows printing logs).

Ask her if she's ever sponsored to come to the US. If the answer is yes, seek legal consultation from an experienced immigration lawyer. This WILL be a strong red flag for any case.

Edit to add: you only mentioned there's a big age difference for her sister and husband (23 years), but what about you two? She's only 18. If you're 20 years older than her, in the eyes of any CO, she "might" use you for immigration purpose.(you will be the one who must prove this is NOT true, and that tends to be very difficult)

Edited May 15, 2010 by Dau Que

[BinhJerome 14]

You do NOT have to visit her multiple times, but it is recommended as HCMC is a very hard consulate for some people to get through, and for others it is very easy. No one can say if meeting through her sister will make your journey harder, but the last poster did make a great point, make sure you document everything you do, all your emails, chat logs, and things you do on the trip, you might make a diary of sorts and put down a little each night, this would help any persons case. Just remember you have to prove the relationship is legit, and they will try to disprove any and all facts you submit. What works for one at HCMC may or may not work for another as each case is different. Good luck and enjoy your trip, it is wonderful over here. Jerome

[michael7oanh 1]

Even though it's not explicitly required to visit more than once, I'd recommend at least 2-3 visits before putting in a petition, and then probably another visit before/during the interview. I agree with others saying to take your time planning things out and don't rush. Basically wait until that 2nd or 3rd trip to do any kind of proposal/engagement ceremony and then put in the petition. I say this because the consulate used our haste against us in saying that our engagement on my 1st trip to VN was proof of a sham relationship even though we had been corresponding for over a year prior to the trip.

I also agree that it's definitely recommended to have many photos and keep all records (tickets, bills, etc.) as evidence. Not having enough variety of photo evidence and proof of time together were also excuses used in denying us the visa.

[BinhJerome 14]

Even though it's not explicitly required to visit more than once, I'd recommend at least 2-3 visits before putting in a petition, and then probably another visit before/during the interview. I agree with others saying to take your time planning things out and don't rush. Basically wait until that 2nd or 3rd trip to do any kind of proposal/engagement ceremony and then put in the petition. I say this because the consulate used our haste against us in saying that our engagement on my 1st trip to VN was proof of a sham relationship even though we had been corresponding for over a year prior to the trip.

I also agree that it's definitely recommended to have many photos and keep all records (tickets, bills, etc.) as evidence. Not having enough variety of photo evidence and proof of time together were also excuses used in denying us the visa.

Some people don’t seem to understand that it is not that easy for all people to make multiple trips to any country. So to simply say you have to make many trips can worry a person. In HCMC it does seem to be the norm that when one trip is all that was made there are problems, but there are many people that have also went through HCMC with one trip and been approved. Lucky will vouch for this as will others. Most people feel that multiple trips are required, but the main thing that needs to happen is for you to take your time, at least as much as the both of you want to take. Document everything you do, and be prepared. One trip is all that you need, multiple trips will help, but I know many people who have made multiple trips and have also been denied. For them to deny you solely on one trip should actually be impossible since the requirement is ONE trip, but do whatever you feel is best for your situation, but I would listen to advice on documenting your trip in every detail, even if it seems like a stupid detail, write it down, this does not mean you have to submit it on a timeline, but you will have the option if you choose to. Jerome