Failed interview !!

[BinhJerome 14]

Since it is a state seal one would have to have a address in the state where the seal was from so having an overseas address would preclude you. For Lindal it would work when she is visiting to be able to do it as I have never heard of them saying that one could only notarize in the state the seal was registered in. I do know a paralegal that has to take her seal with her when out of state on business but that was years ago so not sure if that is still done.

I still do have a perminate US address, so I could get one using that address, and not my Vietnamese one, there is a clause that states you can get one even if you are living outside of the US, but you have to have a US address as well. The timeline is a list of everything that has happened in your relationship from day one when you first wrote/called/was introduced to her. Then from there it lists all details about your relationship with a date. So lets say you met her June 18th 2009 on a website your timeline woudl start like this

June 18th 2009: I saw a photo of Jane Doe on Asian Singles dating website. I sent her a message with my contact information and a photo of myself

June 19th 2009: Jane Doe sent me an email and we chatted on Yahoo Messsenger for 3 hours

July 4th 2009: I took my laptop outside and chatted with Jane and allowed her to see the firework show outside my house

October 27th 2009: My 3rd day in Vietnam Jane and I went to the park near her home, and I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me, and she said YES as soon as I stopped talking!

November 9th 2009: My last day in Vietnam on my 1st trip Jane and her family took me to the airport and saw me off

and so on and so on, if you think it is an important part of your relationship then you add it to the timeline, the more details you put in the more questions they could ask if you ever had another interview, so make sure the things you put in there are correct and that your fiancee knows what the dates were and what happened. If you have any reciepts, or tickets, or even chatlog or telephone records to back it up the better. You can choose the format, but that is basically what they want.

Good Luck Jerome and Binh

[Timeline 0]

Scott answered before but it is a timeline of the relationship as it has developed from start up to the present time. Like it can start off and say how y'all met and then list each achievement like when both decided to meet and then each meeting and then the decision date of when got engaged and then any ceremonies like engagement party and wedding and sending of the visa and so on like this in chronological order. The consulate looks for abnormal things and/or uses it for the interview to ask questions.

The Vietnamese consulate requires almost all to submit this timeline and maybe a few others in the world ask for it but most do not so you need to go into your regional section and find out if it is a requirement or even needed for your own situation. Vietnam consulate is a high fraud for visa so the apply a higher standard and things that most other embassies and consulates do not ask for.

I did not read the whole thread. Thanks for explaining again. I guess I just put one together in case. I suppose it should just be typed in word format and notarized? Thanks for clarifying it.

[BinhJerome 14]

I did not read the whole thread. Thanks for explaining again. I guess I just put one together in case. I suppose it should just be typed in word format and notarized? Thanks for clarifying it.

Yes, in a word type format, and it must be notorized and signed

Jerome and Binh

[pwolocen 2]

The translator is not a CO. They are an employee of the consulate, usually a local VN citizen. It's fairly well known that many of the local employees treat the visa applicants like #######. I'm not sure what's up with that. Maybe it's a good cop/bad cop thing. Maybe it's a streak of jealousy. I don't know the reason, but I know it's pretty common.

I've also heard a lot of people have had problems with the translators, but I've not heard of a case where the translator basically commandeered the interview like this. The biggest problem is usually when the translator intentionally mis-translates something to make it appear the beneficiary is giving the wrong answer. It sounds like your fiancee was unfortunate enough to have gotten a CO who doesn't understand VN very well, and a translator who took advantage of the situation.

The good news is that the translator is likely out of the picture now. Unless another interview is needed, which is unlikely, the CO won't need any further input from the translator.

A notary stamp is just a legal witness to a signature. If they're asking for any documents from you then you would need to stand in front of the notary when you sign the document. If you're in VN then I recommend getting the documents notarized at US Citizen Services at the consulate. I know it's expensive, but the CO won't question a notary stamp from another consular officer. They may question a notary stamp from anywhere else in VN. If you're in the US then you can get any notary in the US to witness your signature and stamp your documents.

Are they really asking for any new documents to be notarized? Even proof of relationship stuff? I've never heard of that before.

They asked for 4 items on our blue slip.1) Timeline(The first window she went to,the clerk there told her she did not need Timeline)The Co did not ask for one! 2) My residence for past 10 years including adddress phone #'s and who lived there with me. 3) All members of fiancee house including name, phone #'s and relationship. 4) Name ,address phone #'s of her relatives in US. Also proof of that info.(Utility bill, driver liscence,ect.) My fiancee will have to ask her brother for this info as she has no contact with them. It is an aunt & uncle that live in 2 different parts of the US.

Every item required that it be in a notarized statement!! My fiance, when asked some questions by translator lady(Older vn woman) and gave a correct answer the lady did not like, she told my fiancee that answer did not matter. The translator lady also was talking to herself loud enough that my fiancee could hear. Example: Peter will retire soon. HOW DOES SHE KNOW!!! She is a mind reader too!!

The translator lady apparently did not like my fiancee and went out of her way to see her fail!! I wonder if the new director knows about the behavior of some of his employees?

[pwolocen 2]

When Thuy went to submit the last two docs a couple of weeks ago, the CO had no questions... the pink was sitting in front of him.. the translator asked her several questions as if it were an interview... we later found that the visa had been approved two days before they issued the pink... so she was done when she showed up and the translator just wanted to be a tool and make things difficult... give them the documents that they want and go from there... Curtis went early and had no issue, others went early and got blue...

The only thing I have heard them asking to be notarized is the timeline... I remember someone posting here that there was a cheap way to get things notarized at the consulate... its been a while since that was posted so it may take some looking to find it..

dont consider it a failed interview. just a hurdle along the way....

They do now ask everything be notarized. Please look at my response to JimvaPhuong for more details of our trouble. I am returning to the states next week and will tell more then.

[pwolocen 2]

what is the blue slip asking for, exactly ?

Please look at my response to JimvaPhuong.

[pwolocen 2]

Yes, in a word type format, and it must be notorized and signed

Jerome and Binh

The girl at US Citizens Service told me that if we go to the information window at the front of the building. they will notorize for free.Or my fiancee could sign in front of the CO and that would be accepted as well. Good way to make a few extra bucks though because as far as I can tell there is no recognized notary in the vn system at all. How do people conduct business? If what the girl at the information is correct, then problem solved. I will believe when and if it is true!! Example: DOS website say $50.00, girl at window say $30.00. See what I mean?

Please pass along to Linda!!

[Darnell 8,478]

Please look at my response to JimvaPhuong.

Hey - thanks for that list. I usually try 'with that question' first, as it helps you (and us) to focus, a bit.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

The girl at US Citizens Service told me that if we go to the information window at the front of the building. they will notorize for free.Or my fiancee could sign in front of the CO and that would be accepted as well. Good way to make a few extra bucks though because as far as I can tell there is no recognized notary in the vn system at all. How do people conduct business? If what the girl at the information is correct, then problem solved. I will believe when and if it is true!! Example: DOS website say $50.00, girl at window say $30.00. See what I mean?

Please pass along to Linda!!

I don't believe the girl at the information window in front of the building is a consular officer, and I believe only consular officers can notarize documents. I could be wrong.

Anyway, the HCMC consulate website says the fee is $50.

http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/notarials.html

Forgive me for not memorizing your prior posts and history, but do you and/or your fiancee have prior divorces? If so, were either of you divorced relatively recently prior to the beginning of your relationship? I'm just trying to get an idea what they're fishing for, as it might help you compose a more focused timeline to submit.

Re. the comment your fiancee overheard the translator make - are you near normal retirement age? If so, then the comment doesn't really indicate they have any inside information. If not, they may have discovered something in their background checks. Perhaps there is some indication in your Lexis Nexis report.

[luckytxn 2,264]

I don't believe the girl at the information window in front of the building is a consular officer, and I believe only consular officers can notarize documents. I could be wrong.

Anyway, the HCMC consulate website says the fee is $50.

http://hochiminh.usc.../notarials.html

Forgive me for not memorizing your prior posts and history, but do you and/or your fiancee have prior divorces? If so, were either of you divorced relatively recently prior to the beginning of your relationship? I'm just trying to get an idea what they're fishing for, as it might help you compose a more focused timeline to submit.

Re. the comment your fiancee overheard the translator make - are you near normal retirement age? If so, then the comment doesn't really indicate they have any inside information. If not, they may have discovered something in their background checks. Perhaps there is some indication in your Lexis Nexis report.

That is exactly what I thought when I saw what they wanted from him. They definitely have some negative impressions and I expect an AP process but need to get what they want and sent in and see what they give you next and what it says. Good luck.

[pwolocen 2]

I don't believe the girl at the information window in front of the building is a consular officer, and I believe only consular officers can notarize documents. I could be wrong.

Anyway, the HCMC consulate website says the fee is $50.

http://hochiminh.usc.../notarials.html

Forgive me for not memorizing your prior posts and history, but do you and/or your fiancee have prior divorces? If so, were either of you divorced relatively recently prior to the beginning of your relationship? I'm just trying to get an idea what they're fishing for, as it might help you compose a more focused timeline to submit.

Re. the comment your fiancee overheard the translator make - are you near normal retirement age? If so, then the comment doesn't really indicate they have any inside information. If not, they may have discovered something in their background checks. Perhaps there is some indication in your Lexis Nexis report.

I have been divorced for 15 years and my fiancee for 13 years. I cannot imagine what they are after! I will be 65 in November of this year, but cannot retire until I am 66. I have no intention of retiring any time soon. Lucktxn is scaring the devil out of me, saying we might get sent to AP. Why would they do that? Please note that the CO only asked 2 questions, the translator did all the damage! Can she persuade the CO to send us to AP?

[BinhJerome 14]

They asked for 4 items on our blue slip.1) Timeline(The first window she went to,the clerk there told her she did not need Timeline)The Co did not ask for one! 2) My residence for past 10 years including adddress phone #'s and who lived there with me. 3) All members of fiancee house including name, phone #'s and relationship. 4) Name ,address phone #'s of her relatives in US. Also proof of that info.(Utility bill, driver liscence,ect.) My fiancee will have to ask her brother for this info as she has no contact with them. It is an aunt & uncle that live in 2 different parts of the US.

Every item required that it be in a notarized statement!! My fiance, when asked some questions by translator lady(Older vn woman) and gave a correct answer the lady did not like, she told my fiancee that answer did not matter. The translator lady also was talking to herself loud enough that my fiancee could hear. Example: Peter will retire soon. HOW DOES SHE KNOW!!! She is a mind reader too!!

The translator lady apparently did not like my fiancee and went out of her way to see her fail!! I wonder if the new director knows about the behavior of some of his employees?

The proof of where they live in the US doesnt need to be notorized, they lied, but if they will get it done have it done, a utility bill or a copy of their drivers license is what is needed. Make sure that is she mentioned any relatives in the US that she gets THEIR information, if she doesnt they might do like they did with my fiancee and lie about it, they asked her if she had any FRIENDS and family in the US, Binh said she had FRIENDS in Texas and Ohio, and RELATIVES in California, and the CO lied on our denial stating that she said she had family in Texas, Ohio, and California, and when Binh called her family in California, she found out she had more in Kansas so we were honest and submitted extra, and they used it against us, just make sure if she said it, that you include it, dont let a clerk tell you something different either, if it is on the slip, turn it in even if they dont look at it, dont give them the chance for a denial. If they did not take something from your proof that you feel is needed or helps your case, submit it also, they have to take EVERYTHING you submit, this does not mean they have to look at it, but it will have to be logged into your file, and if they try to lie and say this or that and you have submitted hundreds of papers and photos, it is kinda hard without someone looking at it and knowing they lied.

Good Luck Jerome and Binh

[BinhJerome 14]

The girl at US Citizens Service told me that if we go to the information window at the front of the building. they will notorize for free.Or my fiancee could sign in front of the CO and that would be accepted as well. Good way to make a few extra bucks though because as far as I can tell there is no recognized notary in the vn system at all. How do people conduct business? If what the girl at the information is correct, then problem solved. I will believe when and if it is true!! Example: DOS website say $50.00, girl at window say $30.00. See what I mean?

Please pass along to Linda!!

NOTHING is for free at the consulate, who ever told you they would do it for free is not telling you the truth or they dont know and are just speaking from their other end. The timeline must be signed and notorized by YOU, not your fiancee, so she can sign it in front of the CO, but they want YOURS not hers. People conduct business differently in Vietnam, they do have seals, but for enough money you can get your very own and even signed by the person to make it legit, this is why the US Consulate wants it done in their embassy, or on US soil by a notary, and they will not accept US citizens documents with the Vietnamese stamps accept for the marriage license if done in Vietnam, however they do accept them for the Vietnamese citizens when they need something authenticated,

[pwolocen 2]

That is exactly what I thought when I saw what they wanted from him. They definitely have some negative impressions and I expect an AP process but need to get what they want and sent in and see what they give you next and what it says. Good luck.

The CO seemed happy with our information, he had the pink slip sitting in front of him for my fiancee to see. She first saw it at the first window too!! If you have not, please read my answer to JimVaPhuong about the contents of our blue slip. It did not seen like anything that could harm us that much. 1) Timeline 2) My residential info last 10 years 3) Fiancee residential info last 10 years 4) Relatives living in the US info. As far as #4 She had to get her Mother and Brother to find the information they want. Before this whole mess, she did not even know their names much less where they live. Did the translator make out the blue slip? The CO was studying his computer the whole interview and my fiancee is not sure he even heard the questions!! Can she make out the slip and just get him to sign it?

[BinhJerome 14]

I have been divorced for 15 years and my fiancee for 13 years. I cannot imagine what they are after! I will be 65 in November of this year, but cannot retire until I am 66. I have no intention of retiring any time soon. Lucktxn is scaring the devil out of me, saying we might get sent to AP. Why would they do that? Please note that the CO only asked 2 questions, the translator did all the damage! Can she persuade the CO to send us to AP?

The reason for their concern is that Vietnam is a high fraud country, and the CO's treat everyone like they are in it for the green card and nothing else. If you are much older than your fiancee then to them it looks suspicious, not trying to judge, but seriously if you were looking on the outside if you saw a 65 year old man with a 20 year old woman what would you think? Clearly your fiancee is not a 20 year old woman with her being divorced for 13 years, and I am NOT stating that she is in it for the green card and not love, but for many people this IS what is going on, and all of us that are not in that boat get put there by the CO's thinking we are like the bad ones. Age is of concern, if you are 65 you have to show you will support your fiancee, and i think it takes 5 years for the perminate citizenship card which would make you 70, so this might shine a light on what they may or may not be seeing, just observations, nothing more. Good luck, and remember to get everything they need, dont give them any reason to deny you. Jerome and Binh