Update: Visa finally received after delay (HCMC)

[3AD 0]

This is the post I had hoped to write one day. My fiance got her K1 visa. Original post describing her interview is here. After President Bush finally left town, my attorney in HCMC was able to meet with the immigration chief and cleared things up in a matter of minutes. To be honest, there was no good reason for them to give her a blue slip (221g) in the first place. My attorney said because our application was so well prepared. To quote him:

"There was nothing specific about your case that

caused them to delay it. In fact, the reason they

gave me the pink slip was because you had such

a strong case. They could not justify delaying it

any longer. So your immaculate petition actually made a

difference."

Again, actions at the HCMC Consulate seem very arbitrary. As it turns out, this wasn't about "luck." It was about having a good lawyer who had good relations with the consulate and was prepared by knowing the laws.

Anyway, I truly wish you all the best in dealing with this place. I don't want to sound pessimistic. In the end, we knew things would work out because our relationship is legit. Keep that in mind as you are buffeted by the turbulence. We're excited. Our little girl will be born here so that, as my lawyer joked with the immigration chief about, she'll be able to be president one day. :-)

Best,

3AD

[STL_HCMC 0]

Great news to hear!

Congratulations to you both. Best of luck on the continued journey.

STL_HCMC

[Lurker 0]

This is the post I had hoped to write one day. My fiance got her K1 visa. Original post describing her interview is here. After President Bush finally left town, my attorney in HCMC was able to meet with the immigration chief and cleared things up in a matter of minutes. To be honest, there was no good reason for them to give her a blue slip (221g) in the first place. My attorney said because our application was so well prepared. To quote him:

"There was nothing specific about your case that

caused them to delay it. In fact, the reason they

gave me the pink slip was because you had such

a strong case. They could not justify delaying it

any longer. So your immaculate petition actually made a

difference."

Again, actions at the HCMC Consulate seem very arbitrary. As it turns out, this wasn't about "luck." It was about having a good lawyer who had good relations with the consulate and was prepared by knowing the laws.

Anyway, I truly wish you all the best in dealing with this place. I don't want to sound pessimistic. In the end, we knew things would work out because our relationship is legit. Keep that in mind as you are buffeted by the turbulence. We're excited. Our little girl will be born here so that, as my lawyer joked with the immigration chief about, she'll be able to be president one day. :-)

Best,

3AD

That is really nice. Congrats!!!

BTW, what lawyer? You can PM if you don't want to post about it.

[Mike n Huong 1]

Congrats!!!! We are using the same lawyer and he told me that he also got a pink slip for another case. I am glad to see it was for you.

[sealedkiss 1]

Congratulations! 2 delays proceed to visas in the last few days. That ought to feel good. Does this lawyer only work with applications he himself prepared from the beginning, or does he accept cases down the road?

[MTDTD 0]

Congratulation. Very good news indeed. Did you file the case yourself or with the lawyer?

[Thuy 0]

This is the post I had hoped to write one day. My fiance got her K1 visa. Original post describing her interview is here. After President Bush finally left town, my attorney in HCMC was able to meet with the immigration chief and cleared things up in a matter of minutes. To be honest, there was no good reason for them to give her a blue slip (221g) in the first place. My attorney said because our application was so well prepared. To quote him:

"There was nothing specific about your case that

caused them to delay it. In fact, the reason they

gave me the pink slip was because you had such

a strong case. They could not justify delaying it

any longer. So your immaculate petition actually made a

difference."

Again, actions at the HCMC Consulate seem very arbitrary. As it turns out, this wasn't about "luck." It was about having a good lawyer who had good relations with the consulate and was prepared by knowing the laws.

Anyway, I truly wish you all the best in dealing with this place. I don't want to sound pessimistic. In the end, we knew things would work out because our relationship is legit. Keep that in mind as you are buffeted by the turbulence. We're excited. Our little girl will be born here so that, as my lawyer joked with the immigration chief about, she'll be able to be president one day. :-)

Best,

3AD

Congratulation! Can i ask you a question? Which lawyer did you hire? Where is the lawyer office? Can you advise me, because i am waiting for packet 3. I think i need to hire a lawyer, it's easy for me to prepare my form. Thanks

[3AD 0]

To address a few replies...

My attorney is Marc Ellis (EllisIsland). I prepared my original I-129F and had already sent it in before I thought I might need a lawyer due to special circumstances in our case. So, Marc did not prepare my original petition. He advised me on interview materials (Packet 3 preparation) but I did the preparation. Obviously he provided advice on interview protocol, customized to our situation, which was very crucial. He's very aware of what is being asked by CO's and how that changes over time. In the end, I am a stickler for detail and didn't need someone to do paperwork for me. I needed advice and representation in case of a problem, which ended up being the case. I know in the Vietnamese communities in Washington, D.C. and California there are many lawyers who offer "visa services." Basically, they are just doing paperwork for you. They've never stepped foot in HCMC Consulate. Bascially they are "middle men." Choose a lawyer like you would any other professional service provider.

Marc has been in Vietnam and/or dealing with immigration cases there for a long time. I'm not going to speak for him or even make a "sales pitch." But I will say this: We would not have the visa in hand right now if not for my attorney. I simply do not have the means of getting to "management" like he does. Eventually, I think we would have gotten our visa. But who knows how long it would have been until that happened. Anxiety is not a good thing, especially when my fiance is expecting a child.

3AD

[chuckandkim 0]

3AD,

Great news! Congratulations! Packing yet?

About the lawyer: PM Mike. No, you don't have to be with this lawyer from the begining for him to take your case. Ask Mike again

[Kevin&Loan 0]

There is nothing more precious than winning this battle. My best wishes and congratulations to you.

[Icarus 0]

Congrats 3AD!!

I was rooting for yours to be a speedy outcome due to the circumstances! ...next to mine of course

Tho, is it just me or did anyone else find Marcs quote a little scary? I've been on AR for almost 4 months and still not sure why

[Callina 1]

Congratulations!

[Mike n Huong 1]

Yes we used the same lawyer, and we hired him after her interview was already over. He just gives you the straight facts and delivers the true honest facts to the consulate for you. Helps clear up any concerns the consulate has about your case so they can make a decision.

Good Luck to those waiting!!!!!

[Savanphil 3]

Congratulations

[Tony_H 0]

It is so wonderful to hear that your case went through. Congratulation and may God bless you both with your new life together in the U.S..

Tony