Patience is a Virtue

[Will_and_Tu 46]

Hi all. We are new to posting on the forum, but I have been all over the site during the past 6 months to read advice, seek answers to questions, and figure out just what, exactly, I needed to do to make sure our K-1 application went smoothly. The answer, as it turned out, was pretty simple: just follow the instructions.

Now we're about 6 weeks into the silence after NOA1, waiting (one of us patiently, one of us not so much) for news on our approval. I figure we're in a pretty good place when the biggest concern I have is whether I should try to fit another trip in before the likely interview, or hold off while we see if the approval and other timing is such that it might make more sense to fly out when she is able to fly back with me.

There was all sorts of good advice on the various threads I read, little of which I can peg to a particular user at this point, so I guess a generic thank you to the inanimate VJ is the best I can do at this stage.

Will (and Tu)

[YecaCruz 379]

I second This!

[TBoneTX 45,313]

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for expressing your sensible approach to this infernal immigration process.

Additional "face time" is always a plus. You're dealing with one of the toughest consulates in the world (presumably, you've scoured the Vietnam regional forum and clicked the "Embassy Info" and "Reviews: Embassy" links atop any VJ page). Make the extra trip before the interview, and be on the premises during the interview. Give her your U.S. passport to hand to the consul as a FIRST action.

A caution: Do not EVER presume the granting of a visa. A lot of us made this grave mistake.

[zeta054 111]

Hi all. We are new to posting on the forum, but I have been all over the site during the past 6 months to read advice, seek answers to questions, and figure out just what, exactly, I needed to do to make sure our K-1 application went smoothly. The answer, as it turned out, was pretty simple: just follow the instructions.

Now we're about 6 weeks into the silence after NOA1, waiting (one of us patiently, one of us not so much) for news on our approval. I figure we're in a pretty good place when the biggest concern I have is whether I should try to fit another trip in before the likely interview, or hold off while we see if the approval and other timing is such that it might make more sense to fly out when she is able to fly back with me.

There was all sorts of good advice on the various threads I read, little of which I can peg to a particular user at this point, so I guess a generic thank you to the inanimate VJ is the best I can do at this stage.

Will (and Tu)

You can fit another trip back to VN in the meantime. Since you haven't gotten an approval yet after NOA1 u still need to first get the approval then have it go through NVC process and then NVC will transfer your K1 visa documents to the VN embassy and then gather addl docs have medical done. U will need to schedule an interview date and pay for the visa fees. After that you fiancée will have the interview in HCM Embassy and hopefully all goes well and you get the Visa approval. You can go with her to the interview if you wish that may help your case for an approval.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Welcome to the forum.

Make as many trips to see your fiancee as you can. The relationship between the two of you should be deeper, and you will have more relationship evidence. I am not sure of the policy at the HCMC consulate with regards to permitting USC attendance at the visa interview, others with experience of the consulate's policy have responded.

I made three trips to China, to meet with and travel with my then fiancee. There is a lot to see and do in China. It was a great opportunity to learn more about each other, the culture, history. My last trip was to provide psychological support to my family at their visa interviews in Guangzhou. The policy of the US consulate in Guangzhou does not allow USC to be in attendance at the visa interview. I hung about around the consulate, sipping expensive espresso. Support your future spouse at this very important time in your relationship.

YMMV,

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[JRF 117]

I second the advice above, visit as often as you can! The Tet holiday is kind of crazy but fun. I've been to Vietnam in every season, and winter is my favorite time of year (most California like). Anyways, the extra time with your fiancé and family is always good, it helps build your K-1 file, and of course the culture and food (but not drivers) are really fun.

Best of luck!

[Will_and_Tu 46]

Thanks to all the kind words. I may have unintentionally suggested that I've only been to Vietnam once, or that we've not got an established relationship. We've been together for a year and a half, and I've been to visit her three times in that window (roughly every 6 months). Including visiting her hometown of Can Tho and meeting her family, who were all lovely people, during Tet. We took our time and made sure that marriage was a reasonable step. We'll both be anxious about meeting the burden of proof for a bonafide relationship, of course, but I feel pretty good about our case. We did get slapped with an RFE claiming that AsianDating.com is an international marriage broker, but it looks like that's a fairly routine RFE in recent years and the website's Terms of Service should resolve any IMBRA questions in our favor.

The comment about trying to figure out if I can fit another trip in has less to do with the visa timelines and more to do with my own vacation availability, work needs in the first part of the new year, and the financial feasibility of traveling twice within a very short timeframe for a straight-up visit and a visa interview support trip.

Since we're expecting an approval as soon as California receives our RFE response, she's now devouring everything she can find about the interview process.

[KASH2011 382]

Welcome to VJ

[Lenny&Sanna 114]

Welcome to the site and good luck on your journey!!!