Contradiction!? How does the CO make up their mind??

[Pitaya 2,577]

Your experience on hundreds of cases and reading a blog? I was giving advice based on actual events. My experience was seven months ago - NOT IN CHINA - but in Vietnam. Where is the "misinformation" that you are alleging? I am relating my experience with the process, including my time at the window with a CO in HCMC. It's hard to beat that kind of personal experience and advice - so don't try.

The so-called "front-loading" is a waste of time. My opinion based on logic and experience. I didn't front-load and we received a visa on the first try, in only a few months. Ditto that for many others I've talked to and with VN college students that I assist through various visa issues (including CR-1, K-1, etc.). And I know people that front-load and get denied and/or RFE's. So, anything concerning front-loading is nothing more than anecdotal evidence. Same goes for hiring visa services and lawyers - sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Anecdotal, not scientific.

Follow the directions. It doesn't hurt to take a few extra photos, but 100 is overkill. Use common sense. Talk to people that have been successful IN YOUR COUNTRY. What works in Vietnam will usually work in Vietnam. I've worked in China and SE Asia - a lot of the gears are greased the same. But there are vast differences between them, too.

Keep the faith!

w

I would suggest that you give credence and deference to the comments of pushbrk, a very senior and knowledgeable member of VJ for over ten (10) years. His years of experience on immigration matters on this forum and knowledge in this area has benefited numerous immigrants from all over the world. This has enabled him to attain a level of acumen that extends from far more than my single experience with the folks at the US consulate in Guangzhou, PRC.

Full disclosure: And yes, pushbrk helped me during my family's journey through the byzantine ways of our current immigration system.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[Cathi 5,755]

Your experience on hundreds of cases and reading a blog? I was giving advice based on actual events. My experience was seven months ago - NOT IN CHINA - but in Vietnam. Where is the "misinformation" that you are alleging? I am relating my experience with the process, including my time at the window with a CO in HCMC. It's hard to beat that kind of personal experience and advice - so don't try.

The so-called "front-loading" is a waste of time. My opinion based on logic and experience. I didn't front-load and we received a visa on the first try, in only a few months. Ditto that for many others I've talked to and with VN college students that I assist through various visa issues (including CR-1, K-1, etc.). And I know people that front-load and get denied and/or RFE's. So, anything concerning front-loading is nothing more than anecdotal evidence. Same goes for hiring visa services and lawyers - sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Anecdotal, not scientific.

Follow the directions. It doesn't hurt to take a few extra photos, but 100 is overkill. Use common sense. Talk to people that have been successful IN YOUR COUNTRY. What works in Vietnam will usually work in Vietnam. I've worked in China and SE Asia - a lot of the gears are greased the same. But there are vast differences between them, too.

Keep the faith!

w

for you to state that front loading petitions is a waste of time is reckless,and flat out wrong-especially for high fraud countries. As you said you are only ONE case among thousands and thousands that have come through VJ over the years, so you only have YOUR own case for reference I suggest you read over the hundreds of threads in this forum about front loading and how it can be the difference between denial and approval. The THOUSANDS of threads from people with RFEs from the NVC SPECIFICALLY asking for more relationship evidence.YOU ARE ONLY ONE CASE.

[Cathi 5,755]

I would suggest that you give credence and deference to the comments of pushbrk, a very senior and knowledgeable member of VJ for over ten (10) years. His years of experience on immigration matters on this forum and knowledge in this area has benefited numerous immigrants from all over the world. This has enabled him to attain a level of acumen that extends from far more than my single experience with the folks at the US consulate in Guangzhou, PRC.

Full disclosure: And yes, pushbrk helped me during my family's journey through the byzantine ways of our current immigration system.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

This. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Not only is pushbrk a very senior and knowledgeable member of VJ, so is Pitaya. I suggest you give credence and deference to both of them. I have received guidance and answers from both during various stages of my immigration journey and they have always been 100% correct.

[Unlockable 7,314]

I just want to say that while there are many members that add to VJ forums the ones that remain and contribute long term are extremely valuable. Many posters contribute only during their time through their immigration process and when they have reached the end of their journey, they disappear never to be heard from again. And much less, there are some who ask questions then never really contribute at the board afterwards.

Those that have been on here for years have my respect and should have respect of everyone because they could easily leave us fending for ourselves. This board is well moderated. Trolls are nearly nonexistent. Bickering, although extremely entertaining at times, is quickly diffused. And if false or misinformation is given, it is the seasoned vets that offer correct info.

All that being said, I agree that front loading is beneficial and is definitely not a waste of time.

*raises glass beer to the crowd* CHEERS TO THE SENIOR MEMBERS!

[cyclone27 710]

Definitely front load for Vietnam. My wife was asked a few questions and she was approved. The CO commented to my wife he wishes all cases were as organized and prepared as our case was.

Further I wasnt present at the interview. I only think this is helpful when things might be a bit lacking.

[quesma 10]

The USCIS gives you a fair chance to prove yourself by appearing in front of the CO. The CO asks fairly simple questions that anyone can answer. They dont complicate your case but yes, USCIS sends all the evidence to the NVC and the relevant embassy and the CO study the case before he/she decides. if they cannot make a decision they let you speak. Some cases have big red flags and they COs simply decline the visa. Others are fishy and you are given a chance.

[Dodong and Inday 2]

So if front loading is that important is it possible to add additional evidence to the original petition if the NOA1 is recieved but the NOA2 is still probably a few weeks out. I hope this is not considered "hi-jacking a thread" I am woefully ignorant of forums such as this.

[mallafri76 1,012]

I can answer you based on my recent experience at the consulate in HCMC. You can read about the entire ordeal on this site. In any case, our CO had definitely not made up his mind - at least, that's what he told us. I didn't "front-load" my 129 because I think it's a waste of your money, time, and effort. Just do what they ask - nothing more. I think there is some confusion about what the NVC is telling you.

There are some new documents that you will bring to the interview in HCMC. We brought her residency (Hộ khẩu), police check, and proof of her being single/unmarried. I brought some additional tax and business records. The interview with her (which I was not allowed to be present) took about 10 minutes. Then they interviewed me. Our CO asked a few questions about some photos, how we met, and our future plans (we have a 21-year age difference, which also generated a few questions).

After interviewing me, the CO said he appreciated that I was there to answer questions and provide more info. He actually told us that he was initially skeptical, but that we had satisfied his questions and the visa was approved. Front-loading does nothing but confuse people. I initially provided tons of tax documents (I owned a business and was a government employee at the same time - very confusing!) When I went to the interview, I provided about 10 pages of tax returns provided by my CPA. The CO said "thank you" for providing the clarity.

The experience at the consulate in HCMC is interesting - don't let it scare you. Take what you need. Don't listen to NVC. Be honest, and most of all - be prepared.

If you need additional help, feel free to send me a message.

Good luck!!!!

That might work for the K-1 visa however, OP is doing the CR/IR-1 visa which means he has to provide bona fida evidence of an ongoing marital union with the petition.

Furthermore, the police certs, proof of being sinlge/unmarried etc that you brought to the embassy for your fiance's interview, that's all evidence that those on CR/IR-1's must submit to NVC before their case is scheduled for an interview at the embassy.

OP, everything that you submit will be forwarded. So whatever you sent to USCIS and what you add at the NVC stage will all be forwarded to the embassy. The CO at the embassy will review your case before the interview and will usually make up his or her mind before the interview. However, your spouse can still bring more evidence to the interview and sometimes the CO will look at it, sometimes not, which is why it's important to put good, strong bona fida evidence in the case file from the start.

Edited July 31, 2016 by mallafri76

[toeknee 6]

So if front loading is that important is it possible to add additional evidence to the original petition if the NOA1 is recieved but the NOA2 is still probably a few weeks out. I hope this is not considered "hi-jacking a thread" I am woefully ignorant of forums such as this.

I sent in additional evidence with my IV/AOS package to the NVC. The document cover sheet in my Welcome Letter has 'Proof of relationship' listed as one of the item you can send in with the packet.

[NikLR 13,227]

So if front loading is that important is it possible to add additional evidence to the original petition if the NOA1 is recieved but the NOA2 is still probably a few weeks out. I hope this is not considered "hi-jacking a thread" I am woefully ignorant of forums such as this.

Not with your visa type.

[Dodong and Inday 2]

Not with your visa type.

thanks

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Frontloading quality evidence, not 'fillers', is necessary with high fraud countries and submitting ongoing (after the USCIS/NVC phase)

to current evidence right before an interview is not useless but also necessary.

[macekid421 0]

I'm not entirely sure what "front-loading" consists of but I just followed the directions and included as much evidence of our relationship as possible. I've been living in Vietnam for five years with her (since I graduated from college). I feel like they'd have to be crazy to think we weren't legit but then again I didn't work officially while here so they might think I was getting paid by her family to stay here? That's my only concern.

[natasha-mehdito 137]

Apparently I'm missing something major because there seems to be a contradiction afoot. The USCIS forwards exact ZERO of your bonafide marriage evidence to the NVC but I've heard that the consulate officer makes up their mind before you even walk in the door. How can they do this if they don't even see your pictures, chat logs, etc until you arrive for the interview??? What exactly does the CO see before you arrive for the interview? Sorry if this is in the wrong subforum. First time posting here. Thanks for your advice.

We found out, after a bad interview, that the CO only legally has to evaluate your case based on what you sent with the original application. So, if you sent very little evidence with your initial application, it is almost worthless to bring more to the interview because they have already decided based on the application.

[macekid421 0]

We found out, after a bad interview, that the CO only legally has to evaluate your case based on what you sent with the original application. So, if you sent very little evidence with your initial application, it is almost worthless to bring more to the interview because they have already decided based on the application.

Sorry to hear your interview didn't go well. The initial package covered all the bases but HCMC is one of the most stringent. We're going to bring more because based on what other ppl are saying, they'll probably find SOMETHING to nitpick.