Uyen and Mike Together

[Uyen and Mike 4]

I would like to first greet everyone here and thank You in advance for any and all comments and advice you may have to offer us... I can accept and negative criticism as well and positive as long as you are willing to support it and possible willing to discuss it, although not necessary..  I'm from the US and Uyen is from Vietnam. We want to be together no matter where we are. Eventually, ofcourse, the goal of being back here in the US again as soon as possible would be the focus, for several reasons.. We will meet for the first time in about one year from now, summer of 2018...  My questions to the group here is as follows, and again this is all contingent on the goal of us both returning to the US as soon as possible.... Would it be better to marry in Vietnam, and if so what sort of visa would we file after that while we are there? Or, would it be better to get a fiance' visa then marry here in the US? Or what are the other options. I'm looking for the least costly, fastest and least rigorous route possible, as I'm sure everyone is... Also, will it be much better to hire a lawyer to process everything for us? Thank you in advance for all feedback!

[Teemo 252]

You haven't met yet and will meet in 1 year? (you say Summer 2018 but you mean 2019?)

 

From an immigration standpoint CR1 (spouse visa) is better option, it is a little cheaper then doing K1 and then adjustment of status in the US, and a marriage is a stronger bond than a fiancee in terms of chance of success with getting the visa. It is taking like 10 to 14 months I think for that to be processed. Then when he comes to US she gets the green card in the mail right after and does not have to apply for it which is another lengthy process in the US called adjustment of status.

 

The fact you have not met yet and will presumably be marrying (or getting engaged) on the first visit are classic "red flags" that invite higher scrutiny, but it can be overcome with substantial evidence of a bona fide relationship. Easier said than done because you won't have many of the things spouses often have like shared bank account, shared lease, lots of time spent together, family meetings, etc. I'm sure others who are more familiar with this situation from a personal standpoint will chip in. 

 

Of course, you are aware she cannot get a K1 fiancee visa if you cannot prove you have met within the last 2 years. 

Edited June 21, 2018 by Teemo

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

6 minutes ago, Uyen and Mike said:

I would like to first greet everyone here and thank You in advance for any and all comments and advice you may have to offer us... I can accept and negative criticism as well and positive as long as you are willing to support it and possible willing to discuss it, although not necessary..  I'm from the US and Uyen is from Vietnam. We want to be together no matter where we are. Eventually, ofcourse, the goal of being back here in the US again as soon as possible would be the focus, for several reasons.. We will meet for the first time in about one year from now, summer of 2018...  My questions to the group here is as follows, and again this is all contingent on the goal of us both returning to the US as soon as possible.... Would it be better to marry in Vietnam, and if so what sort of visa would we file after that while we are there? Or, would it be better to get a fiance' visa then marry here in the US? Or what are the other options. I'm looking for the least costly, fastest and least rigorous route possible, as I'm sure everyone is... Also, will it be much better to hire a lawyer to process everything for us? Thank you in advance for all feedback!

As of right now with the wait times the way they are it would be better for y'all to marry over in Vietnam and file for CR-1 visa. This will allow your fiance to have a green card upon arrival to the USA and be able to work immediately. The fiance and the marriage visa is taking about the same time right now so I would go for the CR-1 visa. The fiance (K1) visa has the lowest upfront costs but then once she gets here and you two marry you then have to file for Adjustment of Status(AOS) for her which costs about a significant amount. The time frame for a CR1 visa is about 12-14 months right now. 

[Ontarkie 14,234]

~~Moved to What Visa Do I Need, from K1 P&P - The OP has not started anything and is exploring options.~~

[Boiler 45,558]

I agree, meet a few times, spend some quality time together see how it goes.

 

Then if all is good CR1.

[geowrian 22,337]

Who knows what the timelines will be like a year from now, so I wouldn't commit to either visa option yet. You have a year to figure it out...don't rush anything.

 

If the timelines are similar to what we see now, I also suggest a CR-1 (spousal) visa over a K-1 (fiance) visa.

Edited June 21, 2018 by geowrian

[KazuriSana 324]

And since you say you want to be together no matter where you are, may I suggest moving to Kenya? It is a beautiful country! Poor me, wifey and kids are as rooted to the US as a baobab tree in central Kenya!

 

Good luck in mapping your US Visa Journey!

[JE57 239]

My opinion, for what it's worth is a little different than some of the more regular and respected members that commented above.  Although it is true that the amount of time that it takes right now between getting a spousal visa and a finance visa may be about the same and the spousal visa give more options to her when she lands in the USA you will find that Vietnam is a tougher embassy and meeting only once in person lessons the likelyhood of approval for either visa.   My argument would be that if you meet in person in Summary of 2018 (assuming you mean in the next couple of months) that you can file the fiancee visa application ( I-129F ) immediately and while you are waiting for that to process you can have additional time to meet again in person and continue to grow your relationship and make sure that this is what you want with lower up front costs and lower commitment.  The Fiancee visa allows her to come to the USA for 90 days and get married sometime in those 90 days.  I know little about your individual circumstances but if you are not of Vietnamese heritage or have a strong familiarity with Southest Asian and particularly Vietnamese culture then unless you spend significant time in that culture you'll have a long road ahead of understanding some of what motivates and your future wife.  Likewise, if she has not a lot of experience with US culture then she may have unrealistic expectations of life in the USA.  While none of these doom your relationship they are significant hurdles that you'd need to work thru to make your relationship as strong as it could be.  Getting married on your first visit in my opinion means that one or both of you may later feel obligated to complete a process for the sake of a marriage when, in fact, you should be completing that process both with the option to say wait, hold on, maybe I'm not ready, or maybe this isn't what I want.  Once married you both are married everyplace in the world.  In my opinion there is no need to rush a marriage when a fiancee visa gets you to the same end goal without the pressures of an added commitment that you may not be ready for on your first visit.  Again, I'm not saying your your relationship isn't real but when you are together 24x7 with her family and friends you don't really know her as well as you could.

God Bless and good luck. 

[Uyen and Mike 4]

Thanks to everyone for their comments, and yes ofcourse I will take the time to explore all options during the next year. I doubt that we will move to Kenya... but who knows... What I meant was that yes we will meet in 2019, one year from now... the summer of 2018 (current time). I stated that for future reference, as I've noticed posts dating back several years, sorry for any confusion.... Also, I have to apologize to everyone for not clarifying some things... Next year "when we meet", I will be going to Vietnam to teach English and will live there for an extended period of time, possibly 6 months to a year. I have contacts there and have been assured several employment options. So we will have plenty of time to get to know each other. We have known each other online for almost 2 years. If we feel strongly that we do want to stay together then I will stay with her until whatever visa we apply for is granted, but if it never does get approved... well, there plenty of nice beaches to live on, the foods great and everything is cheap. Thanks again to everyone and i welcome more comments. Good luck to everyone. I know Kenya is a beautiful place...

[old-fella 109]

I don't think Vietnam has DCF but If it is there, that is worth checking. This way you can be with your loved one and understand her culture and her lifestyle etc.

 

Not to be insensitive, but everything is rosy over internet, phone or Skype. Well, real compatibility test happens when you live together in a regular situation as a couple (exclude when you and your GF are traveling around Vietnam or other countries). 

 

[little immigrant 801]

Hi there I got married and we filed for CR1. Best decision. Once it was filed my then husband came to live with me and waited the visa process out with me. Upon entry I became a green card holder and was allowed to work. Whatever you decide I wish you good luck and I hope you'll have a good time in Vietnam. 

[WandY 430]

After you live in Vietnam for a while, you will be able to decide if K-1 or CR-1 is best for the two of you. I have spent a lot of time in Vietnam - it is getting much harder to live there on a teacher salary. It used to be inexpensive, but that's rapidly changing. If you live in a small town, it is cheaper - but you won't get paid much. If you live in Saigon or Hanoi, it is becoming exceedingly expensive. Be wary of teaching contracts in Vietnam. You can get scammed (as in not getting paid regularly) or fired pretty easily. I'm guessing  you have TESLA, ESL, etc.? You'll need some type of certification, even if you have a Ph.D. in America. You can pick up extra money giving private lessons, especially if you have American teaching experience. Living in Vietnam can be tough for many Americans. The fun wears off fast and other problems develop (poor medical care, food safety, lax laws, some discrimination against Americans - depending on location/circumstance). But I love Vietnam and have had few bad experiences. I always abide by their culture and stay close to my Vietnamese wife and her family. Go with the flow and enjoy your stay. Beautiful country, beautiful people. We plan to retire there. We did the K-1 and I'd do it again. You don't need a lawyer. Good luck! And make sure you attend the visa interview in Saigon.

[Uyen and Mike 4]

Thank you again everyone for your valuable advice... i have been doing alot of research for many years regarding the culture of Vietnam as well as teaching options and i'm well aware of the probability of not getting paid and the advantages and disadvantages of having a contract, etc. I'm also aware of the many safety risks of the food, the street life, etc and will plan very accordingly for everything. I'm form Los Angeles originally and ran the streets since i was very young so I'm very street savvy and open eyed at all times. I've spent time in much more dangerous places than Vietnam... but all that aside i still do greatly appreciate the heads up! actually the one real concern that i have and would like some feedback on is the financial aspect of it all. from what i understand they will require 3 years of tax filings which i do not have any at all. I've been on SSI for many years which falls below the poverty line. I understand they want you to at least earn 125% of the poverty line... I do have someone who will sign as a voucher for this. I know there's alot of people who will say you MUST have it all and there's alot of people who will say it doesn't matter. I've had people on both sides, as always, tell me they accomplished everything the way they did it. I just want some opinions and other options.. Thank you all in advance as I do value your input!

[WandY 430]

Sounds like you are prepared for life in Vietnam. If you have been unable to work in the U.S., how will you be able to work in Vietnam? If you have a serious physical disability, Vietnam will be tough. They don't have the equivalent of ADA requirements, etc. As for Vietnam being dangerous, it is not. Far more dangerous in the U.S. because Vietnam values tourists and the people are far less violent. I've had trouble in nearby Cambodia, but never any worries in Vietnam.

 

You absolutely have to submit three years of taxes, proof of income, etc. If you are below the poverty line requirements, you will need a co-sponsor who has the financial means to put you at the required financial level. As you probably know, the visa journey is not only long and mind-numbing, but also expensive. And Vietnam is a tough embassy for visas. We saw a lot of denials the day of my wife's interview, and they were pretty tough on me (large age difference, divorces, etc.). You need to be seriously prepared for some tough questions regarding finances, work, support, etc. Getting married in Vietnam might be the best option. The K-1 is tough and I think easier to get denied. Spending a lot of time there is a smart move. It will probably help with the visa, regardless of which type you file. Good luck!!!

[cyclone27 710]

 Vietnam and surrounding SEA countries are very safe. However those looking for trouble can easily find it.

 

Face concept is extremely important so keep that in mind when dealing with locals.

 

As for the relationship - see how it goes and take your time. (No hurry) We waited 5yrs before we pulled the trigger and got to know each other from head to toe.