Đính Hôn/Dam Hoi/Engagement Party Evidence (K-1 Visa)

[ToNhi 21]

@Liam2021 Did I do myself a disservice by not attaching Dinh Hon photos to my packet? Since a decision will be made even before the interview. 

Edited December 18, 2023 by ToNhi

[ToNhi 21]

I just recently submitted my I-129F application, and I had a question about the unofficial requirement for a Dinh Hon/Dam Hoi/Engagement Party for the HCMC Consulate. I did not frontload or attach any engagement party photos/evidence with my I-129F application out of fear that it would look too much like a wedding to USCIS. I have heard that the HCMC/Vietnamese Embassy usually have a decision made even before the interview actually starts.

 

Did I do myself a disservice by not attaching Dinh Hon Evidence to my I-129F application? Or will it be fine to bring this evidence to the interview when that day comes (even if the consulate may have already made a pre-determined decision before the interview).

Thank you! 

Edited December 24, 2023 by ToNhi

[Crazy Cat 41,982]

****Another similar topic merged***** Do not spam the site by posting the same question***

 

- VJ Moderation

Edited December 24, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[ToNhi 21]

Bump. 

[JasonGG 280]

You’ll be fine.  Bring it to the interview.  The ceremony doesn’t seem to be as important now as it was years ago. - Jason 

[poh 125]

Bring pictures to interview if any.   Most important is with k-1 visa you get officially married in US before visa expires.  

[sleepynt 2]

@ToNhi, I am also from Vietnam. I think you should not include "Le Vu Quy" sign for the interview. "Le Dinh Hon" is ok as dinh hon means engagement while "Vu Quy" usually for wedding. I also  file for K1 and dont do any ceremony cuz i read many info on VJ here that the Consulate can misinterpret the engagement ceremony as a wedding. I also worry about the interview myself as the consulate in HCM is tough on K1. anyway, good luck on your interview.

[ToNhi 21]

@sleepynt Thank you so much! I am definitely pretty nervous as I read that many people receive Blue Slips when going the K-1 route. The consulate should be able to know the difference between a Dinh Hon and an actual wedding though. 

[sleepynt 2]

@ToNhi well if you bring your engagement party picture, make sure you have to include the word "le dinh hon" to make it clear to the consulate that this is the ENGAGEMENT. yes i read on here many people receive blue slips for going K1 but getting married in Vietnam is quite a hassle with lots of documents required. and the CR1 has longer waiting time than K1 this year. that is why we choose K1. I also prepare my documents and hope for the best for my interview since that is all i can do. this website has many useful info. good luck. hope you can share your interview experience with us later on. 

[ToNhi 21]

@sleepynt Hmm, I can't go back in time and change the sign to "Le Dinh Hon", lol. What do you suggest I do at this point? We have a ton of relationship evidence and photos and chat logs. I'm just worried about the Consulate misconstruing the engagement ceremony as well and giving us a denial. 

[sleepynt 2]

@ToNhi well then dont include any sign. just say that this is the engagement. few pictures will be ok if they ask to see your pictures. you have to choose the engagement picture carefully. no ring exchange picture. if you have a party at the restaurant just show them those pictures at the restaurant only. cuz I know vietnamese ceremony more formal at home with the altar and decoration. picture in the traditional dress is ok no wedding dress picture. you only talk about the engagement if they ask. whatever they ask just tell them short and clear answer. no additional detail until being asked. you dont have to worry about your fiance cant speak English. you guys have a common language which is vietnamese is enough. that is all my suggestion for now. good luck. 

[ToNhi 21]

Hmm @sleepynt, where did you read that one shouldn't exchange rings? I've seen others get approved since it is only "engagement rings".

[Phamas 10]

On 9/16/2024 at 11:36 PM, ToNhi said:

Hmm @sleepynt, where did you read that one shouldn't exchange rings? I've seen others get approved since it is only "engagement rings".

Anything that could be misconstrued as wedding.  Exchanging of rings typically a wedding thing.  Anything you have already submitted it probably fine already because otherwise you would've not gone further to NOA2.  But for the interview, like @sleepynt said don't give more information that is not necessary.  If you provide any additional photos make sure it's clearly not a wedding.  Good luck! You'll be fine.  

[ToNhi 21]

@Phamas Nhi and I are wearing the traditional red clothing for the tea ceremony (my profile pic) at the altar inside her home with just her family members in those photos. But for the photos at the dinner banquet outside her home with our 500+ family members all across Vietnam, I am wearing a tux and Nhi is wearing a red dress. Should we not show them these pictures then, even though it is evidence that we had a large engagement party with all of her family and friends in town? I've heard they usually want to see evidence of a large Dinh Hon with lots and lots of people. 

Edited September 18 by ToNhi

[Phamas 10]

8 hours ago, ToNhi said:

@Phamas Nhi and I are wearing the traditional red clothing for the tea ceremony (my profile pic) at the altar inside her home with just her family members in those photos. But for the photos at the dinner banquet outside her home with our 500+ family members all across Vietnam, I am wearing a tux and Nhi is wearing a red dress. Should we not show them these pictures then, even though it is evidence that we had a large engagement party with all of her family and friends in town? I've heard they usually want to see evidence of a large Dinh Hon with lots and lots of people. 

I think it's ok to bring it but you don't need to lead with that imo.  If they ask for more evidence then you could show it.  Also make sure to bring your family tree paper.