K-1 HCMC Consulate: Multiple Visits Required?

[ToNhi 20]

Usually some reasons for K-1 Visa Denials at the HCMC Consulate are:

 

1. Not spending enough time with one another (only one trip made)
2. Becoming engaged before meeting in-person 
3. No evidence of an engagement/Dinh Hon or having a small, inconsequential engagement ceremony 
4. No evidence of an ongoing relationship (Petitioner has not returned to visit the Fiance/Fiancee for one year)

 

I've been stressing out about the (future) interview and would like some insight.

I met Nhi through a family-friend (whom I've known since I was 12-14 years old) in March 2023 and Nhi and I started out meeting online/video calls. I visited her in April for a whole month after being laid off from my company. Proposed to her in June. Then returned again to Vietnam in July to prepare for our Engagement/Dinh Hon Party. Dinh Hon/Engagement Party was August 5th & 6th, and had 570+ guests (along with my Vietnamese-American parents, 2 Vietnamese-American paternal grandparents, and 1 Aunt). So a total of only 5 U.S. guests. As for the Vietnamese guests, my side included 70-80 people, and hers was almost 500 people (family, friends, everyone she knew in town). After the engagement, the 2 of us, and both of our parents and my aunt spent time in Phu Quoc Island and we also had a small trip to Thailand as well. 

Would I fail my interview at Vietnam consulate for having a short (quick) engagement period, and should I try to visit her again by the end of this year (2024), if I am expecting my prospective interview date to be in 2025? I also know that the Ho Chi Minh City consulate already has a decision made (colored slip) ready prior to the interview as well. 

Thank you so much! 

 

Edited January 17 by ToNhi

[SalishSea 17,823]

3 hours ago, ToNhi said:

Usually some reasons for K-1 Visa Denials at the HCMC Consulate are:

 

1. Not spending enough time with one another (only one trip made)
2. Becoming engaged before meeting in-person 
3. No evidence of an engagement/Dinh Hon or having a small, inconsequential engagement ceremony 
4. No evidence of an ongoing relationship (Petitioner has not returned to visit the Fiance/Fiancee for one year)

 

I've been stressing out about the (future) interview and would like some insight.

I met Nhi through a family-friend (whom I've known since I was 12-14 years old) in March 2023 and Nhi and I started out meeting online/video calls. I visited her in April for a whole month after being laid off from my company. Proposed to her in June. Then returned again to Vietnam in July to prepare for our Engagement/Dinh Hon Party. Dinh Hon/Engagement Party was August 5th & 6th, and had 570+ guests (along with my Vietnamese-American parents, 2 Vietnamese-American paternal grandparents, and 1 Aunt). So a total of only 5 U.S. guests. As for the Vietnamese guests, my side included 70-80 people, and hers was almost 500 people (family, friends, everyone she knew in town). After the engagement, the 2 of us, and both of our parents and my aunt spent time in Phu Quoc Island and we also had a small trip to Thailand as well. 

Would I fail my interview at Vietnam consulate for having a short (quick) engagement period, and should I try to visit her again by the end of this year (2024), if I am expecting my prospective interview date to be in 2025? I also know that the Ho Chi Minh City consulate already has a decision made (colored slip) ready prior to the interview as well. 

Thank you so much! 

 

Honestly, I can’t see why you didn’t just get married, since that ceremony probably amounts to a wedding in the eyes of the consulate.

[ToNhi 20]

Vietnam is a bit different from other consulates, they sort of expect a Dinh Hon/engagement ceremony since most Vietnamese families are not willing to let their single daughters go off to another country without being at least engaged first. Engagement ceremonies are a huge deal for Vietnamese. Especially those in the rural/countryside communities. 

[Stein 276]

I have never seen anyone on the VIetnam board overthink something as much as you are.  There are tons of non-Vietnamese Americans that have had successful K1 applications without an engagement party.  Probaly more than those that have for fear of it being viewed as a wedding ceremony and having to re-file as a CR-1.  Being Vietnamess American you are already in a better position than most non-Vietnamese American couples as far as the consulate goes.  Just relax and let your fiance go to the interview.  Better yet if you can attend with her.  It's going to be fine.

[Spotify 76]

Engagement party isn't necessary.  We didn't have one.  I think in the past, it can be seen as a wedding ceremony, so we chose not to do it.

[Legend of Summer 23]

you can have a party but no marriage certification signed, then it's still not a marriage.  

 

yes, you should go back to Vietnam whenever you can and you guys travel together.  Keep records and pictures.