Going to Viet Nam for 9 days

[Etrnaly 0]

I will be going to Viet Nam to see my wife in a few weeks for about 9 days. My dad suggested that I e-mail the US Consulate in the next few days (and while I'm in Viet Nam if they refuse it) and ask them for an appointment to see the CO that's handling my case. My wife talked to the agency that's helping us get the visa and they suggested that I call directly to the US Embassy. When I called the number that my wife gave me, the person at the other end told me to call another number. When I called that number, it was to an automated message that I could barely make out because the connection was so bad. If it's anything like automated messages to government offices here (i.e. DMV), I'm sure I'll be on hold 1-2 hours at least before I even get to speak to a live person. So should I continue to try and call them or should I write an e-mail like my dad suggested? We received our 2nd 221g 2 months ago. We already turned in the requested documents and have not heard from them for a month and a half. Thanks.

[Kevin&Loan 0]

Etrnaly, I am very sorry about the difficulty you have with your case. I was there and I kow how tough it is. Here a few things I know which might help you out a bit.

1. The Embassy has nothing to do with your case. The US Consulate in Saigon where your fiance had her interview handle all the matters.

2. You can schedule an appoitment to talk to the Chief of Information Unit, not the CO. The CO will never meet you.

So, if I were you, I would first call the Consulate (848) 822-9433 and set up an appoiment to see the Chief of Information Unit. Usually you will be able to meet him. There is no such thing as being on hold for 2 or 3 hours on the phone. Once you are in Saigon, go see him and find out about your situation. Some AR cases are moving fairoly quickly and some are not. That is the fact and I do hope you are prepared for this ordeal. If all things fail, give it 90 days, and contact your Senator. They might not be much of help but at least you should try them. Good luck

[David-Hien 11]

You should send email to the US Consulate in HCMC, they will reply you within one week or 10 days. By that way, at least you have one recorded document to send to them to require for an appointment. You also can call on phone but it's not easy to talk to the right person, it's up to the time you call. So, you should try by these two ways to see what could help in the fastest time to reach the goal of your trip to Vietnam.

This is the link for contact information of US Consulate in HCMC: http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/general_information3.html

Hien

[Mike n Huong 1]

I was in the same boat as you at one time. I called the consulate to request an appointment with the chief of the information unit 1 month in advance of flying to VN. The woman said that I could not make a request for an appointment until I am in Vietnam.

Good Luck my fellow VJ'er

[Dave_Thao 0]

I received this e-mail reply when I was requesting to talk to the consulate. When I arrived in Vietnam and went to the consulate I had to submit a request in writing. They got back to me the next day(12/27/06). They refused my request because they said my case was closed and everyone was on vacation.

Dear Mr. ,

If you would like to meet a consular office to discus about this case, you can request for an appointment upon your arrival in Hochiminh City. At that time, you should send your request to the Information Unit. You can send your request by fax, email or in person at the Consulate. We regret that we can schedule an appointment in advance.

Sincerely,

Info Unit Staff

Consular Section

U.S. Consulate General HCMC

Tel: (84-8) 822 9433 - ext 4636

Fax: (84-8) 824 5572

E-mail: hcmcinfo@state.gov (regarding visa issues)

[David-Hien 11]

Dear friend,

I wish for you all the luckiness you could have. I knew that it is not easy in your situation now. But please try your best.

One of the American attorney in Vietnam used to say to me about his pending cases in US Consulate of HCMC that in some cases, it's long but he can open the door for the couple to get visa but in some cases, it's so hard, he knocked the door in long time but it seems the door would not open.

Hien

[Etrnaly 0]

Thanks for all the advice so far. I called today, and the lady on the phone said I can't make an appointment until I'm in Viet Nam. Would it be advantageous for me to send them an e-mail still? She didn't ask me for my name or anything. I think sending them an e-mail, even though I know the answer, may be helpful since there is at least a written document showing my request for a meeting with the Chief of Information Unit. Any thoughts?

[sunny_vn00 0]

Thanks for all the advice so far. I called today, and the lady on the phone said I can't make an appointment until I'm in Viet Nam. Would it be advantageous for me to send them an e-mail still? She didn't ask me for my name or anything. I think sending them an e-mail, even though I know the answer, may be helpful since there is at least a written document showing my request for a meeting with the Chief of Information Unit. Any thoughts?

Hi everyone,

If someone have plan to make appointment with the Chief of Information Unit, they can learn something form my experience about that. When my fiancee' received blue paper I had plan to go to talk with Chief of Information Unit, I tried to call them many times but could not connect. SO I went to their office for asking , the VNese officer at the window told me that I should write a letter to request for meeting the Chief of Information Unit. So you know what happen later? After they received my letter they called me back by cell phone and told me that they have no time for me and they will review my case later, that's all. So even if you are in VN you also have no chance to talk to them. BUt Please try to do as what you think it will help. Good luck

SID

[Etrnaly 0]

I just got back from my trip to Viet Nam. I had a wonderful time with my wife, but not so wonderful with the Consulate General.

Before I went to Viet Nam, I sent them an e-mail requesting to meet with the Chief of Information Unit. I did not receive any replies from them regarding that request. When I was in Viet Nam, I went to the US Consulate and submitted a request to meet with the Chief of Information Unit. The lady at the counter said she will submit the request and will contact me in 1-2 days. At about 2pm on the 2nd day, I called the Consulate to see if they have received my request. The lady on the phone said the Chief of Information Unit has the request on his desk and will probably contact me later that day. At about 4pm, the Consulate calls me and tells me they are still reviewing the case, so I can not go in to see the Chief of Information Unit.

Is there anything else I can do at this point to help our case or speed up the process?