Devarj

Mother in law coming next month to USA on B1 tourist visa from Vietnam. Any recent arrivals can tell me how long the officer at port of entry (POE) gave them to stay in USA? I would like her to stay until August so that she can travel back with my family. We're going on a one month vacation to Vietnam in August. Is it advisable to write a short letter that she can give to the POE officer requesting a 4 month stay so that we can all travel back together?

We had a well organized booklet about 20 pages with chat and photos - the officer just looked at the cover and never opened it. Perhaps she already decided to grant the visa. Just my gut feeling: but too much is bad as well as too little. For example if you're together for one year, just have a few important pieces from each month. My wife an I chatted daily for 5 months - that would be about 150 conversations. Way too much for anyone. When we were together, I just included a few photos for each month. You could probably lay out on powerpoint a matrix such as June: 25 daily conversation; discussed wedding plans with future in-laws; photo on vacation; etc.

Since price is not an issue, no worries - go for it. I've found that lawyers can only input the data you provide to complete applications. Essentially, you are doing most of the work and they are completing the form(s). Nothing lawyer can do for missing chat records (and other issues) other than craft a short note explaining why missing (again, you tell them; they write what you say). I've helped several folks with applications. I my humble opinion, the key is to have an organized, logical flow of supporting documents of the relationship. Like writing an essay; before you start, create an outline from day one to present and then find the supporting documents to substantiate the events. Provide exactly what they ask for (despite the origin - proxy marriage, notarized documents, translations etc.). Unfortunate on your mistakes on the original filing. Again an explanation letter would work here. I have a friend whos attorney completed the I130 and sent it in unsigned incurring a 6 month delay - had to resubmit. Although comes with high praise check their work before your approval. Best wishes; it will all work out in the end.

Why would you need a lawyer. They cannot speed up the process

Good info above - do not waste money on a lawyer.

I did this (from Vietnam) and got our visa in 3 months. Get a job offer in USA and use the offer as the basis to file for expedited visa. I wrote a letter explaining my financial status along with the job offer letter and my letter of acceptance. I included that in my I130 application at the local consulate.

Ho Chi Minh Apologies for the delay