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| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |  Review on January 15, 2025: |
Phamas
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
K-1 Visa Interview Experience
I attended the K-1 visa interview with my fiancée, H??ng. They allowed me to accompany her into the embassy. Our appointment time was 7:30 AM, but we arrived early at 6:48 AM and lined up. When the doors opened, the staff checked for our DS-160 confirmation page and appointment letter.
It turned out the appointment time didn’t matter much because everyone was processed in the order they arrived. After entering, we were given a number for processing. No electronics were allowed inside, so we only brought our packet and a backpack.
Document Submission and Waiting
The embassy had a screen that showed when it was your turn to go up to the counter. About an hour in, we were called up and asked to provide all the required paperwork. Once we submitted the documents, we were told to sit and wait again.
Approximately two hours later, we were called up for the interview. I noticed a pattern in the way applicants were processed:
1. Everyone submitted their paperwork first.
2. If there was an issue (e.g., missing documents), applicants had to resolve it or reschedule their interview. I saw a few people leave the embassy with their passports shortly after submitting their documents.
3. Travel, family, and work visas were processed first. After the room thinned out, it was mostly individuals or couples waiting for immigrant or fiancé(e) visas.
The Interview
At the interview window, we were sworn in while speaking in Vietnamese. The consular officers knew I could speak both Vietnamese and English. After the oath, I stood with my hands on the table and smiled. H??ng then completed her biometrics, but she was a bit nervous and had to do it multiple times.
The interviewers were two young women (about 20-30 years old)—one Vietnamese and one American. The interview questions focused on verifying the authenticity of our relationship.
Questions Asked
1. How did you meet your fiancé?
2. Did you meet in person after being introduced?
3. When did you meet up in person?
4. How many times has Davis come to see you?
(I came to Vietnam three times, but H??ng initially made a mistake and gave the wrong year for one visit. She corrected it shortly after.)
5. Has anyone from Davis’s family met you?
6. Did Davis meet your family?
7. Where did Davis stay when he was in Vietnam those times he visited you?
8. Did you have an engagement or an engagement party?
9. What are your wedding plans?
10. What about your honeymoon?
11. What does Davis do for a living?
12. Where does Davis live?
13. What’s the reason why you love Davis?
14. What’s the worst thing about Davis you don’t like?
(H??ng answered, “Davis purposely likes to fart in bed and lets me know it!”) ?
Both interviewers laughed at her response. Shortly after, they stamped the approval and congratulated us.
Reflections on the Experience
Honestly, the interview felt easy and almost conversational, like the officers were catching up on a K-drama. We brought one binder with all of our documents, as well as a wedding studio photo album, but none of it was used. All the important paperwork had already been reviewed and processed before the interview.
Why It Went Smoothly
I believe the smooth experience was due to how strong our initial I-129F application was. I prepared and submitted the application myself without hiring an attorney or agency. Everything was organized and detailed, which seemed to make a good impression.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the experience was positive. The embassy staff was professional and efficient. My advice to others would be to:
1. Arrive early and stay organized.
2. Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate.
3. Be prepared to answer personal questions about your relationship with confidence and honesty.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #33522