Here is my email to the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh city about the need to have an engagement party and its reply. The reply is technically proper as it doesn't state that I MUST HAVE an engagement party but perhaps as a practical matter they will not approve applications without one. I really don't know and my fiance is sure we must have one.
Has anyone else married a Vietnamese recently who can comment on this?
Dear Consular Section, Info Unit:
My fiance INSISTS that we must have an engagement
party BEFORE the interview or she will not be given a
visa. I have already been to Vietnam twice to see her
and I cannot afford to come another time.
Is it necessary to have this party before the
interview?
[Hamlet], Applicant
Denver, Colorado
Dear Mr. Colorado,
Thank you for your e-mail to our office.
Please note that, under Vietnamese traditional engagement party is one of prerequisite requirement before getting married. Therefore, to the applicant who has been engage he/she will have more evidence to demonstrate her relationship with the petitioner. However, evidence may come in many forms but when considered together, it must be enough for the interviewing officer to conclude a bona petitionable relationship.
We hope this information is useful in responding to your concerns.
Sincerely,
Info Unit Staff
Consular Section
U.S. Consulate General
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
