KamnanT

My understanding is that the US only issues tourist visas that are valid for 10 years. There are no shorter tourist visas. That is perhaps one reason they are a bit reluctant to hand them out. Whatever else changes during those 10 years the holder can still travel to the US.

10 years is the current standard validity period of a multi-entry B1/B2, but shorter durations are still issued where deemed prudent by the visa section. From late 2001 through 2005 (for obvious reasons), issuance of 10 year visas was severely restricted and many applicants for both business and tourism purposes received single entry visas valid only for their declared period of stay.

You are correct that having a current visa will allow the holder to travel to the US, but it is not a guarantee of admission upon arrival. If, upon questioning by ICE at the port ot entry, it appears that the applicant's circumstances have materially changed since the visa was granted, the traveller can be refused entry even though in possession of a valid visa.

Japan does allow holding dual nationality?

Technically no - Japanese citizens with dual nationality are supposed to make a "declaration of choice" after their 20th and before their 22nd birthday, chosing to retain either their Japanese citizenship or their foreign citizenship(s). If they acquire foreign nationality after turning 20, then they must make their election within 2 years.

If they elect to retain their Japanese citizenship, they must submit evidence that they have renounced their foreign citizenship. This can pose difficulties, as some countries either don't permit or have no process defined for renouncing citizenship.

Practically, I don't know if the Japanese authorities actively pursue the issue of dual nationality. It is certainly dealt with more directly in Japan's Nationality Law than it is in Thai law. The Ministry of Justice has some information in English on the web (http://www.moj.go.jp...on/tcon-01.html).

Just to clarify, a "10 year visa" is a B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa that is valid for entry into the U.S. for 10 years from the date of issue. However, as pointed out by Naam, admission to the US and the permitted length of stay on each entry is entirely at the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry - the maximum length of stay that can be granted on a B-1/B-2 visa is 6 months. So, in theory, this would suit your plans as long as your GF will not be working in the US.

I don't think any application for a US visa can be termed a "slam dunk" - applications can be and are rejected for a number of reasons. Your GF's application will need to conclusively demonstrate both the means to support herself during her stay in the US and, most importantly, compelling reasons to return to Thailand at the end of the proposed visit. She has secure, long-term employment, yet I suspect she would be questioned about how she can get 3 months off work to visit the US with you. Most Thais are lucky to get 10 days of annual leave per year. If you can demonstrate a history of living and working in Thailand yourself and prove the length and nature of your relationship, that will help establish another reason to return - to be with you.

IMHO, I would start with an application based on a 3 month holiday visit and not mention any plans for annual 5 month stays in the US. She may get a 10 year B-1/B-2 on her first application. If she gets a visa of shorter duration, you can always apply again once the first visa has expired.

Thai law doesn't recognise the concept of a "notary public" as we understand it in Common Law jurisdictions. The Law Society of Thailand has tried to promote the concept and has certified some members as "Notarial Services Attorneys" (attend a training course, get a certificate) but this designation has no standing in Thai law. If you require signatures or documents "notarized" for use in an overseas common law jurisdiction, then in all likelihood your only alternative is that jurisdiction's embassy or consulate in Thailand, unless you can find someone locally who is registered as a notary public under that jurisdiction's laws. In the U.S. notaries are appointed by the individual states and, with some exceptions, have jurisdiction only within the state that appointed them. Some of the larger international law firms may have foreign notaries amongst their staff.

Beware local law firms that promote notarial services: documents notarized by them have no legal standing outside of Thailand and only limited value inside the country.

The suggestion to use a local (AT&T/Verizon/T-Mobile) SIM with a data package is a good one BUT remember that if you purchased your iPhone in Thailand through a Thai service provider (True, DTAC or AIS) you probably have a phone that is locked to that provider. My iPhone 3GS, purchased from True, will only work with a True SIM card in it. Of course, jailbreaking is always an option.

In that case the B-visa can wait until the end of the year.

Yes, but do be aware that there are some intricate timing manouvres required when setting up a company and then using that company to apply for your own Non-Immigrant "B" visa and work permit. For example, you may be a company shareholder without a work permit (that's "passive investment") but you cannot be a company signatory without one (signing is "work", ya know). Being a company director appears to be OK as long as your participation as a director is limited to attending director's meetings and doesn't involve any "work", i.e. signing documents on the company's behalf and certainly not directing staff to do anything. As a company requires a signatory in order to apply for a work permit, there's a bit of a Catch-22. Normally, a Thai director is required, at least temporarily, to get the work permit issued for a foreign director or manager.

Ummm, no offence to the OP intended, but what did your last slave die of? If you're asking other members for their experiences with obtaining Schengen visas through Chiang Mai consulates, that's fair enough, but your post makes it sound like you're asking others to do your research for you ("...only let me know when you are SURE that the 'post' can provide one.").

Google will get you phone numbers of Schengen Area consulates in Chiang Mai (here's a hint....Austria, France and Finland) and from there you can let your fingers do the walking.

Bellboy, the OP is Australian.

Although I am pretty sure that Australia allows dual citizenship (I know Thailand does) I am not sure of the procedure for obtaining an Australian passport for the child..

After registering the birth at the Australian Embassy (requires passport of Australian parent and suitable ID - passport or bàt bpràchaachon - from other parent, plus original Thai birth certificate), you will receive a certificate entitled "Extract of Register of Citizenship by Descent". This will be your child's proof of Australian citizenship and must be supplied when applying for an Australian passport. Australia does permit dual nationality.

Thai government savings bonds would be a good option. Interest rate is much better than bank term deposits (generally set at the government bond rate for the corresponding maturity plus 50-75 basis points) and while the term is fixed (discouraging the "frittering away" of capital), they can be redeemed if required. They are only issued once or twice a year and are always in high demand - line-ups at bank branches at 8am to subscribe. Only Thai nationals can apply, there is normally a limit on how much an individual can subscribe for and often they will give preference to seniors. Initial plans announced by the Finance Ministry in December were to raise THB 100 bln via government savings bonds in the first half of 2011, although I haven't seen any announcements since then.

£15,000, and this is just for extending leave to remain and a house call to collect the biometrics. No objection to the UKBA offering new services if they think there is sufficient demand, but isn't this likely to support those who argue that the UKBA is just about the money?

If you are a Swiss or EU national, you can exercise your right to free movement under the Schengen treaty - this extends to your spouse. Your wife (but not her friends, unless they are also married to EU nationals) can obtain a Schengen tourist visa by presenting an application form along with passport and proof of marriage. Questions 31 to 34 on the application form do not need to be answered in this case, which includes those dealing with source of funds and support during her visit.

Don't think about it but I assume I as EC passport holder get visa on arrival, if any.

Correct??

Incorrect. All visitors to Australia with the exception of Australian and New Zealand citizens require a visa before departing for Australia. EU nationals qualify for an eVisitor visa, a form of Electronic Travel Authority. An eVisitor visa can be applied for online for free of charge and if granted, your passport details will accessed electronically when you arrive - there is no need for a stamp or sticker in your passport. It is valid for multiple entries into Australia over a twelve month period, with each entry limited to 3 months. It is for tourism purposes only. The recommendation is to apply online at least 2 weeks before departure.

From my experience with the Swiss Embassy, you will need to supply a detailed itinerary including flight bookings and details of where you will be staying on every night of your proposed stay in Switzerland, If you are staying in hotels, you must supply copies of the reservations. If you are staying with friends in Switzerland, they must supply certification from their local gemeinde (= amphur) that they own or lease an appropriate residence. You must demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay and, most importantly, you must supply evidence that the applicant has compelling reasons to return to Thailand at the end of your visit. Details of your wife's ties to Thailand (immovable assets, employment, close family) are key. If you live and/or work in Thailand, then include evidence of your ties as well.

The form is a variant of the standard Schengen Zone visa application. Don't let the simplicity mislead you - the Swiss are quite tough. If a visa is granted, don't be surprised if it is a single entry valid for the exact days of your proposed stay.

You can certainly do a domestic transfer if you have internet banking. But I am pretty sure  for SWIFT transfers you have to fill in paperwork.

1. Salary of a foreigner working in Thailand (work permit, letter from employer stating compensation),

2. Education expenses of Thai relative studying overseas (tuition invoice),

3. Transfer to a Thai relative residing permanently overseas (proof of overseas residence status).

This evidence needs to be re-submitted each year in December (re-submission can be done by fax) or the overseas transfer capability will be disabled.  More detailed information is available at the Bualuang iBanking website.

So my retirement visa is not really looking that good, though I used to have a non imm B when I did work maybe my 9 years of living here will help though only married to my wife for 3.  Gee what an ordeal just to take her to see my country which to be honest I have no real desire to do and even less so with all this...thanks to Kamnan, Prothai and others for their advice...3 more weeks till my wife goes for her interview will report her outcome.

Apologies, I didn't mean to imply that those on retirement visas had weaker ties to Thailand than those who are working here. I meant only to highlight that someone who stayed in Thailand from time to time on visa exempt entries or tourist visas would be viewed as transient and thus not a particularly strong "reason to return" for a partner applying for a US visitor's visa.

"Compelling Reasons to return to Thailand" are the magic words.

Very true and two significant elements of this determination are (1) the perceived strength of the relationship and (2) the strength of your (not only her) ties to Thailand. If you are here on a visa exempt entry or a tourist visa, the consular officer is more likely to think that you are returning to the US and trying to take your GF with you than if you have a non-immigrant visa and a work permit. Marriage will certainly help with the "strength of relationship" part, but if you have few demonstrable ties to Thailand yourself, even that may not be enough for a B1 (visitor) visa.

I doubt that you need to employ the services of an agent for this one if you're willing to put the time into collecting the documentation yourself. An agent can help you organise the information and perhaps educate you about common pitfalls, but as you know they have no influence on the decision-making process. Up to you to determine if that is worth 40,000 baht.

IMHO, the greatest hurdle to overcome in your situation is the employer's reluctance to supply a letter verifying employment. Without this, you're likely to get the #1 reason for rejection: no compelling reason to return. Is your friend married? Does he have any children? Is any of the "miles and miles of land" registered in his name? Immediate family ties, immovable assets, employment and/or an ongoing, profitable business are the normal criteria used to assess an applicant's likelihood to return to Thailand.

P.S. I think the rough-looking, tattooed, long-haired people are Australian Rules Footballers.

And as clearly stated in the UK first link the list is not a required document listing. If having a visa or travel history can help your application you may submit old passports to prove it - there is no requirement to do so.

And thus my statement that "most embassies ask for all of the applicant's previous passports" rather than demand them. It would be interesting to see what would happen if, for example, an applicant for a UK entry clearance volunteered that they had previous passports but would not be including them with the application. What conclusion do you think the ECO might (fairly or unfairly) infer?

In any case, most embassies ask for all of the applicant's previous passports to be submitted with a visa application.

Name one? Your current passport and/or copy is all that is required by any country that I am aware of.

OK, let's start with:

1) United Kingdom (http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/docs/1903073/supportingdocsvisituk),

2) France (https://www.tlscontact.com/th2fr/login.php),

3) United States (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/nivchecklist-english.pdf) if any previous passport contains a US visa.

(Apologies to the mods for all the links).

Yes, as david555 says you can always claim that previous passports were lost, stolen, accidentially washed, etc. However, unless there is something to hide, I would think that a documented history of overseas travel and timely return to Thailand would be considered positively in any visa application.

Passport numbers change on renewal, which can be a bit of a hassle in Thailand where passport numbers are routinely used by service providers as the "ID number" for foreigners. I've now had three passports while living in Thailand and on each renewal, I have to do the rounds of banks, phone compaines, ISPs, etc. telling them all to update their records.

As far as the visa database at the US State Department goes, I would imagine it is indexed on a number of personal attributes (name & date of birth, passport numbers, visa numbers). I wouldn't worry about them not finding your wife's previous visa details when she next applies --- they will. In any case, most embassies ask for all of the applicant's previous passports to be submitted with a visa application.

I think you will find that the law applying to the division of property upon breakdown of a marriage is determined by the jurisdiction at the time of divorce, not the jurisdiction of the marriage. Broadly speaking, it is the law of the country where the parties normally reside at the time of the divorce that will dictate how the marital (and pre-marital) assets will be divided. So, if a couple married in Thailand but who normally reside in the UK decide to divorce, UK law and procedures will apply. The only way to ensure that Thai law is applied to your divorce settlement is to reside in Thailand.

The Australian provisional residency visa does not carry any weight in the UK or France. She will need to apply separately for a UK Entry Clearance and a Schengen visa for France. As she is residing legally in Australia, she can apply by post to the British High Commission in Canberra for her UK Entry Clearance. For France, she will need to apply in person to the French Embassy in Canberra or the Greek Consulate-General in Adelaide, Melbourne or Perth (Greece now officially represents France in these cities).

Even after her Australian residency becomes permanent, she will still be a citizen of Thailand and will need a visa to travel to most European and North American countries. Should she elect to take Australian citizenship at some point in the future, that will get her visa exempt entry to the UK, Schengen zone, US and Canada amongst others.

"Both guys want to qualify for the retirement visa by having the minimum 400K baht in the bank. So they've decided to get married - obviously at a goverment office."

Just want to make sure these guys understand - you don't need to get married to qualify for an extension based on retirement. However, you do need 800K in the bank rather than 400K. If they are looking to get married so that they only need half as much capital in the bank, then technically they will be applying for an extension based on marriage, not on retirement.

As Aurelius says, Bangkok Bank doesn't use texted codes for transaction authorization but does require that the initial beneficiary setup be done in person at a branch. Authorization to use online telegraphic transfers must be renewed each calendar year and requires one of:

1. Proof of income letter from an employer in Thailand,

2. Proof of a Thai relative residing permanently outside of Thailand to whom you are transferring funds, or

3. Proof of a Thai relative studying outside of Thailand to whom you are transferring funds.

There is currently no limit on the number of visa exempt arrivals by air (30 days) or by land (15 days). If arriving by air, you may be required to show a onward airline ticket departing Thailand within 30 days of your arrival. This may be required by your airline before they allow you to board your flight to Thailand or (less likely) required by the immigration officer when you arrive in Thailand.