Want to take wife for 3 weeks to U.S., worried about approval for tourist visa

[South84]

We only want to go for a few weeks in April, and then we're coming back to Thailand.  I've read that it's actually harder for Thais to be approved for a tourist visa if their husband is American because U.S. Immigration just assumes that we're running off back to the States to stay there.  I don't want to do a CS-1 because we don't intend on living there and it seems way too costly and time consuming for a 3 week visit.  She does have some property in her name, but she's not had a steady job for very long, only a couple months.  I'm a bit worried this isn't enough to get approved for the tourist visa.  Is there another route I can take, with us being legally married and all?  If not, any suggestions on how to ensure getting approved for the tourist visa?  Thanks for any advice.

[lopburi3]

The other route is to prove you intend to remain in Thailand - but you did not mention anything to that effect.

 

Can say for my wife's application the fact we had completed INS paperwork to immigrant several years earlier but made the decision to remain in Thailand was prime - approval as soon as that paperwork was shown.

[NanLaew]

There is no 'silver bullet' to getting a US tourist visa approved. If the application is honest and factual and the applicant fully conversant and knowledgeable of all that is stated in the application, then there should be no issues. If applicable, the visa application should indicate that wherever the husband goes, the wife goes too. If the OP is working or retired in Thailand, or his Thai domicile can be considered his primary domicile and his intent is to return to Thailand, this should be made clear in any supporting or sponsoring letter.

[South84]

11 hours ago, lopburi3 said:

The other route is to prove you intend to remain in Thailand - but you did not mention anything to that effect.

 

Can say for my wife's application the fact we had completed INS paperwork to immigrant several years earlier but made the decision to remain in Thailand was prime - approval as soon as that paperwork was shown.

Sorry,  yes we intend to remain in Thailand.   I suppose I could use my  work contract and lease for the house I'm renting as some sort of proof of that? 

[South84]

11 hours ago, NanLaew said:

There is no 'silver bullet' to getting a US tourist visa approved. If the application is honest and factual and the applicant fully conversant and knowledgeable of all that is stated in the application, then there should be no issues. If applicable, the visa application should indicate that wherever the husband goes, the wife goes too. If the OP is working or retired in Thailand, or his Thai domicile can be considered his primary domicile and his intent is to return to Thailand, this should be made clear in any supporting or sponsoring letter.

Thanks for the info. My intent is definitely to return.   I wasn't sure how effective supporting / sponsoring letters were in this case, but seem to be important.    

[GinBoy2]

Honestly it's a crap shoot whether she will get a tourist visa or not.

 

We tried, I think 3 times to get a tourist visa, once for a vacation in Hawaii, twice for visits to see my daughters, all refused, no clue why.

 

Eventually when we decided to move back to the US, and I did an adjustment of status for a spouse all worked like a charm

 

Gotta figure, our Tax $$ clearly at work!

Edited November 21, 2017 by GinBoy2

[Coconut Kidd]

Post #3 by NanLaew is solid information. In addition:

 

Carefully fill out the application. Check your work several times, and then check it again. Typos, and honest mistakes account for a significant number of denied applications.

 

Have an itinerary of your trip. Who, what, when, where, why.

 

Your work contract and lease should suffice as part of your supporting documents.

 

Most importantly, your wife should have your passport with current and all past visa extensions, work permit, etc flagged and it should be the first thing she hands the IO.

 

Be on time for the interview, and she should dress business casual.

 

I have done 3 tourist visas. One for my GF and two for her two kids. All successful, all 10 year visas.

 

Good luck and please keep us informed.

 

Kidd

 

　

　

　

[South84]

Thanks for the great info, Coconut Kidd.  Glad to hear some success stories