Info On Marrying A Thai Then Bringing Her To America

[Nhscotsman]

Hi,

I know this has probably been asked hundreds of times, but I'm new here and I have found the forum to be more european info than United States, but as I said, I'm new too. I am current engaged to a Thai girl and we are in the process of trying to decide if we should marry in Thailand or get a fiancee visa and marry here in the United States. Many have told us to get married in Thailand which would be great with me and her anyway. I have very little family in the states and she has a huge family so it would work better for her family. Now we have know each other for less than a year but I am concerned that if I go to the authorites asking for a visa, they are going to say that we haven't known each other long enough. I have been previously married and it fell apart from my exwife turned to infidelity and alcoholism. This current woman I'm in love with, she's of such good character and is a traditional Thai.....it's like being married to a totally different world.

If I do marry her in Thailand, does she have the right to just move to the United States with me as my wife or would it be better if I lived with her in Thailand for say a year or two before trying to bring her back to the United States? I don't want to try and sneak her in or do anything sneaky, I love this woman and want her with me, but I also want to do it correctly too. I read the paperwork people have told me to read and I find it totally confusing. One positive thing with me though is that I am totally disablbed and get a full disability, so living in Thailand would be very easy to do, plus I also teach parttime too so I could easily teach school in Thailand if I needed to live here to be with her. I have been coming back and forth to Thailand every 3 months, but this is getting old.

Lastly, my fiancee has a 4 year old and she hasn't seen the father of the boy in over 4 years. He has not come near her or the boy at all. In a situation like this, can she leave the country with the little boy or does she have to get permission from the father to go to the United States? This may be a lawyer question, but maybe someone has heard of a similar incident. I know many of my fiancee's friends have kids and the fathers have walked away forever.....sounds like a common thing in Thailand.

I would just really like some info on how to do it correctly. I don't make a huge income, but my bills are paid and I do ok, but I don't suspect it's required that the husband has to make a million dollars a year either. I know people who use services to get the whole thing pushed through, but why pay and pay some service when I'm educated and can do it myself.

Please, give me any info you can and thanks for the info.......

Nhscotsman

[brahmburgers]

Years ago, the advice from the U.S. embassy was; "get fiancee visa and marry the woman in the States" - it may be different now.

Sounds like you're on a good track. Watch your wallet though. The Thai family prime concers are money and security, though they won't outwardly express that. They have subtle ways of trying to milk as much hand-outs from the 'new farang in the family' as possible. It's ok to assert a role for yourself as a 'tightwad' in such scenarios. Better (and easier) to do so earlier on. If you show too much generosity at the earlier stages, the family members will only resent it later on if and when you tighten the purse strings.

Regardless of the out-pouring of affection that appears to flow your way from her family members, remember that lust for money rules their private thoughts.

Good luckk, bro

[devildog683]

Are you US military?

[Nhscotsman]

Years ago, the advice from the U.S. embassy was; "get fiancee visa and marry the woman in the States" - it may be different now.

Sounds like you're on a good track. Watch your wallet though. The Thai family prime concers are money and security, though they won't outwardly express that. They have subtle ways of trying to milk as much hand-outs from the 'new farang in the family' as possible. It's ok to assert a role for yourself as a 'tightwad' in such scenarios. Better (and easier) to do so earlier on. If you show too much generosity at the earlier stages, the family members will only resent it later on if and when you tighten the purse strings.

Regardless of the out-pouring of affection that appears to flow your way from her family members, remember that lust for money rules their private thoughts.

Good luckk, bro

Hi,

I know exactly what u mean. Actually the only money I ever gave her was money home from BKK when I was with her last month. I gave her the bus fare home from BKK to Surin and I know it was 40.00 but I also gave her some spending money but it was a total of like 90.00. But she is a darling and that's the only cash I ever give her is bus money or if she needs minimal amounts for everyday stuff. She I suspect will help out when food is bought at the house but she has never said send me 12,000 baht a month like others have stated. I have made it crystal clear that I will come back to Thailand so she can see Mama but I'm not supporting Mama. She's mid 50's and can support herself. I'll bring the girl and the little boy to America but Mama is on her own and this my fiancee is clear on too.She will have to sign a prenup too before I marry her as well. I have a home and other things and I don't want her 5 years down the road to be going away with half of what I own too....haha.

It's just how is it best to get her into America that is worrying me. Like I said, I do want to do it legally but everything I read seems to either go one way or another way. I'm not in the military, so from what I have read, is both good and bad. Some people say if I was in the military it would be harder for me to get her in while others feel it's easier for miltary to marry and bring her back into the United States. either way, it doesn't apply to me. I did speak to a couple of services that do the paperwork for the immigration process but all money money money and there are no guarentee's from any of them. Their all a bunch of leeches and then people told me, save the money, marry her in Thailand and bring her back yourself.

This whole process is very confusing and if I didn't adore her so much, I'd say to hel_l with the whole thing. But I know she is well worth the aggrivation!

Thanks for all your help!

Chu Chu

[Dakhar]

One of the easiest, is if she could get a student Visa. She would then go to the States, you two get married and apply for a change of status for her Visa. Make sure she stays in school, thus she will be in compliance with the rules. Once all is done, she can drop out of school or stay in school... her choice. You can get all of the proper forms to fill out off of the net, in fact if you do some google work you can find assistant guides, complete with instructional CD with form on the CD's. THey will have sample forms etc.... all you need to do it..... The guides run around 50-100 USD. The end result is they give a very professional look... kind of like turbo tax. I would not doubt if lawyers use the same software.

Now, sticker shock. To do a change of status, all your immigration fees, without a lawyer, will run around 3K USD.

Or it seemed that high to me.

If you can not get a student Visa.... well, I have no experience with that.

Good luck to you... it will be a hard road for you and her... culture shock etc

Prenup! Good Thinking

[teacup]

Dakhar....Are you kidding?

The student visa, esp. going to the US, is one of the hardest visa to obtain if your family is not already well to do financially in Thailand, unless you're going on the scholarship or some kind of govt grants. May be it's relatively easier going to UK or AUS but not to the US!

I did my F1 some yrs ago, and below were some of what I had to show to the US embassy, that…

-You have to fist showing the certificate/letter of acceptance from the school.

-My parent had to show the ability to support me financially while I'm abroad, both ongoing and esp. the first year. The US embassy told my parents that I had to bring in with me, at that time- $13000 for the first yr (tuition, room & board expense) – in the form of cashier/bank check – the US immigration did check on this at the first port of entry which's Seattle for me. And every 2 yrs while in the US I had to update in form of reporting the status with them,(both school enrollment and financial ability to stay-with increase cost of living adjusted). Remember during these times you also will be paying the "international student rate - tuition"!

Well from my experience anyway. Now the requirements may be slightly altered, but I would imagine the same major documents still apply.

Still, good luck to the OP

teacup

Edited May 6, 2009 by Mario2008

[ding]

K1 fiance visa is quicker and easier. Don't marry in Thailand and have to file a K3. You can do a Buddhist ceremony to satisfy family expectations and then DO NOT register it at the Amphur.

MyThaiFiance.com is pretty cheap if your girl is struggling with the English forms. Or if you have no time to research and confirm and work work work with your girl. My fiance and I spent 3 hours on the phone pinning down the start/stop dates of her TWO jobs in the last 10 years.

LOL

Yep, I love her!

VisaJourney*dot*com is a good resource for specifics, in addition to this very solid forum. There are some very experienced hands here. It's very good if you get their time and advice.

[Nhscotsman]

Thanks sooooooooooo much for all the GREAT information......it's so tough getting through all this "red tape" and a lot of it was set up way back when Vietnam ended. So it's been a pain for a lot of people since then. I love this girl with all my heart and it will all be worth it in the end, but trying to get a lot of it done with me here in the states is next to impossible. When I do get to BKK in April, I will be able to address some of it, but again, it's all paperwork and trying to figure out the best cost affective way to do it. Thanks again and if anyone one else has added ideas....PLEASE don't hesitate staing them.

Thanks.....

Chu Chu

[kojac_phx]

I would recommend the K3 marriage visa to the US. The paperwork for the K1 fiance and K3 marriage is exactly the same now. With the K3 the wife receives a 2 year multiple entry visa to the States. With the K1, if you want to go to Thailand she will be "trapped" in the US until the marriage is complete, adjustment of status is complete, and advance parole is approved to be able to return, as it is only a 90 day single entry visa.

Either way you go, it is going to take at least 6 months from initial filing to visa packet in hand. Being married in Thailand also provides other advantages should things go south. Thai laws are much more favorable to the husband than most states in the US. Be sure to get a pre-nup translated into both English and Thai and have both signed to be enforcable in both countries.

I think the Visa fees were exaggerated in a prior post. Total processing fees for the K3 and adjustment of status when stateside was ~$1250-1500, though there are many other expenses with the process including doctors visits, translation fees, Amphur wedding registration, etc. Unless your fiance has excellent English skills and the ability to navigate the Thai and American beauracracies, I would recommed finding some assistance from someone local in Thailand. visajourney.com users will highly recommend against hiring someone to do this, but that is mostly based on 2 native english speaking countries. Brian from MTFV does a great job. You can decide which route is best for your situation, YMMV.

Feel free to PM for any contact info. I just went through this process with the wife within the past year.

I'm not sure on the son, since I haven't done it, but I believe he can be added to the marriage/fiance visa process rather simply. I'm not sure how the father abandonment is handled though...

[homefest]

I am in the process of going through a K1 and was informed that it was better to do a fiancee vs a marriage k3. Mythaifiancee is doing all the paper work and they have been very helpful with my Thai fiancee. They take them through the whole process in order to ensure all is complete and even do a "fake" interview with them. Brian is excellent in follow-up communication and quite understanding. He has a money back guarantee also. He is from the East coast.He will allow a split payment of the fees to make it easier to pay.Feel free to email me direct at [email protected] if you would like to discuss with me.

I will be in Thailand from March25-April11. I agree the every three month thing is old. Iam Gold on EVA airlines.

I would recommend the K3 marriage visa to the US. The paperwork for the K1 fiance and K3 marriage is exactly the same now. With the K3 the wife receives a 2 year multiple entry visa to the States. With the K1, if you want to go to Thailand she will be "trapped" in the US until the marriage is complete, adjustment of status is complete, and advance parole is approved to be able to return, as it is only a 90 day single entry visa.

Either way you go, it is going to take at least 6 months from initial filing to visa packet in hand. Being married in Thailand also provides other advantages should things go south. Thai laws are much more favorable to the husband than most states in the US. Be sure to get a pre-nup translated into both English and Thai and have both signed to be enforcable in both countries.

I think the Visa fees were exaggerated in a prior post. Total processing fees for the K3 and adjustment of status when stateside was ~$1250-1500, though there are many other expenses with the process including doctors visits, translation fees, Amphur wedding registration, etc. Unless your fiance has excellent English skills and the ability to navigate the Thai and American beauracracies, I would recommed finding some assistance from someone local in Thailand. visajourney.com users will highly recommend against hiring someone to do this, but that is mostly based on 2 native english speaking countries. Brian from MTFV does a great job. You can decide which route is best for your situation, YMMV.

Feel free to PM for any contact info. I just went through this process with the wife within the past year.

I'm not sure on the son, since I haven't done it, but I believe he can be added to the marriage/fiance visa process rather simply. I'm not sure how the father abandonment is handled though...

Edited February 11, 2007 by homefest

[n2ojones]

I think (and Hope!) Kojak is accurate in his contribution to this typically confusing thead.

I mean no disrespect to the posters of this forum...and certainly no disrespect to this great website itself, but lets face it....the contrast in answers are vast.

Certainly, the entire procees itself is the culprit here. The system is archaic (sp?) if not barbaric. Kojak states that the Fiance' and spousal are (now) treated same same. This is my feelings as well...and if this is wrong....it is even more stupid than it all sounds.

How can it be that it is easier to bring some girl...maybe one you barely even know, than your WIFE to the states? Insanity mak mak. One is a "prospect" that might not 'work out'.....even decide to stay ilegally, while the other is the real deal. She has your last name and will obviously be less of an overall threat to natonal security (LMAO).

Now, before I get jumped on here, let me say that I do agree that the finace', in the past, was the quicker route. Perhaps the reason being that two petitions must be filled and filed as opposed to one. This is understandable. What is NOT understandable is why a married couple STILL must complete the fiance' petition as well. Bizarre.

I make no claim in being an expert here...farrrr from it. And I will go one more in saying that my wife and I are currently awaiting approval. We did get married in Thailand, so perhaps my optimism is fueling this post.

BUT.....I find it had to believe that at least a few of the kinks have not been worked out..or at least tweaked. This Bush administration is all about moralistic, wholesome values (cough)..so, which would this administration sooner see travel to the states....a married couple or a man and his live-in girlfriend?

[glassdude007]

for what its worth...

i got married in thailand 1990... and we came here to usa back and forth a few times

her on a tourist visa...we decided too stay in usa for good in 1992...she changed her visa status when she applied for the green card witch she received no problem no lawyers involved forgot what it cost.

we have never been officially married here in usa but to get the green card we had too translate all the thai paper work (ampher office certificate) so we are married. the main expense for us was in 1998 when she applied for usa citizenship 1,800 usd i believe(non refundable). she became a citizen last year after eight years and some some anxious moments post 911 but it all worked out in the long run all this was done with no lawyer involved but we did TAKE OUR TIME to make sure all the paper work was filled out truthful and correctly......

we are still together and very happy....

hope this helps you

[pumpuiman]

I did the fiance visa in 2004. I did all the paperwork myself, then hired a lawyer to look it over (expensive, but bought piece of mind)

I believe the fiance visa (K1) is looked at more credibly than the K3.

A Thai wedding ain't cheap either. The whole village will attend, not just friends and family.

You will have to pony up cash and gold to be displayed at the wedding, which you may never see again.

Just a little wake up. Thai children are expected to support their parents in their later years. You will be sending cash to the family, of this there is no doubt.

There is no real social security in Thailand, the children are responsible, and as she is marrying an American, she will be looked upon as wealthy (even if not so)

No prenup will prevent her from sending money. As it may mean life or death for her mom.

Do some more research before taking any drastic steps.

I love my Thai wife and have no regrets....just be fully aware that you are marrying her whole family from the start, and you'll feel better.

Good luck

[kojac_phx]

I am in the process of going through a K1 and was informed that it was better to do a fiancee vs a marriage k3. Mythaifiancee is doing all the paper work and they have been very helpful with my Thai fiancee. They take them through the whole process in order to ensure all is complete and even do a "fake" interview with them. Brian is excellent in follow-up communication and quite understanding. He has a money back guarantee also. He is from the East coast.He will allow a split payment of the fees to make it easier to pay.Feel free to email me direct at [email protected] if you would like to discuss with me.

I will be in Thailand from March25-April11. I agree the every three month thing is old. Iam Gold on EVA airlines.

I know Brian prefers the K1 for some reason, perhaps it's because that is the bulk of what he processes. He will take care of the K3 as well, but charges a bit more (~$100 if I remember correctly), for having one of his staff escort you to the Amphur to register the marriage which was a huge time saver. In the long run, for me it was cheaper to do the K3 and avoid the $170 fee for the Advance Parole (what a name) to travel back and forth to Thailand more easily. It also seemed to make it a bit easier if you plan to have children to get them registered as Thai citizens as well, it seemed to process faster with a Thai marriage certificate than the reports I've gotten from those married in the US. I would definitely recommend birth in the US, if you want the kids to be dual citizens, it's a heck of a lot easier than the other way around. Everyone's situation is different, so it's up the OP to determine what fits his situation best. I can only speak to my experience. My wife, son, and myself are all happy with the way it has worked out

[BlackArtemis]

Ok, I don't want to hijack this thread, but I have my own questions. My fiancé and I are to be married on 3/31/07 (or 31/3/07). I am getting the papers from the Consulate tomorrow.

Now I just want to bring her over for 20 some odd days on a tourist visa to meet family members who are unable to fly to CM (such as my father, grandmother, well everyone other than my mother). We were denied back in October for "not enough reasons to return to Thailand" We had:

Proof of a 3year job

That she owns a house

Car ownership

And enrollment in Payap's Intl MA program.

Now my parents have managed to get my state senator to write a letter inviting her to come. Should we make the interview date before or after the wedding? We plan on living here for another 2-3 years before moving back to the states. I would love for her to meet my father because his health can not take the 17-24hr plane rides.

In the meantime I will read those websites that have been listed.

Thanks!

[CTM]

If you go the K-1 Fiancé route, it is the easiest way into the US because it is based on your ability to support her and not her financial situation. But, the assumption is your wife is on the path to permanent residency and possible citizenship. She can’t “get a visa” then move back to Thailand for extended periods. Current permanent residency (green card) rules require US physical presence for the majority of the year. The only exceptions are being transferred overseas as a US government employee or possibly a Fortune 500 senior level position.

You really need to decide now if your primary residence will be USA or Thailand and apply for the appropriate visa.

Adjustment of status can take a really long time depending on the backlog at your regional processing center. How long? I don’t know anyone who got in less than 9 months and some people have waited over 4 years.

I wouldn’t pay for a lawyer. It can look like your trying to hide something and bring closer scrutiny. If the gov lackeys don’t like your paperwork, they will just send it back for re-do. (Speaking from experience as I’m very bureaucracy impaired. One time, I sent in my documents with a cover sheet and the check behind the cover sheet followed by the rest of the documents. It was sent back for “failure to submit appropriate payment”. Most US low level employees are “social engineering” hires and borderline illiterates who will test your patience.)

[RedQualia]

Do not discount an ordinary tourist visa. It's possible for her to obtain such to simply visit the USA. I've done it. You do NOT need large sums of money in the bank. Send me an email, and we can talk about it...

[azcowboy]

How you, guys can talk about getting the K1 visa, if fiancé visa required to know each other in person for over 2 years but the author of this tread said that “we have know each other for less than a year”?

Is there any way to get the K1 visa without waiting for two years?

[ngangu]

I'm hoping to start the Fiance Visa process down the road abit. I've been here for three years, out of the US since 99, and don't have money or a house.

I'm planning to go back and get working toward this goal. My GF and I have lived together for 2 years steady.

Could any of you tell me what is required as far as support, money in the bank, permanent reisidence? I've looked over the initial forms but no mention of theese.

Thanks for all the great info!!

Jim

[kojac_phx]

How you, guys can talk about getting the K1 visa, if fiancé visa required to know each other in person for over 2 years but the author of this tread said that “we have know each other for less than a year”?

Is there any way to get the K1 visa without waiting for two years?

There is no length of time you have to know the person to apply for a fiance or marriage visa. You can apply and get it approved if you've only known the person a week I would guess. The shorter the duration, however, the more scrutiny will be placed, especially when you get to the interview stage. Most immigration attorneys will recommend at least a 6 month relationship, but there is no minimum in any of the paperwork I've seen.

[Dakhar]

Dakhar....Are you kidding?

The student visa, esp. going to the US, is one of the hardest visa to obtain if your family is not already well to do financially in Thailand, unless you’re going on the scholarship or some kind of govt grants. May be it’s relatively easier going to UK or AUS but not to the US!

I did my F1 some 20 yrs ago, and below were some of what I had to show to the US embassy, that…

-You have to fist showing the certificate/letter of acceptance from the school.

-My parent had to show the ability to support me financially while I’m abroad, both ongoing and esp. the first year. The US embassy told my parents that I had to bring in with me, at that time- $13000 for the first yr (tuition, room & board expense) – in the form of cashier/bank check – the US immigration did check on this at the first port of entry which’s Seattle for me. And every 2 yrs while in the US I had to update in form of reporting the status with them,(both school enrollment and financial ability to stay-with increase cost of living adjusted). Remember during these times you also will be paying the "international student rate - tuition"!

Well from my experience anyway. Now the requirements may be slightly altered, but I would imagine the same major documents still apply.

Still, good luck to the OP

teacup

No,

I am not "kidding." I have no idea of the OP girl's financial situation. Or if she has the educational back ground to warrant a student visa. I apologize if my wife is from a well to do family,.... of which she is not. Yes they have money now, new money not old.

and if you read my post... I state, "if she can" get a student visa, it is then easy to do a change of status. Some visas will not allow you to perform a change of status. I think the business visa is an example of that.