Taking Nanny To United States

[jumnien]

My wife and I have been blessed with the most wonderful nanny from Isaan. She is 19 years old. We hired her thru an agency in Bangkok. We would like to take her with us to the US to help take care of our son. We would be interested in a visa to travel for 2 months or 6 months. Does anyone have any experience with getting a Thai nanny a visa for the US?

[StrongView]

I don't know how to do it, but I know it's possible. Some co-workers have done it, but they have diplomatic status with the US Emb, so it possibly makes it easier.

[JacksonGlurk]

We had no problem at all getting our nanny a US visa to accompany us on several extended stays in the States. We simply told the consular officer the story of our plans in a straight up way and, as I recall, the visa they gave her was valid for three years, subject to the usual six months at a time entry requirement. We pulled no strings and made no special pitch.

Two caveats on our experience as it might apply to you, however.

First, our experience was six or seven years ago. And, second, probably more important, our nanny was a middle-aged spinster who had a long history of emplyment as a nanny with several prominent local families, including a fair bit of prior international travel. Since the most basic test for whether a visa will be granted is whether there is a significant risk of the person not returning to Thailand, my guess is that a nineteen year old single girl with no travel history would have a much tougher time passing muster than our nanny did.

[jumnien]

Thanks, Jackson

Any other experiences?

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Thanks, Jackson

Any other experiences?

I did that once back in summer 1983.  I was here with the U.S. Embassy and with a dip passport, but I don't really think that enters into the equation.  Was was important is that I was "foreign service" and expected to have further ongoing foreign assignments after a tour in the U.S.

I've known a couple of people who worked "foreign service" for their private sector companies who were in the same situation, posted abroad

for a bit, back to the U.S., then overseas again.

However, if you're returning one-way back to the U.S. and not expecting another foreign assignment getting such an "employment authorized" visa for a nanny could be problematic.

A point of consideration for such a visa.  As part of the application process I was required to sign a contract with the nanny that:

--  paid the ongoing minimum U.S. wage;

--  paid her health insurance;

--  guaranteed a paid return ticket to Thailand after at least one year employment.

There must be something online about this type of visa but I've been unable to locate it, sorry.

Mac

[Jimjim]

If I was a consul, which I will be soon, I would most likely not grant your nanny a visa.