Current State of US Visa for Thais?

[niwke]

My girlfriend was denied (citing 214b) in less than 5 minutes after being asked 4 questions and was not given the chance to show supporting documents including employment history, finances, holiday plans, etc. We thought the evidence showing ties to Thailand was quite strong and verifiable - she has a long work history at a well known international company, adequate finances, along with other clear indicators of desire to return. We're aware that a woman traveling alone could raise suspicion but assumed that the evidence would clear it.

The fact that they wouldn't even look at the documents was quite surprising (and frustrating). It's difficult to come to a conclusion other than that a woman traveling alone triggers a rejection (she also answered that she had no contacts in the US).

We'd still like to make a trip but it's hard to image a different outcome. Our best guess is that it might help if she were to travel with friends or some kind of group.

Any insight would be appreciated.

[alex8912]

She obviously answered one or more of those four questions wrong. They can ask questions that seem to have nothing to do with entry and people fail. Usually always saying what they think the other person wants to hear. 

[bkk6060]

Every person I know who has tried to get his GF a U.S. VIsa the past several years has been denied.  Some several times.  I am surprised they even asked her questions usually they throw a piece of paper at them and tell them to leave.  

[GinBoy2]

Well we've been around and around on this one for years.

 

Tourist visas for single Thai women are notoriously hard.

 

The dirty rotten truth, often forgotten, is that the US is home to the largest Thai expat population, many of which come here on tourist or temporary work visas then never leave.

 

That very fact colors the CO's thinking when he/she is presented with an applicant.

 

I wish I knew what the triggers are, but none of us do for sure. 

 

Years ago my wife, then long time gf applied for a tourist visa to visit my daughter who had just had a baby. 

 

We're close in age, professional woman, letter from company granting leave, property, money in bank. I thought we checked all the boxes. Denied of course!

 

I rationalized it, that the CO thinking was that when we got to the US we'd marry then try to do an adjustment of status to bypass the normal immigrant process.

 

So no real constructive advice, since none of us really can advise, but many of us can appreciate the frustration.

Edited January 9, 2022 by GinBoy2

[runamok27]

1 hour ago, GinBoy2 said:

Well we've been around and around on this one for years.

 

Tourist visas for single Thai women are notoriously hard.

 

The dirty rotten truth, often forgotten, is that the US is home to the largest Thai expat population, many of which come here on tourist or temporary work visas then never leave.

 

That very fact colors the CO's thinking when he/she is presented with an applicant.

 

I wish I knew what the triggers are, but none of us do for sure. 

 

Years ago my wife, then long time gf applied for a tourist visa to visit my daughter who had just had a baby. 

 

We're close in age, professional woman, letter from company granting leave, property, money in bank. I thought we checked all the boxes. Denied of course!

 

I rationalized it, that the CO thinking was that when we got to the US we'd marry then try to do an adjustment of status to bypass the normal immigrant process.

 

So no real constructive advice, since none of us really can advise, but many of us can appreciate the frustration.

My current wife was denied for the exact same reason before we were married. The CO flat told her that and that she needed to get the correct visa, which was a fiance visa, according to him. Perhaps if we, in the U.S., bothered to enforce the immigration laws that we have this wouldn't be a problem. 

[brewsterbudgen]

Does it make a difference if the spouse is not a US citizen?  In other words, a European living in Thailand wanting to take a vacation in the US with a Thai wife.

[dlclark97]

My wife was also denied some years back.  My step daughter then about age 7 had also applied but was asked the question 'Is this your mother or your sister?' the daughter replied 'sister'.  Unfortunately it is not uncommon here for one woman to call another woman her sister.  At a briefing given about three years ago by the people at ACS we were told that due to the number of applicants, agents only had 3-5 minutes per applicant to make their decision and that there was no time to review supporting documents.   

[khunjeff]

4 hours ago, alex8912 said:

Usually always saying what they think the other person wants to hear. 

This is one of the biggest problems that visa applicants have everywhere, and especially in Thailand: giving the answer that they think the officer wants to hear, rather than the real answer. It makes it appear that the applicant isnt being forthcoming, even when the real answer would have been completely harmless, or even beneficial.

 

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Does it make a difference if the spouse is not a US citizen?  In other words, a European living in Thailand wanting to take a vacation in the US with a Thai wife.

The case you're describing is probably more favorable, since there would be very little likelihood of the couple staying in the US (unlike going with a US citizen, who might be aiming to relocate to the US and bring his wife or girlfriend to live with him).

 

In general, actually, any Thai woman whose husband or boyfriend (of whatever nationality) lives in Thailand long-term will probably be looked upon more favorably than one whose significant other lives in the US, for exactly the reason above - there just wouldn't be as much motivation for her to stay in the US rather than return to Thailand.

[AustinRacing]

I think sound finances or having a job in Thailand doesn’t mean anything to someone who wants to circumvent the rules by applying for a tourist visa with intentions to remain. Not saying OP’s GF is doing that. But for CO it is inadequate evidence. A Thai woman would give up her job in a flash if the prospects of a better future in USA is presented as is evident by many cases encountered in USA and other developed countries. 

[marin]

10 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Every person I know who has tried to get his GF a U.S. VIsa the past several years has been denied.  Some several times.  I am surprised they even asked her questions usually they throw a piece of paper at them and tell them to leave.  

If you get far enough for an interview this would not happen. Pretty sweeping statement of non fact.  Also the OP would have no idea what happened. Only the applicant can even enter the embassy.

[BTB1977]

With Biden as president everything has gone to $hit as far as getting visas from thailand. She has a much better chance flying to Mexico and walking across. 

[newnative]

23 minutes ago, marin said:

If you get far enough for an interview this would not happen. Pretty sweeping statement of non fact.  Also the OP would have no idea what happened. Only the applicant can even enter the embassy.

   You've made a 'pretty sweeping statement' yourself.  My Thai partner has twice gotten 'far enough for an interview' and he was denied twice.  Each time he brought extensive documentation but it wasn't even looked at.   

[bbko]

20 hours ago, niwke said:

in less than 5 minutes after being asked 4 questions

Care to post the 4 questions asked?

[DJ54]

OP ..  I was married and Chinese wife alllied twice and denied twice for US visa.. .. I sent an email to 

US citizens services asking what’s the problem... I’m thinking is there something I don’t know.. 

 

Was told to come and talk to the officer RT flight an all day affair. Only I was allowed to go for the 

appointment. My number was called went to the window and officer had the stack of documents she

gave them. He picked up the cover letter and showed me... said there’s been a lot of fake invitation

letters in this format.. .. I told him I used the format I got from internet and that was my signature and

contact info....  he typed something in the computer said tell her make an appointment and visa will be approved. .. 

 

Asked why .... he said unlike China once someone enters US their whereabouts aren’t tracked... China 

foreigners check into hotel passport scanned and sent to Immigration or whatever.. I lived there 12. Ish

years..

[niwke]

2 hours ago, DJ54 said:

OP ..  I was married and Chinese wife alllied twice and denied twice for US visa.. .. I sent an email to 

US citizens services asking what’s the problem... I’m thinking is there something I don’t know.. 

 

Was told to come and talk to the officer RT flight an all day affair. Only I was allowed to go for the 

appointment. My number was called went to the window and officer had the stack of documents she

gave them. He picked up the cover letter and showed me... said there’s been a lot of fake invitation

letters in this format.. .. I told him I used the format I got from internet and that was my signature and

contact info....  he typed something in the computer said tell her make an appointment and visa will be approved. .. 

 

Asked why .... he said unlike China once someone enters US their whereabouts aren’t tracked... China 

foreigners check into hotel passport scanned and sent to Immigration or whatever.. I lived there 12. Ish

years.. applinked

Thanks for the solution.

Edited January 10, 2022 by niwke
Spelling mistake

[ncc1701d]

Admittedly this was 2015, but my girlfriend applied and got a 10 year visa for the USA. I didn’t believe it was even possible. (I’ve only got a 5 year visa). She’s only used it a couple of times. I’m considering doing a few months there second half of this year and want to being her and have no idea how her visa will be received.

[bkk6060]

On 1/10/2022 at 4:14 PM, marin said:

If you get far enough for an interview this would not happen. Pretty sweeping statement of non fact.  Also the OP would have no idea what happened. Only the applicant can even enter the embassy.

Sweeping truth and factual regarding Tourist Visa for gf a U.S. embassy in Bangkok over the past few years.  I have personal experience and many others who have tried.

When you apply online they give you an appt. date.  It is not truly an interview appt. many times they ask no questions whatsoever and hand the them a document that states the application was not approved, but can apply at a later date.   They presecreen the applications prior to the appointment.  If the applicant asks why they were denied and what they can do to get approved, they are told nothing to assist them in the future.

The only comment you made that is accurate is that the applicant is the only one that can enter the embassy.

Edited January 12, 2022 by bkk6060

[new2here]

On 1/10/2022 at 6:43 AM, GinBoy2 said:

Well we've been around and around on this one for years.

 

Tourist visas for single Thai women are notoriously hard.

 

The dirty rotten truth, often forgotten, is that the US is home to the largest Thai expat population, many of which come here on tourist or temporary work visas then never leave.

 

That very fact colors the CO's thinking when he/she is presented with an applicant.

 

I wish I knew what the triggers are, but none of us do for sure. 

 

Years ago my wife, then long time gf applied for a tourist visa to visit my daughter who had just had a baby. 

 

We're close in age, professional woman, letter from company granting leave, property, money in bank. I thought we checked all the boxes. Denied of course!

 

I rationalized it, that the CO thinking was that when we got to the US we'd marry then try to do an adjustment of status to bypass the normal immigrant process.

 

So no real constructive advice, since none of us really can advise, but many of us can appreciate the frustration.

I agree.. and add to the fact that, rightly or wrongly, the way the Immigration law in this matter is written is that all applicants are viewed as intended IMMIGRANTS until and unless they can prove otherwise (ie that they are non-immigrants or just visitors etc) 

 

so that’s the first hurdle to clear…

 

the second (and to me more understandable) one is that the local COs have very wide discretion as to what constitutes proof of NOT being an immigrant.  This  me makes sense as what each country has as far as documentation, the local law/customs etc can vary - so a local CO would know best what would it wouldn’t be reasonable proof from an applicant in ABC country versus someone applying in DEF country. 

 

I do agree that perhaps giving the applicant more time to make their case might be advantageous-  but the embassy processes a lot of people so they kind of have to make decisions in quick order 

[GinBoy2]

3 hours ago, new2here said:

I agree.. and add to the fact that, rightly or wrongly, the way the Immigration law in this matter is written is that all applicants are viewed as intended IMMIGRANTS until and unless they can prove otherwise (ie that they are non-immigrants or just visitors etc) 

 

<snip>

I think you are right the CO always assumes that the applicant intends to remain in the US, and it's up to them to convince the CO otherwise.

 

The trouble is, he/she is probably right. We live in South Dakota, not exactly a immigrant magnet, yet even here in the Thai community we know 4 ladies who fall into the, came here on a student/tourist/temp work visa and never left.

 

We are just about to sponsor my wife's niece to come to the US to do a Masters degree, and I wonder if the CO when reviewing those applicants thinks the same

[JerseytoBKK]

"We're aware that a woman traveling alone could raise suspicion but assumed that the evidence would clear it.".......

" (she also answered that she had no contacts in the US).".....

"We'd still like to make a trip"

 

Unfortunately there have been many posts where people are advising women to never state they have a "friend" in the US. Bad advice. Telling the complete truth might not help, but these highly experienced interviewers are looking for any responses that seems less than completely truthful.

 

5 years ago I told my GF to ignore that advice and she even listed my name on the application where they ask if anyone helped you fill out the application. She has an engineering degree with a high paying long term job. Was approved for a 10 year visa after only 4 questions. One question was "do you know anyone in the US" and she replied yes and gave my name. Another question was "where do you plan to go" and she mentioned some famous tourist attractions. Also started to pull out a page where I listed an itinerary where we would spend the 12 days of her trip but the interviewer waved off the paper and said interview over. Passport with visa arrived within 7 days.

 

The last point is also something that I think trips up applicants. Both in the US and Thailand, people with jobs usually don't take long vacations. Saying that you're planning to come for 30 or 60 days might raise red flags. Before anyone thinks it's a good idea to lie about length of stay, know that the immigration officer in the US can still turn away someone with a valid visa.

[soi3eddie]

On 1/10/2022 at 3:43 AM, khunjeff said:

 

On 1/10/2022 at 2:03 AM, brewsterbudgen said:

Does it make a difference if the spouse is not a US citizen?  In other words, a European living in Thailand wanting to take a vacation in the US with a Thai wife.

The case you're describing is probably more favorable, since there would be very little likelihood of the couple staying in the US (unlike going with a US citizen, who might be aiming to relocate to the US and bring his wife or girlfriend to live with him).

I'm British and was living in the UK at the time. My Thai fiancee applied in Bangkok for a US tourist visa in 2001. We went to the US embassy for an interview. She had been to the UK year before and was holding a Fiancee Visa for the UK. The US granted her a visa but added a requirement on it that by the time of entry to the US we must be married and travel together. The US Embassy were extremely helpful to us back then. Not sure it would be the same these days (post 9-11 and with all the world events). BTW: We married and went to US for 6 weeks honeymoon/travel in late 2001.

 

Edited January 12, 2022 by soi3eddie

[PoodThaiMaiDai]

As others have indicated, it is extremely difficult to get a travel visa from Thailand to the USA.

 

I have had 2 girlfriends try on 3 occasions and they all took a different approach and it was denied quickly.

 

I ended up applying for a fiancé visa for one of the girls and it was denied too.

 

I appealed it and the appeal was denied.

 

There was no merit for for the denial so I contacted my local congressmen and complained.

 

They had me come to their office for an interview.

 

I showed them the same packet we had to submit for the application showing all the requirements were met.

 

She was contacted afterwards and was granted a 90 Day Fiancé Visa.

 

Side note:  I did not marry her and sent her home after some red flags.

 

 

Edited January 13, 2022 by PoodThaiMaiDai

[GinBoy2]

17 hours ago, PoodThaiMaiDai said:

As others have indicated, it is extremely difficult to get a travel visa from Thailand to the USA.

 

I have had 2 girlfriends try on 3 occasions and they all took a different approach and it was denied quickly.

 

I ended up applying for a fiancé visa for one of the girls and it was denied too.

 

I appealed it and the appeal was denied.

 

There was no merit for for the denial so I contacted my local congressmen and complained.

 

They had me come to their office for an interview.

 

I showed them the same packet we had to submit for the application showing all the requirements were met.

 

She was contacted afterwards and was granted a 90 Day Fiancé Visa.

 

Side note:  I did not marry her and sent her home after some red flags.

 

 

I often wonder how many 90 Day Fiancé visas' actually pan out?

 

I've only ever personally known one guy that did it.

 

Now he's a terrible judge of character at the best of times, and as a two week millionaire got hooked up with some bargirl a half his age, and I don't need to explain how that long distance relationship went, but Western Union figured highly!!

 

She lasted 2 weeks before he packed her off home. Never been back to Thailand since! 

[DrJoy]

I think he needs to marry her in Thailand and then apply for partner visa.

[PoodThaiMaiDai]

41 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

I often wonder how many 90 Day Fiancé visas' actually pan out?

 

I've only ever personally known one guy that did it.

 

Now he's a terrible judge of character at the best of times, and as a two week millionaire got hooked up with some bargirl a half his age, and I don't need to explain how that long distance relationship went, but Western Union figured highly!!

 

She lasted 2 weeks before he packed her off home. Never been back to Thailand since! 

I met my TGF in 2013 on TF. 

 

She was non-P4P.  English degree with a sales job for a Japanese company earning 50.000 baht a month plus free mobile phone and fuel for car.

 

Dated for a year with two visits equalling 2 months.

 

In 2014 we broke up because she caught me butterflying.

 

I saved her some face by explaining we never indicated we were inclusive.

 

in 2017, I decided to recontact her as she was the best TG I had met (combination of looks, sex, personality, self sufficient, etc).  

 

We actually had a Thai wedding in 2018 but we only conducted a cermony but did not register the wedding in Thailand.

 

In 2018 her fiancé visa was finally approved and I was 100% sure she would be on a plane to USA in less than 10 days.

 

What I did not know is it is normal custom or excepted that the foreign man drop everything and come to Thailand to "pick up" his new bride to be.

 

I had no idea. Despite having 2 friends who married Asian girls (Japanese and Thai) they did not tell me this is an actual thing. Later they did but it was too late.

 

Due to work commitments I could not come to Thailand to escort her back. 

 

To save face I guess, she requested First Class seats. WFT! That is about 300,000 Baht.

 

NO!

 

I told her to fly coach and I would make it up with some shopping.

 

So much more to the story but when she arrived she was so angry, sad etc. we did not get along and I sent her home in only 4 days.  LOL

 

She came home to no job and was outcast from her friends and family.

 

I had warned her she was making a mistake but in true TG stubbornness, she did not care.

 

She still regrets it and sends me messages weekly trying to come back to me.  NOT!

 

We ended up with some reveng sex a few months ago and I still wonder, "what if," but I have moved on.

[brewsterbudgen]

1 hour ago, PoodThaiMaiDai said:

I met my TGF in 2013 on TF. 

 

She was non-P4P.  English degree with a sales job for a Japanese company earning 50.000 baht a month plus free mobile phone and fuel for car.

 

P4P? Pictures for Proof? Pound for Pound? Partnership for Peace?

 

 

[PoodThaiMaiDai]

4 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

P4P? Pictures for Proof? Pound for Pound? Partnership for Peace?

 

 

LOL. Play 4 Pay