Thai Wife Visiting The Us...

[otherstuff1957]

My wife and I are planning to visit my family in California for two or three months next spring. We're not planning to move back permenantly, so an immigrant Visa isn't really what we need. However, we have some history that may give us problems with a tourist visa.

My wife lived in Australia for a couple of years -1999 - 2001- and overstayed her tourist visa! Do the Aussies share information with the US? If so, do they give old information or just current stuff?

I've got some issues too, but nothing as serious...

Any advice?

[sas_cars]

I don't think her overstay in australia has something to do with US immigration.

[lopburi3]

I would be more concerned with current history myself. What proof can you offer that she/you will exit the USA at the end of your stay? Do you have a job here? She? Home here? Savings/family ties? Children?

The fact you say 2 or 3 months does not sound like a normal family visit if you have jobs here so you may need to justify that.

I expect that there is very close visa watch between countries now but do not believe it would be a major factor in your application if other issues support this being just a visit.

[otherstuff1957]

Thanks for the quick response. I know what the visa criteria are and should be able to satisfy them. We have enough money in the bank, I can take a leave of absence from my job, she owns property in Nonthaburi and her son will stay in Thailand with his Aunt and Uncle. If those aren't considered sufficient ties to bring us back to Thailand, I don't know what would be!

The visit is fairly extended, but my parents are both 80 and so this might be the last time we see them. Also, one of my sisters is getting married and going on a honeymoon in Europe and my wife and I will be looking after my mother while she is busy and gone.

[ProThaiExpat]

Since the burden of proof regarding your intentions rests with you, why risk relying on "your story verbally". Create an itinerary explaining where you will be and when and what you will be doing there.

Taking care of mom, documented with a letter from your sister with the dates of her absence, round trip tickets, letter from employer regarding the dates of your leave permission, etc. etc. Why risk it, do the work to insure you get in by leaving nothing to chance.

The compelling reason for a Thai wife to return to Thailand seems to me would be if her husband is living here and working here, own a home here, etc. Chances of her staying over in the U.S. after your return to work here seems slim, so your documentation regarding your long stay in Thailand after your scheduled return would be most persuasive, in my view. Ceretainly, if her child lives with you normally and will only be temporarily displaced during your absence, that is a plus for her. A letter from the relative regarding the time they will be taking on the child care in your wifes afsence is probative.

[lopburi3]

Agree with you and PTE that you should not have a problem but make sure it is all documented and the reason for long stay the age of your parents is noted. Have a good trip.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Since the burden of proof regarding your intentions rests with you, why risk relying on "your story verbally". Create an itinerary explaining where you will be and when and what you will be doing there.

Taking care of mom, documented with a letter from your sister with the dates of her absence, round trip tickets, letter from employer regarding the dates of your leave permission, etc. etc. Why risk it, do the work to insure you get in by leaving nothing to chance.

The compelling reason for a Thai wife to return to Thailand seems to me would be if her husband is living here and working here, own a home here, etc. Chances of her staying over in the U.S. after your return to work here seems slim, so your documentation regarding your long stay in Thailand after your scheduled return would be most persuasive, in my view. Ceretainly, if her child lives with you normally and will only be temporarily displaced during your absence, that is a plus for her. A letter from the relative regarding the time they will be taking on the child care in your wifes afsence is probative.

Excellent advice. Remove the obstacles in advance, and go home and enjoy.