How does a Thai citizen get a tourist Visa to the USA?

[Lestat777]

Hello everyone,

 

I would like my Thai wife to visit me in the United States. What would she need to make it more likely that she could get a tourist visa to come visit me.

 

I've read that she would need to show the U.S. embassy that she intends to return to Thailand with money in her bank account and having a job. My wife has her own business. Someone told me they also want to see that she would have traveled to another non Asian country and returned to Thailand. They were told that by Siam Legal. My guess is it's not a requirement but would increase her chances of getting a tourist visa.

 

Any information on how we can get her a tourist visa is appreciated. Thank you.

[thesetat2013]

Ohh.. that is not an easy thing to do. I suggest you go to the US embassy website and look to be sure. But i can tell you that she needs money.. A whole lot of it. Plus a business here or some other permanent income that would require her to return to Thailand for responsibilities. Then of course a couple of interviews at the Embassy. And a lot of paperwork. 

[black tabby12345]

Does this help?

 

U.S. Tourist Visa from Thailand | Thailand Law

 

Requirements and Documents for the Application of U.S. Tourist Visa

The application requires the submission of a number of papers. It is suggested for you organize them well. Here is the list of requirements and documents needed for the application for the tourist visa:

• Thai ID card
• Filled out the DS-160 application form
• A valid passport that does not expire prior to 6 months of your intended stay
• 2 copies 2×2 inches photograph
• Receipt of U.S. Visa application fee
• Financial Documents and other documents

Here is the list of documents you need:

• If employed, one must have Letter of Employment
• If self-employed, one must have proof of ownership
• If one is a government employee, one must have No-Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Evidence of sufficient funds (like Bank Statements, Bank Passbook)
• Tax ID, PAN ID, last year’s tax-related documents
• Civil Documents (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, etc.)

How to Process the U.S. Tourist Visa Application

1. Determine the type of visa that fits you.

   Decide what type of tourist visa you are going to get. Determine what purpose you have to enter the U.S. and determine the visa for you. Would it be the B-1, B-2, or the B-1/B-2?

2. Fill out the application form (DS-160) online

   To apply for a tourist visa, you must first complete the sections and then submit your application online. The online form can take up to an hour to complete, you must be thorough when filling it out. You will receive a verification page and code after you submit it.

3. Pay Fee online

   You will receive payment instructions for the visa fee after obtaining confirmation of your DS-160 form. Print the payment instruction and pay the applicable fee at any Krungsri Bank branch in Thailand.

4. Schedule Interview

   You will be scheduled for a tourist visa interview after paying the fee. You must schedule this interview via the US Embassy in Bangkok. They have a heavy workload; it is suggested to set your appointment as soon as possible or well ahead of your scheduled travel to the U.S. You will receive an interview confirmation letter following the completion of this procedure, which you must bring to the interview.

5. Show up at the scheduled interview

   A U.S. Embassy consular officer will ask you about your background and why you desire to visit the U.S. on the day of your interview. They will also check all of your documents. It is important that you prepare for them and organize them beforehand. Although the interviews are brief, you are reminded to answer questions honestly and reveal all relevant information in order to avoid complications in the future.

   You will be informed of the outcome of your visa application upon the completion of the interview. The consular officer will collect your passport if your visa is granted. You can pick up your passport at a post office or have it mailed to your home address along with the visa.

 

 

[J Branche]

I've heard Integrity Legal talk about this and he mentioned two things beside what is listed on the website.

 

A Thai tourist will need No or weak ties to the US and strong ties to Thailand and reason to return.

 

I would definitely make sure they have fairly recent passport stamps showing traveling to and returning from other countries to help bolster their case

 

I read one time it was easier to get a Visa for intention of marriage in the US then just as tourist but do Not know if this is true.

[Purdey]

I don't think it is easy for Thai women. Having said that, I took my better half to Peru a few years ago and as we had to change planes in the USA, and stay in the airport, she needed a visa. Apparently, the US airports are easy to walk out of even if you are a transit passenger.

 

She had a copy of our marriage certificate, and I wrote a letter for her to show the interviewer at the embassy that while she is a housewife I guaranteed her insurance and any costs. She also had an onward air ticket to show (and return to Thailand). It was all very quick.

 

Let her take along all the documents that others here have suggested and tell her there is no need to be nervous. The staff are very friendly.

 

[thailand49]

Even if you are married it is tough if not impossible to obtain a Tourist visa.

Without detailing my own experience years and years ago many of the stuff noted is true, if she has traveled abroad on her own that is a good start, the Embassy know being Thailand many documents are forged. 

What I sense from reading many request like yours doing it yourself online the cost not refundable I havent looked at the site recently but you better have all your ducks line up able to upload with your application. People think the interview is the make or break in general but majority of decisions have already been made prior.

At times the frustration I read my opinion is use a lawyer that has a good reputation with the Embassy in their interview can honestly tell your wife her chances before proceeding.

Another opinion you mentioned Siam Legal, I ran as fast as I can!

[1FinickyOne]

I have been here for many years and there seem to be times when it was easier and times when it was near impossible. They are concerned that she will remain and work and you cannot guarantee that she won't... What swayed it for us was an interview and a sympathetic interviewer.  My GF at the time [now wife] met none of the qualifications but we came across as very honest. 

 

Immigration in the USA is a big political issue. I doubt it will be easy maybe not possible. I think rather than deal with the frustrating policies in the best of times, you might wait for a more favorable time. 

 

[Bobsuruncle]

I have no credible information to offer, but judging from the current mess at the US southern border, it might be an end run by having her fly to Mexico and walk across the US border and demand a cell phone and monthly allowances in exchange for voting for a democrat in November. 🤪

[NativeBob]

Last time Blue Book was enough for my partner's GF. 

[AustinRacing]

Since nobody knows the algorithm used for accepting/refusing applications or the mind of the interviewer it’s impossible to know. Based on my friends experiences a woman traveling alone to meet her partner in USA is generally a red flag no matter her circumstances. That’s not to say she’ll be rejected, but scrutinized more. Being a long term employee is more favorable than own business since you can get someone to run the business for you. You living in USA, if the case, may work against you since it can be seen as an incentive for her to remain in USA permanently. 
Having said that, it’s worth the try applying. Just make sure you do it properly because if she’s rejected, it may get harder to get favorable outcome without changes of circumstances. Good luck. 

[Captain Flack]

I have removed a reported off topic post, but if you report a post then do not post your own flame comment, making the issue worse!

[Asquith Production]

I am hoping to take my Thai wives son (27)  with me to the 2026 football  world cup. Having researched the requirements it would appear he will need the B2 visa. The B2 visa is a 10 year visa which enables the holder to visit as many times as they want up to 6 months per visit This is what I would call a leisure visa meaning for travel visit friends etc. The requirements for the B2 visa are on the U.S embassy website but it will mean an interview in Bangkok.

 

As an aside note the U.S had promised FIFA that if it was awarded the tournament it would make it easier for travelling fans to get visas. To date I have not seen any evidence of that but their are a few discussions on the internet about it. 

[CanadaSam]

Apart from what others have contributed, from my personal experience, if the passport(s) have quite a few trips to other countries completed without over-stay, the chances improve tremendously.

[impulse]

When my female co-worker wanted to visit the USA (pre-Covid), we hired an agency to help her get her tourist visa.  I consider it money well spent.  Nothing dodgy,  They just made sure her paperwork was complete and there were no red flags.  They did suggest she not mention my name at any time during the process.   She had a good job in BKK and some Australia travel history, but no real $$ assets in Thailand.

 

She got a 10 year tourist visa, first try.

 

Stayed with me in Texas for a week to get over jet lag, then headed off on her own for another 2-3  weeks to visit Las Vegas, and relatives in California.  A few months later, I got photos from her next trip, on the East Coast.  From Florida to Niagara Falls.

[Presnock]

11 minutes ago, impulse said:

When my female co-worker wanted to visit the USA (pre-Covid), we hired an agency to help her get her tourist visa.  I consider it money well spent.  Nothing dodgy,  They just made sure her paperwork was complete and there were no red flags.  They did suggest she not mention my name at any time during the process.   She had a good job in BKK and some Australia travel history, but no real $$ assets in Thailand.

 

She got a 10 year tourist visa, first try.

 

Stayed with me in Texas for a week to get over jet lag, then headed off on her own for another 2-3  weeks to visit Las Vegas, and relatives in California.  A few months later, I got photos from her next trip, on the East Coast.  From Florida to Niagara Falls.

I am married to a Thai lady and we had a college aged child that was accepted at a US college with scholarships, etc and we made plans to take her back by using a tourist visa to take her and then we would return as I had been retired here for almost 20 years, she owned our house, new vehicle and  well-established bank account.  However the consulate felt there was not to make her return to Thailand so refused the tourist visa and said we have to go the immigrant route.  This was just about the Afghan fiasco and immigration had a backlog of over 500K applicants, and were able to process about 35K per month.  We went through an agency, did all the paperwork needing visits to all levels of the local government and it took 13 months for that approval.  By then our daughter had decided to go to the #1 college in Thailand as she  was pursuing a liberal arts degree in Korean language and  they have a special program BALAC  (bachelor of arts  in language and Culture).  During term breaks she has been going to Seoul national University (the number one school in Korea).  The combined cost of all the schooling and living quarters (condo rental in BKK) Dorm rental in Seoul) to date is still cheaper than what it would be the final cost of her education in the US.   She is doing exceptional work, great grades and loving every minute of it although she has not had a break from schooling since COVID faded away.  But that is what her international school taught her about education and learning,  The more she learns the more she wants to continue studies!   Little off the subject but I was a BKK embassy official before me retirement and that didn't help get her a tourist visa.  But in the future if she wants to immigrate to the US - she already has immigration document approval.

 

[node]

It is all luck and try with the USA Embassy. My Thai GF have been to The Netherland (3) times; the Caribbean (1); Dubai (2); Abu Dhabi (1); Canada (1), has a valid (10) yrs. Canadian visa; Hong Kong (1); China like (25) times, due work as a buyer; same for Vietnam.  All with a letter from me guaranteeing her, plus medical, do not have to pay for a thing, not even airfare, yet they refuse her (3) times. They saw all. 

 

A friend of ours, married to an American, was refused, she had Invitation letter: job here, and husband their letter:  husband car loan from the Bank their letter: husband house mortgage letter: copy of husband US tax return: marriage certificate: medical letter: bank statements both here and there: airfare booking: Interary there. 

 

So really, do not know what they want.  I can only say, let her try

[Imd8ta]

About 7-8 years ago my wife's sister asked me if I could try to her a B2 visa to the US. She'd been a pharmacist in Pattaya for many years, but not much accrued funds to speak of. I made the application, paid the non-refundable fee, submitted all her business licenses and pics of her shop.              She got her 10 year B2 visa without a hitch. She's now a chef for a Thai restaurant in PA. and hasn't come back yet.

[NativeBob]

11 minutes ago, node said:

So really, do not know what they want.

 

My guess is they use crazy randomizer. We went to Vegas for ComExpo (not sure that was correct name, last century). Two owners of Thai IT companies applied - one was approved another - Not. 

 

Almost identical resumes - money, house, cars, family, bank statement, no tattoos etc. 

[Elkski]

No one has mentioned what I believe is the real visa killer.   Looks.

Is she attractive and fit?   Does she still have it? And could she earn income in the sex industry?

[westsail]

 I think a letter from you to the consular officer for your wife to take with her to the interview may be helpful.  Tell them about your situation, your future plans together, and give them whatever assurance you can that she will be returning to Thailand.  

My situation was a little different because I was living in Thailand when my wife applied for a tourist visa.  She said the interviewing officer seemed very interested in a letter she took with her written by my brother welcoming her to the family and saying how much everyone was looking forward to meeting her.  

She didn't have any money, property, a good job, or children but her visa was approved.

[fceligoj]

Here are some other information.

 

1. Go read a bunch of Youtube videos.  They will give you pretty good insight on what is really required and how the Adjudication Officer views the applicant.
2. Also, the US laws written on Non-immigrant VISAs, state that the Officer initially establishes the position that the applicant is not going to return to their country.  And so, the information and the explanations by the applicant need to be strong and convincing to overcome this initial Officer's position.  (This is just the oppositie of our criminal laws in the US where the accused is honest until proven guilty.)  This is very important.
3. No only does she have to have her Certificate of Marriage but also have documentation that the marriage is still valid and is registered at the Amphur.
4. The reasons about convincing the Officer have to be compelling.  Is she self-sufficient?  Or do you send her money to assist in her support?
5. You need to send a letter (preferrably certified), that you will provide financial support once she is in the US.
6. The length of the trip.  If too long, then the assumption that her business is NOT critically essential for her livelyhood in Thailand.
7. Is there immediate family living in Thailand that she has full responsibility for their support (compelling reason for returning?)
8. She needs her business to be registered, not just saying I am in the business and proving it by deposits in her bank account.)  (The Officer may assume that the money in the account is truly from you into another account then she transfers it to the account shown to the officer.)

I would expect that the Officer will really question her why you are not here since you guys are married.  (Since you both are married to each other, it may be very difficult to convince the Officer of her serious intent to return to Thailand.

 

GOOD LUCK!

[scorecard]

On 10/2/2024 at 2:05 PM, AustinRacing said:

Since nobody knows the algorithm used for accepting/refusing applications or the mind of the interviewer it’s impossible to know. Based on my friends experiences a woman traveling alone to meet her partner in USA is generally a red flag no matter her circumstances. That’s not to say she’ll be rejected, but scrutinized more. Being a long term employee is more favorable than own business since you can get someone to run the business for you. You living in USA, if the case, may work against you since it can be seen as an incentive for her to remain in USA permanently. 
Having said that, it’s worth the try applying. Just make sure you do it properly because if she’s rejected, it may get harder to get favorable outcome without changes of circumstances. Good luck. 

 

Also keep in mind the passport officer on arrival might be friendly and guided by the fact the lady does have a tourist visa.

 

On the other hand passport officer might be an ahxxx and cause difficulties.

 

I took a team of Thai MBA students to an international by invitation business competition in Austin Texas

 

Al l were late twenties to early thirties, all had studied before in the US, all had a visa issued at the BKK embassy in relation to their competition, all had personal letters of invitation and letters of recommendation.

 

On arrival at the airport I went first and the passpot lady was pleasant and welcoming.

 

Next was a Thai female member of the team and, the passport woman instantly became the dragon from hell, she was rude and insulting to every one of the tem of students. 

 

[GinBoy2]

It's a frikkin crap shoot. I thought before we were married it was a slam dunk for a visa to just go for vacation to see my daughter who had just had a baby.

She had professional job, money in the bank, house, of course she was denied!

 

For others it seems to fly though with half those requirements.

 

We never tried again for a tourist visa and just went full immigration which sailed though, wasn't going to waste another Dollar on a tourist application.

 

Now, I work for United Airlines and i see a lot of Thai tourists, but pretty much they are are all on group tours, which I think is the key

[ericthai]

On 10/2/2024 at 6:26 AM, Imd8ta said:

About 7-8 years ago my wife's sister asked me if I could try to her a B2 visa to the US. She'd been a pharmacist in Pattaya for many years, but not much accrued funds to speak of. I made the application, paid the non-refundable fee, submitted all her business licenses and pics of her shop.              She got her 10 year B2 visa without a hitch. She's now a chef for a Thai restaurant in PA. and hasn't come back yet.

Sorry... but this is exactly why they are so strict on visas.  You applied for a B2 visa which means a visit not to live, work, or study in the USA. 

 

 

[GinBoy2]

10 hours ago, ericthai said:

Sorry... but this is exactly why they are so strict on visas.  You applied for a B2 visa which means a visit not to live, work, or study in the USA. 

 

 

Valid point. In my wife's circle of Thai friends, there is one other lady along with my wife who came in as legal immigrant visa.

All the rest B2's overstayed, ended up marrying a local guy, adjustment of status, you know the story.

 

So, I get the dilemma of the CO when they are making a tourist visa decision

[ericthai]

On 10/29/2024 at 2:28 AM, GinBoy2 said:

Valid point. In my wife's circle of Thai friends, there is one other lady along with my wife who came in as legal immigrant visa.

All the rest B2's overstayed, ended up marrying a local guy, adjustment of status, you know the story.

 

So, I get the dilemma of the CO when they are making a tourist visa decision

Yup, My wife has about 8 or 9 Thai girl friends in the US and same only 1 or 2 came in properly, the rest did the same overstay and get married.  

[Nid_Noi]

Get an airline ticket to Ciudad Juarez, walk across the border and report to ICE. They’ll feed you and give you a bus ticket to your desired final destination. Now you have until January 21st to make the trip as 15 million others did before you.

Don’t show your Thai passport but hide it, you’ll need it to fly back 

Avoid the Darien Gap.

 

[Phillip9]

2 minutes ago, Nid_Noi said:

Get an airline ticket to Ciudad Juarez, walk across the border and report to ICE. They’ll feed you and give you a bus ticket to your desired final destination. Now you have until January 21st to make the trip as 15 million others did before you.

Don’t show your Thai passport but hide it, you’ll need it to fly back 

Avoid the Darien Gap.

 

Great idea genius, except Thais aren't visa exempt for Mexico either........

[Nid_Noi]

4 minutes ago, Phillip9 said:

 

Great idea genius, except Thais aren't visa exempt for Mexico either........

Then fly to Panama (no visa for Thais) and take the bus at one of the 3 bridges (Atlantic, Centenario or Bridge of the Americas). Dozens of buses make the trip daily to the US border. No visa required because most migrants are undocumented.

[Phillip9]

1 hour ago, Nid_Noi said:

Then fly to Panama (no visa for Thais) and take the bus at one of the 3 bridges (Atlantic, Centenario or Bridge of the Americas). Dozens of buses make the trip daily to the US border. No visa required because most migrants are undocumented.

 

Even more genius.  That trip is several thousand miles, crosses through several countries, and would take a few days to complete.  Seems unlikely any single bus makes that trip.