Showing Residency To File Dcf In Bangkok

[Bangkok Hound]

Here's my situation: I've lived in Bangkok for 17 months. I've been on a Non-Imm 'B' the whole time. I've had a work permit for the past 3 months. Would this qualify as residency allowing me to file a I-130 with the Bangkok USCIS?

[thaihome]

Technically you don’t do a DCF in Bangkok. Since there is a USCIS office in Bangkok, you file the I-130 petition with them not the consulate

As far as proving residency is concerned, does your work permit come with a visa extension or have you been doing 90 day entry stamp runs? Do you have lease agreement in your name? Bank account? Proof of employment?

Best thing is to send them an e-mail, explain your situation and ask them what they are looking for. I understand they are pretty strict and review it carefully before you are allowed to file.

The email is : [email protected]. My experience is they respond, but takes a day or so.

TH

[Bangkok Hound]

Previously I was doing 90 day runs, but now I have a year extension. I also have an apartment lease and a bank account. I'll send an e-mail now. Thanks for your help.

[Bangkok Hound]

Here is the reply from Bangkok USCIS: You need to have been a resident in Thailand for a minimum of 6 consecutive months. That residence must be lawful residence, not status as a tourist. Proof of such lawful residence can include a work permit valid during those six months, bank statements, and/or lease for an apartment or house.

So I apparently don't meet the requirements yet. I am not married yet. I would like to be in the U.S. with my girlfriend and our baby around mid-March. So I have to figure out which route will be faster: get married and wait until I meet the residency requirements and file the I-130 in Bangkok OR file for a K-1 visa now.

[thaihome]

Once you meet the residency requirments, going through the BKK USCIS office and then the consulate is very fast. I have personal knowledge of a couple doing it in 6 weeks, from fileing I-130, interview and issuing visa. If you look on the USCIS web site, you will see that I-130's from last year are only being processed n the Us Service centers now.

TH