US Tourist Visa for my Thai Wife

[AcuDoc]

Just wondering if I used a visa service here in Thailand how hard is it to get, how long does it take and what is the cost to get a 30 days US tourist visa for my wife... Or is it easier and better to get a marriage visa... we got married in thaiand 3 years ago... I'd like to take her to meet my family and vacation a little around the west coast... Any suggestions for a good and reasonable vusa service appreciated also... TIA larry and pla

[BrandonJT]

A marriage visa isn't for a family vacation.  It can take more than a year and it is issued with the intention of moving to the US and living there.

 

Getting an appointment for a tourist visa interview can take months as well, but not nearly as long as a marriage visa.

[JimmyJoe]

You don't want a "marriage visa" unless you intend to live permanently in the US.  It's not for temporary visits, takes a year or two (or maybe more now, who knows), and costs a few thousand dollars.

 

It can be difficult for a Thai married to an American to get a tourist visa.  They will assume your plan is to live in the US permanently, and you are just trying to avoid the long expensive process of getting a marriage visa.  To have a chance at getting a tourist visa she will need to show strong ties to Thailand and have a strong reason to return.  If she has a job, owns property, has kids or aging parents in Thailand that she needs to return to, she will have a chance to get a tourist visa.  

 

The process is outlined on the US embassy website.  There is nothing any visa service can do for you except hold your hand while you complete the process.