Help On Long Stay Questions

[flying]

Hi all,

I have read & am still not sure about this. So I will just post my

situation in the hopes that someone can explain.

I am 51 &a US citizen. Have been to Thailand a few times & would now like to marry

my Thai fiance. We are trying to get her a B2 & if that works then fine she can stay here 6 months while we do a K1 then she will go back for her interview & re-enter the US.

My question is this..........

If her B2 fails I would like to go & stay in Thailand to wait out the K1 with her.

I can do the 800,000 baht deal. But does that get locked period? Am I able to remove it later?

Also how big of a deal is it to get this all done time wise?

Thanks for any help given

Mike

[Lite Beer]

Hi all,

I have read & am still not sure about this. So I will just post my

situation in the hopes that someone can explain.

I am 51 &a US citizen. Have been to Thailand a few times & would now like to marry

my Thai fiance. We are trying to get her a B2 & if that works then fine she can stay here 6 months while we do a K1 then she will go back for her interview & re-enter the US.

My question is this..........

If her B2 fails I would like to go & stay in Thailand to wait out the K1 with her.

I can do the 800,000 baht deal. But does that get locked period? Am I able to remove it later?

Also how big of a deal is it to get this all done time wise?

Thanks for any help given

Mike

Haven`t a clue what all these codes are but basically to stay in Thailand for a year based on retirement is fairly easy.

The 800,000 Baht needs to be in a Thai bank for 3 months before you apply. Once you have your year extension you can take out some or all of the money and top it up again to 800,000 when you apply again next year.

[lopburi3]

There would be no reason to obtain a one year extension of stay to wait out the immigrant visa delay. You can do that with the normal non immigrant O visa(s). Your marriage certificate and a copy of her ID card would obtain that visa valid for a 90 day stay each time and you could probably obtain a multi entry valid for a year of 90 day stays with proof of funds in a bank account somewhere. When/if you want retirement there is no lock on money - just the requirement that balance be over 800k for three months prior to application. And if you have a pension/income you could use that rather than bank deposit.

If you are planning marriage the B2 is probably not going to be issued as they will suspect the idea is to shortcut the normal waiting period - get married in the US and then apply for a change of status. On a personal note, if you do not plan to work in the US, believe most marriages will have more chance of success if you become the expat rather than the Thai half. Many Thai seem to have problems with the culture change and being away from family.

[gzu88bv]

flying, here my take on your Thai visa matters:

1. Apply in your country for a Multiple Non-O-Visa. The only disadvantage I see is that you will have to do border runs every 90 days (leave Thailand and come straight back). If done the right way, you can stay up to 15 months altogether. If a Multiple is not possible then try to get at least a Single Non-O-Visa.

2. When married to a Thai you can extend any of the before-mentioned visas on 40K per month income by you, your wife or together. Such income can be local (Thailand) or it can be based on an Income Letter issued by your embassy here in Bangkok.

3. If above does not suit you, you can always switch to what Light Beer said.

Fact is, things are easier to do in Thailand. What your stay in the US is concerned I cannot help you.

[flying]

Thanks folks

Lite Beer that is what I wondered.

Lopburi I know I thought like you it would be a problem but a lady on Thailand insist it is possible so we go the true route & tell the truth that we are engaged but will only have her in USA to meet family & see place before deciding on K1 which is longer but not needed yet as we are undecided. I also wrote a letter saying all this.

Also in the Foreign affairs manual they use it states...........

(N11.1-1 of the Foreign Affairs Manual):

(1) Simply to meet the family of his and/or her fiance;

(2) To become engaged;

(3) To make arrangements for the wedding; or

(4) To renew a relationship with the prospective spouse

This is in the B2 so we think we fit #1 & hope for it.

We will see this Monday the 26th is her interview.

Thanks again

[lopburi3]

As long as you were honest about it and it is really what you plan it may be approved - was not aware how far along you were and did not want you to do it without getting those ducks in a row - I had intended to change probably to may but had computer problem at the same time so missed it. Make sure she is well aware of the reasons and plans and as many details as possible. Good luck.

[flying]

Thanks Lopburi

Yes we are being honest knowing we will do a K1 soon & want to be able to use all our history.

If we had lied it would not be possible to use history later showing I had visited her & then she comes to my state to visit others but not me.

I really hope she is allowed to come as it will crush her if she is turned down.

But we hope & pray for the best.

Thanks again

Mke