I'd like to know if it would be OK to get my girlfriend a 10-year tourist Multiple entry tourist visa to America if I planned to spend 6 months out of the year in Thailand and the other 6-months out of the year in the United States. I'm not sure an immigrant visa is warranted since she has no intension on ever permanently moving to the US or acquring citizenship.

Is this a proper use of a tourist visa, and are embassy interview officials OK with reasonings like this?

--matt

Probably best if the plan is not mentioned during interview. The lady will have prove her intent to return on her own, unless you live in Thailand and have proof of your ties. They might give her the 10 year visa the first time, though may be likely they will give a single entry first time and wait to see if she returns.

There is nothing wrong with your plan and I think once she gets the 10 year multi entry, she would have no problem on each entry. Getting the visa may be a problem. The US consulate tends to think in very narrow terms and does not allow for various lifestyles like yours.

TH