Hi, and tx in advance for any help.

My wife and I married while in the US while she was on a student J1 visa. We are now here in Chiang Mai, and are planning to take a vacation back to the us for about 3 weeks.

We returned to thailand as she was contractually obligated to return to work here after receiving her degree

in the US.

According to her Visa, she could not go back to the US for 2 years once she left. That time is up.

Now, we are reapplying for a new visa so she can go back with me.

Given that she owns a house here, is obligated to stay and work , there really shouldn't be much trouble in applying for this, correct?

I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips that would help to ensure we are successful in getting this visa?

This has been asked many times, so you might want to do a search in this forum.

For a Thai women married to a US citizen and they reside in Thailand together, a tourist visa to the US is pretty much a slam dunk. What you need to establish is your links to Thailand, preferably by a work permit, visa extension, etc. It is very helpful to get a letter from your employer (if you have one) saying your employment is long term and they know you are going to US to visit and your job will be waiting once you get back. Once your links are established, it is very easy to show her links to you as well as her links to Thailand.

Primarly the consulate will want to be sure you are not trying to short circuit the immigration route to the US, that is why it is important to show you are returning to Thailand, the assumption being if you return, so will she.

TH

Thanks man, it went smoother than could have been imagined.

Just as a note, I was not allowed in the consulate. No Americans were allowed in.

Interesting they did not let you in for the interview, have never been to the Chiang Mai Consulate. They would not let me in for my wife’s interview in Beijing either. It was the PLA rules, not the consulate.

Was she given a 10 year multi entry?

TH

Interesting they did not let you in for the interview, have never been to the Chiang Mai Consulate. They would not let me in for my wife’s interview in Beijing either. It was the PLA rules, not the consulate.

Was she given a 10 year multi entry?

TH

Yes, she was given a 10 year multi entry. Remember though, she had a student visa and we are married.

I think perhaps the one where people go for interviews is a Fiancee visa or something? (I really have no idea, just speculating.)

I don't think she was asked a question other than what faculty she teaches in. So, it really wasn't an interview. Nevertheless, I'm pleased it went stress free.

Interesting they did not let you in for the interview, have never been to the Chiang Mai Consulate. They would not let me in for my wife's interview in Beijing either. It was the PLA rules, not the consulate.

Was she given a 10 year multi entry?

TH

Yes, she was given a 10 year multi entry. Remember though, she had a student visa and we are married.

I think perhaps the one where people go for interviews is a Fiancee visa or something? (I really have no idea, just speculating.)

I don't think she was asked a question other than what faculty she teaches in. So, it really wasn't an interview. Nevertheless, I'm pleased it went stress free.

I'm also surprised that you weren't allowed in. I was there (BKK consulate) for my wife's fiance visa interview, and passed time talking to a guy who was there for his wife's tourist visa interview. In a few years, after I retire to Thailand, I hope it will be as easy for us when she surrenders her green card and applies for a tourist visa.