Need Advice To Bring Thai Gf To Usa - Unique Situation

[tracyt]

I say the situation is unique. I know the topic has been done to death, but every situation is a little different so I'm hoping those that have been so generous to offer their advice (from experience) can help me as well. I'm new at all this. I have researched a great deal, but it is all a bit scary so, again, I'm hoping to learn from others' experiences.

I met my Thai girlfriend (Pattaya) about three months ago (5/08) . I've been back to visit once, but we really want for her to visit the US. I only have so much vacation to travel to Thailand, and we miss each other terribly. I'm returning to Thailand in early Septembr, but we were hoping she could make the next trip after September. She has never been to the US and she needs to so we can establish some basis to decide whether our future might be in US or Thailand. We've discussed the Fiance Visa, but we'd really prefer to spend more time together before we head down that path. So, the tourist visa would be idea (at least with my limited knowledge of the system).

Here are her details:

• 27 years old
  
• 2 children (ages 7 & 8), but she would make the trip alone
  
• owns restaurant and lives in the restaurant
  
• her mother works for her, and also lives with her (so her mother relies on her for employment and support)
  
• owns car (has two years left on loan)
  
• owns no property, but has a lease on the restaurant
  
• has her name on a beauty salon business license for 2-3 years, but collects no income from this business
  
• the restaurant is only three months old, but is doing well
  
• has been granted visas to France and Switzerland
  
• has a lot of activity in bank account, but no substantial balance at this time
  
• speaks pretty good English (I know that's very subjective)
  

I hope that is enough pertinent info. My question is basically does it make any sense for me to send a letter to her, for her to add to her documentation, explaining I would like for my friend to visit the US (no mention of romantic connection), and that I can support her stay? Of course I can provide copies of all financial records. Also, if I do send her the letter, should I include copies of my passport for proof of my visits to Thailand? She knows not to mention anything about a romantic connection in the interview, and absolutely to absolutely deny any notion that we might marry some day. I'm also intersted in any other general advice on this topic.

Thank you very much for any advice you can offer.

[britmaveric]

3mo relationship?

[RAZZELL]

3mo relationship?

The general consensus is that you need at least 6 months to gain a visa for most countries.

Plus, your idea to "lie" in the application/interview is not the best. If you get caught out bang goes your chance of getting a visa in the future.

You need contact, phone calls, visit's over a period of time for a successful result.

IMHO she has less than no chance of getting a visa at the moment.

Take your time with the relationship. All good thing's come to those who wait

RAZZ

[tracyt]

I appreciate the quick response. I understand it will be best to wait until the relationship is at least 6 months along.

However, as far as how I present my case in my letter and how she presents herself in her interview, this is an example of why I am so confused - I've also read in this forum that as soon as she gives any indication we are considering marriage (without a fiance application) then they will reject the application immediately. Are you saying we are best off being totally honest and explain that we just want her to visit the US so we can spend more time together before making a decision to marry?

Thanks again!

TT (tracytrader)

[tracyt]

I'd like to make one other point before we go much further down this path. Both responses so far have focused on our relationship, but I've read in several other posts that the decision to grant the visa we'll be based largely on her ability to prove she has ties, and will return, to Thailand. This is why I don't understand how, and to what degree, we should present our relationship.

TT

[flying]

Actually the length of your relationship thus far is not the most critical in my experience.

Also it is incorrect to assume you cannot mention marriage.

Here is a excerpt from the US Foreign affairs manual........... For allowed reasons

(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

As you can see it does allow for it.

But & this is a big but in the end it still depends on what the interview person feels is the likelihood of her returning lawfully to Thailand.

[tracyt]

Actually the length of your relationship thus far is not the most critical in my experience.

Also it is incorrect to assume you cannot mention marriage.

Here is a excerpt from the US Foreign affairs manual........... For allowed reasons

(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

As you can see it does allow for it.

But & this is a big but in the end it still depends on what the interview person feels is the likelihood of her returning lawfully to Thailand

Thanks "Flying", but does this also apply to a request for a tourist visa? Sounds more like it would apply to a request for a fiance visa. TT

[jimmym40]

With all the background you provided about your g.friend, my belief is that there's no chance of getting the tourist visa approved. Has she used those two visa's you mentioned? Has she been out of Thailand previously?

Here's my advice: This route will cost a bit more, but much less headache and I believe the chances of approval are much better.

Find a travel agency that specializes is group travel to the US. The agency would take care of the visa and all travel. That way, your gf will not have to have any interviews. Get a vacation package for her to let's say Los Angeles. After she arrives, she doesn't have to stay with the group. She could just hop a plane and go to meet you. I'm not sure how long of a visa they would approve. Just maybe a two week period, or maybe 6 months - check with the tour agency. I've know people that went this route. Let's see what others have to say.

Good luck.

[flying]

Thanks "Flying", but does this also apply to a request for a tourist visa? Sounds more like it would apply to a request for a fiance visa. TT

Yes for a tourist visa

[calibanjr.]

Actually the length of your relationship thus far is not the most critical in my experience.

Also it is incorrect to assume you cannot mention marriage.

Here is a excerpt from the US Foreign affairs manual........... For allowed reasons

(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

As you can see it does allow for it.

But & this is a big but in the end it still depends on what the interview person feels is the likelihood of her returning lawfully to Thailand.

My take is the same. I got my wife a Tourist Visa (10yrs., wish we could get those for Thailand!) last year, and throughout the process I was told that our relationship meant next to nothing. The decision is centered around the interviewer's belief that the interviewee will actually return lawfully. Note: in CM at least, farangs are not allowed in the Consulate at ALL during the day of the interview, and the letter that I wrote in support of her visa was unread and handed back to her. They only cared about her bank info, land, and family, not our relationship. In other words, just what many people say the Thais only care about!

[calibanjr.]

With all the background you provided about your g.friend, my belief is that there's no chance of getting the tourist visa approved. Has she used those two visa's you mentioned? Has she been out of Thailand previously?

Here's my advice: This route will cost a bit more, but much less headache and I believe the chances of approval are much better.

Find a travel agency that specializes is group travel to the US. The agency would take care of the visa and all travel. That way, your gf will not have to have any interviews. Get a vacation package for her to let's say Los Angeles. After she arrives, she doesn't have to stay with the group. She could just hop a plane and go to meet you. I'm not sure how long of a visa they would approve. Just maybe a two week period, or maybe 6 months - check with the tour agency. I've know people that went this route. Let's see what others have to say.

Good luck.

This idea sounds interesting.

[NotNew2You]

I met my Thai girlfriend (Pattaya) about three months ago (5/08) . I've been back to visit once, but we really want for her to visit the US. I only have so much vacation to travel to Thailand, and we miss each other terribly.

Likely troll...but if not, here is my take:

If she is not going for a fiance or spousal visa, which apparently she is not, the default for her would be a tourist visa. As such, since there is no formal legal bond between the two of you, she has to qualify for this visa on her own merits (income, education, etc.) and not yours. With the information you provided, I would say there is close to zero (soone) percent that she would qualify for such a visa.

[wasabi]

With all the background you provided about your g.friend, my belief is that there's no chance of getting the tourist visa approved. Has she used those two visa's you mentioned? Has she been out of Thailand previously?

Here's my advice: This route will cost a bit more, but much less headache and I believe the chances of approval are much better.

Find a travel agency that specializes is group travel to the US. The agency would take care of the visa and all travel. That way, your gf will not have to have any interviews. Get a vacation package for her to let's say Los Angeles. After she arrives, she doesn't have to stay with the group. She could just hop a plane and go to meet you. I'm not sure how long of a visa they would approve. Just maybe a two week period, or maybe 6 months - check with the tour agency. I've know people that went this route. Let's see what others have to say.

Good luck.

This idea sounds interesting.

I have heard of people going this route too and am curious how it works? Why is it so easy to be part of a group tour but almost impossible to get a visa independently for many? It's not like the group is going to chaperon the person traveling to the USA. If this method is indeed viable I'm curious about it as well.

[flying]

With all the background you provided about your g.friend, my belief is that there's no chance of getting the tourist visa approved. Has she used those two visa's you mentioned? Has she been out of Thailand previously?

Here's my advice: This route will cost a bit more, but much less headache and I believe the chances of approval are much better.

Find a travel agency that specializes is group travel to the US. The agency would take care of the visa and all travel. That way, your gf will not have to have any interviews. Get a vacation package for her to let's say Los Angeles. After she arrives, she doesn't have to stay with the group. She could just hop a plane and go to meet you. I'm not sure how long of a visa they would approve. Just maybe a two week period, or maybe 6 months - check with the tour agency. I've know people that went this route. Let's see what others have to say.

Good luck.

This idea sounds interesting.

I have heard of people going this route too and am curious how it works? Why is it so easy to be part of a group tour but almost impossible to get a visa independently for many? It's not like the group is going to chaperon the person traveling to the USA. If this method is indeed viable I'm curious about it as well.

I do not know when folks if ever did this but...........From what I understand all group tours keep your passports. If you want to do a flyer it would be a total flyer without your passport.

If it were as easy as some *say*

How long do you think the group tours would be allowed to continue?

Just stick to the traditional routes.

[RAZZELL]

I'd like to make one other point before we go much further down this path. Both responses so far have focused on our relationship, but I've read in several other posts that the decision to grant the visa we'll be based largely on her ability to prove she has ties, and will return, to Thailand. This is why I don't understand how, and to what degree, we should present our relationship.

TT

Fair point. I can only talk about UK visa's.

The "reason to return", eg. land, house, job, money, financial and emotional ties in Thailand have a big part to play in any Visa application.

BUT so does proving the genuiness of any relationship.

I guess both are equally important.

RAZZ

[j0hnga1t]

Flying,

that is good info about the reason why they will give a VISA.  I didn't know that.  I was talking with my gf whom I've know for three years and have been dating one (lots of trips to LOS)  She heard the same thing from another friend.  Next year after finishes school (college, not high school) I want her to come out here and meet my family so it'll be an engagement trip.  Do I need to state that in a letter?  Can I sponsor her?  or/and does she need money in the bank?

[RAZZELL]

Next year after finishes school (college, not high school)

Thank god for that!

RAZZ

[flying]

Flying,

that is good info about the reason why they will give a VISA. I didn't know that. I was talking with my gf whom I've know for three years and have been dating one (lots of trips to LOS) She heard the same thing from another friend. Next year after finishes school (college, not high school) I want her to come out here and meet my family so it'll be an engagement trip. Do I need to state that in a letter? Can I sponsor her? or/and does she need money in the bank?

Hi

Yeah I think it is best to be up front on the reason.

Originally I was going to say my gf was coming just to visit the State.

But in the end we went with the truth & were approved.

Yes I included it in my invite letter & said I felt we qualified for #1 in that list.

We also made it clear that she had money (show bank account ) but that I was paying for the trip & it would cost her nothing to stay.

You know the letter of the law says "she must stand on her own merit" Many will tell you that your credentials mean nothing but........That is not how we saw it.

I sent copies of my tax returns, the letter of invite I mentioned. Also showed she had medical insurance & would be no burden to the US if she needed medical attention.

These are things they worry about. I also showed her family tree & how they all resided in Thailand where she owned a condo & business. So in the end I think she posed no flight risk or burden on the US.

Good Luck with yours! Don't be discouraged you hear so many say there is no chance of a tourist visa for single Thai girls. In reality there are many more than they know.

[jimmym40]

First off, I would not mention an "engagement" trip as one poster said. I believe that would be asking for trouble. American consular personnel might tell you to apply for finance visa if that's the case, then you would have to start the process all over again. Plus, labelling it an engagement trip, the consular might take that as "Oh, when she gets there they will bi-pass the correct procedures, get married, and get ahead of all those guys that are doing it the "right way" which is applying for the finance visa to begin with.

Also, I never heard of the travel agent sponsor keeping all the passports. They may give the travellers that option, but I know of at least two people that went this route. Came on a tourist visa, overstayed, and eventuallyl found a spouse and got married.

And its true, applying for a tourist visa, she'll have to be approved on her own merit.

Tough decision on your part. You'll have to weigh all the possibilities and outcomes.

Good luck.

[flying]

Also, I never heard of the travel agent sponsor keeping all the passports. They may give the travellers that option, but I know of at least two people that went this route. Came on a tourist visa, overstayed, and eventuallyl found a spouse and got married.

Wow

I am really surprised but.... If you know two folks who did it I guess it is possible.

I am surprised that travel group that loses customers is allowed to return both by the Thai gov as well as the US homeland security.

But if you know folks that have done it I guess it has been done. Scary being a illegal immigrant in the US these days though. Possible visa fraud charges & denial of ever returning to US.

[jimmym40]

Don't know where you are from, flyer. I'm from Vegas and know many Thais that live in LA also.

If you were from one of these two cities, you'd really be surprised. I do know personally two ladies that went this route, and from my wife, heard of many more. In fact, the last lady I know. She came to the USA with her Thai husband and 14 yr old son. On tourist visas. Guess what. The guy had this plan, he went back to Thailand and left the wife and son in the US. She was lucky and after about 8 months found a guy and got married and now living happily.

If you know the Thai community in the states, word spreads like a wild fire, even from state to state. If this happens so prevalent from Thailand, just think how many like ladies from other Asian countries that slip in the US. I've heard many, many stories of Chinese women making it in.

Now everyone can see here why the American consulars are so thorough. They heard of every conceivable ploy to make to the states.

Think we have a big problem at the Mexico/US border crossings, look how big the international boudaries are for entering the US.

[tracyt]

I'm not meaning to close the post, but, for what it's worth, we won't be trying anything crazy. I think we have our plan pretty well in place. We have more work to do, but we'll prepare our best case very thouroughly and honestly, and hope for the best. Some of you have offered some good, constructive advice, and I appreciate it very much. I'll keep you posted on our progress.

Thanks again,

TT

[jumnien]

Before my wife and I married we got a tourist visa to go to the USA and meet my parents. We were honest with the officials that I could not marry her until my parents met her, though we were not planning to marry in the US. Visa granted! I suggest honesty in all matters.

[RamblerCrane]

I say the situation is unique. I know the topic has been done to death, but every situation is a little different so I'm hoping those that have been so generous to offer their advice (from experience) can help me as well. I'm new at all this. I have researched a great deal, but it is all a bit scary so, again, I'm hoping to learn from others' experiences.

I met my Thai girlfriend (Pattaya) about three months ago (5/08) . I've been back to visit once, but we really want for her to visit the US. I only have so much vacation to travel to Thailand, and we miss each other terribly. I'm returning to Thailand in early Septembr, but we were hoping she could make the next trip after September. She has never been to the US and she needs to so we can establish some basis to decide whether our future might be in US or Thailand. We've discussed the Fiance Visa, but we'd really prefer to spend more time together before we head down that path. So, the tourist visa would be idea (at least with my limited knowledge of the system).

Here are her details:

• 27 years old
  
• 2 children (ages 7 & 8), but she would make the trip alone
  
• owns restaurant and lives in the restaurant
  
• her mother works for her, and also lives with her (so her mother relies on her for employment and support)
  
• owns car (has two years left on loan)
  
• owns no property, but has a lease on the restaurant
  
• has her name on a beauty salon business license for 2-3 years, but collects no income from this business
  
• the restaurant is only three months old, but is doing well
  
• has been granted visas to France and Switzerland
  
• has a lot of activity in bank account, but no substantial balance at this time
  
• speaks pretty good English (I know that's very subjective)
  

I hope that is enough pertinent info. My question is basically does it make any sense for me to send a letter to her, for her to add to her documentation, explaining I would like for my friend to visit the US (no mention of romantic connection), and that I can support her stay? Of course I can provide copies of all financial records. Also, if I do send her the letter, should I include copies of my passport for proof of my visits to Thailand? She knows not to mention anything about a romantic connection in the interview, and absolutely to absolutely deny any notion that we might marry some day. I'm also intersted in any other general advice on this topic.

Thank you very much for any advice you can offer.

Ok, nobody's saying what I'm thinking and I'm sure others are thinking the same... You say you met her three months ago, but lets face it, you met her in May 08 and it's now the end of July 08. That's not three months. You're already streching the truth to cover what you surely realise is only a fledgling relationship. You registered here on the 25th and read a few posts to get an idea of how easy/hard it would be to get a visa to the US for her and you've plucked up the courage to ask for specific advice. I'm guessing you've known her a total of about 8 or 9 weeks and I'm guessing you're not a frequent visitor to Thailand or surely you'd be a little more wary about things than this.

Now I'm not judging her by any means, but you met her in Pattaya 8 weeks agoand now she wants to marry you. She has two businesses and coincidently, two visa's to European countries... nice matching figures there. She's obviously caught your eye and you want to see her more, but have no holiday time. My advice is to cool down. You are going way too fast and you could get in a lot of trouble if you don't heed some warnings and proceed with caution. I and probably some others can see that you've potentially come across a more skilled player than yourself here. I'm guessing your girl used to work the bar or go-go scene in Pattaya and got herself some nice sponsors who have bought the businesses for her, or at least given her the money to buy them. This has enabled her to stop working the bar scene, but are these othe rmen in the past, or are you being lined up as the third? Now this may all be in the past and her intentions towards you may be entirely on the level and honourable, or you may be just another target in her plan of world domination. You don't get visa's to western countries easily as you'll no doubt find out.

To my mind, you're already slightly sugar-coating the whole thing to us on this forum and we don't know you and aren't affected by whether you lie or not, but if you are sexing things up for us already, what are you going to have to do to make the US Embassy give her a visa? Personally, I'd cool things down, wait a bit, go back for another visit and see how things go. I'd say you're unlikely to get the visa you want on the basis of a 3 month relationship and I doubt that she has enough evidence to get a visitor visa. I hope you understand I'm not saying all this to make you angry or upset, but to potentially wake you up to what the situation. If you come back here in 33 months with he rin the US as your wife and things are going great then I'll be the first to say congratulations, but if 6 months down the line she has another buiness in her portfolio, then don't say I didn't warn you.

I have my Thai Mrs here in the UK with me, but I knew her for 2 years before we applied for the visa and in that time I did 8 trips to Thailand. What's the saying, marry in haste, repent at leisure....

[dr_Pat_Pong]

That is how it is.

[fft100]

I took my girlfriend to Germany after only 5 months. Ok, i had been to thailand 4 or 5 times in that 5 months. And in Germany you can guarantee a visitor - does the same concept apply in the USA ?

Interesting that she has has 2 visas before. if she has used them and returned to Thailand, then that would be a big plus.

However, i have found that being in thailand when she is applying is a bonus. you may not be allowed in the room with her (same rule now in german + uk embassies), but if they have a quick question then the fact you are there is good, and also if they bring you both in for interviews then it will be easier....

If she can supply paperwork showing why she will return then you always have a chance. And if you have any financial interest in the country - land, property, thai driving licence, etc, then that is good.

If i understand, you met her May, you have been back here one so far (June/July), and you are coming back early september to see her again. Thats not a bad track record of visas to show the embassy. get togethr all your paperwork, financial, pictures of you two together, some emails, covering letter, and try in September.

In my experience, you can never have too much documentation regarding what she owns etc. its always better to hand over too much rather than too little - as long as you organise it properly in a loose leaf binder with index so its all easily findable.

[tracyt]

I am almost 100% sure there is no provision that I can "guarantee" her visit, or her return.

Yes, she did leave Thailand with both visas, and returned both times.

We'll definitely accumulate as much documentation as we can, and our current thought is we will schedule the appointment to occur while I am there next.

Thanks, TT

[tracyt]

So, I thought I would provide an update to my situation. Some of your feedback was quite helpful, and some was not so helpful. Some of the feedback was downright negative and had me pretty discouraged. Just the same, we had to push on and decided to apply for the Tourist Visa with just the facts at hand with no mention of the relationship with me. Based on her business, her kids, her previous visa grants, her returns from those trips, and with some good grace in the way of a reasonable Embassy Employee, she was granted a tourist visa. She had some money in the bank to finance her trip, but they didn't even care that it was recently deposited. And it wasn't just any tourist visa, but a 10-year tourist visa!

She has already made one two-month visit and will visit again next month for another three months.

Thanks to "Flying" for the constructive feedback. For those that are just beginning down this path, don't be too discouraged (don't listen too much to the "nay sayers" on the forum) - prepare your paperwork accurately and thoroughly, and make sure you have all paperwork in order.

Good Luck!

[Martian]

It's good to hear it has worked out for you...so far. You shouldn't discount naysayers because their opinions and input are just as important as those who have positive things to say. If one wants to hear nothing but the good side of things then they shouldn't come onto this or any other board and ask for the input.

The posters here only give what their experience/knowledge with any situation has been, good or bad and all input should be appreciated and respected. No one knows exactly how the embassy is going to respond to each specific situation so the feedback and input is speculative at best. Myself, having been through your process (different circumstances of course) wouldn't have given the visitor visa much of a chance either.......but I'm not an embassy employee.

Keep in mind that a visa never guarantees entry into the USA. The officials at the point of entry can and will deny entry if they feel there is any intent on circumventing the rules of the visa. Many people don't realize this but it is true. If your girl is going to use the "10 year visa" for a some time to come, be sure she enters and exits within the rules, does not work and only stays for a reasonable amount of time each entry. I was informed at Detroit that immigration doesn't like visitors to say more than 3 months any one time.

Good luck with your future and keep us informed as to the progression of things.

Regards,

Martian

[thaihome]

Since they started requiring interviews for all tourist visa applicants some years ago (2003 ?), the 10 year multi entry visa has been pretty much the standard issue.

TH