U.s. Visitor Visa

[magic]

I plan on visiting the states in late Oct., 32yrs old American, have lived here in Thailand for 4 yrs, GF for 6 months.

I am wondering when is the best time to schedule an appointment interview with the embassy for getting a visitors visa for her..

I am assuming now is not a good time due to the recent thai gov't problems.

Also, is form 156 & 157 the only forms needed? And it looks like i need to do some task at an official post office?

Thanks,

Steve

[vinny]

If you are planning to go in October, suggest applying as soon as possible as Visa Wait Times states:

****IMPORTANT NOTE: Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for administrative processing. These procedures require additional time. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of application. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Therefore, before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 90 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

[magic]

If you are planning to go in October, suggest applying as soon as possible as Visa Wait Times states:

****IMPORTANT NOTE: Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for administrative processing. These procedures require additional time. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of application. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Therefore, before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 90 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

My only concern is when does the visa start if one obtains it? Does it start from the time she leaves Thailand & enters America, or does it start from the time it is issued from the embassy here in Thailand? If she gets it too soon, could the visa finish before she even leaves thailand?

[thaihome]

The visa will have an "start" date from date it is issued. The validity period (during which she can use it to enter the US) could be 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 10 year. So yes, if she gets it too early and they give a 3 months visa (likely the first time), it could expire before she leaves.

When she enters the US, she will get a permission to stay stamp valid for either how long she said she would be staying or the standard 6 months.

TH

[TheSoiLawyer]

Essentially the visa is valid for as long as it says on the visa itself, so long as she uses it before the validity expires it ok. Once she enters the USA a new clock starts: the amount of time she can stay in the USA on that visa so you are looking at two different time frames

[Martian]

Essentially the visa is valid for as long as it says on the visa itself, so long as she uses it before the validity expires it ok. Once she enters the USA a new clock starts: the amount of time she can stay in the USA on that visa so you are looking at two different time frames

I respect that you are a lawyer but I have to politely disagree with your statement about being allowed to stay the amount of time on the visa. My wife once received a one year visa and when we entered the USA, Immigration did not accept that she had a return plane ticket 8 months later. After much brew-haha, I had to change her return ticket to just a little over 3 months. They took us to separate rooms to interview made us retrieve our luggage and went through all of it etc. According to the immigration official, we don't like anyone staying longer than 3 months on a tourist visa and just because the embassy issues a long term visa doesn't mean we have to let someone stay that long.

It was a big deal to them and I had to change her return ticket. This was even with several other visa's and returns already in her passport.

Also, procuring a visa from the embassy doesn't necessarily mean that immigration will allow a person to enter the USA. They have complete control over whether to admit someone or not to admit. It is probably rare that they turn someone away for something other than a real big reason but it could happen.

Regards,

Martian

[thaihome]

He did not say she could stay for the length of validity of the visa. The date on the vsia is a "use by date" (meaning enter the US). He said (and so did I) that when you enter the US, you get a permission to stay stamp that says how long you can stay, having nothing to do with the date on the visa. Normal time is 6 months max, though it is known for officers to limit the time to how long you say you are going to stay, i.e. less then 6 months.

th

[Thanyaburi Mac]

He did not say she could stay for the length of validity of the visa. The date on the vsia is a "use by date" (meaning enter the US). He said (and so did I) that when you enter the US, you get a permission to stay stamp that says how long you can stay, having nothing to do with the date on the visa. Normal time is 6 months max, though it is known for officers to limit the time to how long you say you are going to stay, i.e. less then 6 months.

th

Correct. My wife has a 10-year multiple entry B1/B2 visa, U.S. Immigration isn't about to let her stay for the 7.5 years remaining on the visa!

Some visas may be issued for, say, a one year validity with multiple entries allowed during that period, with the last entry required on, or perhaps a day earlier. However really doubt if any single entry would be stamped in for more than six months.

Other visas may be issued for shorter periods. One American friend traveled with us a few years back with his Thai girlfriend. She had a single entry 30 (thirty) day validity visa, U.S. Immigration stamped her in for six months, but they came back to Bangkok w/in the 30 days anyway, just to make the Consulate happy. She later received a 10-year multiple entry visa.

Mac

[TheSoiLawyer]

He did not say she could stay for the length of validity of the visa. The date on the vsia is a "use by date" (meaning enter the US). He said (and so did I) that when you enter the US, you get a permission to stay stamp that says how long you can stay, having nothing to do with the date on the visa. Normal time is 6 months max, though it is known for officers to limit the time to how long you say you are going to stay, i.e. less then 6 months.

th

Exactly

[magic]

I am really wondering what her general chances are of getting any kind of visa, taking into account the current Thai gov't situation &

- Her now "self employed" making websites. (not consistant work)

- Small amount in bank account.

- Me not currently working, but with nest egg.

- Her living with parents at same apartment.

- Recently renewed her passport.

- Visa for America is most prized.

- Wanting to stay for 2 weeks.

- No plane ticket yet.

For some reason, I do not think her chances are very high. But, this is ok for both of us.

Edited September 5, 2008 by magic

[Martian]

He did not say she could stay for the length of validity of the visa. The date on the vsia is a "use by date" (meaning enter the US). He said (and so did I) that when you enter the US, you get a permission to stay stamp that says how long you can stay, having nothing to do with the date on the visa. Normal time is 6 months max, though it is known for officers to limit the time to how long you say you are going to stay, i.e. less then 6 months.

th

Yea, ok. I understand what your saying but disagree that he said the same thing as you. He may have intended to say what you said but it was quite vague and lacking in explanation, whereas your explanation is much more specific and addresses, with detail, the two different "time clocks" SoiLawyer was trying to explain.

I got what you are both saying though.

Regards,

Martian

[thaihome]

I am really wondering what her general chances are of getting any kind of visa, taking into account the current Thai gov't situation &

- Her now "self employed" making websites. (not consistant work)

- Small amount in bank account.

- Me not currently working, but with nest egg.

- Her living with parents at same apartment.

- Recently renewed her passport.

- Visa for America is most prized.

- Wanting to stay for 2 weeks.

- No plane ticket yet.

For some reason, I do not think her chances are very high. But, this is ok for both of us.

How long have you lived in Thailand? what kind of visa do you have? Can you show ties that will make you return? Can you show your girlfriends ties to you?

That is what will get her a tourist visa to the US.

TH

[magic]

I am really wondering what her general chances are of getting any kind of visa, taking into account the current Thai gov't situation &

- Her now "self employed" making websites. (not consistant work)

- Small amount in bank account.

- Me not currently working, but with nest egg.

- Her living with parents at same apartment.

- Recently renewed her passport.

- Visa for America is most prized.

- Wanting to stay for 2 weeks.

- No plane ticket yet.

For some reason, I do not think her chances are very high. But, this is ok for both of us.

How long have you lived in Thailand? what kind of visa do you have? Can you show ties that will make you return? Can you show your girlfriends ties to you?

That is what will get her a tourist visa to the US.

TH

I have lived here for about 4 years.. just got a one year visa about 10 months ago from the US.

I'm wondering if there is a general statistic on thais getting tourist visas for america.

[thaihome]

I'm sure you could find some data on tourist visas issued by the US consulates. I do know that world wide the US issues millions of them every year.

In my own experience, I don't know anyone that has been rejected. All my American friends wives’ have tourist visas, I know several Brits whose wives have tourist visas, I know of at least two Brits that have got girl friends tourist visas, and in my own company we have sent something like 50 Thais to the US over the last year and half or so.

TH

[popshirt]

How long have you lived in Thailand? what kind of visa do you have? Can you show ties that will make you return? Can you show your girlfriends ties to you?

That is what will get her a tourist visa to the US.

TH

Yes this is what I have been told also. I am a U.S. citizen living in Thailand for 4 years and want to take my Thai boyfriend (four years relationship although I have known him longer than that) to the U.S. next year.

We are already planning based on the experience of acquaintances in similar situations by opening joint checking account here, making sure he has a good sum of money in HIS savings account, etc. Fortunately he has a good job in Bkk and can get a letter from his employer. The major catch is what kind of consular official he gets for his interview, he may or may not be dealt with fairly, but that is the luck of the draw and we have no control over it.

[Tod Daniels]

Sadly given the information you have provided, I would guess she would be denied a Tourist Visa to the US.

First off, it has NOTHING to do with the shaky thai government and everything to do with the US one, as that's where you're wanting to go.

*She's self employed - does she pay tax?

*Small amount in the bank - how long as she had the account, does she run everything thru the account to show it is an active account, or is it just a small lump sum sitting there?

*She lives with her parents, at the same apartment - do they own it or rent it?

Despite your valid status here it doesn't mean you can't buy a ticket to the US tomorrow and bail out of thailand; so what are your "thais" here other than her?

Although I wish there was; sadly there is NO manpower to track down errant people who overstay their visa once in the US. The burden of proof is upon the applicant (your g/f) to prove she's gonna leave the US when her visa expires. She would have to demonstrate she has sufficient 'thais' to this country to return. Not owning any land, not owning a vehicle, not working for someone who will write a letter stating she can resume her job when she returns, not having much in the way of finances, can and do work against her.

I go to the US Embassy many times in a month and sometimes it looks like a bad nite in the Nana Hotel parking lot down there; the old fat guys in their cheap Singha Beer shirts with their much younger, tattooed "thai-in-tow" applying for a visa to go to the US. Believe me people are denied every day for different reasons, but most due to not sufficient "thais" here to guarantee a likely return when the visa expires. The reverse is true as well, and I know many thai friends who have visa's to the US, and have visited many times. They are usually married to US citizens, engaged in business, have tangible assets here which would ensure their return etc.

You're out nothing but time, effort and a little money to try to get her approved, so give it a shot. The rules are easily understood, the paperwork self explanatory (in english) and the procedures fairly straightforward. Above all, what ever you do, DON'T lie about anything they ask, believe me this isn't their first go-round and they can see thru deception.

Good luck, you might bounce your situation off Greg Lange of SunBelt Asia as they deal with this a lot. They will also tell you up front if you're likely to be approved or just pissing in the wind.

[mdechgan]

If you do get a 10 year visa does not mean or guarantee one can stay or even enter the U.S. The immigration officer decides how long to stamp or let you in. Usually 3 but no more than 6 months max.

[magic]

yes... i don't think her chances are very high at all.. She has less than 5,000 baht in her account now.. But, I am told that they really just look at forms 156, 157, 158 to make the visa pass decision..

Some Thais who have gone thru the process have said that they didn't even look at the finances... just those few forms to make the decision.

[mdechgan]

Forms are only the 1st step in stereotyping.

The main process is the interview.

Everyone has to go through the interview.

And essentially its the luck of the draw, ticket number, aisle number, person that interviews that matters the most.

If she does have assets, ties to Thailand, children, big bank account, good employment, etc. would only help her cause.

Otherwise rejection looks very likely looks like you will be donating $100 to the U.S.A.

Edited September 10, 2008 by mdechgan

[ubonjoe]

It doesn't look good.

My wife was turned down three times before we got married, I was working in the states and just wanted her to be able to visit for a couple of weeks.

Turned down twice after we got married. 2 houses, land, money in bank and even a congressman's inquiry.

We gave up (over 4 years ago). We may try again now that I have a one year visa plus my wife is now Village Headman (person). So I think we may have a fighting chance now.

All I can say is give it a try. You will be out the money plus all the time and trouble. I wouldn't buy the ticket in advance that's for sure because it won't help with the process.

As a previous post says it all depends on the interview and the person giving the interview.

Any and all proof that both of you will be coming back will help.

Good luck.