Tourist Visa To Usa For Thai?

[ChrisP]

Hi..

My Thai national friend wants to get a tourist visa to visit the USA for 1 month.

I've heard that the US Embassy are VERY tight on issuing these. Need all kinds of proof of "ties" back to Thailand... before they will even consider it.

He's in his early 20's, educated, family is in BKK. Has a passport with a visit to HK stamped in.

Like many younger Thai's he isn't married, doesn't own property, doesn't own his own business (he is an employee...)

Any thoughts before he applies...?

ChrisP

Edited November 26, 2004 by ChrisP

[Pink Mist]

Chris, I can't really help to much with US matters so untill one of the American members replies, have a look in the pinned topic top of page, the US embassy link is there and you can navigate through that.

[lopburi3]

I expect few Thai can take a month vacation and return to their job and with no other positive factors believe it may not fly. But if he has a good job, employer will provide proof he has job to return to and family is well known there might be better than even chance, especially if he can prove finance for trip and a good savings account.

The trip/return from Hong Kong will probably not impress as would a trip to UK/Europe/US but is probably better than no travel.

Nothing lost, except fee, in trying as long as he knows it may not work out.

[PvtDick]

The type of job he has will be key, as will a record of savings going back at least six months. If he is working for a blue-chip US company, chances are good. If he is a waiter, factory worker, etc. not so good.

Also a factory might be YOUR ties to Thailand. If you are a long-term expat working legitimately in Thailand, it would help his case greatly if you were to appear with him at the embassy.

If you are based in the US, then your existence will likely harm, rather than hurt, his chances.

[ChrisP]

Thanks guys...

I've looked thru the (extensive) US Embassy Web Site... and they are VERY picky.. I hear they refuse a LOT of tourist visa applicants.. based on the fear that they won't return to LOS.

He only has an ordinary job... no high-flyer. His parents are teachers in BKK.

He would probably only go for a 1 week vacation visit...

And I'm still resident in the US.... so I won't be appearing at the Embassy.

The trip/return from Hong Kong will probably not impress as would a trip to UK/Europe/US but is probably better than no travel.

Kind of ironic that the US Embassy would like to see evidence of travel to other countries.. especially as they are unlikely to grant it themselves...! Kind of "chicken-and-the-egg, really...

Wonder why Thailand isn't a member of the "US Visa Waiver Program".. like many other countries...??

ChrisP