Only if you are wanting a non-b multiple entry. For those it means a trip to KL instead of Penang.

Thanks for all the informed answers. Makes perfect sense now vis-a-vis work/marriage. And no - this has nothing to do with the US or Canada. It was about living here.

Sorry for getting back to this thread so late... i hope some of the posters here are still around. Wow, I certainly got some conflicting answers and questions! I'm still a bit confused here on the basics, so if anyone could clarify that would be great: can I get a long-term visa without being married?? i ask because we're both in our mid twenties and my gf is actually transgender, hence legal marriage is an impossibility... my only hope of ever getting her to the US is on a tourist visa... at this point, I'm just starting a quasi-lucrative career in the US and working in Thailand is not practical. The only thing I can do to make her appear attractive to the US officer is if #1. she shows she's been to lots of other WESTERN countries and returned, and# 2. she has a truck load of money and assetts in thailand (I'm not sure a business will be possible for a few years yet), and #3. I can lessen my apparent attachment to the US.

with regards to satisfying #1: she just got a japanese visa no problem (surpisingly) from their bkk embassy and will be coming here to japan to visit me... I went to the canadian embassy here and verily, she can apply for a canadian tourist visa on the peaceful grounds of their embassy here in tokyo while she's here... so i can accompany her to the interview! the canadian lady here even said 'it shouldn't be a problem'. Anyway, i mention Canada because it's one of 4 countries or something allowing same-sex marriage- once we get that marriage certificate- UK, Oz, etc visas will be no problem.

with regards to #3: the only thing i can think of is to get a long-term visa of some sort, which I think is worth it even if i have multiple exits and don't actually stay that long- it shows an effort on my part to want to be in thailand if even just to avoid having to get multiple 'tourist' stamps. Ubonjoe seems to agree with me i think, others don't. But what i need to know is- can i get some sort of long-term visa without actually having to stay that often in thailand? i don't think the officer will look negatively on that, i'll just say "i kept planning on staying for a long period, but never had an opportunity, plus i didn't want my passport full of stamps" - nothing wrong with that right?

thanks to all

Edited February 6, 200917 yr by Svenn

Your latest post changed #3 completly since marriage is not an option to get an extension.

I think you are on the right track with #1 is will help a lot.

You will have to work on #2 some more. Money in the bank doesn't help a lot. A job or school would be the best ties.

You might try an internet search for K1 (or fiance) visas and same sex. I did and came up with some interesting results. Some of it is out of date since some US states now allow same sex marriage.

Good Luck