Us Tourist Visa For Mom In-law

[freddiefunk]

My wife very recently had her CR-1 visa application approved. We both would like her parents to have a visit to the US, at some point, to visit my parents and to learn more about their daughter's experiences in the US. Her parents used to own and operate a restaurant together but are now retired. Now they are supported financially by their children. She has another sister on a student visa in the US, a sister working and living in Thailand, and a brother working and living in Thailand. Her parents also have a house (I believe it is in her father's name).

Her father has been bankrupt in the past (I believe this was at least 20 years ago) and we were concerned this will squash his chance of getting a visa.

What are the odds that my wife's mother or father or both can get tourist visas to the US (0-10%, 10-50%, >50%)? What could be done to improve the odds? Does the fact that her sister is in the US on a student visa affect the odds?

Freddie

[longball53098]

I'm thinking that having kids in the US would increase the chances of not getting a visa for one or both. They have to prove ties to the homeland and a reason for coming back. Everything you laid out indicates a lot of reason to leave Thailand and never come back.

[freddiefunk]

I'm thinking that having kids in the US would increase the chances of not getting a visa for one or both. They have to prove ties to the homeland and a reason for coming back. Everything you laid out indicates a lot of reason to leave Thailand and never come back.

I agree that the cards are stacked against them. I told my wife to not to get her expectations up too high... but I can't not try for my mom in-law (the indignity and demoralization of a visa rejection from US immigration is mild compared to the consequences I might face otherwise!)

[steelepulse]

As a famous sports announcer used to say, " they have two chances, slim and none". Any reason why your parents don't come to Thailand and meet the inlaws?  Usually it's much less of a a culture shock for people from the US to come here then a non traveled Thai family to go there.

[kaz49]

I'm thinking that having kids in the US would increase the chances of not getting a visa for one or both. They have to prove ties to the homeland and a reason for coming back. Everything you laid out indicates a lot of reason to leave Thailand and never come back.

I agree that the cards are stacked against them. I told my wife to not to get her expectations up too high... but I can't not try for my mom in-law (the indignity and demoralization of a visa rejection from US immigration is mild compared to the consequences I might face otherwise!)

In your research freddiefunk, you might have a look at www.visajourney.com it has updated detailed info on individual circumstances of many people who want to/or have applied for visas to the US. Good luck!

[Martian]

Once your wife becomes a citizen, I believe it is much easier to bring over a family member. I don't have any first-hand experience with this but rather it is my impression from comments I have seen/heard over the years.

Good luck!

Martian

[freddiefunk]

Any reason why your parents don't come to Thailand and meet the inlaws? Usually it's much less of a a culture shock for people from the US to come here then a non traveled Thai family to go there.

We will try to get my parents here for a visit, however, my parents (my father, at least) is just as non-traveled as her parents (culture shock inevitable). Her parents would get a kick out of seeing my father's farm, visiting the university that their daughter attended, and visiting at least one major US landmark (the grand canyon, for instance). Furthermore, if we have children in the future (which we plan on doing), and my wife and I both work, as we intend to do, its not too good that we have to rely on a two week window around the Christmas holiday so that grandparents and grandchildren can visit.

In your research freddiefunk, you might have a look at www.visajourney.com it has updated detailed info on individual circumstances of many people who want to/or have applied for visas to the US. Good luck!

Thanks for the info!

Once your wife becomes a citizen, I believe it is much easier to bring over a family member. I don't have any first-hand experience with this but rather it is my impression from comments I have seen/heard over the years.

Good luck!

Martian

An immigrant visa would not be appropriate. Mostly for the reason indicated by "steelepulse". Her parents have traveled little and are thoroughly Thai. Her parents would be very homesick after a month or two and likely would not be able to maintain a permanent residency in the US. In addition, we haven't decided if my wife should go for citizenship. We need fully understand how such a move can affect her status in Thailand before doing so.

Thanks for all the replies!

Freddie

[Svenn]

How old are they? This is one of the most important points. Assuming you married a young girl, if the parents are only in their 40's or 50's, then yes it seems like they'd have trouble. But if they're in late 60's or older, I think they have a good chance of getting it.

[freddiefunk]

How old are they? This is one of the most important points. Assuming you married a young girl, if the parents are only in their 40's or 50's, then yes it seems like they'd have trouble. But if they're in late 60's or older, I think they have a good chance of getting it.

Her mom is 55 and her dad is 60. Why would age be a factor here?

[freddiefunk]

Update... non-immigration tourist visas for my MIL and BIL were approved!