Newbie - Entry Visas Us Expat

[tjdillingham]

To make this short and simple:

I've read and re-read the visa guides and posts, but i'm still confused about many things. If anyone can help, it would be much appreciated.

1. How long can a US citizen stay in Thailand without work visa? Is residency completely out of the question?

2. If I marry my Thai fiance, would that give me any leverage for staying in Thailand? Would it negate the K1 visa process.

Again, lots of great info I've read, but just asking for some clarification.

Thanks,

tj

[lopburi3]

1. There is no such thing as a work visa. There are tourist visas and non immigrant visas which have no set limits except for length of stay each allows per entry. Residency (PR) is pretty much out of the question without having worked here for more than 3 years as a high wage level however. But you can live here on one year extensions of stay by meeting the requirements - marriage would be 400k in bank account 2 months or Embassy letter of your income above 40k per month.

2. If you are married you had best not have a finance. If you plan to leave Thailand all you need to do is use tourist visas for your wait for visa approval.

[tjdillingham]

1. There is no such thing as a work visa. There are tourist visas and non immigrant visas which have no set limits except for length of stay each allows per entry. Residency (PR) is pretty much out of the question without having worked here for more than 3 years as a high wage level however. But you can live here on one year extensions of stay by meeting the requirements - marriage would be 400k in bank account 2 months or Embassy letter of your income above 40k per month.

2. If you are married you had best not have a finance. If you plan to leave Thailand all you need to do is use tourist visas for your wait for visa approval.

I'm not married, i'm engaged to a Thai national, we're considering K1 visa, but if marrying her in Thailand just to get me to live there would slow or hurt the K1 visa process, I prefer not to bother Thai marriage yet.

I was speaking of a Type B Non Immigrant visa, but then again I'm not sure of the process without already having the job. Quite frankly, i'm confused about all the options for US citizens and just need the clarification in order to move on with some sort of plan. Thanks for the reply and sorry my previous was confusing. Your help is much appreciated lopburi