Hi -

Thanks in advance to all of the posters; I've been lurking and reading lots of really useful information. However, I have a case which I'm not sure has been fully covered yet (tho it may be a common case).

I have a thai GF, she is about 23yrs old, and I'd like her to come visit me in the states this summer for 2 weeks (can't get off work more than that). She has a job (previously at travel agency, now at a language school), she owns a car, is graduated from University, etc. There are no plans to get married or anything like that, so based on what I've read the B2 visa is the correct option.

BTW, not sure if it matters, but I'm 35.

What would you suggest in order to get a B2 visa for her?

It seems the system may be stacked against her - since she is young, etc, however in truth she *is* coming as a tourist, and she *is* only staying for 2 weeks. I can cover her costs while here, but understand that having an American BF may work against her. If I wrote a letter of support explaining that I would support her costs while in the US would that help things?

A lot of people have said 'don't lie', and I tend to agree with that sentiment - however they have also said that having an American BF is a red flag. So should we downplay the BF angle, make it clear that she's simply visiting me and other friends (which she would be, technically), seeing some sights, and then hopping back on the plane home?

thanks,

JaqueSparrow

the visa approval is strictly under the discretion of the consular interview officer.

your girlfriend must prove and have compelling solid ties that will bring her back to Thailand, in another words not immigrate to the US.

most likely the consular would be looking at her;

1) job(s) she held and income with tax records

2) bank statements

3) house - ownership paper if any

4) education

6) reason into visiting US

7) family, relative, relationship (not boyfriend and friends)

* just remember, she must prove compelling evidence that she will return back to Thailand.

The issue of "downplaying" a romantic relationship with an American is something of a conundrum due to the fact that disclosure of a relationship could lead to denial under section 214b of the Immigration and Nationality Act. That being said, I feel that such a relationship should be disclosed as it is a Material Fact in the Officers adjudication. This does not preclude advocating for issuance of your girlfriend's visa notwithstanding the relationship. With that in mind, she will need to produce a great deal of compelling evidence to show that she will return to Thailand (or another country outside of the USA). Also, it might be helpful to specifically ask for a short term tourist visa that is only valid for the period that she would like to visit.

As stated in previous posts, it basically comes down to Consular discretion, but it is always advisable to put on your best case while remaining honest.

I hope this was helpful.

All the Best!

Ben Hart

US Immigration Attorney

Integrity Legal

Edited April 28, 201016 yr by DirectorIntegrityLegal

I read great advices thus far.

Thanks Ben and rfukata. Very useful info.

I have two follow-up questions.

1) I feel like I should still write a letter of support, explaining that I will cover her costs during the short time she is in the US. Do they need any further justification from my side that I can afford to cover her? i.e. bank statements, etc - or should I just say that I have a job at X and a house at Y and am willing to cover any costs during her 2 week trip to the US. Does anyone have a template for such a letter of support that I could build off of?

2) In keeping with your suggestion, I will ask her to write a letter that asks specifically for a short-term visa (say 6 months validity), with a 3 week maximum stay, so that they see she just wants the visa for this trip and for tourism - and then perhaps we can reapply for a longer-term visa once she proves that she did return to Thailand.

If she puts this in a cover letter, should she do it in English, or Thai? Do you think it is a good idea to have a cover letter that details things the whole set of reasons as to why she will return to Thailand? She would defeinitely be more comfortable writing this in Thai.

thanks