Thai Visiting Canada (visa)

[lennya12threh]

I have been with a Thai lady for about 15 months now and have been studying university in Thailand and am just about to finish my first year. In about a month and half my summer will start (about 2 months in length) and me and my girlfriend are planing on going to Canada to visit my family for about 3 weeks sometime during the summer.

We really need to get started with getting her visa but don't know where to start. After summer we would come back and I would continue university here in Thailand and come back to her laundry business.

Info about my girlfriend: She is 29, has about 200,000 baht in the bank, and a lanudry buisness worth 300,000 baht, as well as a car and motorbike in her name at about 200,000 baht each. I know it helps if she has money when trying to get out of Thailand for a holiday.

I am currently enrolled at Mahidol university and just about to finish the last term, with a years tuition total of about 250,000 baht. I am on student visas obviously and they're easy to get as a student of Mahidol.

So what documents do we need to get together before we go and apply for the visa, and where do we go first? I'm assuming she would have to go to some Thai government institution as well as the Canadian embassy.

Also, would it help if we did the contract thing and got "married?"

We do have a good source for the place we will be staying in Canada. It my parents house and they're a good, law-abiding, well-off, middle-class couple.

Anyways, if anyone has any experience will a Thai going on a 3 weekish holiday to Canada please help me with some insight.

Thanks, Lenny

Edited June 3, 2010 by lennya12threh

[Gigabyte]

Hi,

Do not get married just for a visa...

One of my friends (lady) went to visit her b/f in British Columbia a couple of years ago. She got her visa at her first try; the key really is to show that she has a good reason to come back to Thailand and not hide as illegal immigrant in Canada. Also a passport showing previous travels helps a lot.

On top of my head, she needed to bring to the Canadian Embassy:

- Passport (valid at least 6 month)

- Letter of invitation from the people in Canada saying that they invited her and that they take care of all her expenses.

- Registration of the house she owns and renting contract (she was actually renting the house to me)

- Bank book

- Car registration paper

- Birth certificate (her and her daughter even if she was not going - having kids here is a reason to come back)

- Any other documented reason showing that she will come back here.

I hope this helps and good luck!

[eggomaniac]

I think? it's better if she books and applies on her own for a 'holiday'. Don't lurk in the background, they, the Thai women behind the glass window, will immediately

think you are trying to get her into Canada for ever.

---------

Oh. Make sure to book flights that do NOT include an O/N stay in a 3rd country, where you have to leave the airport and go through passport control.

Hi,

Do not get married just for a visa...

One of my friends (lady) went to visit her b/f in British Columbia a couple of years ago. She got her visa at her first try; the key really is to show that she has a good reason to come back to Thailand and not hide as illegal immigrant in Canada. Also a passport showing previous travels helps a lot.

On top of my head, she needed to bring to the Canadian Embassy:

- Passport (valid at least 6 month)

- Letter of invitation from the people in Canada saying that they invited her and that they take care of all her expenses.

- Registration of the house she owns and renting contract (she was actually renting the house to me)

- Bank book

- Car registration paper

- Birth certificate (her and her daughter even if she was not going - having kids here is a reason to come back)

- Any other documented reason showing that she will come back here.

I hope this helps and good luck!

Edited June 3, 2010 by eggomaniac

[Gigabyte]

I think? it's better if she books and applies on her own for a 'holiday'. Don't lurk in the background, they, the Thai women behind the glass window, will immediately

think you are trying to get her into Canada for ever.

---------

Oh. Make sure to book flights that do NOT include an O/N stay in a 3rd country, where you have to leave the airport and go through passport control.

Absolutely correct - I forgot about that one. You probably do not want her to apply for US, UK or German visa as well...

[Svenn]

I'm American but had my thai gf apply for a canadian tourist visa in Tokyo. My hunch is it's much easier for thai girls to succeed in Japan than in Bangkok... partly because if they were able to get a japanese visa it almost assures they're legitimate. Visa applications aren't that hard; try Japan as test run and if you have the cash, go to tokyo for a week and apply there.

[eggomaniac]

Out of curiosity, why would you recommend against the Thai person in question not staying overnight in another country? Thanks in advance.

Somebody PMed me this question.

It's my opinion that World Customs agents are on 'alert' for Thai women travelling abroad.

My friend was bringing his wife back to Canada, after a couple of years of frustration, delays and moolah.

In Korea he had to jump over a counter because they were taking her away from him to some room. I wasn't there, but have never seen Ken lie about anything. I can only imagine what they thought because, if necessary, he can be the feisstiest little wolverine you would want to deal with.

This incident, and other reports, make me think Thai women are subject to 'suspicion'.

Just make the flights with short stop overs, not overnight where you have to hotel outside the airport. KISS

----------

Can she NOT do this through an International travel agent and not even have to go to the Canadian Embassy.

If a farang man is with her in the Tower, the Thai ladies you have to deal with go to Page 2, automatically.

Maybe a travel agent can get her passport stamped???

Just have her say she wants to see the Capillano Suspension Bridge, then Niagra Falls. Better to say she is staying at hotels than BF's.

Get a Thai you both know to accompany her to the offices. Let them think he is her Thai BF.

--------

All of the Asian visitors I meet here in Canada did it all on their own, for a holiday. All the cases where it was like pulling hen's teeth, including my own, was when there was farang man beside them.

[We never saw a Canadian Immigration official until we landed in Canada. The Thai woman, behind the glass in the Tower, refused us at first. We went back and made a teary eyed appeal. She stipulated, get this, that we come back after we visited HER mom. She then gave the Stamp but wrote, not to exceed 3 months.

When we landed in Vancouver, SHE got stamped 6 months. I asked the guy about the 3 month thing and he just crossed it out with his pen.]

If I had it all to do over again, I would have had HER book a 'holiday' to see Niagra Falls, stayed out of the picture, and just booked on the same flights. She has a condo, had a job and had enough savings to do this.

------

We GOT b*tch behind the glass in the end, because SHE is now a perm res in Canada and we have been back to Thailand twice, with our little girl.

[eggomaniac]

I'm American but had my thai gf apply for a canadian tourist visa in Tokyo. My hunch is it's much easier for thai girls to succeed in Japan than in Bangkok... partly because if they were able to get a japanese visa it almost assures they're legitimate. Visa applications aren't that hard; try Japan as test run and if you have the cash, go to tokyo for a week and apply there.

Singapore better than Japan. Not to contradict my other Post, but all of the Canadian visa stuff from BKK is okayed in Singapore. It's almost like the Thai women behind the glass, whose English is poor, don't want to make a mistake.

I've heard more than one Canuck say that they had better 'luck' going to Singapore and applying out of there.

------

As above, it a travel agent can book the flight and get the passport stamp without visiting the Tower, all the better. Have a Thai man accompany her. do NOT lie he is BF, just say 'friend'. If they think his is fiance, all the better. If that doesn't work, enjoy Singapore for a few days and try from there.

Say she wants to see Niagra Falls, which is probably true anyways as 90% of Thais seem to want to see Niagra Falls.

[lennya12threh]

I'm American but had my thai gf apply for a canadian tourist visa in Tokyo. My hunch is it's much easier for thai girls to succeed in Japan than in Bangkok... partly because if they were able to get a japanese visa it almost assures they're legitimate. Visa applications aren't that hard; try Japan as test run and if you have the cash, go to tokyo for a week and apply there.

Singapore better than Japan. Not to contradict my other Post, but all of the Canadian visa stuff from BKK is okayed in Singapore. It's almost like the Thai women behind the glass, whose English is poor, don't want to make a mistake.

I've heard more than one Canuck say that they had better 'luck' going to Singapore and applying out of there.

------

As above, it a travel agent can book the flight and get the passport stamp without visiting the Tower, all the better. Have a Thai man accompany her. do NOT lie he is BF, just say 'friend'. If they think his is fiance, all the better. If that doesn't work, enjoy Singapore for a few days and try from there.

Say she wants to see Niagra Falls, which is probably true anyways as 90% of Thais seem to want to see Niagra Falls.

Hi, thanks for all the replies everyone.

Ok, well I will al the documents ready.

Also, we will probably end up doing the contract before going anyways, and not just because we are going to Canada. We could decide to not make a contract if it was easier. Also, we will plan to buy the flight tickets after getting the visa I would assume, so flying to Japan or Singapor seems like a hassle and we are on a limited budget to get to Canada.

I'm not sure about all this lying and decieving stuff. I'd rather just be honest.

I think we should do fine with a family visit with the contract as she has near 1milion baht is stuff that would stay here, and 'm coming back for university. We have pictures of when my family came to visit us and everything and my parents will help in any way possible to provide letters and picture of when hey came etc.

What kind of slimey would say "I'm sorry, your wife cannot travel anywhere with you, she will be locked up in Thailand."

Also, the problems will come from Canada, not the Thai government right?

Edited June 5, 2010 by 7by7
Obscenity removed

[eggomaniac]

contract, you mean marriage right? whoa... there have been all kinds of 'slimey experiences' with Canadian men taking years to get their wives out of Thailand.

hmm I didn't say 'lie' to them. In my opinion, it would be better for a Thai man to accompany, even if it was a brother, in my opinion, the flags go up when there is a farang man in the chair beside.

[if they 'think' it's a Thai BF, bonus, but don't say that, like what if they checked it out?]

All of the Asian Thai women tourists my little girl and I chat up on the waterfront, all seem to have BF back home.

Like I said in our PM, I thought about how I would do it over again, and avoid 5 visits and getting to the point I was planning a hunger strike.

PHONE them anon and request/demand to speak to a Canadian. hope you don't get what my friend got 'Frenchie' who barely speak English.

Explain your travel situation and tell them you have been hearing a simple visit to your parents could be like a BIG deal to get your GF a visa.

Ask THEM what you should do, come in with her or have her go in alone. If they ask about marriage, say you've talked a bit about it, but nothing for sure, ie [meeting your parents]

You could buy yourself a lot of seperation and legal expenses if you get married in Thailand.

If she CAN go this time as 'tourist', the next time will be easier.

Do you know if she would like to move to Canada, or stay in Thailand with her business and family?

<< That would make a BIG difference on how you play this out and whether you get married in Thailand or Canada.

If you guys want to live in Canada don't get married in Thailand, do a Thai wedding on a visit, after she gets her perm res card.

[7by7]

I'm not sure about all this lying and decieving stuff. I'd rather just be honest.

Always be honest. I know nothing about the Canadian immigration rules, but I am sure that, like everywhere else, if she lies on the application and it is discovered then not only will this application be refused, she may also be banned from entry to Canada for a considerable period.

[lennya12threh]

contract, you mean marriage right? whoa... there have been all kinds of 'slimey experiences' with Canadian men taking years to get their wives out of Thailand.

hmm I didn't say 'lie' to them. In my opinion, it would be better for a Thai man to accompany, even if it was a brother, in my opinion, the flags go up when there is a farang man in the chair beside.

[if they 'think' it's a Thai BF, bonus, but don't say that, like what if they checked it out?]

All of the Asian Thai women tourists my little girl and I chat up on the waterfront, all seem to have BF back home.

Like I said in our PM, I thought about how I would do it over again, and avoid 5 visits and getting to the point I was planning a hunger strike.

PHONE them anon and request/demand to speak to a Canadian. hope you don't get what my friend got 'Frenchie' who barely speak English.

Explain your travel situation and tell them you have been hearing a simple visit to your parents could be like a BIG deal to get your GF a visa.

Ask THEM what you should do, come in with her or have her go in alone. If they ask about marriage, say you've talked a bit about it, but nothing for sure, ie [meeting your parents]

You could buy yourself a lot of seperation and legal expenses if you get married in Thailand.

If she CAN go this time as 'tourist', the next time will be easier.

Do you know if she would like to move to Canada, or stay in Thailand with her business and family?

<< That would make a BIG difference on how you play this out and whether you get married in Thailand or Canada.

If you guys want to live in Canada don't get married in Thailand, do a Thai wedding on a visit, after she gets her perm res card.

Thanks for the replies guys.

So why would it be hard to live in Canada if we got married in Thailand? Isn't marriage marriage? Canada won't recognize the marriage in Thailand as being as "Canadian" as one in Canada? Haha...

Well I'm still not sure what to do.. Hm. Maybe I should contact the embassy myself first and just be honest and speak to a Canadian...

Also, what does this mean? "You could buy yourself a lot of seperation and legal expenses if you get married in Thailand."

Thanks gys.

[bino]

I posted a lot of info about obtaining a Canada tourist visa in this thread some time ago... most if not all of the info is still valid, and I'm too lazy to type it all again! ;-)

Have a look- it will get you started.

[mmushr00m]

Hahah seems everyone refers to the lady at the embassy at the b*tch.

Cant blame her thouigh, her job is the seperate out those that will never get a visa so as not to trouble the Canadian guys in the back.

I have gone through this afew times with my GF who is now my wife.

It helps if she has previously travelled as it will show that she returns to Thailand. There is a fear that Thai women get trafficked or do a "robin hood"(become illegals).

The 1st time (when wife was still GF) :

- Letter of invitation from me, also included i info on accom, health insurance etc

- Itinerary

- Letter of employment, mine and hers from her work

- Her bank statements.

We picked up the visa the next day.

- Expect to be interviewed (we didnt, but a friend who was like you got binterviewed/interoggated).

- I was asked some questions by the visa application lady aka the b*tch, but I told her I already have a Cdn passport what i did in Thailand is the matter of the Thai govt not the Cdn govt.

Also bear in mind about the plane routing. Where in CDA are you flying into? For me its TO and even now we avoid flying into the states eventhough its considerably cheaper. For TO we transit through Chicago Ohare and trust me I would not want to put anyone through that experience.

Even in airports where she does not have to go through passport controls again, she may be detained in a holding area and then escorted onto the connecting flight or worse, get sent on the next plane home.

My suggestion would be to fly via HK or Taipei.

[lennya12threh]

thanks i will have to get direct to Canada I guess...

I also just relying to this pm, posting it incase anyone has any extra insight

Is this because Thailand won't let her out or Canada won't let her in?

Edit:

PM removed; see forum rules

20) Not to post personal messages from other members, whether in full or in part.

This may seem a small violation in this case, but if posting a PM in the open forum is allowed once, then it starts to push the boundaries and can lead to all sorts of problems.

If you have any questions based upon the contents of the PM, I suggest that you prepare them and then ask; without quoting the PM itself.

Edited June 6, 2010 by 7by7

[Yogacharya]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread ... I'm in a similar boat right now, getting ready to apply for a Canadian visa for my GF to come and visit me for 3 weeks in September.

I have to admit, I'm filled with a lot of anxiety about this because of all the horror stories. I also want to make sure I don't make a mistake ... but I also don't want to have to lie.

What I'm still not sure about is whether or not we should say that she is going to Canada to visit her boyfriend, or just to visit Canada. It seems like some folks here are recommending to keep silent on the "boyfriend" idea. If so, then what about the letter of invitation I plan to write? Instead of saying that I want my girlfriend to come and visit me and meet my family, what should I say? "I want this Thai girl, who is just a friend, to come and visit Canada and I will cover all her expenses?" Sounds a bit fishy to me. Would the crabby lady at the Canadian embassy really not see through that? I'm sure she's processed a thousand applications of the sort.

So, if the consensus is for the farang to "stay out of the picture" how would you all recommend handling the letter of invitation, etc?

BTW, my girlfriend is in graduate school here, and has a letter from her University to confirm that she will be traveling during her semester break in September.

Also, does it help to show a rental agreement here in Thailand with both my name and hers on it, or just hers alone? Does it help to show my return ticket to Thailand along with hers, or just hers alone?

Thanks to everyone for your input here ... I'm really nervous about this. I really want this visit to happen! )

Oh, and Lennya, as far as I know, getting married before you go will make it impossible for you to visit Canada this summer. Your new wife won't be able to enter Canada until her marriage visa is processed (in Singapore, I believe), which I've heard takes 6-12 months!

Thanks!

Michael

[eggomaniac]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread ... I'm in a similar boat right now, getting ready to apply for a Canadian visa for my GF to come and visit me for 3 weeks in September.

I have to admit, I'm filled with a lot of anxiety about this because of all the horror stories. I also want to make sure I don't make a mistake ... but I also don't want to have to lie.

What I'm still not sure about is whether or not we should say that she is going to Canada to visit her boyfriend, or just to visit Canada. It seems like some folks here are recommending to keep silent on the "boyfriend" idea. If so, then what about the letter of invitation I plan to write? Instead of saying that I want my girlfriend to come and visit me and meet my family, what should I say? "I want this Thai girl, who is just a friend, to come and visit Canada and I will cover all her expenses?" Sounds a bit fishy to me. Would the crabby lady at the Canadian embassy really not see through that? I'm sure she's processed a thousand applications of the sort.

So, if the consensus is for the farang to "stay out of the picture" how would you all recommend handling the letter of invitation, etc?

BTW, my girlfriend is in graduate school here, and has a letter from her University to confirm that she will be traveling during her semester break in September.

Also, does it help to show a rental agreement here in Thailand with both my name and hers on it, or just hers alone? Does it help to show my return ticket to Thailand along with hers, or just hers alone?

Thanks to everyone for your input here ... I'm really nervous about this. I really want this visit to happen! )

Oh, and Lennya, as far as I know, getting married before you go will make it impossible for you to visit Canada this summer. Your new wife won't be able to enter Canada until her marriage visa is processed (in Singapore, I believe), which I've heard takes 6-12 months!

Thanks!

Michael

well some Posters have had no trouble doing the letter of invitation process for gf.

Lenny and you both seem to meet the criteria.

As, previous, phone the Embassy and ask them. Tell the details and ask if she should go in alone or with you, which would be better.

Visiting Canada

Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Canada - Temporary Resident Visa

Letter of invitation for countries whose citizens require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada

[Yogacharya]

Thanks!

One more thing though ... everybody is talking about "going in" with her or letting her go alone. We can send the application by mail, can't we? We only have to go in if we're asked to go for an interview, right? We live in Phuket, and obviously don't want to go to Bangkok unless we have to.

Ok .... ONE more thing ...about going to Singapore. It says on the Canadian website that you must apply for the temporary visitors permit in the country of your nationality ( i.e. Thais must apply in Thailand). has anyone really tried to apply in Singapore? and if so, did it work and how long did it take?

Thanks!

Michael

[eggomaniac]

Thanks!

One more thing though ... everybody is talking about "going in" with her or letting her go alone. We can send the application by mail, can't we? We only have to go in if we're asked to go for an interview, right? We live in Phuket, and obviously don't want to go to Bangkok unless we have to.

Ok .... ONE more thing ...about going to Singapore. It says on the Canadian website that you must apply for the temporary visitors permit in the country of your nationality ( i.e. Thais must apply in Thailand). has anyone really tried to apply in Singapore? and if so, did it work and how long did it take?

Thanks!

Michael

That's a question I was wondering. ?I believe you have to go to the Tower?.

More than one person I know went to Singapore when they were getting road blocks in BKK. That was 5 years ago.

Phone them! Ask to talk to a Canadian and hope you get someone that speaks your Official language.

When the Private Message is upgraded I will mail you and Lenny my sister in law's , sister in law's phone number. She is a great lady and books International flights.

[mmushr00m]

"Oh, and Lennya, as far as I know, getting married before you go will make it impossible for you to visit Canada this summer. Your new wife won't be able to enter Canada until her marriage visa is processed (in Singapore, I believe), which I've heard takes 6-12 months!"

Thats not true. After we got married, we didnt bother applying for a Cdn PRV. So wife just applied for a tourist visa ech time we went home.

No need to hide the BF part IMO. Just write an invitation letter, show that she has the means to travel and survive in Canada, show that you have the means and are willing to pay for any extra/emergency costs and its sorted. Also important is to have something that will show that she will return to Thailand.

Look at the checklist above and make sure you have all the documents.

Once we put in the application at 11am and picked up the visa at 1pm the same day!!

[Yogacharya]

"Oh, and Lennya, as far as I know, getting married before you go will make it impossible for you to visit Canada this summer. Your new wife won't be able to enter Canada until her marriage visa is processed (in Singapore, I believe), which I've heard takes 6-12 months!"

Thats not true. After we got married, we didnt bother applying for a Cdn PRV. So wife just applied for a tourist visa ech time we went home.

No need to hide the BF part IMO. Just write an invitation letter, show that she has the means to travel and survive in Canada, show that you have the means and are willing to pay for any extra/emergency costs and its sorted. Also important is to have something that will show that she will return to Thailand.

Look at the checklist above and make sure you have all the documents.

Once we put in the application at 11am and picked up the visa at 1pm the same day!!

Thanks for clearing that up about the marriage visa. Yes, I guess what I meant was that once you've applied for a PRV visa, you can't travel to Canada until the application is finished being processed. But, as you said, you don't have to apply for a marriage visa, and can just do the tourist one instead.

BTW eggomaniac ... what is "The Tower?" Sounds ominous! Thanks in advance for forwarding your sister-in-law's phone number! )

Michael

[mmushr00m]

The "Tower" = Abdul Rahim Tower on Rama IV.

Its where the CDN embassy is located on the 14th floor.

....yep our embassy is located in an office building. Not the entire building mind you, but only on 1 -2 floors. NO imposing compounds with high walls, gates and security guards for us, just a humbled office will surfice.....Proudly waving the Maple Leaf ( I think there may be the flag outside the Tower, not sure).

[Yogacharya]

The "Tower" = Abdul Rahim Tower on Rama IV.

Its where the CDN embassy is located on the 14th floor.

....yep our embassy is located in an office building. Not the entire building mind you, but only on 1 -2 floors. NO imposing compounds with high walls, gates and security guards for us, just a humbled office will surfice.....Proudly waving the Maple Leaf ( I think there may be the flag outside the Tower, not sure).

Ahhh ... Thanks! Yep, I've already been there. I had to get a new Canadia passport last month.

[duran]

My GF just got a 6 month, single entry visa for Canada yesterday. Just dropped off her application materials, passport, and picked it up the next day and there it was. No interview necessary. She wrote a letter herself (we are visiting BC as tourists this summer) just stating the purpose of her visit, and also had a bank book statement, and a letter from her office as well with information about her job, salary, etc. The ace in the hole however was the 10 year US multiple entry visa she got earlier. Whew!

Good luck!

[Yogacharya]

My GF just got a 6 month, single entry visa for Canada yesterday. Just dropped off her application materials, passport, and picked it up the next day and there it was. No interview necessary. She wrote a letter herself (we are visiting BC as tourists this summer) just stating the purpose of her visit, and also had a bank book statement, and a letter from her office as well with information about her job, salary, etc. The ace in the hole however was the 10 year US multiple entry visa she got earlier. Whew!

Good luck!

Congratulations! Have a great trip! When are you going? My girlfriend and I are hoping to be in Vancouver for the first couple weeks of September. I hope our visa application goes as smoothly as yours. )

M

[duran]

My GF just got a 6 month, single entry visa for Canada yesterday. Just dropped off her application materials, passport, and picked it up the next day and there it was. No interview necessary. She wrote a letter herself (we are visiting BC as tourists this summer) just stating the purpose of her visit, and also had a bank book statement, and a letter from her office as well with information about her job, salary, etc. The ace in the hole however was the 10 year US multiple entry visa she got earlier. Whew!

Good luck!

Congratulations! Have a great trip! When are you going? My girlfriend and I are hoping to be in Vancouver for the first couple weeks of September. I hope our visa application goes as smoothly as yours. )

M

Thanks! Well, we'll just hop over the border and drive to Vancouver for 2 nights and just do the usual thing - Stanley Park, etc.. Good luck!

[Yogacharya]

Hey Again ...

I'm not sure if anybody is still reading this thread, but I thought I'd give an update of how things went for me and my girlfriend, for the benefit of new readers ...

Before getting started, I called the Canadian Embassy to check on exactly what we need to include in the application. Here's what I was told:

1. application form

2. family form (detailing members of the Thai applicants immediate family)

3. Thai applicant's bank statement (showing past 6 months of activity)

4. 2 photos

5. Letter from employer (or school)

6. 2,400 baht (bank draft)

Optional

7. letter of invitation (from me, the Canadian boyfriend)

8. copy of air tickets to Canada

Oh, and we mailed our application, via EMS from Phuket. We were told that it will take up to 3 weeks to get a response, and NOT to call them before 3 weeks time!

Right from the start, my girlfriend and I decided that we were going to be 100% honest about everything. If that wasn't good enough, then so be it. My girlfriend is doing her Master's degree, so we wanted only to visit Canada for 2 weeks, during her semester break. We included a letter from her school confirming her enrollment in the program. We also included a copy of our house rental agreement, which is in both out names, for extra measure. I wrote a letter of invitation explaining that we met about 8 months ago and that our relationship is progressing, and now I would like to take my girlfriend to Canada to meet my parents and friends. I also said that I will cover all of her expenses for the trip. She wrote a cover letter too, basically saying the same things in her own words. We included all of the required documents, including air tickets, which we already purchased (they are refundable, so nothing to lose except a 2000 baht cancellation fee). Her parents also deposited 90,000 baht into her account (which showed up on the day she printed the statement). She explained in her cover letter exactly what that "last-minute deposit" was - a gift from her parents for her trip. I think that may also have helped to display that she has additional financial support from her family too (even though they are definitely not rich).

And so we crossed our fingers and waited ... and heard nothing for 2 weeks. Then the infamous "crabby lady" from the Canadian Embassy called her. In a surly tone, she asked a few basic questions ... all about ME! What was I doing here in Thailand? What was my job? etc, etc ... Again, my girlfriend was honest. She said that I was just here on Tourist visa after Tourist visa ... and she didn't know much about my job because I haven't been working here. Argh ... she was in tears after that phone call, and thought she had failed for sure. I have to admit, I was feeling a bit dejected too ... after all, I am not retired, I have no real source of income right now, and, well, buying those tickets home pretty much tapped me out. If surly lady calls back and wants to see any of my financial details, we'd be sunk for sure. And the next day she called back. All she wanted this time was to confirm our mailing address to send the passport back to us. She would not tell us on the phone if we passed or failed. My girlfriend cried some more ...

Another 6 days of nail-biting and staring out the window waiting for the postman to arrive ... and then exactly 3 weeks to the day we mailed the application, the response finally came. I almost didn't want to open it. We stared at it for a long time, then swallowed hard, and looked inside ... and there it was, on page 11 of her Thai passport ... a shiny new Canadian visa!!!

What an unbelievable relief! I'm sure you can tell that we are both absolutely overjoyed ... and we are! Best of all, we both feel so happy that we did it all by not having to bend, stretch or twist the truth. We decided right from the start that no matter what happens, pass or fail, we will still be together, and in the end that is all that really matters to us. But now we have an exciting trip on our horizon, and we're so excited!

I wanted to give a big thanks to everyone here in this forum for all your tips, advice and especially your words of encouragement! A great support network for a stressful time. I hope my words can add a bit of hope and encouragement for others who are going through this process too. Good luck all and hopefully we'll see you in Canada!

Michael

Edited July 14, 2010 by Yogacharya

[lennya12threh]

Well to update my situation, we are no longer going for a visit, but hoping to both go back and live in Canada so I can get a real engineering degree there instead of worrying about the quality of one here...

I married her and we will need a spouse visa or whatever. I have seen many people do it quite easy, and my girlfriend thinks it will be no problem as all of her friends have gone to either Australia, Japan, or England and lived there ever since with no problems because they all married here. Again, my girlfriend thinks there should be no problems as we are married and wonders what the heck kind of couples are having so many problems on these forums.

I am personally still quite worried about her not being able to go because all I have read....