I have a Thai wife, with a 10 year old boy. She went with me last year to the USA for 2 months on a 6 month visa. Now we want to go again and bring her son. She went to the US immigration in Bangkok and got a 2 year visa. However, they wanted more paperwork on her son. We have all of the papers to show that she has total control and responsibility for the boy. The biological father signed off.

Here is the question- Is the US Immigration now giving 2 year visas as the standard? Is it more likely that her son will get a 6 month visa or a 2 year visa? I know it is the whim of the interviewer. However, is there a general rule? If the boy will likely get a 6 month, then we will wait until October to apply. However, we live in Sukhothai and would like to be able to make plans- Any opinions are welcome- John

Moving to Visas to other countries forum

I assume you mean she got the visa from the U.S. Embassy Consular Section, NOT U.S. Immigration, which is also here in Bangkok but not co-located with the U.S. Embassy.

She got a "two year" visa? Haven't heard of that one before. Seems like it's more common to issue a visa that's valid for entry to the U.S. for six months from date of issuance. That's what my Thai wife had for her first two trips, then since she proved she was returning, and I'm still retired here, she got a 10-year visa. Note, each time she's been stamped in for 6 months, even tho the longest we've stayed had been about 6 weeks.

The 10-year visa is not issued commonly to Thai who the consular officer feels has a good case for returning to Thailand.

Re the son, I'd halfway think his first visa would be a 6-monther, that is, valid for entry within 6 months from date of issuance. So if you're planning to enter the U.S. next spring, March-April 2011, I'd think it'd be best to wait until October to apply for the visa. Easier to get an appointment then, too.

Mac