I am a US citizen but I have New Zealand Permanant residency and have lived in New Zealand for 25 years.

I have spent about 25% of my time in the past 2-3 years in Thailand and I have a Thai girlfriend

I go to the USA about twice a year to visit my sister. I would like to take my GF to the USA with me on my next trip - September

She lives in Udon with her mama where she helps her run a small shop and restaurant.

She also has a young son (not mine) but he is not coming on the trip - her English is not too bad

I have heard all sorts of stories about how hard it is to get a visa to the USA

So, should I consider using an immigration consultant - they are expensive?

Or, does my situation sound like something that would be not much of a problem

Any advice is appreciated

I think it's going to be a tough road for her. About the only thing she has going for her is that she has a kid remaining behind (who could easily be given to mom if she wanted to do a runner). She does not appear to have much of a work history and a letter of job guarantee is pretty dubious as she is returning to a presumably low paid job, in Issan, run by "her mother".

My first concern if I were embassy staff would not be not you marrying, but her doing a runner. -jus sayin'

Basically, the hurdles are: Will you get married and/or not return, Will she do a runner on her own accord, Was she ever a hooker (yes, there are questions about vice on the application).

This is the US so imo I don't think an agent will help your cause. They are not magicians.

The form is very straightforward. Have a look and see how you feel about it all.

Worse to worst, you are out about 175 bucks + the trip to CXY. If that is an issue, think it through...

You have a bit of a long road ahead of you..and I think that by the time you get everything in order, whether you go through an agency, law firm or do it on your own, September of 2011????....................out of the question