Us Tourist Visa For Chinese Wife

[vagabond48]

I am an American living in Thailand for over 6 years on a retirement visa.

I haven't been back to the US all this time.

We got married in China nearly 2 years ago.

She is here as a dependent of mine and is on her 2nd annual retirement visa.

We want to visit the US in the near future and was wondering what are her chances of getting a visa.

She is in her late 30's and there is a 25 year age difference.

Since she is a foreigner as well, her only tie to the community is me, her husband.

She does own a nice car and has a substantial Thai bank account, both in her name.

She speaks English well.

Anyone have similar experiences married to a non-Thai?

Edited May 19, 2013 by vagabond48

[asdecas]

I'd say almost certainly that the US embassy will tell her that, being a Chinese national, she must apply for a US tourist visa from China. But your logical first step is clearly to address your questions to the US embassy in Bangkok or perhaps the consulate in CM.

As to her chances of success, I couldn't say, but certainly Chinese nationals are more likely to receive a visa these days than some other nationalities, for financial reasons among others. Be prepared for a ton of paperwork, some non-refundable expense and a wait.

You might also investigate the possibilities of other types of visa and whether they might be more appropriate for your wife's situation.

[taxout]

She's certainly eligible to apply for a US visa in Bangkok.

"While it is the policy of U.S. Embassy Bangkok to accept visa applications from anyone physically present in our consular district, we strongly recommend that you make your application in your country of nationality or residence. Should you choose to apply in Bangkok, and you are not a Thai citizen or a long-term resident of Thailand, it may be quite difficult for the adjudicating consular officer to make a determination regarding your case."

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas/frequently-asked-questions.html#19

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Agree, apply in Bangkok as she's a "long term resident" here, and is your dependent, and you're even a longer term resident.

I think she'll get the visa, based on dependency to you, and your six years here on Retirement extensions. Essential that when she goes for the interview she takes along your passport(s) showing the Retirement extensions, along with her's, of course.

If you have other documents showing your status here, like Social Security mailings to you here, IRS stuff, magazines in your name, these would all add to your established status in Thailand.

Believe you've got a winner.

Mac

[vagabond48]

Thanks for all the helpful comments