How difficult is it to obtain a US visa for my Thai girlfriend

[dunque]

***My personal opinion regarding the USA and this whole procedure... First off to spend $160 with no guarantee of getting what you have paid for is some racquet if y ou ask me. Must be a great business to accept deposits or payments in full from your customers for services/products but then turn around and say, oh by the way there is no guarantee that I'll show up and do the work/service or send you the product that you have paid for.

Actually, you did your homework and the workers in the Embassy deserve to get paid. It is not a free service, nor should it be, especially for the amount of work that goes into handling the cases. I believe most countries require payment in advance, with no guarantee of approval as well. Thailand charges 1000 baht for each entry and 1800 baht for an extension. A double entry with extensions on each entry (as well as expenses to leave Thailand for each of the entries) would cost more for just six months !!!!

Yes, as is obvious from this thread the Thai visa process is so much more convoluted and unfair than that of the good old friendly USofA

[brucegoniners]

The biggest issue she may have is if she's a full time student and doesn't work. That's a red flag the U.S. usually doesn't work past. But if she has a job and money in the bank then it should be ok.

[Shot]

Quick question for everyone saying we:

Did they used to let someone else be present? I read on their website I couldn't accompany her, then emailed citizen services to plea if I could be there to help her understand the questions, but completely a no go. They told me would could hire an attorney to represent her in the interview but I'm not allowed to assist her or be present for the interview.

Only the applicant can be present for the interview unless they are under 18 years old at which time a parent/guardian can accompany them.

[Nemesis7]

It depends mainly on your Financial and employment status mainly as you are sponsoring her to USA.

Bare in mind, the main concern would be to Her returning back to Thailand. Her strong ties to the home country, sufficient fund for the trip, having a place to stay during her trip in USA.

[PhilipCook]

Also from. Montana(Helena) and visa for gf is pretty simple. She goes through alone, speaks in Thai or English for interview(suggest English) and be honest. Piece of cake but hurry up, you should get her over to visit in time to drive along the going to the sun.road

[YeaBiGgiEs]

***My personal opinion regarding the USA and this whole procedure... First off to spend $160 with no guarantee of getting what you have paid for is some racquet if y ou ask me. Must be a great business to accept deposits or payments in full from your customers for services/products but then turn around and say, oh by the way there is no guarantee that I'll show up and do the work/service or send you the product that you have paid for.

Actually, you did your homework and the workers in the Embassy deserve to get paid. It is not a free service, nor should it be, especially for the amount of work that goes into handling the cases. I believe most countries require payment in advance, with no guarantee of approval as well. Thailand charges 1000 baht for each entry and 1800 baht for an extension. A double entry with extensions on each entry (as well as expenses to leave Thailand for each of the entries) would cost more for just six months !!!!

Yes, as is obvious from this thread the Thai visa process is so much more convoluted and unfair than that of the good old friendly USofA

Then by all means RAPE someone AFTER they have been approved. Sure there is work being done but there is also a cost of doing business. Would you make a substantial non-refundable deposit or non-refundable payment in FULL for anything? But when dealing with government you just can't fight town hall.

[YeaBiGgiEs]

I'm sorry to see a lot of mis-information being given here, but then again every ones circumstance and experience may be different than mine as I stated earlier.

Financial ties and the such is nice but it truly is determined on a case by case basis which comes down to the interviewers feeling at that moment on that day. Perhaps he stubbed his toe getting out of bed or just is in a bad mood.. anyone can find a reason for denial for any reason..

My experience was a VISA approved in less than 2 months from application with no money, no job, no property ownership for a 23yo Thai national, who doesn't speak/write english well, physically disabled and just got his 1st passport 2 weeks before the application. Red flags? Many... but it all worked out

Best of luck

I think the Embassy personnel, like Thai immigration officers, are professional and comments like "stubbed toe" are just out of line. Much more often it is the officious, arrogant, demanding customer who acts like a real "stubbed toe." As an American, I have been in BKK USA Embassy Citizen Services dozens of times over years and never seen/heard any Embassy employee be anything but courteous and often go way out of the way to help. However, there I have seen way too many nasty demanding red-faced Ahole Americans demanding stuff as his god given right!!!

I think the physical disability turned the trick for this one example because one would have to ask how much employment possibilities would have a disabled person, not speaking English, in 'open minded' America? For typists here, it is best to advise based on overall categories rather than very unique personal examples.

No doubt I have run into very professional and courteous Embassy/USA & Thai employees, however the "stubbed toe" comment was just that...The point being that when it comes down to a human decision and every other task/obstacle has been accomplished/satisfied/over come, it the HUMAN DECISION that has the final say and in the world we live in today some people bring their home to work and their work home and take it out on others. So a "stubbed toe" could be enough to alter a humans mood.

[bostonhomer]

What about these options?

If you have all the paperwork already to support the visa your trying to get now, maybe this is a better route to take??

Who knows the actual timeframe, but it seems a little bit more in your control of trying to get your girlfriend to the states vs the person at the desk making the call of a "girlfriend" getting to the states.

K1 Fiancee visas from Thailand to the USA

K1 fiance visas to the USA from Thailand for Thai girls. Normal processing time is 6 months. Good for 90 day visit.

K-3 Marriage Visa from Thailand to the USA

The K 3 visa is a two year multiple entry visa available to the spouses of US Citizens. The combined USCIS and DOS processing time is normally 8 months.

[The Usual Suspect]

While we're on the "visa for GF/Spouse" topic..............Does anyone know what kind of process I would have to go through to get a temporary visa for my Thai wife to visit the U.S.in case of a family emergency (ie: death of immediate family member)? Obviously, a waiting time of weeks or months would defeat the reason for the visa. Is there a "fast track" in these situations?

[thailand49]

Quick question for everyone saying we:

Did they used to let someone else be present? I read on their website I couldn't accompany her, then emailed citizen services to plea if I could be there to help her understand the questions, but completely a no go. They told me would could hire an attorney to represent her in the interview but I'm not allowed to assist her or be present for the interview.

Only the applicant can be present for the interview unless they are under 18 years old at which time a parent/guardian can accompany them.

Not true, several years ago when I applied for my wife and stepson, she was refused because I was not at the Interview since I could not get off work in the States. So I applied again for her and once I got the interview date I worked it out so I can be at the interview. I attended and so did my brother who also resides in Thailand.

As to the people doing the interview at the Embassy? They have a tough job to do since I got the impression when I sat down in a special interview with the Assistance to the head guy at the Embassy at that time that these employees have a profile that they must follow along with them being accountable if a mistake is made along with them in general being government employees have no current training in regards to customer service to people especially citizen. This same piss poor attitude is what I deal with in general with City and State employees that they are doing you a favor by just talking to you.

In one of my interviews, she questioned me as if I was a criminal, although I was 555, to my responses to her questions. I ask her how long have you lived here and when was the last time you were home and whether you follow what is going on in the U.S. she looked at me with contempt and in one of her responses that there are many cases where Thai women are given tourist visa and then overstay their time and the sponsor hires a Attorney and fight the return. I have no problems with the reason but as noted not all cases are the same and you can't generally ask a question and expect the same perfect answer to your profile questions. Every questions she ask I provided a common sense answer with proof of documentation. After a while, it becomes a pissing contest as it was more that she was loosing face than having a open mind about the responses. I fully understand after 9/11 the security issues but from my own experience the interviews and questions had nothing in relationship to security it was the attitude that turn me off! It's I have the power and you don't so kiss my feet. My wife understood very little English but could see from the facial expression of the conversation the ladies attitude. At the near end of the conversation she spoke Thai to her and basically my wife " told her in Thai " she couldn't give a f-ck if she goes or not she is 100% Thai and if it wasn't my wish to meet my mother and family she would rather just I give her the money that was being wasted on this process and the trip "

The decision or profile she had on me was I was her sole supporter and also I had not made Thailand my home which was the key to us returning? Although I had all the documentations on hand like I said the reasons and the questions thereafter had no relationship since she refused to even look at the documentation to answer her own questions.

In the end, I filed a appeal with the Embassy

She got her stamp!

Edited July 16, 2014 by thailand49

[theoldgit]

Only the applicant can be present for the interview unless they are under 18 years old at which time a parent/guardian can accompany them.

Not true, several years ago when I applied for my wife and stepson, she was refused because I was not at the Interview since I could not get off work in the States. So I applied again for her and once I got the interview date I worked it out so I can be at the interview. I attended and so did my brother who also resides in Thailand.

I think may find that things have changed.

ACCOMPANYING APPLICANTS: I am an American citizen and would like to accompany my Thai friend/fiancé/wife, colleague/etc. into the visa waiting area and assist him/her during the visa interview. Can I do this?

Only individuals applying for a visa are allowed to enter the building and to participate in the visa interview. Exceptions ARE NOT made for American citizens who are family members, colleagues, or friends of the applicant. The only exceptions are for children under the age of 16 and applicants with disabilities, who may be accompanied under certain circumstances.

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/mobile/non-immigrant_visas/frequently-asked-questions.html#18

[Shot]

Quick question for everyone saying we:

Did they used to let someone else be present? I read on their website I couldn't accompany her, then emailed citizen services to plea if I could be there to help her understand the questions, but completely a no go. They told me would could hire an attorney to represent her in the interview but I'm not allowed to assist her or be present for the interview.

Only the applicant can be present for the interview unless they are under 18 years old at which time a parent/guardian can accompany them.

Not true, several years ago when I applied for my wife and stepson, she was refused because I was not at the Interview since I could not get off work in the States. So I applied again for her and once I got the interview date I worked it out so I can be at the interview. I attended and so did my brother who also resides in Thailand.

As to the people doing the interview at the Embassy? They have a tough job to do since I got the impression when I sat down in a special interview with the Assistance to the head guy at the Embassy at that time that these employees have a profile that they must follow along with them being accountable if a mistake is made along with them in general being government employees have no current training in regards to customer service to people especially citizen. This same piss poor attitude is what I deal with in general with City and State employees that they are doing you a favor by just talking to you.

In one of my interviews, she questioned me as if I was a criminal, although I was 555, to my responses to her questions. I ask her how long have you lived here and when was the last time you were home and whether you follow what is going on in the U.S. she looked at me with contempt and in one of her responses that there are many cases where Thai women are given tourist visa and then overstay their time and the sponsor hires a Attorney and fight the return. I have no problems with the reason but as noted not all cases are the same and you can't generally ask a question and expect the same perfect answer to your profile questions. Every questions she ask I provided a common sense answer with proof of documentation. After a while, it becomes a pissing contest as it was more that she was loosing face than having a open mind about the responses. I fully understand after 9/11 the security issues but from my own experience the interviews and questions had nothing in relationship to security it was the attitude that turn me off! It's I have the power and you don't so kiss my feet. My wife understood very little English but could see from the facial expression of the conversation the ladies attitude. At the near end of the conversation she spoke Thai to her and basically my wife " told her in Thai " she couldn't give a f-ck if she goes or not she is 100% Thai and if it wasn't my wish to meet my mother and family she would rather just I give her the money that was being wasted on this process and the trip "

The decision or profile she had on me was I was her sole supporter and also I had not made Thailand my home which was the key to us returning? Although I had all the documentations on hand like I said the reasons and the questions thereafter had no relationship since she refused to even look at the documentation to answer her own questions.

In the end, I filed a appeal with the Embassy

She got her stamp!

Things have changed in "several years". Although it does appear I was incorrect about the age restriction...It's 16 not 18.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

The Usual Suspect

While we're on the "visa for GF/Spouse" topic..............Does anyone know what kind of process I would have to go through to get a temporary visa for my Thai wife to visit the U.S.in case of a family emergency (ie: death of immediate family member)? Obviously, a waiting time of weeks or months would defeat the reason for the visa. Is there a "fast track" in these situations?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lots of info on the Embassy's www site re visas: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html

And, here's one of interest to you, I'd expect:

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas/expedited-appointments.html

However, if you've been married for some time, are well established here, I'd suggest giving a shot for a 10-year visa, might work, then no worries. Note, she might only get a single short-term, say, 6 months validity visa, but who knows, worth a chance.

Mac

[The Usual Suspect]

The Usual Suspect

While we're on the "visa for GF/Spouse" topic..............Does anyone know what kind of process I would have to go through to get a temporary visa for my Thai wife to visit the U.S.in case of a family emergency (ie: death of immediate family member)? Obviously, a waiting time of weeks or months would defeat the reason for the visa. Is there a "fast track" in these situations?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lots of info on the Embassy's www site re visas: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html

And, here's one of interest to you, I'd expect:

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas/expedited-appointments.html

However, if you've been married for some time, are well established here, I'd suggest giving a shot for a 10-year visa, might work, then no worries. Note, she might only get a single short-term, say, 6 months validity visa, but who knows, worth a chance.

Mac

Thanks for the links Mac! Actually, we obtained a ten year permanent resident visa and green card for my wife last year. We were about 7 months into the process before we found out that we would have to return to the states every 6 months to maintain her status, but if we didn't actually "live" in the U.S. on a regular basis, she would get "flagged" and she would probably lose her visa. However, after visiting the U.S. for a month and doing "in depth" research on the realities of living in the states, my wife (who is a Thai government employee) decided to return her visa and green card because she would lose more than she would gain by moving to the U.S. I know that sounds strange, but it was about way more than money. It's kind of ironic because most foreigners would give anything to obtain what we gave away.

[Greg Nixon]

I apologize if this is the wrong spot for this topic, probably should have read through a bit more. Thank you all so much for the replies! I'm really clueless and am just reaching out for some info/help..

She actually does own some land and her family does have money but exactly how much, I'm not sure but I do know her grandmother (not the nicest lady) is loaded!

She has absolutely no interest and neither do I in staying in the states. Two round trips will be booked when we decide to go, for sure! As far as her education goes, I'm betting on her leaving when she's done with her law degree which isn't far off and graduation will likely be before we would go. This is most definitely a visit to see my home and introduce her to my family.

Thanks again for the replies everyone!

Cheers

I think that showing a law degree from Thailand would go a long way to prove she will return. She could not work as a lawyer in the USA unless it was for a Thai embassy or consulate. A Thai lawyer will not be recognised in the USA as a lawyer. She would have to go to school again if indeed she is even eligible to enter an American University.

[poweratradio]

Thanks so much for the link, I'll check it out straight away!!

And, no its not a troll post but thanks for looking just past your advanced member wisdom to drop a comment like that on my first post. Maybe I should know what my adventure will run but thought I'd start here first. Why the unfriendly reply?

Doesn't really matter I guess, is there anyone else wondering if I'm just lonely enough to waste my time "troll" posting stupid questions? If so, rest assured that's not the case. I was just wondering if someone might have some insight. Maybe Thai Visa isn't the place for visa questions.

Once again, cheers

Basically you will find that a " letter of invitation " will be what is required with you accepting financial responsibility for all her expenses.

She must be able to show something that is super stable in her life in Thailand. IE job university registration for up coming semesters and family responsibilities IE land ownership.

It has to be convincing enough to make immigration believe she will return to Thailand.

[superplexus]

Hello - Looking thru 3 pages of Q's & A's here there is some good information on US tourist visas.

I have a somewhat unusual question. I have lived continuously in Thailand for 6 years on a retirement visa. I have not been to the US in 3 years. For the past year+ I have had a Thai gf who is 47. She and I would like to tour the US for about a month then return to Thailand.

Here is the unusual part - she and her husband have been separated for about 5 years. They have never been divorced. They have 4 children (aged 11 to 19) and my gf raises them, living in her ex's old home with the kids. So that is my question - how will Embassy look at her trying to get a tourist visa with me if she is legally married to a Thai guy? Or will they even ask? I also suppose, if there is a question about her marital status on visa application, she could check divorced and Embassy would not know the difference.

Anyone have any advice on how to handle this?

Thanks in advance.

Bill,

The fact that your gf is still married may actually work in your favor. It gives the impression that she has a strong reason to return to Thailand. She should play up the marriage. Make it seem like they're all one big happy family. Hell, add a story about how she's scouting out American universities for the 19 year old to go to grad school in a couple of years.

[slipperylobster]

Perhaps your should not go with her, and she should not say you are a boyfriend. That might lead to suspicion that she will stay in the USA with you illegally. My girl was denied a Fiancee Visa, now I am concerned that she will be denied even a tourist visa, as they might think she will overstay int he USA. Her Fiancee Visa was denied because I have no address in the USA. I lived 17 years straight in the Philippines. Also, they asked her what I did for a living...(I am retired military with disability)....and they said I should work. Eighteen months laster, and 2000 usd shorter, I gave up the issue. We are now living in Thailand, and I am applying for a retirement extension.

[Strangebrew]

Ok roundtrip to SFO 2400.00 USD China airlines Southwest airlines another 30.00 to 400.00 RT to SFO saying this way cause can take tram to domestic airlines steps away from exit.. Good luck those are coach prices 2 hour lay over Taipei 13 hours from there get bulk head seats for leg room.

[yankee99]

Seems things are a little different now or maybe im confused? A friend of mine filled out the application for a tourist visa, made a appointment within a week and the visa was mailed the next day. I read in several places on this thread it takes a long time to get or were they referring to immigrant visas?

I haven't seen any mention of travel insurance. I guess they dont expect you to buy it before you secure a visa?

In regards to all this paperwork. Is there a definitive list of what they want to see? Seems they dont have to to go through 20 pages of documents?

[smotherb]

I am assuming that she is going on a tourist visa and she will be accompanying you to the states. She will have to show sufficient funds in the bank to finance the trip and probably regular income from a job. If she is a student that may not be possible, but if her family has money, she may be ok financially.

She will also need to show her school status and that she is enrolled and will continue her education.

Basically she will have to overcome the presumption that she will remain in the US.

Best of luck. (By the way, my information is a little bit old, but I worked for the embassy a long time ago).

I agree with Scott, and my information too is old. I also worked for the US embassy, and two of my wives are from Southeast Asia; they both became US citizens.Things certainly changed after 911; however, the basic decision rationale behind granting visas for girlfriends/boyfriends of US citizens has changed little--if they come from the Middle East, or to a lesser extent, from Asia, things may be more difficult.

She should present a respectable image; not only in documentation, but in appearance. The idea she has reason to return to Thailand is an important consideration. She should present documented proof of her financial resources and/or that of her parents--specifically that she has sufficient funds for the trip (maybe $10k/30 days)--her planned itinerary with a definite entry and return time-frame, and any additional information, e.g., her school and transcripts, her employment history, her Thai possessions--property, home, car, etc., medical and legal clearances, and any other documentation. If you are her reason for applying for the visa, or will accompany her, documentation of your involvement in Thailand and your knowledge of her is important. Since she is a law student, attendance at a legal conference in the US during that time frame may be beneficial.

[bill1369]

I've searched this on TVF but find so many non-applicable links, I gave up reading them.

Does anyone know the length of the tourist visa issued by US Embassy to Thais? (Assuming the Thai is approved.)

I've had people tell me a first visa is usually 6-months.

Also, I've heard that after a first visa is used and the Thai has returned to Thailand, a subsequent visa in the future can be for 10-years.

Are these correct? Or are all US tourist visa lengths variable based on the Thai applicant?

Thank you.

[yankee99]

This one is correct "Or are all US tourist visa lengths variable based on the Thai applicant?"