B2 (US) visitors visa for girlfriend

[drawp]

I've been scouring around trying to find some more (hopefully success) stories of those who have applied for a B2 visa for their girlfriends. I am currently working with my girlfriend to put together her application and we are thinking that we do not have anything that will prove, at least in the consular officer's eyes, that she will return to Thailand, even though that is the plan.

My girlfriend does not currently own any property or land. She does have a well paying job at one of the large property development companies that she has held for more than two years. She does have a decent amount of money saved (more than 125k thb) from working since graduating from University. She does own a motorbike as well. She will be able to get a letter from her work stating that her job will be guaranteed for her during her vacation. She has lived her entire life in Thailand, and has never been anywhere else except for trips to Laos and Myanmar during university, neither of which required a passport.

I was planning on sponsoring her, since 125k is a decent amount, but it isn't at least in my eyes, enough for a decent holiday, as a plane ticket is usually about 35-60k, rooms are another 20-40k for a two week stay, etc.

So we are a bit lost, well we know for sure she will come back, to us we are just worried that we do not have enough to prove that she will return. We were hoping to see if any one else could share their experiences, or at least give us some insight on what else we could show to prove her ties to Thailand.

Many thanks in advance.

[ubonjoe]

Her having a job is a plus.

What is your status here? That is important also. If you are here long stay here such as an extension that gives you ties to Thailand. If not it is a large negative factor if you get involved in her application.

[drawp]

I am based in the US, but I do I travel around the world quite a bit as I work with the casino gaming industry (which means Thailand is a no-no).

I understand that having me involved in any way is a large negative factor, but we'd like to be honest about it, especially if this relationship grows at any point.

If we remove any mention of myself, would she have any chance at getting in, even with only 125-150k baht in the bank? I mean, a vacation is certainly do-able with that, but I honestly have no idea what they are looking for in terms of money.

[NeverSure]

Sometimes it almost seems like a lottery - numbers drawn at the whim of the interviewer. I say put together the best application you can for her alone and don't go to the interview. Unless you actually live in Thailand, stay out of it.

I have seen gals get the visa for the flimsiest of reasons, and others be turned down when you'd think it was a shoe-in. I think a lot of points are won or lost by what the interviewer believes.

She has a Thai uni degree which won't do her much good in the US. She has a good job that's worth returning to. She has possessions even if just a motor vehicle and she should stress family if possible.

She should stress that she saved that money so she could see the USA, but she must return to her family and her job. Thai family ties are well known.

After that I think it's about 50% luck. Just go for it.