Filipino needing tourist visa to the US.

[LambToTheSlaughter]

So my Filiipino GF who has lived in Thailand with me for the last couple of years is looking to come to the US with me. Neither of us want a K fiance visa yet. I have no idea where to start here. She has some Filipino friends that say she should get a WP in Thailand then apply in Bangkok for a tourist visa to the US. They say the US Embassy in Bangkok is much more likely to grant a visa than if she has just a tourist visa in Thailand (which she has). The assumption being they will think she is working illegally in Thailand and thus is likely to do the same thing in the states. Getting a Non-B and WP seems an awfully expensive and time consuming way to go about getting a tourist visa to the US.

Appreciate any suggestions.

[LambToTheSlaughter]

I am also wondering how relevent it is that she has her old passports showing she has visited other countries (Saudi Arabia) and returned home to the Philipines.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Lamb

First off, what is your visa/extension status here in Thailand? Same with the GF, status? That makes a difference when applying for a U.S. tourist visa.

Mac

[LambToTheSlaughter]

I am in the states. I had a business visa.

[theoldgit]

Is your girlfriend still in Thailand, and if so what's her status?

Have you cut your ties in Thailand, are you back in the US long term?

[LambToTheSlaughter]

She is still in Thailand. I am in the states.

[LambToTheSlaughter]

...long term.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Lamb

You in the U.S. "long term," her in Thailand presumably on a tourist visa. I'd have to say that the situation doesn't really look all that good for her to get a U.S. tourist visa. Need to remember that she'll have to establish to the satisfaction of the interviewing ConOff that she has sufficient ties to Thailand or the Philippines that she'll return after the visit. With you in the U.S., it does name it appear that she might be intending to get married then apply for adjustment of status, rather than depart at the expiration of the visa.

A fiancee visa would probably work and would giver her 90 days in the U.S., along with no obligation to get married while she's there.

See note below re non-Thai applying for a U.S. visa here.

Mac

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

Visas

Nonimmigrant Visas

CAN THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS APPLY IN BANGKOK? I am a citizen of another country who would like to apply for a visa while in Thailand. Can I do so?

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. Additionally, while many visas are able to be issued within 3-4 business days of the interview, if there are any delays it could have a significant impact on the timing of your return travel.