US husband might visit the States with Thai wife

[stargazer9999]

If I understand this correctly a US husband who marries a Thai wife in a traditional Thai ceremony is not 'legally' married in the States. The wife sill has to have a visa for each visit to the States. If the marriage is changed to a 'legal' one and registered with the Thai government and also registered at the CM US Consulate can the wife now travel freely to the States and no longer require a visa? Can she now legally live and work in the States because the marriage is legal and registered at the US Consulate?

Also, are there any advantages or disadvantages to having a child born in Thailand or the States for either the child or the Thai wife?

[Bill97]

No

No

No

[55Jay]

Correct, ceremony only is not a legal marriage in the US or Thailand for that matter.

Simply being legally married does not waive the US visa requirements.

Location of birth could be both a benefit and a pain in the a**. Depends on your point of view.

[stargazer9999]

Can anyone point me to a previous thread on TV that discusses these issues since I'm guessing it's all been written before. Without US citizenship a Thai wife of a US husband cannot freely visit the States nor work there?

[mesquite]

No

No

No

Well put.

[northernjohn]

I don't know. I recently took my Thai live in to the states and she was given a ten year visa. So she can come and go as she pleases for ten years. But she can not work there that is a whole new ball game and requires a green card. By the way it was in Seattle and she still talks about all the evergreen trees.

[CMBob]

Without US citizenship a Thai wife of a US husband cannot freely visit the States nor work there?

No, not only can't she "freely" visit the US, she can't visit at all......unless she obtains a visa. You're marrying her (whether legal or not) didn't change that (although, being married, she can apply for a different visa). And, even if she gets a visa, she cannot work in the US without a green card....and she can't get one of those with a 10-year tourist visa although she can get one (might take 3-9 months after her arrival) with what's commonly called a fiancé visa or what's commonly called a marriage visa.

You'd be better off simply going to the visa section of the US Department of State website and learn for yourself what's required to obtain a visa for her. It's neither quick nor easy.

[BarnicaleBob]

If you become legally married here in Thailand (at the government office) it will be recognized in the U.S.A.. Once married you should obtain a notarized English translation to use with your wife's visa application. To get her a ten year visa, you will find there are a few hoops to jump through in filling out the U.S. marriage visa application, if you are not adept at paper work you may want to consider using a visa service company to do all the paperwork for you. They will walk you through it step by step. There are some variables as to if or not the visa will be approved, such as how long you have been married, does your wife have a compelling reason to return to Thailand such as does she own property in Thailand or other things that tie her to Thailand. It is also very important that she be 100% truthful in her application and when she has her interview. If they find any signs of deception the visa will be refused. This is another reason to use a visa agency to assist her. At her interview she will be told if she will get the visa or not and a week or so later she will be able to pick it up. Most of the time a spouse visa is good for ten years. This means she can visit the U.S. for up to six months at a time. She will not be allowed to be employed in the U.S. You may want to consider obtaining a green card now while in Thailand if you plan on moving to America with your wife to live most of the year every year. It takes a little longer to get and there are a lot more hoops to jump through but if you plan on her working in the U.S. and or staying there more than six months at a time, it is what you will need to do. Again, a visa agency can do it all for you for a price.

Once married, your wife will still not be eligible for a U.S. social security number or at least not until she moves to America and obtains a green card. However, upon being married here, she can apply for a U.S. tax ID number. She can us this tax ID number as if it were a social security number for such things as applying for bank accounts in America. You can also use her tax ID number to claim her as a dependent on your income tax return every year, which would increase your income tax return by about $1,000.00 or more every year depending on what your income is.

About children you should have with your wife; Yes, they can become U.S. citizens if born in Thailand, all you need to do is to take the birth certificate to the Embassy or U,S. Consulate and register the birth. At that time you may also apply for a social security number for the child. The only drawback to a child being born in Thailand is that if they do not at sometime before they reach the age 18 live in the U.S. for a certain number of years, they will not be able to pass their U.S. citizenship on to their children.

It was a slow day for me so I got carried away with a long answer.

[heybruce]

If you become legally married here in Thailand (at the government office) it will be recognized in the U.S.A.. Once married you should obtain a notarized English translation to use with your wife's visa application. To get her a ten year visa, you will find there are a few hoops to jump through in filling out the U.S. marriage visa application, if you are not adept at paper work you may want to consider using a visa service company to do all the paperwork for you. They will walk you through it step by step. There are some variables as to if or not the visa will be approved, such as how long you have been married, does your wife have a compelling reason to return to Thailand such as does she own property in Thailand or other things that tie her to Thailand. It is also very important that she be 100% truthful in her application and when she has her interview. If they find any signs of deception the visa will be refused. This is another reason to use a visa agency to assist her. At her interview she will be told if she will get the visa or not and a week or so later she will be able to pick it up. Most of the time a spouse visa is good for ten years. This means she can visit the U.S. for up to six months at a time. She will not be allowed to be employed in the U.S. You may want to consider obtaining a green card now while in Thailand if you plan on moving to America with your wife to live most of the year every year. It takes a little longer to get and there are a lot more hoops to jump through but if you plan on her working in the U.S. and or staying there more than six months at a time, it is what you will need to do. Again, a visa agency can do it all for you for a price.

Once married, your wife will still not be eligible for a U.S. social security number or at least not until she moves to America and obtains a green card. However, upon being married here, she can apply for a U.S. tax ID number. She can us this tax ID number as if it were a social security number for such things as applying for bank accounts in America. You can also use her tax ID number to claim her as a dependent on your income tax return every year, which would increase your income tax return by about $1,000.00 or more every year depending on what your income is.

About children you should have with your wife; Yes, they can become U.S. citizens if born in Thailand, all you need to do is to take the birth certificate to the Embassy or U,S. Consulate and register the birth. At that time you may also apply for a social security number for the child. The only drawback to a child being born in Thailand is that if they do not at sometime before they reach the age 18 live in the U.S. for a certain number of years, they will not be able to pass their U.S. citizenship on to their children.

It was a slow day for me so I got carried away with a long answer.

"Yes, they can become U.S. citizens if born in Thailand, all you need to do is to take the birth certificate to the Embassy or U,S. Consulate and register the birth."

I assume this registration is much easier if the marriage is legally recognized.

If there is a ceremony only, not legally recognized marriage, is it still possible to register the child with the Embassy/Consulate so the child becomes a citizen?

[CMBob]

I assume this registration is much easier if the marriage is legally recognized.

If there is a ceremony only, not legally recognized marriage, is it still possible to register the child with the Embassy/Consulate so the child becomes a citizen?

If one of the parents is a US citizen, the answer is "yes." See: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/abroad/events-and-records/birth.html

[cyberfarang]

I can only speak for the UK system, but it may help.

If a UK man officially marries a Thai woman in Thailand, he has to swear an affidavit and have the marriage certified at the British embassy.

Then if the UK guy wanted t bring his Thai wife to Britain, his wife has to apply for a visa and whether she gets it or not depends on her UK husband`s circumstances in the UK, does he have a job there and accommodation.

Probably a similar procedure in the USA.

[Mapguy]

I can only speak for the UK system, but it may help.

If a UK man officially marries a Thai woman in Thailand, he has to swear an affidavit and have the marriage certified at the British embassy.

Then if the UK guy wanted t bring his Thai wife to Britain, his wife has to apply for a visa and whether she gets it or not depends on her UK husband`s circumstances in the UK, does he have a job there and accommodation.

Probably a similar procedure in the USA.

Not exactly so.

For a questions like this, do NOT go to ThaiVisa Chiang Mai. Yes!! Don't go here!! Go to the consular services for your country!! And certainly most countries have web sites dedicated to such questions. Well, maybe not Eritrea.

[fey]

I believe children born on US soil have automatic citizenship, but I'm not 100% sure.

I think the child on record can also greatly facilitate the citizenship or green card for the mother if this happens.

There is a 'passport baby' and 'birth tourism' where people try to do this intentionally.

[heybruce]

I believe children born on US soil have automatic citizenship, but I'm not 100% sure.

I think the child on record can also greatly facilitate the citizenship or green card for the mother if this happens.

There is a 'passport baby' and 'birth tourism' where people try to do this intentionally.

Automatic citizenship for any baby born in or under the jurisdiction of the United States--places like overseas military bases, US territories, etc. Donald Trump wants to change that, he doesn't like the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.

Someone born outside the US with one or both parents US citizens is also entitled to citizenship, but there's a little more paperwork.

[khwaibah]

I believe children born on US soil have automatic citizenship, but I'm not 100% sure.

I think the child on record can also greatly facilitate the citizenship or green card for the mother if this happens.

There is a 'passport baby' and 'birth tourism' where people try to do this intentionally.

Automatic citizenship for any baby born in or under the jurisdiction of the United States--places like overseas military bases, US territories, etc. Donald Trump wants to change that, he doesn't like the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.

Someone born outside the US with one or both parents US citizens is also entitled to citizenship, but there's a little more paperwork.

Donald Trump does not like anchor baby's and he has a hell of lot of support on this. Anchor baby's = born of an illegal immigrant on US soil. KEY word Illegal.

[heybruce]

I believe children born on US soil have automatic citizenship, but I'm not 100% sure.

I think the child on record can also greatly facilitate the citizenship or green card for the mother if this happens.

There is a 'passport baby' and 'birth tourism' where people try to do this intentionally.

Automatic citizenship for any baby born in or under the jurisdiction of the United States--places like overseas military bases, US territories, etc. Donald Trump wants to change that, he doesn't like the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.

Someone born outside the US with one or both parents US citizens is also entitled to citizenship, but there's a little more paperwork.

Donald Trump does not like anchor baby's and he has a hell of lot of support on this. Anchor baby's = born of an illegal immigrant on US soil. KEY word Illegal.

A lot of people don't like some parts of the constitution. The correct solution is to gather enough support to change the constitution. The incorrect response is to violate the constitution. Trump avoids specifics, but he gives the impression he wants to violate the constitution.

[Mekong Bob]

anchor babies are US citizens, regardless of the immigration status of their parents.

[Mekong Bob]

a child born to a Thai mother, or Thai father, or both, is eligible for Thai citizenship - regardless of where the child was born.

[Mekong Bob]

Thailand and USA recognize dual citizenship.

[khwaibah]

anchor babies are US citizens, regardless of the immigration status of their parents.

And this is the part that DT wants changed. If they are illegally in the USA then they get the boot including the child. Now lets get back to the OP's questions as he needs some serious help as he has not a clue.

[heybruce]

anchor babies are US citizens, regardless of the immigration status of their parents.

And this is the part that DT wants changed. If they are illegally in the USA then they get the boot including the child. Now lets get back to the OP's questions as he needs some serious help as he has not a clue.

Actually the 14th amendment of the US Constitution is pertinent to the OP's question:

"Also, are there any advantages or disadvantages to having a child born in Thailand or the States for either the child or the Thai wife?"

By extension, the possibility of having a president who doesn't respect the US Constitution is also pertinent.

[derator01]

Please stick to the topic.

[stargazer9999]

BarnicaleBob,

Thanks for your very helpful reply. It's sounds like the agencies would be helpful with any of these procedures but probably expensive. I'm going to investigate the agency costs with my wife. Not sure which one to trust but I believe other threads have mentioned agencies that they have had a good experience with.

Thanks again!

[CWMcMurray]

Of kids born in Thailand, they are still US citizens, but they must live in U.S. For at least 5 years at some point in their lives or they will not be able to pass their nationality to their kids

If born in U.S. .. This does not apply and there kids will be US citizens regardless of the number of years they live in U.S.

Also if your wife or girlfriend has her baby in U.S. , she could basically be guaranteed to never have to leave.. Enliven if she came in on a tourist visa

Although on the visa application, they will ask her if she is pregnant .. If she says yes, can be pretty sure they will deny her application

[Langsuan Man]

Marriage means absolutely nothing to the US authorities that issue visas

It is the likelihood of the applicant coming back to Thailand which is the main and only criteria

[khwaibah]

BarnicaleBob,

Thanks for your very helpful reply. It's sounds like the agencies would be helpful with any of these procedures but probably expensive. I'm going to investigate the agency costs with my wife. Not sure which one to trust but I believe other threads have mentioned agencies that they have had a good experience with.

Thanks again!

I used Starvisa but this was some time back. Cost was the standard 4000 baht for the visa and only 2000 baht for them. This was 2007. For 2k I couldn't be bothered so I let them do the paper work. There price has gone up but it is still a deal. I know quit a few Americans that use them most with good success. You do not have to pay stupid money as NO agent can guaranty your wife a visa. As others have pointed out it her reason for returning to Thailand and this is where your status in Thailand will be a plus or minus. My wife had her interview on a Wednesday and her pp WITH a 10 year multi was in the mail box Friday. Be aware these agents including Star have a rotten habit of requiring you to supply paper work that is only required for a UK national and not an American. Just go with the flow.

[AaronLV]

Of kids born in Thailand, they are still US citizens, but they must live in U.S. For at least 5 years at some point in their lives or they will not be able to pass their nationality to their kids

If born in U.S. .. This does not apply and there kids will be US citizens regardless of the number of years they live in U.S.

Also if your wife or girlfriend has her baby in U.S. , she could basically be guaranteed to never have to leave.. Enliven if she came in on a tourist visa

Although on the visa application, they will ask her if she is pregnant .. If she says yes, can be pretty sure they will deny her application

The requirements to pass on citizenship to your children is the whether you were born in the US or born abroad.

If both parents are USC, at least one needed to live in the US at some point prior to the birth.

If only one parent is a USC, then that parent must have been physically present in the US for 5 years, 2 of those years must be after their 14th birthday.

If you have the baby in the US the baby is a US Citizen but the parents are not, if they do not leave they are illegal their is no provisions for mother to become a permanent resident, however they most likely will not go through deportation hearings. At age 18 or 21 (I forget), the kid can petition their parents for green cards, which in turn they can become US Citizens.