Thai wife's chances of getting tourist visa to the USA?

[JohnOates]

I'm a US citizen, living in Bangkok now for almost 2 years with my Thai wife and our 12 year old child. We moved here from the US after living there together, which was where we were married, for over 15 years. She was a green card holder, which has since expired. Prior to our move we sold our business and home, and now live with my in laws in Bangkok. We do not work in Bangkok, only manage a few investments, focusing on our child. I'm planning on her taking to her interview, our home sale contract from the States, business sale contract, some bank books, proof of our child's enrollment into Thai International school, a Thai land ownership deed in her name, my yellow residency book along with her's, and a letter from my folks in the States which is where we'll be staying. Any other suggestions?

I'm curious if anyone else with a similar situation has some experience, positive or negative, in getting your Thai wife a tourist visa to the States. Thanks in advance.

[beachproperty]

First off ....you can take your wife to interview BUT you can't attend the interview ....she will be interviewed alone.

Secondly ....All they want to know is if she is going to RETURN to Thailand and getting into the states is not some kind of ruse.

With that said .....proof that she has a child in school;

Thai land ownership;

Money in the bank

Visiting the Relatives in the States

and married to a U.S. citizen

she should have no problems.....might even give her a 10 year tourist visa....GOOD LUCK

[Shot]

Your passport with current and old visa pages flagged.

[JohnOates]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

[Pinot]

I've been married for 3 years to a Thai. She went to the interview and it was over before it began, denied. We don't own any property and she doesn't work. We couldn't show a compelling reason that she would return.

I may try again this year but nothing has changed.

[mikebell]

The interview is a farce. They give you (eventually) a time (7 or 8 am) which means an overnight in BKK. The appointment time bears no resemblance to the time you get seen. I waited over 4 hours on the pavement outside. She was granted a 10 year visa just as I had decided I'm never going to put my wife through this fiasco again.

[JohnOates]

Maybe it doesn't matter but, our residency books or tambien baan are all in Thai, should I have these translated into English? As well as the Thai owned land title, should I have that translated into English as well? Thanks again.

[steelepulse]

Any issues with the expired green card, such as taxes owed or what not?

[JohnOates]

No issues at all. All clear.

[JohnOates]

Update. Wife received a 10 year visa today from our friends at the US Embassy in Bangkok. Had a stack of backup with her at the interview that was never even looked at. It was having the Green Card for so long that swayed them in our favor. She did have to formally surrender her permanent residency to get the visa, which was no problem. Overall, it was a hassle, but she was treated with respect for the most part. Thanks for the advice here. Cheers.