Hello and thank you in advance for any info / first hand experience you guys may have regarding our situation.

My Thai wife and I got married in Bangkok last month. (this wasn't easy, but that's another thread). I returned to the US and submitted our Marriage visa application using an immigration attorney. He informed me the process will take about a year to complete as they have a 5 month waiting period before the process even begins. In the meantime I would like to apply for a tourist visa for her so she can visit. She has a stable job, a son, and has a long term leased apartment. She has money in the bank etc. My question is : Does applying for a tourist visa effect the Marriage visa application or vice versa? My attorney said they usually approve one or the other but not both? He also said people used to get a tourist visa and wait in the US for the Bangkok Embassy interview but not anymore. Any info regarding tourist and Marriage visas is greatly appreciated.

In hindsight perhaps marriage should have been planned for USA and a Fiancee visa applied for.  That is the method to remain in USA during immigrant visa processing.  Expect a tourist visa would not be available as she is obviously not a tourist and having reasons to stay in Thailand are null and void if making application for immigrant visa.  Perhaps best to save your money for a trip or two to Thailand during the processing period rather than probably waste it trying to speed things up.  

 

Edit:  Maybe ruled out but with her having a stable life in Thailand is there any chance you could be the one doing the relocating?  Most Thai I believe are happier in Thailand and with a son and good job it might be possible.  

Thank you for the reply lopburi3. We have chosen a path and will stick with it. I agree we are not likely to get a travel visa while waiting for marriage visa.