Applied for marriage visa to US. Should we apply for tourist visa also?

[MathewM]

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.

[lopburi3]

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.  

Edited October 3, 2016 by lopburi3

[MathewM]

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.