ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ Nov 25 2008, 05:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 25 2008, 07:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>


Yep, about 2-2.5 weeks it seems.


really, can you point me to some info to this? thanks



No, it's just based on my conversations with some people that I know.

Did you get your date yet?
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-26 07:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Nov 25 2008, 10:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 25 2008, 07:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That was the price on Kuwait Airlines after taxes.

Passengers Price Tax, fees + charges Full Price
1 Adult THB 20,790 THB 1,620 THB 22,410


I really dislike Kuwait Airlines. I used to fly them from MNL to BKK. Wasn't impressed with the condition of the aircraft at all... but it was my only option.

So how do you usually fly from TB to BKK, Tom? I've never had to fly to Asia from the East coast, since I moved here from Hawaii, and before that, lived in the Marshall Islands.

I am not looking forward to the loooooooong flights to get there... sad.gif


I always fly from Hong Kong when I am working there. TPA-EWR-HKG-BKK my employer pays to get me to HKG and I fly Emirates to BKK.

Anna is just flying over on her own. There is not much point in me spending $1300 to fly over just to pick her up. I might fly her to JFK meet her there... we could spend a few nights in Manhattan before coming back to Florida. I hope it snows... LOL...

QUOTE (raptorea1 @ Nov 25 2008, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 25 2008, 08:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 25 2008, 08:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is getting interviews so soon at the BKK consulate a recent trend? I was banking on it being minimum 10 weeks from embassy receipt of Packet 3.


Yes it's much faster now... you'll be in the first half of December for sure. But the visa is valid for travel for quite a while; you don't have to fly immediately.


My paperwork went today. Do you think I will get in by mid December? I hope so. I heard it is only taking about two weeks to get appt.??
Thanks
Good luck all


Yep, about 2-2.5 weeks it seems.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-25 15:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 25 2008, 08:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is getting interviews so soon at the BKK consulate a recent trend? I was banking on it being minimum 10 weeks from embassy receipt of Packet 3.


Yes it's much faster now... you'll be in the first half of December for sure. But the visa is valid for travel for quite a while; you don't have to fly immediately.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-25 08:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 25 2008, 07:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 24 2008, 10:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Nov 24 2008, 09:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
BKK to JFK = $1021 24 hours
BKK to EWR = $1414 23 hours
BKK to IAD = $1300 21 hours

It's a tough one. I appreciate the advice toma1 to take two flights and perhaps save $200, however she may be travelling with her dog, so the shortest flight may be best.

Birch and eric, if you two wouldn't mind sharing any information you find while in Bangkok, I would be most grateful.


The dog will go into quarantine I'm pretty sure, right? You should check into that. Quarantine can be pretty long...

I'm not sure about your dates, but you can beat that price on Sidestep.com. I've see it as low as $640 to JFK in December on Kuwait Airlines.


On those discount flights, you've got to click on "taxes and fees" though. My experience is the low, low, prices have very high fees which brings them into line with the more "regular" fares. I've been checking and anything less than about $1,100 is not coming up.


That was the price on Kuwait Airlines after taxes.

Passengers Price Tax, fees + charges Full Price
1 Adult THB 20,790 THB 1,620 THB 22,410
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-25 07:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (raptorea1 @ Nov 25 2008, 01:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I looked into this week about a one way to bkk and I called delta and told me since I am a usa citzen that I have to have proof of a return ticket or a forward of onward travel.


While technically true, in practice I've never heard of this being enforced. Personally, I have been to Thailand many times and have never been required to show such proof. In fact, I have even been there without a return ticket.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-25 05:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (eric_f @ Nov 24 2008, 11:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I keep telling myself that I crossed all the Ts and dotted the Is, but I'm more concerned every day about our case ending up in the administrative processing pit that seems to be trapping a surprising number of people. When this whole fiasco is over it will be a good day.


Is it happening that much in Thailand? I haven't seen anyone in this thread complaining...
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-25 05:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 24 2008, 10:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ANNA GOT HER INTERVIEW SCHEDULED DECEMBER 8!! How soon will the visa be issued (assuming all goes well....)? (Remember that December 10 is a public holiday in Thailand.)



OFFICIAL WORD FROM THE BKK EMBASSY:
Yes, normally, it takes two business days. However, because of a Thai holiday on December 10, approved visa cases on December 8 should be ready for pick up by Friday December 12, 2008.

Edited by toma1, 25 November 2008 - 05:33 AM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-25 05:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
ANNA GOT HER INTERVIEW SCHEDULED DECEMBER 8!! How soon will the visa be issued (assuming all goes well....)? (Remember that December 10 is a public holiday in Thailand.)

Edited by toma1, 24 November 2008 - 10:31 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-24 22:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Nov 24 2008, 09:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
BKK to JFK = $1021 24 hours
BKK to EWR = $1414 23 hours
BKK to IAD = $1300 21 hours

It's a tough one. I appreciate the advice toma1 to take two flights and perhaps save $200, however she may be travelling with her dog, so the shortest flight may be best.

Birch and eric, if you two wouldn't mind sharing any information you find while in Bangkok, I would be most grateful.


The dog will go into quarantine I'm pretty sure, right? You should check into that. Quarantine can be pretty long...

I'm not sure about your dates, but you can beat that price on Sidestep.com. I've see it as low as $640 to JFK in December on Kuwait Airlines.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-24 22:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Nov 24 2008, 08:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you for posting the sites. It seems like a one-way ticket for my fiancee from Bangkok to Washington Dulles is going to run around $1,300. I wonder if it would be worth her asking in Bangkok to see if she could get it a little cheaper.


Don't buy that. Get two separate tickets. Try BKK-JFK or EWR and JFK/EWR-IAD
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-24 21:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ Nov 23 2008, 07:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 23 2008, 07:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ Nov 23 2008, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
K-1 or K-3, you only need the divorce decree, not the previous marriage cert.
This is to prove that your not married now and are able to legally marry in the future (for K-1)


Thank you. Did you test that yourself, or hear it from somewhere?


test it?...smile.gif maybe I'm missing your original question...
no its written everywhere and this is my 2nd time through this #######......


What I mean is that the instructions in Packet 3 say, " Both Petitioner and Beneficiary should submit a certified copy of all marriage certificates. If either Petitioner and Beneficiary was previously married, please provide proof of termination of that marriage."

So what I meant was whether your fiancee actually went to the interview without your prior marriage certificate... and was successful.

Edited by toma1, 23 November 2008 - 08:03 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-23 20:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ Nov 23 2008, 07:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Any of you guys that go back to Thailand on a semi regular basis to see your fiancee/wife, find that there is an adjustment period for the first few days your back in LOS? That it may take her a period of time to get "re-acquainted". Even though you talk on the phone a few times a day.....

Just curious, I am leaving to go back to Thailand for the 6th time, on 12/3, to see my wife. I've been doing this every 2 1/2 months or so now. (you can see my schedule in my time line below). I may be seeing this pattern....not sure.....

just some thoughts.........


Ya, I think that's normal. A day maybe. I wouldn't be concerned if it's just that one thing.

QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ Nov 23 2008, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
K-1 or K-3, you only need the divorce decree, not the previous marriage cert.
This is to prove that your not married now and are able to legally marry in the future (for K-1)


Thank you. Did you test that yourself, or hear it from somewhere?
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-23 19:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Nov 23 2008, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
toma1, thanks for the link to the Holy Basil seeds. I also saw Thai chilis on Amazon as well. I'm excited, since my fiancee has also expressed a strong interest in having essential Thai ingrediants, such as the chilis. I have found Thai brand oyster and fish sauce in the area grocers. Looks like the last big thing will be papaya. She loves it too.

Fortunately she also enjoys western food such as pizza, pretzels, mac and cheese, etc. My only concern is that she does not put on too much weight! She's about 5 feet tall and weighs 90 pounds. I'm hoping an active lifestyle with regular exercise shall counterbalance a farang diet.


Yep, that's underweight. For a 5'0" woman the low end of normal BMI is 95.

My fiancee is 5'6"--virtually a giant among Thai women--and weighs 110. She should weigh at least 115, but she considers that to be fat. In fact any woman over there with a normal BMI seems to consider themselves to be fat.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-23 17:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (HYENA @ Nov 23 2008, 04:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Speaking of holy Basil...does anyone sell seeds here in the US?


You can buy it on Amazon, but keep in mind that it is a tropical plant that does not do well indoors. I can get it to grow here in South Florida year round, but even then, it doesn't like our cool winters.

http://www.amazon.co...s/dp/B000SQSKUS

They sell Papaya salad for take away at the Thai temple near my house... smile.gif

Yep, there is a huge amount of discrimination against girls from the Northeast, especially among Bangkok people. I think some (but not all) of it had to do with the fact that so many prostitutes come from that area. The vast majority of bar girls seem to come from Isan.

Edited by toma1, 23 November 2008 - 04:25 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-23 16:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Question for divorced guys with a fiancee applying for a K1 visa in Bangkok:

When you provided your divorce decree to the embassy, did you give them the MARRIAGE certificate for that previous marriage as well? Or did you only need the divorce paperwork?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Edited by toma1, 23 November 2008 - 03:38 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-23 15:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Nov 22 2008, 01:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It is always hardest on the 1st generation of immigrants, and they will typically push away their ethnic culture and background, in order to better fit in. It is the 2nd generation that tries to rekindle with their roots.


This reminded me to ask about something that is only tangentially related, but since I have some experienced posters available I hope I might ask some advice.

What did you do to manage homesickness?

I live south of Tampa, so she won't have to adapt to weather very much. We also have an AMAZING Thai temple nearby: http://www.wattampa....Maintemple.html

But still, I worry about homesickness.

My fiancee is well traveled and well educated, but she has a definite preference for Thai food. (Though I must say a lot of Western food in Thailand is, well, BAD, and not a good example of the food she will actually get here. She still thinks spaghetti is properly served with Ketchup. LOL...) This issue is compounded by the fact that she is a Bangkok girl and used to having good cheap food on every street corner. She had a great job there and rarely cooked for herself, so she cannot really cook a lot of Thai food. (i.e. she's spoiled by BKK)

Her English is already quite good and she will take a few English courses when she first gets here. Eventually she'll go back to work. But in the meantime, what do you all suggest?
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-22 14:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (eric_f @ Nov 21 2008, 05:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm in Yuma, Arizona.


Next time you get to Thailand jump on an Air Asia flight to Kota Kinabalu on Borneo (you will probably have to fly through KL first) and climb Mt. Kinabalu. The climbing fee is not outrageous, but you are required to hire a mountain guide. The total vertical climb (from base camp to summit) is about 2/3 the vertical distance of Everest (from base camp to summit), but without the deep freeze. It's still quite cold at the top, but normal ski-type clothing is enough to get you by. If you like that kind of thing you will LOVE this--it was one of the coolest things I've ever done. The mountain is the fourth tallest in Southeast Asia and the world's 20th most prominent peak. (K2 is 22nd!)

http://en.wikipedia....s_by_prominence

Edited by toma1, 21 November 2008 - 05:22 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-21 17:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (eric_f @ Nov 21 2008, 04:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm usually out in the mountains hiking, snapping off bamboo shoots, picking mushrooms, and fending off the curious snakes with big sticks when I am on vacation, so those luxuries of the city are out, lol. But hey, I like the wilderness, and to each his own.

The nearest Thai that I know of works at our mess hall. Everyone calls her grandma. She came over here during the Vietnam war and has some interesting stories.


Where are you stationed now?
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-21 16:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (eric_f @ Nov 21 2008, 03:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'd much rather have my fiancee get the vaccines in Thailand to get them out of the way. One less thing to worry about and it's about $200 all said and done with the medical exam. I'm pretty sure she'd feel better about getting them in her home country as well because if anyone had to stick me in Thailand you'd better believe unless it's life or death they can forget it!


I guess you haven't had much opportunity to see Thailand's OUTSTANDING medical facilities! I had elective eye surgery in Thailand. Bumrungrad hospital is like a 5-star hotel. A bell-boy even checks your luggage at the door. The physicians are excellent, the prices are lower and the service is better than in the states. I highly recommend it.

That said, my fiancee trained as a registered nurse, and is now a key account manager for the largest stem cell banking company in Asia, so she's pretty familiar with the nuances of medical care around the world. We talked about this and she wasn't concerned at all about having the vaccines here.

Also, the closest ob/gyn to my house happens to be a Thai woman!

Edited by toma1, 21 November 2008 - 03:50 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-21 15:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (raptorea1 @ Nov 21 2008, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 21 2008, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok. Another question about medical. My tirak had her K-1 medical exam yesterday at BNH in Bangkok. First, they gave her all the vaccinations (apparently), running up the cost to more than 6,000 baht. I was a little upset about that, as she does not need to get those until later, but anyway, it's out of the way now ...

My main question: I was under the impression that the doctor sent the medical report directly to the consulate. Instead, they've handed it over to my fiancee. Should she mail this to the embassy herself?


I guess it really varies because my girl went to bumrugard and the doctor told her that all was good and the report would be sent to the embassy directly. And no mention
of vaccines?


Could be that she had a record of having them when she was younger.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-21 15:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (marryme @ Nov 21 2008, 02:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 21 2008, 09:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I didn't prepare her to decline the immunizations, so BNH probably just did it automatically. I suspect if she had said she didn't want them then and there, it wouldn't have been a problem. After all, they couldn't really force her, right?



Even if you decline the vaccinations they will not approve your medical. They will just tell you its required. So just go with what they say tongue.gif



Did you try that with a K1 visa in BKK?
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-21 14:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 21 2008, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok. Another question about medical. My tirak had her K-1 medical exam yesterday at BNH in Bangkok. First, they gave her all the vaccinations (apparently), running up the cost to more than 6,000 baht. I was a little upset about that, as she does not need to get those until later, but anyway, it's out of the way now ...

My main question: I was under the impression that the doctor sent the medical report directly to the consulate. Instead, they've handed it over to my fiancee. Should she mail this to the embassy herself?


She is supposed to take the form to her interview.

I heard it was optional as well. Yes, has anyone going to BKK NOT gotten the vaccines and had a problem with that?
I have great health insurance and she can get them for free here...
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-21 08:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
This whole photo thing has me wondering.

My fiancee and I had a Thai traditional Buddhist ceremony in Thailand this summer. We did NOT register (which is common in Thailand) and are NOT LEGALLY MARRIED in Thailand, the USA, or anywhere else. For this reason we had to apply for a K1 visa and not a K3 visa.

My question is: Would taking photos from our ceremony help or hurt? On one hand, I could see them helping, because that REALLY helps to establish our relationship. But on the other hand, if the interviewer in BKK does not understand this custom, he or she might believe that we are married and give us problems with the K1 visa. In a perfect world, the interviewer would be familiar with the local customs, however I really have no idea how this situation will be viewed by the embassy.

Has anyone had any experience with this?

Edited by toma1, 19 November 2008 - 06:24 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-19 18:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (will92104 @ Nov 17 2008, 04:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 17 2008, 09:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know how long it takes to get a Thai passport in Bangkok? My fiancee has one, but it will expire in nine months which is JUST OVER the eight month visa limit.

I am concerned that once she has the interview (which had not yet been scheduled) that the visa might not be issued before the eight month cutoff.

Does anyone know if a copy of the current passport can be sent in with the packet 3 materials and then a new passport be produced at the interview?

It took my wifes friend two days to get a passport in bangkok. First day is the application and second day is to go pick it up. My wife got hers in one day in Chaing Mai but then again the office in bangkok is much more busier.


OK, I found out that because hers is a renewal, it will take two days. She applied on Tuesday and can pick it up on Thursday. Well, that's a two-day delay for us, but I guess it could have been worse....
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-18 06:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Devkpaik @ Nov 17 2008, 04:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 17 2008, 05:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Devkpaik @ Nov 17 2008, 04:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (hilton @ Nov 17 2008, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 17 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a question about Packet 3. Do I understand the instructions correctly that the ONLY thing to be returned to the embassy is Checklist (but not accompanying documentation), DS-230 Part I, two passport photos and copy of passport photo page.

My confusion is on the word "checklist" - it's unclear if that means everything on the checklist, or just the checklist itself.

Many thanks

You make sure you /her have gathered all the documents that are on the checklist, once you have and you have checked all the boxes on your "checklist " you mail only the checklist. then youwill get the packet 4 with your interview date. When you go in for your interview you will bring all of your documents with you. I hope this helps


Has this process changed in the last like five months, because we were told to mail everything on the checklist as well as the checklist itself.
We were told this by our lawyers, as well as through visa journey.


Not sure, but I think it is pretty clear if you read it carefully that you do not NEED to send them with the packet 3 items. You just need to certify that you "have them in your possession." Why would you need to certify that you "have them in your possession" if you were sending them? There is even more wording like that in the instructions; I'm not sure if it was the same list for you or not, but you can see it for yourself, here:

http://bangkok.usemb...structions.html

I've found that some (not all) lawyers really have no clue and just send everything everywhere, which I think just delays the process.


Once you have all the necessary documents, you should return the following materials to the IV Unit of the U.S. Embassy by mail to notify us that you are ready to schedule an interview.
signed checklist
DS-230 Part I
two frontal photographs and
a photocopy of a passport photo page

These are the documents I am referring to. It clearly states to return the following documents by mail to notify them you are ready to schedule an interview.

Our disagreement on this could be a miscommunication, however when you said you ONLY sent in the checklist, I thought you were referring to (and you may have been) only sending in the piece of paper that IS the checklist, and not the DS-230 part 1, photos, and a copy of the passport.

When I said to send in supporting docs., I was referring to those I just mentioned.


Yes, then we agree on the list. I think the original post referred to those other things.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-17 17:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Devkpaik @ Nov 17 2008, 04:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (hilton @ Nov 17 2008, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 17 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a question about Packet 3. Do I understand the instructions correctly that the ONLY thing to be returned to the embassy is Checklist (but not accompanying documentation), DS-230 Part I, two passport photos and copy of passport photo page.

My confusion is on the word "checklist" - it's unclear if that means everything on the checklist, or just the checklist itself.

Many thanks

You make sure you /her have gathered all the documents that are on the checklist, once you have and you have checked all the boxes on your "checklist " you mail only the checklist. then youwill get the packet 4 with your interview date. When you go in for your interview you will bring all of your documents with you. I hope this helps


Has this process changed in the last like five months, because we were told to mail everything on the checklist as well as the checklist itself.
We were told this by our lawyers, as well as through visa journey.


Not sure, but I think it is pretty clear if you read it carefully that you do not NEED to send them with the packet 3 items. You just need to certify that you "have them in your possession." Why would you need to certify that you "have them in your possession" if you were sending them? There is even more wording like that in the instructions; I'm not sure if it was the same list for you or not, but you can see it for yourself, here:

http://bangkok.usemb...structions.html

I've found that some (not all) lawyers really have no clue and just send everything everywhere, which I think just delays the process.

Edited by toma1, 17 November 2008 - 04:34 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-17 16:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (hilton @ Nov 17 2008, 04:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 17 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a question about Packet 3. Do I understand the instructions correctly that the ONLY thing to be returned to the embassy is Checklist (but not accompanying documentation), DS-230 Part I, two passport photos and copy of passport photo page.

My confusion is on the word "checklist" - it's unclear if that means everything on the checklist, or just the checklist itself.

Many thanks

You make sure you /her have gathered all the documents that are on the checklist, once you have and you have checked all the boxes on your "checklist " you mail only the checklist. then youwill get the packet 4 with your interview date. When you go in for your interview you will bring all of your documents with you. I hope this helps


I agree. That is the way the form reads.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-17 16:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Does anyone know how long it takes to get a Thai passport in Bangkok? My fiancee has one, but it will expire in nine months which is JUST OVER the eight month visa limit.

I am concerned that once she has the interview (which had not yet been scheduled) that the visa might not be issued before the eight month cutoff.

Does anyone know if a copy of the current passport can be sent in with the packet 3 materials and then a new passport be produced at the interview?
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-17 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
I tried to edit my post to make it more clear, but it timed out... here are my edits:

We are just sending the list itself and not the supporting documentation. Step 3 says to bring all the OTHER items to the interview. (It doesn't say bring a copy of EVERYTHING to the interview which is what it probably would say if they wanted two copies of everything.) Some things are originals and that might be the reason that they don't require mailing.

I also noted that it appears that you do not have to have the medical exam done before sending the form anymore. That's a change from the old form I think.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-17 11:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 17 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a question about Packet 3. Do I understand the instructions correctly that the ONLY thing to be returned to the embassy is Checklist (but not accompanying documentation), DS-230 Part I, two passport photos and copy of passport photo page.

My confusion is on the word "checklist" - it's unclear if that means everything on the checklist, or just the checklist itself.

Many thanks



We are just sending the list itself and not the supporting documentation. Step 3 says to bring all the OTHER items to the interview. (It doesn't say bring a copy of everything to the interview, too.) Some things are originals and that might be the reason that they don't require mailing.

I also noted that it appears that you do not have to have the medical exam done before sending the form anymore. That's a change from the old form I think.

Edited by toma1, 17 November 2008 - 11:28 AM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-17 11:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Devkpaik @ Nov 17 2008, 03:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Regarding the sinsod, my fiance and I spoke about it and she told me her family didn't want it, and she didn't really like the idea of it either. I guess I'm lucky?


Yes, you're lucky... about as lucky as winning the lottery because that is EXTREMELY uncommon even among wealthy Thai marrying other wealthy Thai.

Usually this happens only when the PARENTS (not the daughter) in question were educated in some western society.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-17 11:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (daboyz @ Nov 16 2008, 01:46 AM)
Don't pay anything. 0 Baht. You're giving her a future she would never have. Don't get sucked in to this. My opinion. Take it for what it is worth. You are going to be supporting her family for the rest of your life. Agree to help them out when they need it, and leave it at that.


QUOTE (daboyz @ Nov 16 2008, 02:06 AM)
Ignore my previous posts. I asked my wife about this. I guess they just felt sorry for me. I was broke and unemployed in Bangkok. At the end of the day, they just wanted their daughter to be happy.


That's quite an epiphany in only 20 minutes.

Very nice of you to come back and post a retraction. good.gif
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-16 08:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (will92104 @ Nov 15 2008, 12:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HYENA @ Nov 14 2008, 11:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just plain need someone to negotiate but I know no one. I never have shown outward signs of wealth...cause I can't! LOL!

Forgive my many typos (it's dark usually when I'm typing and this doesn't let you edit after a period of time)

Oh, I'm all up and running with Schwab now (thanks)!

Hey, did I mention the wait time is killing me?

Paying a dowery isn't all that bad if you can afford it. They could probably use it and 100,000 baht is not really that high or low of a dowery. It will make everybody feel good and you have to ask yourself how important your future wife is to you and what she will think of herself if you don't pay a dowery. Thai culture is what it is and your the farang in this whole deal. My wife has the same education and probably the same skills as your GF but her family is high on the totem pole in the town. Did i have a problem with paying a dowery? Yes i did, but i paid it so everyone is happy and her mother loves me.
What you have to watch out for is who ever is planning your wedding party, they will take you to the cleaners. It happened to me. My wife said she wanted a medium size party, yeah right. My wifes uncle thought he had a blank check when he started ordering stuff for our party. Really pissed me off because i was told one set price for everything and it was probably triple.
What really gets me is her family makes her pay half of the bills because i'm sending her money so she does not have to work in the rice fields. They have 6 grownups living in the house. Most work in the fields but her sister(teacher) and brother in law(government figure in the province) have pretty good jobs. I just don't understand why she has to pay half of the bills. I'm not really that fond of my wifes sister(teacher) because of some of the comments she made to me about money. So my thinking is that she is a money grubbing wench. well i better stop before i really get going on this stuff.
Oh, the time is killing me to. Can't even wait until i get NOA2.


I agree with ALL of that. Very good advice. Even weddings in Thailand can be expensive. We hired a BKK wedding planner, and if I told you how much we spent you would choke. LOL. But you don't have to negotiate that. Just tell them how much you are willing to contribute and say, "that's how much I am willing to spend, if you want to spend more, you will have to find the money elsewhere." No need to negoiate at all.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-15 15:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (HYENA @ Nov 15 2008, 01:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I live near Baltimore.
I figured out why the sin sod regardless of her status, past, etc. She bought land and has a loan on it. I forgot all about this. It's somewhere near 100k (less, now) to pay if off. Buying land in Isaan (in my opinion) is stupid because the cost of it would not pay for itself by the time you died, it seems. I believe she wants to get rid of that burden when she comes here. She's insisting sin sod happens for prev married folk...then keeping up with the Jones'es (maybe her neighbors were prev married and got it starting a local thing) BUT it's not like she's never been married, etc. In reading books, I do understand sin sod equates to a family's status and the worth of their daughter. She's got low self esteem being poor, etc so maybe she's hoping it would be higher to make it seem she's more desirable. On the other hand, I don't want to be wronged or taken advantage of, either.

I've been told many times sin sod isn't paid twice but here she is sayign yes, in our case it is paid..but when asked, she says forget about it, pai penrai. This wishy washy Thai (culture) is like getting blood out of a turnip. I'm used to frank, open discussions. I think an intermediary would be good (unbiased) but where in her entire village would I find such a person? Also, how would she save face saying she's been with XXX d (apparently that figures into the calculations). Yes I think it would be FAIR to bring someone in to negotiate on my behalf....got any time...whatchya doing in Feb???? LOL!

Only coming from my culture, it's no one's business but I also understand sin sod is everyone's business up there. Would they be offended if I brought someone in to negotiate? Also, do our discussions we've already had regarding this---in the modern era, are these considered the negotiations? I'm so darn confused because "by the book" I should pay nothing for a couple reasons. Also, it would be nice to know exactly how much family support I'd be sending. The fly by the seat of your pants (their culture) versus financial planning (my culture) is clashing big time! She also said when the amount is announced, she'd add up all I've given her for support already (which is a lot). I know she wants to help her family because they really can't go any lower so her position is understandable...I jsut don't know. I don't want either side feeling they've been cheated.



I'll be in Las Vegas in Feb and Guatemala in March, so I'm out. haha

You definitely have a lot to think about.

I would completely throw out ego here. Forget about who's taking advantage of whom. If what they ask is a small thing for you, just pay it. You'll get a lot of good will and (I know it's weird, but) your wife will love you for it. But if it is going to cause you financial hardship, then you need to negotiate.

What does this mean, I don't understand what you meant to write: "Also, how would she save face saying she's been with XXX d"

I can't speak about your specific inlaws, but no Thai should be offended if you have a negotiator, because that is NORMAL. If you were Thai, your parents would do it. If you parents are not available, it would be an older family member or friend. It should be someone near in age to her parents.

I can't say whether your current discussions were negotiations because I don't know what was said. I guess if you already agreed to an amount, then yes. If not then, I think you can continue to negotiate.

Finally, if they really just want to save face, they can agree to give some of the dowry back as a wedding gift. This is VERY common now. They announce a huge dowry and you some of the money back the next day. Everyone's happy!

<<Also, it would be nice to know exactly how much family support I'd be sending.>>
HAHAHAAHA... not gonna happen.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-15 03:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (HYENA @ Nov 14 2008, 12:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Working...

She went to work at McDonalds yesterday supposedly the coffee maker but one she arrived, she said she was lugging around heavy heavy bags of fries (and she's stong as an ox) and deep frying them. She said her hands are all sore and red now (likely grease splatter). Apparently there are no safe work conditions over there. I told her she can quit (I told her not to bother but if she must, give it a run).

She's looked for jobs but no luck. If only she could find a decent job but no high school and minimal computer but OK english (enough to communicate and understand most everything minus a few words we work around) she's pretty competent.

She's a hard worker but just can't land a decent job.... No wonder so many want to leave. Her niece is getting 50 cents an hour at McDonalds.

Hey, did I say the wait was KILLING ME?????? grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

So my confusion is no sin sod from what I understand but she said it would be better me being farang, etc. I think I'll find a happy medium... maybe 100k they pay for wedding with that and I bu 3 baht of gold. That seems easier to swallow, I guess. During the negotiations, I'll go in and ask what the tradition is, then I'll hear the honest answer. I think they'll be easy on me. I understand she wants max for her family but at the same time she feels horrible I have to pay and it's only me (since with farang families, every man for himself with no one in my family giving a rip).

She said if I don't have it, don't worry...her coming here is most important. I want to be sure everyone is happy and I don't make them feel low.

Now if she can only find some kind of job...working at a restaurant or something. WIth the low pay, even the bus cuts into profits a great deal given the low wages there. She did the sweat shop thing for 6 years.. I dunno...it tires me....


I guess it's not uncommon to charge farang a bit more. Do you have ANY Thai friend that is OLDER than you (close to her parents age) that could negotiate for you? That's perfectly OK if you do! It's normal and keeps you above the fray. Otherwise don't negotiate TOO hard, but also avoid any outward displays of wealth.

What city do you live in?
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-14 01:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Sorry, I was out with a friend...

Well, I'm not in the same boat. Anna's not poor, she already had a house, a nice apartment in BKK, and two cars when I met her, but that just made my dowry all the higher.... LOL. For guys that won't give any sin sot... I hope you understand that this will make your fiancee feel worthless in her culture. Sorry, but that's the way it is. The only girls that don't get sin sot are bar girls and girls that sleep around A LOT... is that how you want your fiancee to feel? (Remember that I'm not talking about divorced women here... they got their sin sot from the first husband.)

Anna's parents gave all of the gold jewelry to her. That's normal, but the final decision is the parents'. I have heard of a few cases in which the parents kept it all. If you have someone negotiating the dowry for you (which is your right) they can certainly clarify all of this in advance. It's not a secret. If you don't that probably means your fiancee is doing the negotiating. She will probably favor her parents in these negotiations... that's also normal.

HYENA: I'm not saying it is too much. If you can part with that amount and it makes everyone happy, then that amount is perfect. All I can tell you is that a Thai guy would not pay anything under these circumstances. My ex- (Thai) gf was also previously married and she told me that she had no dowry because of that. (We never discussed marriage, BTW, it was just casual conversation.) Anyway, it's nice that you are helping them out.

ThaitoUSA: WOW! That's very low given the circumstances. Almost suspiciously low, biggrin.gif LOL...

Edited by toma1, 12 November 2008 - 02:10 AM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-12 02:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Nov 11 2008, 05:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My future mother-in-law asked for 10 Baht gold (about $3,500). I found her request to be quite reasonable. Besides buying a push tractor for dad ($1,700), they have never asked for anything else. I have been with their daughter for over four years. She is now 29 years old, never been married, never had children and has earned a Master's degree. During the first year or so of dating, she strongly objected to her daughter having relations with a man outside of marriage. Mom has stated on several occasions, she just wishes for us to be married "to do the right thing." I strongly respect her position and that is how come we've gone ahead with the K-1. After marrying here in America, we plan to return to Thailand for a big ceremony in their village.

I quite like the in-laws and feel blessed that they are such honest, hard-working people. Perhaps that is how come their daughter turned out to be a fine lady as well. I do not have much difficulty talking with them in Thai, unless they start speaking northern dialect, which they have the tendency to lapse into, especially after a little moonshine.

In closing, my best friend's father told me as a boy "Look at the mother; however she is, so shall the daughter become." With the acknowledged exception, I feel there's deep wisdom to that.


10 baht could be VERY REASONABLE under the circumstances you mention... though it would also depend on the cash payment and--to a lesser extent--on the ring.
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-11 18:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (HYENA @ Nov 11 2008, 05:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 11 2008, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HYENA @ Nov 11 2008, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (raptorea01 @ Oct 26 2008, 06:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to let you all know my fiancee and I got our noa2 oct23! Now it is on to the next step of waiting. I feel we are ahead we just got medical and police report done and now waiting on nvc case number. How long approx will it take to get interview date. I have thai attorney to help us. good luck to everyone in there
journey.



That's EXCELLENT considering I have been bummed out reading the problems with VSC and serious delays. I was wondering if it would take me 9-11 months for NOA2 (plus) like some people have been waiting (and getting nowhere).

I'm two months behind you so this is exactly what I needed to see today. The separation is KILLING me!

I plan to go over there all of Feb and March hopefully catching the interview while I'm there (I don't want to go home without her). Just hoping and praying NOA2 will come on time.

We're getting married at her house (it will be interesting to say the least-she's one of the poorest houses in the poorest region, poorest city (something like that) LOL! Anyway, it will be a simple walk down the dirt road with tacky music on the way to her house-ceremony. I'm saying tacky right now but I'm sure I'll be all choked up when the time comes. Wish I could do the big kabang but this will ne nice and personal (and save money for her family versus pissing it away for a one time party...for what-they say).

I've got to check a little sin sod customs and I don't mind doing a bit of that, maybe some gold for mom and wife. I'm thrilled about the usd/thb direction lately BUT IKOBO closed (it conly cost $5 to send a thousand...now I'm stuck with expensive methods of transferring money (moneygram, etc) which makes me sick ebcause their exchange rate isn't accurate. Oh well...I'm bringing cash when I go since cash was the best decision I made my last visit (don't get killed by fees for accessing your money).

I'm praying waiting hoping for a NOA2 on time (early would be 'da bomb!) LOL!


My bank (Charles Schwab Bank) doesn't charge foreign ATM fees and I didn't notice many ATMs in Thailand that did. Why not just open an account at a good bank and send her an ATM card?

Check out: http://en.wikipedia....iki/Bride_price

I wrote the section on Thailand and that photo is OUR sin sot payment... haha. In general you should pay at least 100,000 baht and 5 baht of gold, but that can vary upward quite a bit. As you can see, mine was a bit more, LOL... Be careful going much lower (unless your fiancee was previously married) as you might create a lot of problems for your fiancee and her family... the sin sot is VERY public in Thailand.


Thanks for the info. She'd been married before (ceremony, not on paper). I was thinking about what you mentioned for sin sod. I've read a lot about it...some say don't do it, mentioning greed, etc (obviously not understanding the culture and on my part some good will) etc. Bottom line is no matter what I do, they'll be light years dirt poor compared to me. I don't give money to churches or organizations (I'd rather see it at 100% effectiveness versus everyone taking a cut). I do look forward to them being my family, also since my farang family is fragmented and couldn't give a ####### like man farang familes near me.

The wait time is killing me. I am VERY concerned about the vermont service center problems widely posted here. I'm saving all I can. she wants to go to work at McDonalds (right now I'm supporting her) but she'd only make $240 a month. Not sure if this would help the visa process or not. I read about that one member's delays because she worked for a massage parlour. My Tilac has a spotty work past (supported for 3 years by a bf prior to me, worked in a beauty salon and at home growing rice, then she met me).

My thoughts were to lay down 600,000 and about 5 baht gold and they'll return all but about 100-150,000 (likely her mom would return more but I want her to walk with at least 5-6k if I can...or less if we can save and give her a house with running water and a/c sooner. We'll have that discussion when the time comes, I guess. I've got 2 kids and child support and I have to buy a house here (once I sell this one but bad market complicates with advantages and disadvantages alike)

So Schwab charges nothing when you used ATM in LOS? I'll change my account tomorrow, then


Schwab not only charges nothing, they will REFUND anything that you get charged by any other ATM, though like I said, charges are rare in Thailand.

Nice to see that you are willing to honor Thai customs. If she's been married before (legal or not--almost no Thai marriages are legal these days), you really won't (or shouldn't) be expected to pay anything. (Her first husband almost certainly paid it already.) Anything you give is really a gift under those circumstances. In addition, the amount you are planning to offer would be a TREMENDOUSLY LARGE amount in Isan.

Be sure you consider in advance how you are going to obtain the 600k in cash in Thailand. It's not easy. If you enter and leave with that much in cash, you're going to have to declare it. If you try to get it locally, you are going to have issues with the bank wires... especially when you try to wire 500k BACK.

DO NOT let her work in ANY bar or ANY massage place--legit or not doesn't matter. It will cause a lot of problems. McD's would probably not hurt and may help. (As it would be a job and no one at the embassy would need to wonder where she got her money...)
toma1MaleThailand2008-11-11 17:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (HYENA @ Nov 11 2008, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (raptorea01 @ Oct 26 2008, 06:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to let you all know my fiancee and I got our noa2 oct23! Now it is on to the next step of waiting. I feel we are ahead we just got medical and police report done and now waiting on nvc case number. How long approx will it take to get interview date. I have thai attorney to help us. good luck to everyone in there
journey.



That's EXCELLENT considering I have been bummed out reading the problems with VSC and serious delays. I was wondering if it would take me 9-11 months for NOA2 (plus) like some people have been waiting (and getting nowhere).

I'm two months behind you so this is exactly what I needed to see today. The separation is KILLING me!

I plan to go over there all of Feb and March hopefully catching the interview while I'm there (I don't want to go home without her). Just hoping and praying NOA2 will come on time.

We're getting married at her house (it will be interesting to say the least-she's one of the poorest houses in the poorest region, poorest city (something like that) LOL! Anyway, it will be a simple walk down the dirt road with tacky music on the way to her house-ceremony. I'm saying tacky right now but I'm sure I'll be all choked up when the time comes. Wish I could do the big kabang but this will ne nice and personal (and save money for her family versus pissing it away for a one time party...for what-they say).

I've got to check a little sin sod customs and I don't mind doing a bit of that, maybe some gold for mom and wife. I'm thrilled about the usd/thb direction lately BUT IKOBO closed (it conly cost $5 to send a thousand...now I'm stuck with expensive methods of transferring money (moneygram, etc) which makes me sick ebcause their exchange rate isn't accurate. Oh well...I'm bringing cash when I go since cash was the best decision I made my last visit (don't get killed by fees for accessing your money).

I'm praying waiting hoping for a NOA2 on time (early would be 'da bomb!) LOL!


My bank (Charles Schwab Bank) doesn't charge foreign ATM fees and I didn't notice many ATMs in Thailand that did. Why not just open an account at a good bank and send her an ATM card?

Check out: http://en.wikipedia....iki/Bride_price

I wrote the section on Thailand and that photo is OUR sin sot payment... haha. In general you should pay at least 100,000 baht and 5 baht of gold, but that can vary upward quite a bit. As you can see, mine was a bit more, LOL... Be careful going much lower (unless your fiancee was previously married) as you might create a lot of problems for your fiancee and her family... the sin sot is VERY public in Thailand.

Edited by toma1, 11 November 2008 - 04:31 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-11 16:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Nov 9 2008, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have already posted this in the Consulate section, but thought it couldn't hurt to place in the Thai thread as well. For anyone who has already gone through the interview, Packet 3 Checklist asks for:

QUOTE
Verification of Unmarried Status: Required if you have not registered a previous marriage



Does this mean some form of verification is needed only if one was formerly married but never registered or does it mean that all single applicants, who have never married, must bring some form of proof?

If it is only required for those who have been married, but never registered, then it does not apply to us.

If it is required of all single applicants, how would one go about obtaining this documented proof?

Thank you for any clarification.


Hmmm... I see what you mean. Given the customs in Thailand, it's confusing. I believe that means all single applicants. Anyway, we did it.

Her parents had to sign a form saying that she had never been married and that she was free to marry me. I BELIEVE that she took that to the Office of Bangkok Noi District at 31/1 Jarun Snitwong Road, Siriraj Sub-district, Bangkok 10700. They have her a document (in Thai, which we then had to have translated) with a Royal seal that said that she had never registered marriage. I know that's not totally clear--at least it isn't to me--but I hope it helps!

Edited by toma1, 09 November 2008 - 06:04 PM.

toma1MaleThailand2008-11-09 18:02:00