ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShould I start new job

Also you can have other supporters if you dont meet the poverty guidelines

Not in Thailand on a K-1.
KareeMaleThailand2011-08-14 11:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBangkok Immigrant Visa Interview Schedules

Based on my understanding, there has not been a truly nasty CO since early 2009. In most cases, they have already made their decision regarding the visa before the interview has even started. Usually, only a few questions will be asked to ensure everything adds up. If you find yourself in a long interview, well, that is a sign of trouble. No need to really practice, unless it gives you piece of mind, Just tell the truth and if all of your other evidence is sufficient, you'll be fine.

Yeah my wife was the recepient of that bald headed jerk back in 2009. Thank god he's gone. I had to show up in person to finally get the deal done. As well as taking a bunch of photos.
KareeMaleThailand2011-08-28 12:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Filed From USCIS Office Abroad
Like others have said. No DCF filing for K visas. Get married at the local Amphur and file for CR-1. Trust me on this. I lived in Thailand for 3 years and was married there for 2 years. I made the mistake of assuming that this would be easy once I got back to the states. It took 1 YEAR for me to get my wife to the US when I could've done DCF. Generally DCF takes a few months. Also, don't try to use it as a tourist visa. She'll need to reside in the U.S. for 3 years until citizenship. Then you can do what you want. Buy that chicken farm in Isaan or whatever. She can come and go as she pleases once she has the US passport.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-03 07:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat to say
I went through this. Since I filed for K-3 as well as IR-1, I told her to ignore the K-3 paperwork. That didn't go over well. It all ended fine. I still scratch my head trying to figure out why it takes 30 days to go to an E.U. country, but one year to come to the U.S.

People b!tch and complain about illegal immigration, but when you do it the right/legal way it takes a year. Just hang in there.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-04 03:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPreparing for K-1 Visa Packet 3 and 4

Born at home does not necessarily equal lack of a birth certificate. Her parents should have gone to the local Amphur after her birth. If they did, you will need to go back to the Amphur to get her BC.

Regarding instructions in Thai, you will either need to email the embassy or hope someone else has a current copy of the instructions in Thai.

She'll need to go to the Amphur with her mother. They will giver her a document stating when she was born, and to who. They'll make it official with the stamp. It'll be in Thai so I suggest getting it and any other documentation you have in Thai translated to English in Thailand for adjustment of status.
KareeMaleThailand2011-08-24 14:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresURGENT HELP NEEDED REGARDING BIRTH CERTIFICATE

Thank you Ning.


I forgot to ask my fiancee if they kept her passport, probably not. She has to go back Friday or Monday with the requested birth certificate.

Sorry, I don't know the technically terms for all these officials. She originally went to the official (Amphur?) in the town that she was born but he refused to make her one, telling her she has to go the official of the town she is has been residing. So she went there and got a document with her parents as witness as to where she was born.

Unfortunately, she didn't have this original document at the interview. I think that is where they are giving her a hard time. Others that she has talked to has similar document and got a visa without a problem.

I went through this same exact thing. She needs the original. Also, why you're at it you might as well get it translated into English for your adjustment of status along with any other Thais documents you have. Much easier to get it done over there.
KareeMaleThailand2011-08-30 12:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments signed over 30 days??

I am having trouble recieving mail from my fiance in Thailand. She sent me the G325 and letter of intent in late September. Both documents were dated October 1st. Now it is the end of October and I have not recieved them yet. Will they accept the documents if the signatures are older than 30 days??

They don't care when they were signed. Unfortunately, they want an original signature. Not sure where she is, but I had my wife send it fedex. Expensive, but reliable.
KareeMaleThailand2011-10-26 22:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan I change status after filling for K1 VISA

You're in the US, you can get married and file to Adjust Status without leaving. Once approved you'll be issued a Greencard.

Expect to be questioned at the interview as your fiance had filed for the K-1 before you entered, they may suspect immigrant intent on your last entry but they can't deny AOS solely on that.

Bottom line is life has hiccups and plans change, that's what happened to you.

If there is an interview.
KareeMaleThailand2011-11-04 22:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI129F Question 11

So sorry to disagree with you but that isn't what it says. It says for any other fiancé or spouse. I don't believe you would answer this question considering an I-130 because to my knowledge the i-130 has no filing limitations.

Filing limitations is irrelevant. It explicitly asks if he has filed for his current fiancee or any other fiancee or spouse before, which he has. The answer is yes because he previously filed for a former wife.

Edited by Karee, 01 December 2011 - 07:37 PM.

KareeMaleThailand2011-12-01 19:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134 and freelance work

Sounds good, since I'm sort of both (the IRS and banks don't like me either) I'll use line 22 from 2010, include 2009 and 2008 as well, and final pay stubs from all employers worked at this year which will be the best estimate for a 2011 total.

Thank you!

Make sure you don't owe the IRS anything. It'll come up at the interview.
KareeMaleThailand2011-12-04 09:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresneed help for friend

Marriages don't need to be registered with an embassy. If legally married then they pursue a spouse visa.

Actually in Thailand you need to go to the U.S. embassy and get a letter saying you are free to marry. It's a Thai thing. Then you have to register it with the Thai foreign ministry.
KareeMaleThailand2011-12-04 18:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Your Opinion

Hi There
So when they (USCIS) changed the timeline from March 15, 2011 we phoned that day to put in a service request, as well as contacting congresswoman. The congresswoman's office got nothing more than what is online. (that was useless). The email generated from the service request stated they will basically get to ours when then can although ours is most definitely outside of their processing time (their words not ours). They told us to call back on the Nov 29, tomorrow so we will see. Our petition is at 218 days. I did find out that ours is taking longer due to the RFE and the fact we both aren't new to marriage. So extra checking on names etc.
I say most definitely call and put in a service request.
that's my opinion.

My Mom always told us that "the squeaky wheel gets the oil"... :rofl:

I'm actually surprised you haven't gotten NOA2 yet. Usually after the RFE response they approve it pretty quickly. I think for the first 5+ months it just sits in a box somewhere. Then they pull it out and say oops need to issue an RFE. Then I think it stays with whoever is working the case until the RFE response is received.

Just my 2 cents for what I've seen happen around here for the last 4 years.
KareeMaleThailand2011-11-28 19:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNeed Your Opinion

It has been 5 months since NOA1. Should I give the USCIS a call or not? Just to ask what's going on w/ my case? perhaps put in a service request? I know some people say it doesn't do anything but some say it helps. Give me your opinion/experience.... Thanks ladies and gentlemen...

It took me just over 6 months to get NOA2. Calling them didn't help at all. They just say call back in 30 days. The people that answer the phones are contractors that read from a script.
KareeMaleThailand2011-11-28 13:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBeneficiary passport and BC copies

My fiancee sent me colored photo copies of her passport and translated birth certificate. On this VJ site I don't see these listed in the K1 package checklist, nor is it on the USCIS website. However on another site I believe it was listed. I have them, should I sent them in my original packet or should she wait until the interview?

For the I-129F send copies to USCIS. For the interview at the consulate bring originals.
KareeMaleThailand2011-12-20 20:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresShots for medical

I guess why I am asking is in the Thai forum under embassy info it gives a list and says 7 different shots and if she gets them done at her local hospital it will save u money when I called the embassy hospital of choice they weren't clear enough to me

Go to one of the 4 hospitals listed in Thailand.

2 in Chiang Mai:
McCormick
I guess Chiang Mai Ram isn't an option any longer

2 in Bangkok
Bumrungrad.. be prepared to spend money there.
BNH cheaper.

The key phrase is: Only a physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical condition.

They charge close to the same for the medical, but the vaccine charges can be much different. They know what it's all about. Just have her go there and explain the deal.
KareeMaleThailand2012-01-04 23:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAm I worrying for nothing?
My case still shows pending and my wife has been here for 3 years. That website is useless.
KareeMaleThailand2012-02-19 09:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Hey, guys. I have not been in here for awhile since Teaw is here in the US with me. But, at the moment she is in Buriram on her one month visit and I am heading over at the end of the week and we will return together near the end of March. But, what I wanted to know is if any of you that are either in Thailand or have rented cars over there know of some good car rental outfits that are reasonably priced. We are going to do some driving around this trip instead of hanging in the village and BKK all the time. I enjoy seeing her family but I can't sit around drinking coconut milk too many days or I get crazy to do something!!!! So Teaw suggested that I post in here to see if you have any leads on a good car rental there. Thanks!!

This thread has pretty much died since they gave us our own subforum under the regionals. You can find it here:

http://www.visajourn...m/151-thailand/

I've never rented a car there, but I don't think it's a problem. Might be tough in Buriram, but Udon Thani, or Ubon shouldn't be a problem.
KareeMaleThailand2012-03-06 10:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I'm a Sawasdee thread poster from years back. What happened to this thread? am I really the first poster in 2012? I thought I would bring it to the top.
Well, we have good news, Jum is officially a U.S. citizen. From first meeting in 2004, through the fun adventures of wading through the immigration process, we have come to the finish line. I wanted to thank Visa Journey for all of the great information and support from all the members. It is a long journey for everyone. Speaking from one who has seen it through to the end, I can provide one word of advice on the whole process: "PATIENCE"

Good luck to everyone, as always, I am happy to provide any advice.

Laugh. I got the email. I thought who the hell is posting on that thread?
KareeMaleThailand2012-02-26 13:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Russia and Pakistan are just about the same. All of these are reciprocity related. They make it hard because we make it hard.

India does--apparently--have some issues with Westerners overstaying... mostly the types that want to live in an ashram and meditate. :rolleyes:

For the rest, it's mostly a national pride issue and they end up hurting themselves more than you or me. Brazil, for example, has no real reason to make visas more difficult for Americans, and they probably lose a lot of tourism revenue over it. I personally had two last minute opportunities to go to Brazil, and but for the visa issue, I would have probably gone at least once.

On the other hand, the US has a LOT of illegal Brazillian immigrants so we--at least--have a reason to have the restrictions in place.

I think you summed it up there. It's a pissing contest at the end of the day. I've never made it to South America. Closest I got was Guatemala. I had to fly there from Thailand. 30 hours to live in a hotel that was basically a prison. I got yelled at for going outside to smoke without security.

Pakistan was sort of like that, but the food was better. Other than that, I have no use for Central America. I took the chance to swing through Dallas and pick up the rest of my belongings on the way back to Bangkok.

One thing that is odd to me, and I'm not starting some religious thing. I saw armed guards at Wendy's in Guatemala, Philippines etc. Only Christian countries. Granted the Marriott I used to stay at in Islamabad is a pile of rocks, but that was religion based crime. Seems like christian based societies are more interested in stealing money, where as religious based societies are more interested in killing their "alleged" opponents. Just ranting I guess
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-10 21:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Since the UK and Ireland are island nations and have only one way in and out by land they were given an exemption. The rest of the EU really didn't have much choice once the border controls were eliminated.

Euro use is not 100% tied to EU membership.

Sweden and Denmark are also EU members that are not in the Eurozone. And... there are a few micro states (i.e. Vatican City, Monaco, etc.) that are not EU members, but which DO use the Euro.

Of course, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland are not EU members and have their own currencies--BUT they ARE Schengen members!

The EU does seem to be requiring NEW members to use the Euro as a condition of membership, however. A lot of the East European (Romania, Bulgaria, etc.) members are being required to convert.

IMHO the EU is a mess. Look at Greece.

My US passport works in most of those countries without a visa. The only pains I had was India and Pakistan. The Indian consulate took 4 days at the end of soi 23 to issue me a visa.

The Pakistani embassy was even worse. No invitation letter, no visa. That one took me about 2 weeks and it was only a 15 day single entry. Every time I had to back to Karachi or Islamabad, I had to go through the same mess. The Pakistani ambassador in Bangkok had to fax a letter to get me there.

At the end of the day, Pakistan was a much nicer place than India.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-10 20:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Correct. Russia has their own system; they are not an EU country.

UK is also not a participant in Schengen, even though they are EU.

Off topic of course, but pretty funny the UK considers themselves part of the EU. They seemed to get all kinds of exemptions on that deal. Keeping the Pound etc.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-10 20:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Yes... she has one, but I was talking about Russia in this case.

She got a 30 day Russia stamp the same way you would get a 30 day Thailand stamp. She just showed up at airport immigration in Moscow and they stamped her in...

Interesting. So the Russian visa is not the same as the Shengen visa?
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-10 20:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I got a 14 day stamp in Russia and the visa cost almost $250 because I had to have an invitation letter as well.

Ann walked in and got 30 days.

She got a Schengen visa?
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-10 19:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Mostly she will need a visa... and definitely for Europe. Exceptions are quite rare. Times vary: Ann got a Schengen visa at the Greek consulate in Tampa in 3 days. A Turkish visa took almost two weeks, though, but at least it was mail order.

Or go to Brazil or Russia... You'll need a visa, but she won't. :)

Hilarious but true. You can forget about any EU countries without a Schengen visa. Green card doesn't equal US passport.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-10 18:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Got a question maybe a few of you can answer. If I want to take Teaw to Europe or maybe on a Caribbean cruise...anywhere but Thailand...since she has a Thai passport but US green card, do I need to get visas for the countries we would visit or can we just use her passport and the green card? Thanks!!!

They'll pretty much consider her Thai until she has the US passport. Canada and Mexico seem to make exceptions, but other than that, I'd wait for the citizenship.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-10 15:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Got a question maybe a few of you can answer. If I want to take Teaw to Europe or maybe on a Caribbean cruise...anywhere but Thailand...since she has a Thai passport but US green card, do I need to get visas for the countries we would visit or can we just use her passport and the green card? Thanks!!!

Look here.

http://www.delta.com...ation/index.jsp
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-10 14:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Hey, well, look at the price of Sang Som..... it's at least quadruple what I remember. :P

:rofl:
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-04 21:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I suppose people that live in Fairbanks say the same about Barrow... but really, once you hit -20, who cares about -30?

I remember winters around Madison lasting until May. (Meaning we still had temperatures below 0 C in May.)

I spent 1.5 years in Montreal. That place was cold. I grew up in Detroit, but Montreal was another world. -40C etc.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-04 21:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
My wife is making me watch Home Alone for the 50th time. I'm ready to commit suicide.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-04 20:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I don't have much experience with the North. I know it's way colder up there than where we live. Plus, more snow and sometimes a lot more rain too (this year at least). We live directly between Madison & Milwaukee. So we get the best of both Chicago suburbs. Posted Image

Tom is hating on you guys.
:)

Edited by Karee, 04 September 2011 - 08:55 PM.

KareeMaleThailand2011-09-04 20:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I'm from Chicago, and yes, Wisconsin is pretty much a suburb of Chicago. People here don't like to hear that, but it's true. We live in a rural area of Wisconsin, which we both prefer to the city after spending most of our lives in the city. Plus, the cost of living here is much lower than Chicago.

i went through the north side of Wisconsin when I was about 10 years old on a camping trip. The people were really nice up there.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-04 20:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I'm guessing you haven't been to Wisconsin before.

Spent a few days in Milwaukee. I'm from Detroit. Seemed like a suburb of Chicago.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-04 20:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

My wife is not sure whether she likes living in Thailand better than here. She's on the fence. I, however, have spent enough time in Thailand to know that I definitely prefer living here instead.

Living in Wisconsin must suck. In general they want their food and language etc.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-04 20:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Nope. She MUCH preferred living in Thailand (as do I).

Yep same here. Granted Anna has to live with Tom.

There went my whiskey.

:whistle:
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-04 20:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Nowhere near as hard as the winter, I'll wager. :)

(Ann thinks our winters are too cold...)

You live in Tampa! :) We almost broke a record for days over 100 here in Dallas this year.
KareeMaleThailand2011-09-02 21:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Long time no see; hope everyone is doing well here! In a month or two, i need to get the paperwork for the 10yr GC out. THings are going well so far. She's not able to drive but slip some cash to a translator (yes in the US) and you've got your learner's permit. She knows the rules but learning what looks to her like gibberish isn't easy at 35 given her schooling. At least now I can send her to driving school here (although a bribed license in LOS does not mean one can drive, they wouldn't accept her international license for driving school here). I am happy I can at least get her into the system in that respect.

Things are going well; I learned prior bumps in the road were cyclical but pregnancy put an end to the monthly mania (hahaha)! She's a superb step-mother to my kids (who we just got custody of) so our new addition will make things even more exciting at home.

I wish driving schools only had the road skills classes for more than 6 hours here :o( It's difficult for a nervous husband to teach a loved one how to drive without sounding angry or offending the student; that's best left up to a third party (kids are another thing, but I can't seem to do it without more gray hair).

NIce to see those of you still here. I'm wondring about the possibility of a B2 visa for childbirth (her mother). They own land, she's a farmer and has no knowledge of a single English word (but it would be nice to have her here for her grandbaby). Any thoughts on this? Is it worth it? I'll keep browsing the site for similar visa stories (money is everything, even in the visa world). Unfortunately, her family got left out of the money train rolling through SE Asia but hopefully when we're done putting 2 of her family through school, they will be best able to help themselves at a higher level.

My absolute best to you all! You're a wonderful group of people!

That's gonna be tough I think. You already know about the Thai Visa website. I'd be curious how it works out, because I'd like to bring my wife's parents here as well for a visit. They are also farmers.

My wife will be a citizen in the next few months, so she can petition for them on her own, but I seriously doubt they would want to live in the US at their age. It's a US immigration thing. I know they would never stay here, but the consulate has it in their heads that they will.

I'd especially like to see my father in law over here. We've had some good times. My Thai is pretty good, but he speaks that crazy Isaan/Lao/Kampuchea stuff so we never really communicated much on a speaking level. We always have fun though. He takes me fishing everytime I am there and no words need to be spoken. Two guys on a boat drinking cheap Lao whiskey and just fishing. No words need to be exchanged. Good times.
KareeMaleThailand2011-08-13 14:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Good idea. B is easier to get, but once you have it, O would be easier to deal with... what do you need to take in to get the extension?

O was pretty easy for me to get. It was back in 2006, maybe things have changed. Spent one night in Singapore and I got it. I had to make a visa run every 3 months to Cambodia. I'm actually not sure I even needed to do that. I've heard that you can just check in with immigration.
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-05 22:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

hello there, does anyone know of a professional translation service for a personal document. my husband's best friend (thai) and his wife(usc) are having difficulties in their marriage and she has written a letter to him that she would like translated into thai for full comprehension and my husband doesn't feel comfortable or knowledgable enough. it is VERY sensitive information. any help is appreciated.

good luck on your journies all!

Netima Sederis <emsederis@yahoo.com>
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-04 18:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Well the NOA 2 was about 5.5 months My lawyer didn't wait for packet 3, I sent all the documents (about 250 pages of skype chat logs, some emails and about 150 pictures icluding some with my mom when she came to meet her family, altogether 8 LBs of papaers) she was doing her medical and police within days and after couple of days all the documents submitted for an interview. the funny part is that packet 3 documents came by mail after the interview date was scheduled, it otook the Thai mail almost 4 weeks to deliver it (looking at the postal stamp), I think they transfered it on took took all the way from BKK :lol:
Most likely she will get her interview letter after she will be here in the states with me :D

I know many are against using lawyers but having someone to actually take her to the hospital and the police station and expedite it all from over there was very helpfull.

I guess a lawyer in Thailand could be helpful, but one in the US is useless.
KareeMaleThailand2011-07-02 08:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Hi
Does anyone know on what date the BKK embassy publish the interview schedule.
Is there a way to find out the interview date before they publish the list?
We gave the papers on the first week of June and still didn't hear anything.

Thanks all

It's kind of erratic. I've even seen them skip a month.
KareeMaleThailand2011-06-23 21:26:00