ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
ThailandFrom NOA 2 thru NVC to BKK- help

Is there anything I am supposed to do or can do to expedite from NOA 2 to Packet 3?

 

I know I can start working on the packet 3 items.

 

I am wondering specifically about calling NVC for case # etc etc. 

 

Thx

 

Since you are K-1, there is nothing for you to do at NVC.  Your K-1 petition just makes a quick stop there on the way to the Bangkok Embassy.  No expedite required.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-01 19:43:00
ThailandInterview date received, can we request for earlier slot?

Maybe a little off topic. I received my NOA 2 on 4-20 and am wondering if I should be calling NVC to obtain a case # or take other steps or if for Thailand we just hang out for NVC to process and mail to BKK and then wait for packet 3. 

You can call NVC and get the case number, but it wont do you any good dealing with the embassy in Bangkok until the embassy receives your petition.  Since you have your NOA2, you will be getting a letter from NVC very soon with your case number on it.  Your case number will start with BNK2013.


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-01 19:49:00
ThailandInterview date received, can we request for earlier slot?
As for re-scheduling, you'd be better served to go with the date they gave you. Remember you're dealing with a govt. agency here.

Edited by Karee, 24 April 2013 - 09:00 AM.

KareeMaleThailand2013-04-24 09:00:00
ThailandInterview date received, can we request for earlier slot?
Here's the link:

http://photos.state....chedule0313.pdf
KareeMaleThailand2013-04-24 08:09:00
ThailandThe Sin Sot Issue

My wife has said it's my decision and she'll stand by whatever I decide. She married me without their knowledge on our last visit. They did find out later and were very upset. Now, they expect a proper party and sin sod when I come collect her. She has said I'm her choice and we don't have to do it though. She also said that they would return the sin sod before we left for the USA if I decided to opt for the ceremony/sin sod.

Due to her education, current job and their social station - they are asking for quite a bit even though they don't need it.

I've met them and they seemed very nice. They have never asked for money before and as far as I know, since. My wife has a good job and never asks for me to send her cash either. I have sent my wife money a few times, on my own, without any request.

Well there's your answer. Marrying her without them knowing about it, was a huge mistake in that culture. If they're going to give it back, then I'd say do it. Also, it would probably make things right as far as marrying without their knowledge.

You're gonna pay out the a$$ for that party though. :rofl: Have fun and take alot of pictures. My wife's extended family (not her mom and dad) are still wearing me out about not having the wedding party 7 years later. Everytime we go back, they want to do it. I think it has little to do with the wedding itself, they just want me to pay for a big bash. Thinking about it, I should probably do it next time we go back. I'm sure it would make my wife happy, and she sure has done alot for me over the years.
KareeMaleThailand2013-02-09 09:14:00
ThailandThe Sin Sot Issue

I realize this is a bit off topic for this forum, but there are a limited number of places I can post this question to people who have actually been through it.

The issue of Sinsot has always been laying in the bushes, and my gf has never made it a pre-curser to marriage. But now with the Visa process well under way, she has mentioned we should at some point give Mamma a gift of 100,000 or so.

My position has always been. Sinsot is not my tradition. I take care of my girlfriend and her daughter. She and her sisters take care of Mamma. One of her sisters is Married to a German, and he has refused to pay anything to mamma. It would appear she is getting family pressure to get something out of this farang.

I'm really torn on what to do. Obviously I love her and I don't want to cause her any stress with her family. On the other hand, It's a good chunk of money. Money I really can't afford to be handing over to someone.

Any personal experience you would like to share would be appreciated.

Ohh, you might want to show your country as Thailand in your profile. That way your posts will show up in the Thailand portal.
KareeMaleThailand2013-02-09 09:00:00
ThailandThe Sin Sot Issue

I can relate?

My wife's family expects one. We've had many discussions about this issue and it's still unresolved.

I have a coworker who married a Thai lady and they both advised me that I shouldn't be expected to pay a sin sod for many reason...


If the family is expecting one, you can bet it's going to much more than a Thai man would pay.

One the other hand, you could use this as an opportunity. Pay the sin sot, and say "that's it" I'll never send any money after that.

Edited by Karee, 09 February 2013 - 08:56 AM.

KareeMaleThailand2013-02-09 08:55:00
ThailandThe Sin Sot Issue

I realize this is a bit off topic for this forum, but there are a limited number of places I can post this question to people who have actually been through it.

The issue of Sinsot has always been laying in the bushes, and my gf has never made it a pre-curser to marriage. But now with the Visa process well under way, she has mentioned we should at some point give Mamma a gift of 100,000 or so.

My position has always been. Sinsot is not my tradition. I take care of my girlfriend and her daughter. She and her sisters take care of Mamma. One of her sisters is Married to a German, and he has refused to pay anything to mamma. It would appear she is getting family pressure to get something out of this farang.

I'm really torn on what to do. Obviously I love her and I don't want to cause her any stress with her family. On the other hand, It's a good chunk of money. Money I really can't afford to be handing over to someone.

Any personal experience you would like to share would be appreciated.

This is a pretty common issue when marrying a Thai. I'm not sure if you've had a wedding party yet, but what I've seen some people do is to present the money at the wedding party so it looks good to everyone else (Which is really what it's all about) and then the family gives it back. I know this sounds odd to Americans, but I have seen it done quite a few times.

In our case we didn't have a wedding party. We married pretty quickly thanks to the coup in 2006 and the military govts. rule on on living there on tourist visas. My wife's parents were fine with it, as long as their daughter was happy. I didn't pay any sin sot. I do pay for my niece's private school every semester. Her parents ask for the occasional 4k Baht here and there. Maybe once a year. I'm fine with that.

Welcome to VJ by the way.
KareeMaleThailand2013-02-09 08:04:00
ThailandHelp with packet 3 forms

There is nothing wrong with doing it this way but there is really no need to spend 800 dollars to do what most of us did by ourselves. In this example we see the use of the " official" approval from some Thai ministry. This simply isn't a factor nor a requirement.

 

I had to register my marriage with the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) out on Chaeng Watthana road for some reason.  Might have been because I was going to get a Non-O Thai visa, but I don't think so.  OP is K-1, so it really doesn't matter.

 

In Juan's case, it makes no sense at all, because there is no marriage to register with MFA. 

 

So bottom line, unless you get legally married in Thailand, there should be no interaction whatsoever with the Thai MFA.

 


Edited by Karee, 16 May 2013 - 06:49 AM.

KareeMaleThailand2013-05-16 06:44:00
ThailandAirplane Rides from Asia

I agree 100% about US legacy carriers. Awful customer service to be sure.

 

I fly with Korean, but i can't book direct because they won;t book the domestic portion of the flights. If I buy that part separately, it gets really expensive. An aggregator is the best option for me.

 

I'll look at that three week window. Never tried booking that close.

Look at the prices for flights 3 weeks from now, and look at them about 2 months from now.  You'll see what I mean.


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-16 21:48:00
ThailandAirplane Rides from Asia

Which airline are you trying to book through and is it more than 1 month out.   My friend that runs a travel agency here said always book your flights out of Bangkok in the 3 to 4 week before the flight and buy direct with the Airline, that is the time they release the group blocked seats.  I just checked Korean BKK to LA and the One Way was 875, RT was 1275, 3 weeks from now.  I normally fly Korean, EVA, or Thai.  Used to pay the Thai premium when they had direct to LA, now I deal with the 11 hour layover in Korea to have Seoul straight to Vegas.

 

 

 

I've noticed that as well.  I know it's counter-intuitive to wait until a 3-weeks to month before your planned trip to buy a ticket, but that seems to be when you get the best deals for some reason.  Also, I usually went through a travel agent in BKK for flights originating from Thailand.  They always had better deals than what I could find online.

 

I also avoid any U.S. based carrier (United, Delta, etc.)  like the plague.  The service is terrible,  Those flights are usually staffed by flight attendants with 25+ years seniority, and they don't care.  They take the phrase "We are primarily here for your safety" to a whole other level.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-16 06:32:00
ThailandThai address for the Bangkok Embassy

She'll need to pay the visa fee at Thai post as well at some point.  (Not yet)  Looks like they finally put something on their website about it:

 

http://www.thailandp...=45&service=174

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-22 18:11:00
ThailandThai address for the Bangkok Embassy

What is Thai post EMS

 

It's like sending USPS express mail with a delivery confirmation in the U.S.

 

http://track.thailan...lt.aspx?lang=en

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-22 18:04:00
ThailandThai address for the Bangkok Embassy

The appointment instructions give the Embassy address in English. Is it deliverable like that? Do I need to get it translated into Thai?

English will work just fine.  You might have her send it Thai post EMS just to make sure it gets there with a confirmation.


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-22 17:56:00
ThailandPolice report fee

Called again. Paid the fee (tea money), 1,500 she is on her way back home already #######

 

Yeah it's worth it just to put it behind you.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-21 22:33:00
ThailandPolice report fee

From the packet 3 instructions:

 

No fee for police clearance service.

 

Source:

http://bangkok.usemb...policeapr09.pdf

 

Unfortunately, your dealing with the Thai police so there's always money involved with them.  I'll tell you a story about me throwing a cigarette butt on the ground once.  That cost me 500 THB which the cop promptly put in his front shirt pocket.  I have 30 stories like that.

 

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-21 22:32:00
ThailandPolice report fee

Seems like when it comes to the police report, if you ask 5 different people you get 5 different answers.  In my case my wife paid a lawyer 5000 THB to deal with it since she didn't feel like making a trip to Bangkok from Chiang Mai.  I guess it depends on who is working at the police station that day.


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-21 22:28:00
ThailandPolice report fee

My girlfriend just called. She is at the cop shop right now. they are telling her 1,500 for the police report. Smells like tea money to me. I told her to use her best judgement.

 

Any recent experience with getting the Bangkok police report?

 Just pay it.  Tell her to to tell them to get it to her quickly as she needs it right away since she is paying "a fee"


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-21 22:19:00
ThailandMy girlfriend had a tough day at the clinic

What exactly are they looking for with the chest x-ray?

 

Like Andy said, TB.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-26 08:21:00
ThailandMy girlfriend had a tough day at the clinic

I don;t know what they all gave her at the clinic. Does she have a receipt or something to mail in so the Embassy knows she took the medical exam.

 

They should have given her the results of the medical exam as well as the chest x-ray.  She'll bring the medical exam results to the interview with her.  As far as I know the hospital doesn't send anything to the embassy.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-25 07:33:00
ThailandMy girlfriend had a tough day at the clinic

She's back. Everything finished. She got the sealed packet. They gave her the vaccinations. She is sleeping it off now.

 

What's the story with the sealed packet. Do we mail that to the Embassy, or take it in with her for the interview?

 

Take it with her to the interview.  Make sure she doesn't open it.  Also, they will give her a packet in addition to her passport with the visa after she passes the interview that she has to give to the customs people when she arrives in the U.S.  Make sure she doesn't open that either. 
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-25 07:14:00
ThailandMy girlfriend had a tough day at the clinic

She went to the clinic today. She described it as a "Hi-So" hospital. She felt the staff was looking down on her because she is an Issan girl.

 

Anyway she got there first thing in the morning. Got signed in, paid the fee, and waited, and waited, and waited. She said many woman came in, were seen and left while she waited. Finally about 4pm someone came out and told her the doctor had left for the day, she would need to come back after the holiday.

 

She was NOT happy. On the way back home, her bus broke down, she waited two hours for a new bus to show up. I got an ear full when she got home.

 

I'm not sure what happened, but I am sure she didn't wait quietly. It will be interesting to see what happens on the 2nd visit.

I take it she went to Bumrungrad.


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-24 05:56:00
ThailandFunny but true

Yes that is funny.  The first two excuses that he said the sick buffalo and the brother in the hospital are the very first things I thought of before I heard him say it.

 

Don't forget the wrecked motorbike.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-28 10:56:00
ThailandFunny but true

KareeMaleThailand2013-05-27 07:16:00
ThailandDelivered document to the consulate

An update to my case: they are still unable to locate my document and they say they will search for it again. I double checked with the police there that i got the right tracking number for my case and it got delivery confirmation so they no longer have responsibilty for it. So i am given 221g after the interview on condition for my unable-to-locate police certificate; otherwise i gotta reapply for the certificate again. This is so frustrating!

 

How did your interview go?
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-29 10:36:00
ThailandDelivered document to the consulate

First of all, thanks for your kind suggestion Ning, i will try to contact the american service as you suggested or have my fiance contacted them if needed.

I know packet 3 should not be separated but it is the Singapore police office that indicates that the certificate can only be sent to the requesting consulate/ office even the instruction from the US embassy mentions so so i expect them to understand the situation. I have also explicitly indicated the address to send the certificate to the consular section, iv unit if that would help, what i was missing was to tell them to add my case number into the envelope...sigh

I would be mad if they lose it as i did what i was instructed to do and it took over a month with a fee, anyway hopefully it would turn up by the time i have my interview though monday is also memorial day hoilday for the consulate.



Just make sure you point out to the people at the BKK embassy that Singapore would only send the police report to the requesting consulate.  Make sure have documentation of that rule when you go to your interview.  Sounds like you followed the rules as they are laid out on both ends.


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-26 08:25:00
ThailandDelivered document to the consulate

Apparently, it was their policy to mail it to the requested consulate. I doubt they have put my BNK on that certificate, most likely only just my name sad.png

 

Hopefully you can get it cleared up when you go to your interview this week.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-25 07:08:00
ThailandDelivered document to the consulate

ETA:  Looks like you have an interview next week.  I would talk to them and see what they say then.


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-25 07:05:00
ThailandDelivered document to the consulate

I have requested a police certificate as part of k1 packet to be mailed directly to the US consulate from overseas. Apparently, with the given tracking number, it was successfully delivered by Thai Post on Sat 18th March, but as of last Thurs US consulate said they haven't received it. Is this normal that they take a long time to actually locate my doc into my file? Has anyone experienced sending extra doc to the consulate? Thank you...

 

Was your BNK case number noted anywhere on the police certificate?  It probably would have been better if they mailed it directly to you, and then you submit it with all the other documentation.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-25 06:58:00
ThailandHow long after the Consulate receives the Packet 3 should we expect to hear about our interview date?

The Consulate has been good about responding to email. I was wondering today how sequestration is effecting them.

It probably doesn't affect them at all.  It wont make a political statement by holding up visa interviews.  Delaying flights is another matter.


KareeMaleThailand2013-06-01 07:15:00
ThailandHow long after the Consulate receives the Packet 3 should we expect to hear about our interview date?

Received an email from the consulate indicating they have receives the Packet 3. Further telling us to wait for an email with our interview date. Just going into the weekend, so I guess we won't hear anything until Monday earliest.

 

I guess I must have sounded a little stressed about the Thai post receipt being thrown away. My girlfriend went rooting around in the dumpster until she found it. Now that's dedication.

That's good that they responded to you, and confirmed they have packet 3.


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-31 21:18:00
ThailandHow long after the Consulate receives the Packet 3 should we expect to hear about our interview date?

Thai post doens't notify you the delivery confirmation by email like FedEx. If she still has the receipt with her, you can check the delivery online from Thaipost website. I remember it is the 13 number starts with EK.... something. It should be on the third line..on top right of the receipt. Your packet should get there in one day for EMS.

 

To be honest, I had been bugging the consulate since I got NVC number. I emailed them with my BNK number and asked if they have my case in Bangkok. I emailed them again later and asked if I could schedule interview date while my Thai police clearance was pending. They said'yes', so I sent my packet 3 in with all other necessary documents except police clearance which i will bring it with me on interview date. Once I check Thaipost website and it showed that my packet was delivered, I emailed them again and asked if they have received it and that I was looking forward to receive interview date. So, I got interview date one day after they received my packet.

 

All I am trying to say is that you don't have to wait for to contact them. They answer your question by email very quickly. Remember that you should put your BNK number every time you email them and be polite, that's all. Good luck to you both smile.png

good.gif


KareeMaleThailand2013-05-30 19:35:00
ThailandThe Embassy Website Has Posted June Appointments

Got our date today. 26 June. 30 days after packet 3

 

Congrats!
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-06-03 06:56:00
ThailandThe Embassy Website Has Posted June Appointments

And I'm sure it will be smooth and painless. rofl.gif

 

:lol

 

Maybe not smooth and painless, but it is definitely easier than what you're dealing with now.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-06-01 22:34:00
ThailandThe Embassy Website Has Posted June Appointments

I just read through the Lingche shortcut. Looks like a lot of work for the IR-1/CR-1 compared to the K-1.  But I suppose we will need to go through all that after she gets here.

 

Actually you wont go through any of that.  You'll have an entirely different process to go through for her to adjust status. 
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-06-01 22:27:00
ThailandThe Embassy Website Has Posted June Appointments

 

I have and I think we have everything together to send as soon as it's needed.  Plus, I expect to follow the shortcut guide here to try and shave off a couple of more weeks.

Right on!

 

good.gif  good.gif

 

I think in the long run you'll be glad you went the CR-1 route.  Less B.S. to deal with once she gets here.  Start calling that NVC number daily on Monday to get your case number.  I doubt they'll have it next week, but not too long after that.  Call them anyway.

 

ETA:

Make sure you use the Lingche shortcut.  That one seems to be the best.  There's one out there called Jame's shortcut, but I think it's pretty old.


Edited by Karee, 01 June 2013 - 10:06 PM.

KareeMaleThailand2013-06-01 22:03:00
ThailandThe Embassy Website Has Posted June Appointments

Gosh that's a lot of statistical data.

 

I realize it's pointless to worry about it. It is what it is.  I'm just killing time.

 

The difference I see in the individual timelines versus the stats is some people wait weeks before returning the packet three. I think that tends to skew the overall data.

Yeah it's all here if you want to dig through it.  smile.png

 

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-06-01 21:58:00
ThailandThe Embassy Website Has Posted June Appointments

60-70 days from NOA2 isn't bad....  I was expecting closer to 90.

 

Your case is totally different.  You are IR-1/CR-1.  You have all kinds of paperwork to send NVC etc. that K visas don't have to do after NOA2.  I hope you've been researching that because it's kinda up to you how fast you get through NVC.  Can be a couple weeks, can be 3 months.
 


KareeMaleThailand2013-06-01 21:43:00
ThailandThe Embassy Website Has Posted June Appointments

Where did you get that stat? I didn't see anything near 60 days.

 

See, I was just ready to go to bed and now I gotta dig back through time lines. Lol ClockWatch2.gif

 

Look here:

http://www.visajourn...erlist.php?cfl=

 


KareeMaleThailand2013-06-01 21:40:00
ThailandThe Embassy Website Has Posted June Appointments

The above data is for 24 record pulled from 2013 by the way.


KareeMaleThailand2013-06-01 21:36:00