ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
ThailandDoes my wife need a visa to travel to Mexico?

Found the answer, I think. It looks like she does and it looks like a pain to get it for just a weekend.

 

Tourist visas
If applying for a Tourist Visa you will need to submit the following documentation: 
? Passport with minimum of 6 months? validity. 
? Application form. 
? 1 passport-size photo. 
? Original return ticket. 
? Fee (payable in cash only). 
? Proof of sufficient funds (US$50 per day) to cover length of stay. 
? Postal applications must be accompanied by a covering letter specifying the purpose of the trip and the dates of entry and departure. Applications should be made in a stamped, self-addressed envelope with recorded or registered delivery.







Time required to issue a visa:

Average 2 days; up to 3 weeks, depending on nationality.

What is the cost of a visa?
Varies, depending on nationality:
Approx. US$17 ? $30


You should post this in the open forum. Not related to Thailand.  You'll get more answers there.

 

 Well given that my wife is Thai, travelling on a Thai passport, I thought maybe someone in the Thai subforum might have had experience with this. It is kind of country specific. I think I found the answer anyway. Sorry.

 

 


Edited by khwaidee1, 28 March 2014 - 03:17 PM.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-03-28 15:16:00
ThailandDoes my wife need a visa to travel to Mexico?

I have business in San Diego in a few weeks so we thought we would make a run for the border and spend the weekend in Ensenada.

 

Here's my question:

 

My wife will be travelling with her Thai Passport which has an I-551 stamp in it. Her green card had the wrong issuance date on it and we have been waiting for almost 6 months for the replacement per the I-90 we filed. We already did a two hour secondary inspection at LAX in January (had to explain to three separate people why she had an I-551 stamp even though the USCIS officer wrote in her passport that the stamp was being issued to due an error by USCIS and that a replacement GC was going to be issued.)

 

I haven't driven across the border in years. Is there any inspection going into Mexico and if so, do they require a visa for Thai nationals? I know the drill coming back but am a little sketchy on the I-551 stamp given the treatment we received at LAX.

 

Your thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-03-28 15:08:00
ThailandCITIZENSHIP TEST IN THAI LANGUAGE

I'm sure it is interesting. I wonder how many USC's could past the test?

 

I was thinking the same thing! 


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-05-12 14:09:00
ThailandCITIZENSHIP TEST IN THAI LANGUAGE

I'm not sure of the level, I'm pretty sure it's entry level. My wife's teacher dedicates about 1 hour a week to some portion of the citizenship test. She'll come home and talk about the Bill of Rights or Freedom of Speech, quite interesting.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-05-12 10:47:00
ThailandCITIZENSHIP TEST IN THAI LANGUAGE

It may not be best for her to study the questions in Thai considering that the entire interview, civics test included, is conducted in English. Having to learn them in Thai and then again in English seems redundant and perhaps confusing. If her English proficiency is a bit low, it may be better to invest time in studying and practicing English, which could never hurt considering where she is.

 You might want to check with your local adult school in this regard. My wife is taking ESL classes and once a week they dedicate a portion of a class to going over the citizenship exam, in English of course.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-05-09 18:08:00
ThailandThai TV in the states

When we were in Thailand we always had to watch her soaps, now she could care less. Given that my wife is a blossoming chef (and quite a good one) she watches all her Thai cooking shows on youtube. We tried Dootv.tv but she likes the variety on youtube better.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-05-23 16:31:00
ThailandMilitary Coup Announced - May 22, 2014

With John Kerry saying he is "disappointed" and that the U.S. is going to take a look at the $10 million the U.S. gives Thailand, Thailand should say piss off. I agree with Karee that the U.S. should stay out of this, our Western model of democracy is not a one size fits all. And, as Kerry probably doesn't know, now is not a good time to be alienating any ASEAN countries.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-05-23 10:26:00
ThailandGetting a housewife credit

 

 

Im just planning ahead. we just did the AOS and want to make sure I start putting ducks in a row. Time tends to fly with my wife because were doing so much :o) I just want to make sure to plan now instead of later. Its the way I am and in my minds eye I would die if for some stupid reason I had a officer on a bad day in 2 years say Oh no theres not enough and she goes home. id rather be ready and full with everything we need and more.

 

I don't plan on going into debt. I was asking that because we went to do a loan and they refused her as a co signer even though my credit score is very good and my debt ratio is super low too.

 

Here's a simple suggestion that I read on VJ right after we AOS'd. Get a shoe box and start putting your stuff in there, bills, cards, letters, boarding passes etc. The two years flies by and our box is stuffed with 3 months to go!


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-06-25 14:55:00
ThailandGetting a housewife credit

 

This happened with my wife and a Target credit card.  She was denied so I applied with BoA (our bank) to get her a secured card with $500 limit ($99 security deposit).  After about 4 months using that card and paying it off, Capitol One gave her an unsecured card with a $1000 limit out of the blue.  I then went back to BoA and said we want the card unsecured and the $99 back.  They said she has to pay on it for 6 months.  I said just cancel it then.  She put me on hold and came back and said they're making it unsecured, refunding the $99 and raising the credit limit to $1000.  This started about a year ago.  She now has multiple unsecured credit cards, and her credit score is actually better than mine (mid 700s)

 

ETA:  Did you ever get that green card mess straightened out?
 

 

Yes, thanks for asking. Status on 6/19 was card was being mailed. It showed up 6/20! only took 9 months and now we're 3.5 months off for ROC. Using the 551 at POE at LAX is a royal pain!

 

And my wife got a couple of Capitol One apps in the mail so we figured we'd mail one in and see what happens!


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-06-24 18:56:00
ThailandGetting a housewife credit

When I bought my wife her first car to add her to the title would have given us a terrible interest rate. She was invited at the store to apply for a Kohl's card but rejected due to lack of credit history. About a year ago I added her as an authorized user to my Amex account and she got her own card. Lately she's been getting a lot of applications to apply for credit cards. We just sent one in so we'll see what happens. We opened up joint checking/savings account the first week she was here, got her on my health insurance straight away, beneficiary of 401K, all utility/phone/water/cable bills in both names, beneficiary of life insurance. We're about 3.5 months away from ROC so this has been on my mind a lot too.


Edited by khwaidee1, 24 June 2014 - 12:09 PM.

khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-06-24 12:08:00
ThailandUSA Immigration Law Thailand

I was thinking to take my husband to Pattaya. I myself haven't been there indecade. Maybe I should changed my mind!

We just AOS also. Everything we did it ourselves. My friend spent so much money to hire a lawyer who did nothing except for asking him to get the required documents.

 

My wife and I enjoy Hua Hin for getaways from her village when we're visiting the family. Nice beaches.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-06-26 12:06:00
ThailandUSA Immigration Law Thailand

 

Welcome to the expat community in Thailand, especially Pattaya.  A bunch of angry unhappy foreigners.  I personally think they should drop a daisy cutter on that town and start over. 
 

 

Haven't been there and years and will not go back. Funny, the last time I was there I had the exact same thought.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-06-26 10:43:00
ThailandUSA Immigration Law Thailand

FWIW, I used EasyFianceVisa out of San Diego. I found them reasonable, super helpful and super easy. They have a Thai contact in Thailand who was able to contact my wife to help her through the process, all part of the package. We sailed through the K-1 and AOS and I will use them for our ROC in a couple of months. I just wanted it done right the first time and I heard good things about them.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-06-24 11:00:00
ThailandIs my future Thai Bride a Bar Girl?

 

The only true feelings I've seen out of a bar girl are raging violent anger. 
 

 

You know the old saying, "you can take the girl out the bar, but you can't take....................." Or so I've heard it said.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-07-24 14:49:00
ThailandIs my future Thai Bride a Bar Girl?

just let her know how you really feel and ask how she really feels about you. if you guys truly love each other than it may be meant to be. Good luck!

 

Good luck with that. Kind of like asking a car salesman if the car you want to buy is a good price.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-07-24 10:56:00
ThailandTravel Question

I got my answer. Thanks.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-08-19 13:43:00
ThailandTravel Question

I am posting this here because it pertains to traveling on a Thai Passport with GC and wanted to see if anyone has any experience.

 

LAX to Costa Rica with a few hour layover in El Salvador.

 

Thanks in advance.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-08-19 13:27:00
USCIS Service CentersCan't check online case status

It memory serves, it is the case number on the Bio letter that you must use, not NOA1.



The Biometrics letter has the same MSC number. I even tried using the number for the I-131 and I-765 which follw sequentially from the I-485 NOA1.
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-11-28 12:33:00
USCIS Service CentersCan't check online case status

Sometimes it doesn't work, nothing you can do about it...


Great to know. Thanks. At least the mail still seems to work!
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-11-27 18:42:00
USCIS Service CentersCan't check online case status
I've been trying to add our I-485 to USCIS web site so I can get e-mail/text alerts. However, it keeps telling me the receipt number isn't valid. The notice date on the I-797C is 10/31/12. When I called 800-375-5283 I couldn't even get to a real person because the prompt kept saying my receipt number is invalid. I know they might be slow in adding to their system, but a whole month? We had our biometrics on 11/16/12. Our receipt number begins with MSC. Thanks.
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-11-27 18:13:00
USCIS Service CentersCSC HAS PASSED 5 MONTHS TIME

this thread makes me super sad.


Maybe I can offer this to cheer you up:

Filed K-1 1/10/12
Visa Interview 8/28/12
Visa 8/31/12
POE 9/2/12
Filed AOS 10/29/12
GC Interview 1/15/13

Essentially 12 months from filing K-1 to Green Card. Be patient, your time will come! Good luck!
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-12-28 13:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDHL Tracking From NVC to US Embassy
I was able to to track 9450869072 that left on Tuesday and received on Friday. But, when I called Wednesday they said it was still in "additional processing", when I called back on Thursday afternoon (yes, I am a little impatient), I was told it was sent to the Embassy. However, I don't see anything outbound to Bangkok on Thursday or Friday per your posts, so I guess it would just be speculation that the Tuesday waybill was us. Thanks for all your help.
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-28 19:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDHL Tracking From NVC to US Embassy
tru, i called NVC Thursday and was told our petition was sent to the Embassy, you show any shipment shipment to Bangkok Thursday or Friday? And if so, how do I track it? I tried your instructions but, with no luck, thanks! Also, I've yet to receive an e-mail from the NVC but, I have learned through this process that the government moves a little slow! Thanks!

Edited by khwaidee1, 28 July 2012 - 06:11 PM.

khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-28 18:08:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionI have a question about biometric appointment, Im really upset (merged)

Make an InfoPass appointment. They can give a paper to have your biometrics done that same day. I wouldn't waste time calling. You should have gotten the appointment letter within 30 days. Don't waste anymore time because you don't want them to think you abandoned you AOS.

 

Either the letter got lost, misdirected etc., it happens and happens a lot with the USCIS. Happened to my wife. Make the appointment today!


Edited by khwaidee1, 22 May 2014 - 12:27 PM.

khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-05-22 12:25:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionThinking ahead.........

I do have a 401K and hadn't even thought of making her the beneficiary, good idea! Also have a life insurance policy through our credit union.

 

We filed "married filing jointly" for 2012 and will do the same for 2013.

 

Thanks.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-01-29 12:59:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionThinking ahead.........

We're about 10 months out and I'm already thinking ahead. We definitely have a loving and bonafide marriage and I want our ROC to go as smoothly as our AOS.

 

We have been back to see her family 3 times (spent Christmas with them last year) and have all the boarding passes, photos etc. A ton of cards from my parents to us. Photos from trips we've taken since my wife's been here.

 

For primary evidence we have the following:

 

1. 2 joint savings accounts

2. 2 joint checking accounts

3. Gas bill in both names

4. Home phone bill in both names

5. Cell phone bill in both names

6. Electric bill in both names

7. California drivers license

8. Added wife to AMEX account and she has her own card

9. Added wife to my health insurance right when she got here

10. She is on the auto insurance policy

11. Water delivery bill in both names

 

We opened up the first bank accounts right when she got here. Unfortunately they were grouped in on my bank statement which is why we opened additional ones last year that have just our names on it. Most of the joint utility/phone accounts were changed at the end of last year because I hadn't given it much thought and I pay the bills anyway. I bought my wife a car in October however, if I wanted her on the loan/registration we would have gotten a ridiculous interest rate because she has no credit off her SSN which apparently translates to bad credit. I own our home with a mortgage. The lender will not agree to change in title due to the credit issue. Our water/trash can only have one name on the account for whatever reason. My wife starts school next week with a view towards getting a job and has not worked since she got here. I can of course get plenty off affidavits it they would be helpful.

 

Our K-1 and AOS went so smoothly as we prepared so dilligently and I want the same for the ROC so just looking for any comments/suggestions. Thanks in advance.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-01-29 12:41:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionI-90

When we had our infopass appointment for the wrong expiration date on the GC they said 4-6 months and that was why they only gave my wife a 6 month I-551 stamp in her passport. We sent in our I-90 on 11/6/13 and gout our NOA1 about 10 days later. Still in Initial Review.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-02-06 11:45:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionCan i remove conditions now?

I always read that you had to file within 90 says of residency expiration but not before 90 days but last year when me and my wife traveled and came back to the U.S the agent at the airport on re-entry told us we could file then. This was like a year ago so I brushed it off as he didnt know what he was talking about. Now my wifes greencard will expire in 110 days but we received a letter from the department of homeland security like a week ago notifying us that we have to remove conditions but makes no mention of the 90 days?

 

This was your reminder letter that flora was referring to. Your window opens 90 days before the expiration of the GC and you cannot file before then.


khwaidee1MaleThailand2014-05-30 17:53:00
PhilippinesVisa Approved now Sad to be Leaving My Family
My 2 cents, I went to her interview and we celebrated the approval. We went back to her village and celebrated some more. As we got closer to the time to leave the sad faces appeared. It was hard to say goodbye to papa, mama, sisters and brothers with everyone crying. It was one long cab ride to Bangkok.

We got here and she was so excited. Then she got a little homesick. She had a phone so she could call the family all the time. She didn't drive much at home and relied on public transportation. I got her all the things she needed to cook like at home, found a good Thai market. The homesickness wore off and she atarted veturing out on her own. Public transportation sucks near where we live but there are a lot of shops she can walk to. She got an ATM card and can now go to the market or shopping, it has really changed her outlook. I work long hours and we live a comfortable life. The weather has been really nice so not much of a shock.

While love may conquer many things, it is definitely a big change and one must go slow. We are now two months together here and things keep getting better. We filed for our AOS and hope to get AP and visit the family in February. I promised her we would go back often. It has been hard at times and great at times, but I reckon that's what mariage is all about. Stay positive and focused. Good luck to you!!

Oh, I did get her an iPad and she stays connected via facebook and some Thai sites, she loves that!

Edited by khwaidee1, 05 November 2012 - 06:54 PM.

khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-11-05 18:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAnybody who have not gotten their NOA2 with a January 2012 NOA1
January 10 NOA1, received January 12, "touched" January 13. I put in a service request last Thursday. Very pleasant and helpful lady told me I would receive a response within 15 days. Given how the government works, I suspect that petitions are assigned to certain clerk based on various criteria and some are more efficient than others (at least that's what I keep telling myself and my fiance!!)

Edited by khwaidee1, 24 June 2012 - 01:59 PM.

khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-06-24 13:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 Question- Timimg of approval date

Have you called NVC to get an update on your case and get the new case number?

I have seen several packages leaving for Thailand lately http://www.visajourn...y/page__st__225

Good Luck :)


Question: How are you tracking these DHL packages and when they leave? Most interesting. Thanks.
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-20 11:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 Question- Timimg of approval date

Have you called NVC to get an update on your case and get the new case number?

I have seen several packages leaving for Thailand lately http://www.visajourn...y/page__st__225

Good Luck :)


Yes, called yesterday and was told they received it on July 9, 2012 and got my NVC case number and was told my Petition should go out on Monday and was told to call back on Tuesday. Thanks!
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-20 11:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 Question- Timimg of approval date

It really isn't backdated... the date of the approval was 6/08. As you will soon learn, it takes the USCIS some time to complete a task. quest. 2: as long as you are proceeding with the visa [approval] process the date, if it extends past 10/07, will be extended.



Gothca, but they burn a month of my time to get things done between the time they approve and then print the approval. I know, I know, it's the government. Although I must say, everybody I've spoken to along the process has been very polite and as helpful as they are able.
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-19 18:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 Question- Timimg of approval date
Ok, my NOA2 says; Notice Type: "Aproval Notice Valid from 06/082012 to 10/07/2012."

The notice date of the NOA2 is July 2 so Question 1: Why do they backdate it a month? and Question 2: does that mean we have the interview and get the K-1 approved before 10/07/2012? Thanks.
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-19 17:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJune 5 or later NOA2 to NVC - CSC

wow that speed to NVC is pretty good. Gave me more light and excitement.


What's even more amazing is that the NVC told me they entered into their system on July 6, 2012! Now if they would be so kind as to send it on it's way so we can send in Packet 3 and get our interview scheduled! Good luck!
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-20 18:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJune 5 or later NOA2 to NVC - CSC
NOA2 July 2, called NVC yesterday and was given my case number but was told Petition had not yet been forwarded to the Embassy. My NOA1 CSC was January 11, 2012.
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-19 12:02:00
ThailandNing, I am starting to get a little stressed

Again Karee is correct. Just relax. They know they are the reason for the notice to be out of date. This happens all the time and is nothing new.



Thank you, your calming words are just what I needed. I think you have a sense of my relationship and how prepared we are to move on to the next step. Just want eveything to go smoothly. Thanks again for all your help!!!
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-20 17:16:00
ThailandNing, I am starting to get a little stressed

That NOA2 expiration date means nothing. My wife had her interview more than 6 months after NOA2.



Thank you, I sure hope that is true. While I would want nothing more that to have the interview before October 7, 2012, I just don't want to run into some bureaucratic red tape because of the short time they gave me.
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-20 16:46:00
ThailandNing, I am starting to get a little stressed
I read about your monumental wait and some time frames you gave me and I'm getting a little stressed. Here's why: my NOA2 Approval date is July 2, 2012. It is valid from June 8, 2012 to October 7, 2012. It was entered at the NVC on July 6, 2012. Called today and it's still at the NVC supposed to leave Monday or Tuesday. Obviously, as soon as it's at the Consulate Packet 3 will be sent via EMS to BKK. So, assuming they get it and enter it by next week, they should have our Packet 3 by the end of July. That gives them only 2 months to schedule the interview before our NOA2 expires!!! Do you think they pay attention to the NOA2 dates when they process the Petitions? I would hate for our NOA2 to expire while our Petition languishes in BKK!!! Help!
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-20 16:35:00
ThailandNVC Case # Question

You can get an idea here of what the interview dates look like:

http://photos.state....edule062912.pdf

The way to decode those case numbers is here:


3. NVC Scans Package.
This marries the USCIS receipt number to your newly generated NVC number which is based on

EEEYYYYOOOSSS

  • E = 3 digit embassy code (example TKY for Tokyo)
  • Y = 4 digit code for year (example 2008)
  • O= 3 digit code for Ordinal date plus 500
  • Example I. Aug 28 = 241st ordinal day ADD 500 = 741
  • Example II. 741 SUBTRACT 500 = 241st ordinal day (Aug. 28)
  • S = Sequence number of the day (if you were the second approval scanned, your code would be 002)
Full Example of NVC case number = TKY2008741002





So looking at that current interview schedule, I picked one from the bottom:

BNK2012576003 has an interview date of 7/12/2012. That means that NVC processed it approx. March 15 2012. (576-500 = day 76 of 2012) So from NVC to interview, it took 4 months for that application.

I believe I read somewhere the police certificate is valid for 6 months, although looking at my wife's police certificate there is no expiration date.




:rofl:


After all of that above, reading the new instructions it looks like now they want you to send in the police certificate with the packet 3 response. That didn't used to be the case. You used to bring it to the interview with you. So I'd say go for it and get it now. Good luck!



WOW!!!! Based on those numbers, I'm pretty damn close! I've heard recently of people getting an appointmen date the same week they submit Packet 3 which may be an anomoly but gives me hope! My NVC # is pretty damn close to the highest numbers on that schedule! Yes, they now require the Police Certificate when you submit Packet 3. Thanks!
khwaidee1MaleThailand2012-07-20 19:33:00