biggish data

QUOTE (HYENA @ Feb 23 2009, 09:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (daboyz @ Feb 23 2009, 10:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hell Ya!!!

"During the interview, the applicant submitted only 5 photos, some money
transfers, 2 cards. Your 2007 income is above the poverty guidelines,
but the consular officer has noted an IRS lien of 11K from JUN 2008,
which would bring the income to below poverty guidelines. Thus, in
order to process the case, the applicant needs to submit more
substantial evidence of relationship and information about the lien."

Now I know.

that sounds much better .i wonder how long u have to get a cosponsor and more evidence...thats much better. i know he's tough cookie from what i read but maybe he feels his time is wasted or he's frustrated when he can't justifiably approve.

The Bangkok embassy does not allow co-sponsors. There was another guy that got denied last week because he had a co-sponsor.

Also why not wait to file your 2008 taxes until after the interview, if you are above the poverty line in 2007. They cannot ask for a 2008 tax return until after the filing deadline in April.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-24 00:47:00

I just dug out the paperwork from one of the bags we brought back with us, here is what the packet 3, she got sent in the mail says:

Step 2: Once you have all the documents in your possession, complete and sign the checklist and return it with all the required documents on the checklist to the embassy by mail. (Do not hand carry the documents to the Embassy). Please mail us the original and photocopy of all the documents for yourself and each of your family members and we will be happy to return the original to you after the interview. Exception: For items with an asterisk * in front, you can submit only photocopies and present the originals at the interview

Checklist:

DS-230 Part I
DS-156
DS-157
DS-156K
* Passport
* Birth Certificates
* Unobtainable Birth Certificates
* Evidence of relationship (Note: At this stage, no need to mail this item, but you must present it at the interview)
Affidavit of Support
Police Records
Foreign Police Records
Court & Prison Records
Photographs: two 2x2
* Marriage Certificates
* Proof of custody of Minor Children
Verification of Unmarried status: Required if you have not registered a previous marriage
*Name Change Certificates
*Old Passports
Application Fee

That is the list of Documents along with which ones have an asterisk next to them.

Any other questions let me know.

Aaron

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-21 19:13:00

We made it to Las Vegas at about 2:00 am last night (Thursday)

We landed in LA at 8pm. and went to immigration, took us about 45 minutes to clear immigration, the lines were not to long, their were 3 officers at the line we got in, and I was watching each one process the visitors, I was hoping for a particular one, cause the other ones seemed a bit grumpy. We got the good one, both of us walked up together, I handed him our passports and the "brown" envelope, and told him we were there on K1, he said no problem, let me process your passport first. Put me in the computer handed it back. Then he put hers in and she only needed to finger print her right hand, and then take a picture. He opened the packet looked for the A#, put it on the back of the I94, gave her back her passport, and said to me you know you two have to get married in 90 days. I said yep. Away we went.

Got our 5 bags each about 25Kg, and headed over to get the rental car, the line was slow took about 45 minutes and then we were on the road. She speaks pretty good enbglish and it was funny about 15 minutes on the road and she remarks, I am going to have to carry my dictionary everywhere with me (I bought her an electronic one while in Bangkok).

So far there have been quite a few little amusing things, but probably the funniest is everytime we go to the car, she always goes to the drivers side.

We basically slept the entire day until about 5pm, returned the rental car and then headed out to dinner, now I am ready to sleep some more. Spending 3 months over there really plays with the internal clock.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-21 01:58:00

I have never heard of handing out money either, we certainly did not at our ceremony.

QUOTE

She's been telling everyone gifts are not necessary but I told her yes we could do gifts (but keep it cheap).

Gifts are usual,l but the gifts are not based on what was given. We bought towels for everyone, which I was told was fairly common. So everyone who came was given a towel, and we also gave out bottles of coke, fanta, whiskey, and at the end of the day when people who did not make the ceremony came by we would give them left over pork (I bought two pigs for the ceremony), and other food items, and more soda.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-20 20:31:00

QUOTE (cheryl & jim @ Feb 18 2009, 03:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am going to the state of Illinois. I think I will need some light winter clothes too.

It will probably be a bit cool at night in April, but should be warming up by May.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-18 06:18:00

QUOTE (cheryl & jim @ Feb 18 2009, 03:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks. Have a safe and smooth trip. I will be flying with my honey hopefully on April 1st....hope not too cold anymore for me when I get to the US

It all depends where you are going. I am sure Nam is going to freeze for at least the next month. we went to platinum to get some warm clothes for her, the quality on the winter clothes wasn't very good for the price. So I told her I would take her shopping first thing Friday morning to get her warm clothes. She freezes when it drops below 70 here in BKK, and at night in Vegas it gets down to the 40's & 50's.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-18 05:32:00

QUOTE (cheryl & jim @ Feb 18 2009, 02:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am picking up my visa on Feb. 24th...woohhoooo!!!

Congrats. We fly out of BKK tomorrow

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-18 05:02:00

I used these people quite a bit, and never a problem: http://www.flowerbangkok.com/ They are also cheaper then most any of the other flower shops I found. The flowers had always arrived on time and looked great.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-16 00:18:00

QUOTE

I myself do have the license that have both written in Thai and English and valid for 5 years.

You must have already had a license for 1 year prior to getting the 5 year Thai license. They will not issue a 5 year license until you have had a 1 year license.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-16 00:14:00

QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Feb 15 2009, 06:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Mommy @ Feb 14 2009, 12:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Feb 14 2009, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hey to change this thread up does anyone know about getting a Thai drivers license and an international license for their fiance?

Its imperative my girl get an International License before her visa. She checked on this and believes its very easy to get a license in her home town when she goes back to get her "Verification of unmarried status / Bai Rub Rong Sod " She said it takes 1 day and 500b to get. After that she takes the drivers license to Bangkok (where she lives) and then gets a 1 year International license in 5 days.

Does anyone know about this?

I called them to get the information because that is what I will be doing too. They said bring in the driving license that is valid for 5 yrs and passport to their head office near Jatujak Market/Park (JJ/weekend market), that is the only place that do international driving license. The fee is 500 baht and you can get it the same day that you go to do. I do have my new driving license that have both thai and English but it is international driving license.

I am so confused about the different information I am reading. My girl has never driven before and its not necessary for her to learn to drive before she gets here. (I taught my daughter I can teach her) so we just need to have an international license (according to the Texas Department of Public Safety) because she can not obtain a Texas DL until she gets her green card. They said for many people that takes 1.5 - 2 years. The reason this is so important is that she will need to drive (in a limited way) about 3 months after she gets here. I really need her to be 100% legal and insured. I'm worried about grey area issues coming up if she gets into an accident.

As I said in my original post she told me she should be able to get a Thai drivers license "No questions asked" in her home town and then get the international license in Bangkok.

Since that time several people have with their information and some links. In reading through it I'm very confused. I have read that the "NEW" licenses come in Thai and English. Someone else said only a portion is in English. A link I read states if the license is in English it qualifies as an international license. Then there was the post concerning the 1 yr vs. 5 year license. Also the post about needing to have a license for 1 year to qualify for the international license. LOL,,, I'm really not that smart. Can someone spell this out for my situation?

She cannot get an international license. The only way they will issue an international license is if they have the 5 year license and you can only get that after the 1 year license.

I sent my fiancee to drviing school for 10 hours here and then paid for her to get her license (wink wink). My plan at the time was to do what you are doing, get her the international license and then teach her to drive in the US. However after she got her license is when I found out about the restriction on the 1 year license, that it cannot be converted to an international.

The 1 year license says:

Driving License at the top in Thai and english, then has a section with Thai (Dates, name, Thai ID etc), then at the bottom has the valid dates, name, birthdate, Thai ID in english. I think it will be suffiecient for teaching her to drive in the US. Plus it can be used for her ID, since it has her Birthdate and she won't need to carry her passport everywhere. In Vegas she will get ID'd everywhere.

I was quite confused myself with the entire international license, and we had several arguments about this, until I talked to another expat here, and then also the driving instructor which confirmed what I said above.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-15 20:26:00

QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Feb 13 2009, 11:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If she has already had a license for 1 year then she can go to the Ministry of Land Transportation and pay a 50 baht fee and get her License translated into English. This is their international license. If she has not had the license for 1 year then they will not translate. I just went through this. However the interesting thing is half the license is in Thai, and the birthday etc is in English, so it can be used for an ID in the states. I really don't think any police officer that pulls her over is going to know the difference.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-14 01:14:00

QUOTE (HYENA @ Feb 13 2009, 06:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks...it bugs me because over here, a run of counseling can help both parties to see but over there, she acted like I was insane for suggesting it. Thais are prohibited from talking bad anything bad about their parents and family...so counseling is out. That would be my solution...it bugs the daylights out of me the unwillingness BUT I see where she's coming from and I told her it's not bad and there's a thai farang specialist just for this. Seems I'm required to do everything their culture but nothing our culture (sin sod, care for parents, woman's money doesn't go to domestic house...everything for family abroad and nothing for US family and parents)...not sure how everyone else does it but when I open my eyes, (I just read a really long article about finances, risks, cultures and fairness Thai v farang)...just doesn't add up to try so hard and not feel they're trying at all. I'm very disappointed. I also understand Thais look at a marriage almost strictly from a financial perspective opposite to our culture. I also learned someone took a poll and said nearly all think sex when old is disgusting or deviant? I need to ask more and learn more. I like Thailand and parts of their culture very much...but I need to learn a lot more... I really don't want to give up...really don't but I don't think long term it will last without some changes....I can't fly by the seat of my pants not knowing and jumping into a mistake....ugh! If I could only convince her to go to counseling, I'd fly out there now.

Rather then ending it so abruptly, you may want to take a trip and see how it is when you are in person. Plus that will give you some closure and not make you wonder did you react because of the stress, or was it truly the right thing to do. I don't really think Thai's are all that different from western women when it comes to marriage, all woman want some sense of financial security.

Tell her what you expect when you see her in person, and see how she reacts. If she can't do what you are asking then call it quits. Just learn to say No and only do what you are comfortable with doing. If she can't respect that, then time to move on.

On a side note, I personally stopped reading the blogs and forums about Thai girls on the internet, it caused more problems and stress then it helped.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-14 00:16:00

First off, I am sorry about your problems.

However, I think the problems with your Fiancee being hung up on at Siam Legal are fabricated. My Fiancee is from Issan and I asked her what problems she had with Siam when she talked to them, and she said there was none. She said they were polite and the nicest people, with any of the questions she asked. I think your fiancee is playing the "I am from Issan. so I am dirt" card to you. I sat with Nina (Paralegal) for close to 4 hours at the bus stop outside the embassy, she was so nice, and then sat with the attorney for over 3 hours outside on the second time I was waiting, and they were supportive and helpful. I don't think it was the attorney's I really think it is your Fiancee with a chip on her shoulder cause she is from Issan. My fiancee's mother is from Issan aslo and she has several successful businesses.

Just my 2 cents, please don't bash the law firm for your Fiancees short comings.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-13 12:53:00

QUOTE

My fiancee was in Roi Et and started pricing picture shops (2 Thai dresses, one outfit for me) and the lowest she could find ONLY TO TAKE PHOTOS was 8,000 BAHT!

We paid about 5000 baht for our silk rentals, and the make up girls to come the morning of the ceremony. We did not have pictures included with this, we took our own. You have to remember, you are being hit with the Farang tax

But the price doesn't sound to out of line, especially when you think about the cost of camera, and how often they proably get hired to do pictures in Roi Et. On a side note we were going to have the dress and suit made in Bangkok, and it was about 4000 baht, but we ran out of time when we were headed to Buriram for the ceremony.

QUOTE

My dilemma also is I have to have x amount in my accounts for the interview but I wouldn't have it if we do the ceremony before the interview and my friend leaves 4/4/09.

Don't worry about that. Just print the statements before hand, then take the money out.

QUOTE

I personally do not think I got lucky -twice- for both K-1 and AOS.

Why risk a denial for a few hundred baht. Get your documents translated from a certitified translator and don't give them a reason to raise the red flag. It may have just been the fact they did not scrutinize your documents.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-08 01:35:00

QUOTE (Thai family @ Feb 6 2009, 12:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (AaronLV @ Feb 6 2009, 12:34 AM)

Went to the Embassy 3pm yesterday and picked up her Passport w/Visa in it, along with the infamous brown sealed envelope.

Also got my plane tickets set for the return trip, we will be in the US on the 19th

I fly Eva air all the time, and went to the Ticket counter here in BKK, to change my ticket, and make sure we get seats together on the plane. I was shocked at how difficult of a task that was... I was at the ticket counter for 1 1/2 hours. Turns out the 19th was the only day they could guarantee we would sit together until March 5th.

I'm glad it's all worked out for you. Another Eva flier? My son flies with them even when they want to charge him more.
We flew with them once and got our seats changed after boarding.

Thai Mom

I have always had great service on the plabe when flying with them. The last time I flew into LAX, I had an economy ticket and I had less then an hour to catch my connecting flight to Vegas, and they let me off the plane first

I made it with 5 minutes to spare.

I also love their lounge in Taipei, it is nice to take a shower after the 13 hour flight from LAX. This trip I have had to deal with their ticket counter to many times, and they need to really teach the agents how to help their customers, they have been less then accommodating.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-06 02:26:00

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-05 23:34:00

QUOTE

It seems for the K visas, there's been some confusion lately in BKK whether you submit the docs with packet 3, or just return the checklist saying you have the documents.

In the Packet 3 instructions sent to me by the embassy it states, all items must be returned with the checklist except for Evidence of Relationship, and the original documents which must be brought with you at the time of the interview. The confusion comes because they have changed the rules, and not updated the downloaded documents.

QUOTE

Does anyone have any suggestions about this? I got this from my liars office (do I REALLY need a bank officer to certify my accounts? sounds like a bit too much)!

If you read the instructions for the I-134 Affidavit of Support these items are included as supporting evidence. Is it needed maybe debatable, but the instructions do ask for such.

QUOTE

Sounds to me like they want to see how much money you have so they can make it theirs.

Not all lawyers are bad, and just out to take your money, they are being thorough in completing the documents, as per the instructions by the USCIS.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-04 21:38:00

We were at Window #6, but him and another guy are the ones that handle the interviews, this year. From what I was told they change the people who interview every year and move them to a different section. If it was someone else, maybe the guy had a sick day.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-03 10:27:00

QUOTE (Bonobo @ Feb 2 2009, 10:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi everyone. I just got my NOA1 for my fiance visa request. She is from Thailand.

It seems as if everybody on this board universally has trouble at the interview process. Is this true? Are I-129F's from Thailand more difficult than others?? What is the big problem at the interview stage? I feel pretty disheartened after reading the experiences you have all had. Has anybody got any advice?

We speak every day either through MSN messenger (when my internet works) or I call her. We've been dating since 2005, so would it even help for her to start calling me/ addressing emails to me?

I appreciate any advice or info anybody can give me to help us out in this process.

Thanks.

I don't think everyone has problems. If you read through the embassy reviews, there are people who get asked a few questions and out they go. After just finishing this process and thinking about it, I really think it is just luck of the draw, and what kind of mood, the screener, and the consular is in. The screener may not be in a helpful mood that day and not want to take the time to really look into items in the packet, and same with the consular.

I think it is like any government office, you have the person who could care less and does anything, you have the person who is compassionate and looks at the sum total of everything and will let minor things pass, then you have the person that has to have every T crossed and I dotted. There maybe other factors, where the week you go in, there may have been a case the week prior that got everyone pissed off, and now they are scrutinizing even more.

From what I have read Thailand is a bit easier then most of the other SE Asia countries, but really I think you have to look at it on a case by case basis.

From my experience now, I would definitely have her send emails to you. The calls from her would be good, but I still would not have changed that part of our communication. I would have spent more time teaching her to use Skype and paid 2 cents a minute to call the US. Of course that would have required her to sit at the computer

Don't be disheartened, prepare your materials, go in with as much evidence as you can, tell THE TRUTH, and do what they ask. That is all you can really do. As my friend told me this weekend when I was completely stressed out, stay positive, gather together what they ask for, bring it in, and wait to see what happens. Good advice, and for me it turned out well.

-Aaron

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-03 01:43:00

We got to the embassy a little before 12:00 today, waited til 1pm to be let in. The same girl that was helping the consular the other day took my fiancee's new paperwork, thumbed through it, and then told her she would have to check with a consular to see if the affidavit that was notarized by the embassy of her mom testifying that her name was never changed (her bc, house registration, copy of thai id, and passport was attached), would be ok.

My attorney stayed with her as long as she could and then came out and we sat on the bus stop bench waiting til she came out. About 2:30, my attorney went back in to check on the status, and she still hadn't been called. So we waited a little more, then at 2:50, she walked out with no passport, a 3x5 card that said come back on Feb 5th to pick up your passport with VISA in it!!!

We were approved!!!

I must say this was a stressful weekend but all in all it worked out well. Just stay the course all will be well.

We are headed out to celebrate tonight

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-02 05:16:00

Well we are headed back in today at noon with our additional evidence.

When we went last Thursday, we had about 274 pages of calls from calling card, 48 pages of msn chats (although conversation was blanked, thinking they did not need to see the convo), 5 months of Mobile phone bills with thousands of texts, and phone calls, 50 pictures, with her family, and our trips we have taken together, and about 3 to 4 emails a month, but they were all reply emails from her, and he didn't read through them and see that they were all togther. He wanted more evidence of her contacting me, he told me it was to one sided.

So with that, I figured out a way to pull my SMS conversations off of my phone, late last night I realized my phone also logs all the missed calls, so I was able to pull a call log with over 300 missed calls from her over the past few months, to show she calls me and then I call back, we also printed just the emails from her. I also wrote a letter detailing how we communicate and by what means. He seemed really concerned there were not more emails, and being that my profession deals with computers there should have been more from her to me, however, she is not good on the computer, and hates to email, hence we only have a few, and the ones we do have she would just open an old email and reply to it, rather then typing a new one, so all of them have RE: in the subject line.

We also had a problem with her Mom's name on her Birth Certificate, but the problem was that her name was crossed out and re-written but you can't really see it, and they did not translate the part at the top that said it was a mistake by the official filling out the document. So we got an affidavit by her mom saying she has never changed her name, along with passport, thai ID, and her birth certificate, school certificate, and her sons death certificate to show she has always only gone by her name, never a change.

I do want to clarify a couple of things, the consular was not a bad guy, very nice a cordial. I think we should refrain from any name calling, it is really not helping anyone. He is doing his job, although it seems he is being a pain in the #### about it. His job is to weed out the liars, and if there are flags then he has to call them out. I just think he needs to take the time to be a bit more thorough in looking at the evidence, and maybe ask for some explanations rather then jumping straight to get more.

The questions he asked were:

How did we meet? Restaurant
Where was the restaurant? Sukumvit Soi 36
Which he replied, there is no restaurant on Soi 36. She replied it was the Vientianne
(There are quite a few restaurants on the Soi, just not right off Sukumvit, a bit down, I think he should have refrained from saying anything when he doesn't know)
Why is your address on the cards he sent you different from the address on your K1?
Then he went through her passport and asked about some of the trips she had made 2-3 years ago.

After that he started asking for the evidence from the girl standing behind him. Partly could have been my fault cause I did not really go over the packet of information with her prior to going in, I glossed over everything. I think I should have spent more time really explaining everything and putting some sticky's on it to make it easier to find stuff for them.

Oh well, hopefully today will go smooth and they will look at what we bring, and they will issue the Visa. I have had no sleep, and little food all weekend, I feel like my stress level is through the roof. So my advice is, prep as much as you can, and just wait to see what he asks for. Try not to get to worked up yet.

Will let everyone knows how it goes today.

-Aaron

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2009-02-01 20:05:00

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

Friend of mine sent his in on the 14th may, an the embassy received them on the 26th of May and the just set his interview for the 8th of August, looks like it is out quite a bit. He emailed them, and they sent him back the interview date.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-06-24 04:09:00

in california my husband was issued a an i.d. card good for 6 years right after he got his ssn. so less than 30 days after arrival he recieved both ssn and i.d. card. he was not even questioned about the application for i-485 which we ended up not filing for another year. nor did he get questioned about his i-94 the biggest concern was whether or not he could fit his name in the signature box.

i wonder is it a newer policy? or is it relative to driving? my husband did not apply for a driving license.

Below has always been the policy, however if you get a DMV clerk that is not used to seeing the documents, and knowing the policy, they will issue it just as they normally would. Here in NV I have seen people get it limited to their expiration date, and I have seen people get them for 4 years (regular length of time here). Luck of the draw on which clerk you get, one who cares about there job and one who does not.

California DMV:

All original and pending driver license or identification cards will expire on the expiration date of his/her birth date and legal presence document (BD/LP) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Your BD/LP document must have an expiration date 30 or more days from your application date. If your BD/LP document has an expiration date less than 30 days, you will not be able to start a driver license or identification card application.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-05-04 21:51:00

Not sure I understand your comment. What's normal? That the state does not issue an ID even though the I-94 is valid at the time of the application? Or, am I misunderstanding the issue. Is the state issued ID only valid while the I-94 is valid? That doesn't seem to make sense though and I haven't read anything that indicates that is the case.
Or maybe you meant it is normal in every state for DMV workers to be wearing t-shirts with sayings on them and texting on their phones under their desks. Just kidding...
Thanks in advance for your insight.

It is normal, because when the I94 expires, she is technically in the country illegally. Now with the AOS filed, she is not a legal permanent resident until the AOS is approved, you are in immigration limbo at that time. Most states will issue a DL or state ID, but the ID will expire when the I94 expires, and in most cases it will also expire when the GC (if 2 year) expires.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-05-04 18:14:00

Hi,
We are finishing my wife's adjustment of status papers and just had a couple of questions for the community.

(1) I read on this site - under tips for K1s adjusting status - that if the i-693 (medical exam) was done w/in 1 yr of the app to adjust that a new medical is not needed, HOWEVER, the applicant still needs to get something signed by a civil surgeon. Does anyone have any experience with this - is it needed? what does the civil surgeon provide? isn't the vaccination report from the I-693 medical sufficient? any other helpful advice?

I took the vaccination history we got from our medical in BKK to a civil surgeon and had them sign off on the form and seal it. I found a place in Vegas that did it for free, but all the other civil surgeons I called wanted to charge us 60 for a visit, and then more if it was not complete. I did not send it in with my AOS app, but when we got to the AOS interview, the interviewer asked for it.

(2) On the I-485 there is a place for a translator to sign. My wife understands English ok, but some items on the form are not that easy to understand or explain (mainly the yes / no questions re "have you ever" etc.). I have explained to her as best I can the meaning of each statement etc., but I am concerned that at the adjustment interview, the CIS interviewer speaks very quickly (and in some instances with a heavy accent). In other words - I want to preserve my wife's right to a translator at the interview. By not having a translator sign the I-485, does she lose the right to a translator at the interview?

Thanks in advance,
Eric & Off

I wouldn't worry about the translator portion. Our interviewer went through the questions, and she answered a couple of the Yes/No wrong, and then I explained the question and she corrected her answer and it was no big deal.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-04-12 14:58:00

Hey, my fiance is going back on Monday with all of the information that we collected regarding our relationship contact between 2008-2009 as well as some more employment records/tax sheets/ bank statements from the company in 2009.

Apparently, when you're going to turn information in like this, you can only do it Mondays or Wednesdays between 1:00pm and 3:00pm. My question to anyone with experience is: How exactly does this work if I want them to look over our proof while my fiancée waits? Should she get there super early, and give them the paperwork then wait? Should she show up right at 1:00pm? 12:30pm? 7am? Just looking for a little guidance as to the best way to get this done and her in my arms asap .

Thanks for your help!

When we went back to turn in information, we got there about 12:00, so we were first in line. My attorney went in with her, and asked the girl at the counter to ask the consular to review the information while we waited. She was there until 4pm. Then she came out with an approval and we went back at the end of the week and picked up the visa.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-03-27 02:23:00

Sorry to hear you didn't pass. Take a deep breath. I don't think you got put in AR, if they gave her a slip asking her for more information. Gather the additional information they want, and when she brings it back on Monday, she should ask if they can please review the information while she waits. If they review the info while she waits, and gives her an answer that day, you can probably make the 9th of April, if they just take it and say they will get back to her, it would be best to re-schedule the April 9th date, because the odds are she won't make it.

Are you sure you read the appointment letter asking for only last years tax return. I know when I went through a couple years ago they required 3 years to be submitted along with a letter of employment.

Good luck!

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-03-23 23:28:00

We have our AOS Green Card interview April 7 and I have not put Audy's name on the Deed, the bank has not allowed us to put her name on any of my bank accounts, and I cannot have a CPA do my taxes until we get Audy's wage and income statement which she does not know when it will come.

I am concerned at this point.

Thanks Tom. Hope you and Teaw are both well.

Why has the bank not allowed you to add her to your accounts? All she needs is a SSN/ITN, and she can be added there is no stipulation that she needs to have filed income taxes. Adding her to your deed should be the same.

You should be able to file taxes without the Wage & Income statement. I have done this before for, when I did not receive a 1099. If your CPA doesn't know this, you should get a new one.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-03-08 12:03:00

Hey everyone, I just had a couple of questions that I've been pouring over the forums trying to find answers to:

This is for a K-1 Visa:

1) My fiance is from Chiang Mai. She had to go down to Bangkok in order to get her police certificate. I was talking with my congressman's office, and they told me that the NVC just sent out my approved application about 6 days ago (or so) to the Bangkok Embassy. Now, there is a local Chiang Mai consulate. Will I be sending the items that we're picking up early (the things for packet 3) to Bangkok or to Chiang Mai, and the most important question we have is, do we have to go to Bangkok for the interview, or can it be done in Chiang Mai at the consulate?

2) I-134, I was a student up until May 2010, the current poverty rate for two is: $14,710. I didn't start making that much until last year, which was about $20,000 and this year I'm projected at $25k, and things are looking great for that continuing to grow. I'm under the understanding that Thailand doesn't accept co-sponsors (though I got my dad to fill out all the paperwork just in case--in case I needed to use it as a backup.). I have current letters from my employers, and the past 4 years of tax returns. Do you think this will be a problem, or has anyone actually been able to use a co-sponsor? (edit: I also don't own any property, I have about 8k in savings. I'm currently renting, not owning, so should I bother to fill any of that stuff out? I've been told that leaving it blank is better than putting $0 or N/A as that implies that you don't have anything. How has this information compared to your experiences in the Thailand embassies? Thanks!)

Thanks for your help so much everyone, I can't wait to continue being a part of the community after she gets here. I'm learning so much as I go along, that I really would like to help others as much as I can through the process as well! Thanks!

On your I-129F you had specified which embassy you were applying at. Check your forms and you will know where it is being sent.

As for the poverty level you are using the wrong number (unless you are active military, which since you said you were a student, I don't think you are), it should be 18,212. I have not heard of anyone in Thailand having a co-sponsor accepted, not that it doesn't happen i just haven't seen it. I know there were some cases of the embassy denying based on being barely over the poverty level.

Good luck, and welcome.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-02-11 03:07:00

Well, our thread has dropped to the bottom of the barrel again!!! Shame!!! 55555555. Got our I-791 welcoming Teaw to the USA as a new resident alien!! Now we will see how long it takes to get the card in the mail.

That is great you got the letter first. We got our card, and then a week later got the letter. LOL

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-02-10 14:35:00

Thank you everyone! Lots of good advice. I'll go back to my thoughts that as long as she has everything that was prepared for I 129F, plus everthing since, she'll be ok. I didn't think I'd have to mail my passport over to her... I would love to be there, but she wants me to save money and like I've said, she says she'll be fine. Which I know she will. She even says she'll be fine flying over by herself once everything is set. She is also very stubborn too! : ) We'll see about that though..

You wouldn't want to send your passport over. If you are not there, don't pretend you are, anything could happen at the interview and you never know if the CO would call you in if she had your passport, and then if you weren't there, that would be even bigger problems.

In my case I was able to go in and talk to the CO when I we got the "need more info" slip. I can understand why they don't want the us coming in for the interview. When I thanked the CO for talking to me, he said "I agreed to talk to you cause the girl said you were calm, and very polite". I can only imagine the yelling and screaming they have had to endure when the US citizen was let into the interview area. It is also a chance for the girl to back out without any pressure from the fiance, if she didn't want to go to the US.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-02-05 14:47:00

Hello,

I'm not sure if I should've started another topic or reply here. I'm a recent member and have asked a few questions in the general forums. Next week my K 1 will be ready to submit. My question is, when it comes to the interview, do I have to accompany my fiance to it in Thailand? I said I'd come with her when it's time, but she said she'll bring her friend, as she knows English, and my fiance is still learning (taking an English course now). I'd like to go with her and will if it's frowned upon if I don't, but I wanted to get some members opinions on this, especially the ones who have gone to the embassy in Bangkok.

Thank you.

They won't let you in the embassy with your fiance, I also doubt they will let your Fiance bring a friend in with her. They have a thai person that helps the CO and translates if your fiance is not that good with english. With that being said, you can wait outside for her, and giver her your passport to show the CO that you are there waiting.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-02-04 13:25:00

Thanks Aaron. I'll check it when we get it. How's your weather? We are missing all that snow and just getting rain. Which I guess is ok but one good snow before the end of winter would be nice...haha!! I have burned through a ton of firewood and been splitting more oak for next winter. Good exercise for an old man!!

No snow or rain, sunny weather but freezing (40's), but should be up in the 60's by the weekend. I bought Nam her first car a couple of weeks ago (2008 Honda CRV), she got to pick it out, and I got to write the check, I guess that is how it always works!

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-02-03 19:03:00

He did say that the green card would be good for 24 months from today, not when she entered the country, but I will look at the expiration date when we get it in the mail.

The green card is from the date of your AOS approval.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-02-03 17:49:00

Congrats Tom.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-02-03 15:54:00

After doing some reading, it seems like the CR-1/IR-1 route is better.
--cheaper. less flights back and forth. Process itself is cheaper.
--quicker for her to get a job, since the residency is immediate. No sitting at home for 4 months.
--Would allow us to get married in Thailand first. I think her family would like that.

The only downside I see is longer time to wait to live together.
K-1. Apply for K-1 immediately, wait 7 months, move to USA, can't work, wait a few months, residency. (7months + 4months)
CR-1. Plan wedding, fly to Thailand, get married. Apply for CR-1. Wait 9 months, move to USA, residency. (2months + 9months)

What do you guys think? If I'm planning (well, hoping) to be married in Thailand and the USA, is it wise to go the K-1 route or CR-1/IR-1?

It is really more of a personal choice, an extra 4 months apart for me, wasn't worth dong a CR-1. Getting the EAD for work authorization doesn't take that long, between 1 and 2 months. A couple of other things to think about, she is not going to get here and get a job immediately, it will take some adjustment time to life here. So those months waiting for EAD and resident card, might be good for the transition and adjustment.

We had a wedding ceremony in Thailand before we got our K1, just no paperwork. We just made sure when we did our interview not to include wedding pics and she didn't wear her wedding ring. With all the research I did, that seems to be normal in Thailand. I know there are quite a few guys on the forum that have done the same thing.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-01-28 15:15:00

Yes i keep looking everyday to see if they have updated ....but still nothing so i did email them as it has been 2 weeks now since we sent in packet 3 with no word on interview yet. Will keep you posted if i hear anything.

That was one of the perks having a lawyer, as soon as packet 3 was turned in, they were in the embassy everyday, and asking when we could get an interview, and checking when there were cancellations, or changes. We had an interview within 2 weeks of turning in packet 3.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-01-22 20:35:00

Got a question for all you that have been through the I-485 interview. I have pictures of us together here in the US from visiting my family, places we have gone, etc. But do I need to take pics of us together in Thailand AGAIN showing me/us with her family, things we did together in Thailand? I sure hope not....although knowing the feds, they'd want a zillion things.

We didn't bring any pictures from us in Thailand. Only brought pictures from when we were here in the US. They did ask her questions about who were the other people in the pictures (had some of my friends take pictures with us).

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-01-19 13:01:00

Thanks for the info Lang and Aaron. One other question...were you in the interview together or separate? Teaw can understand if the guy speaks slowly enough but I am thinking of finding someone to translate for her just to be on the safe side.

Our interview was together. I wouldn't worry about a translator, I think Teaw spoke well enough for the interview. Nam asked the guy to repeat a question or two.

AaronLV

Male

Thailand

2011-01-07 17:02:00