ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I had NVC verify it had been delivered when I called and got my BNK.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-06-06 22:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (HYENA @ Jun 6 2009, 08:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (will92104 @ Jun 6 2009, 10:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HYENA, Have you been in touch with NVC? Have you been notified that your case has been forwarded to the embassy? If so i would just download packet 3 from the embassy website and send it in.


I'm nusing Siam Legal and they're saying we have to wait. I don't know why that is but the second her police report is back (supposd to be on the 7th), i'll press them for that.

Is there some place I can call the embassy to see if they even have it? I emailed but get referred to another email because they don't handle k-1's and the other doesn't answer (old trick since I was 3 mommy-daddy)! LOL!

I heard you can just send it in. I am eager to get her here! Amazing some who applied in JANUARY already have packet 3 and nothing on my end. Have no idea why mine is so lengthy

NVC is all done (aren't they)?, they sent it to BKK from what I understand over a month ago.


Did you get your BNK number and verify it was delivered?
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-06-06 22:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
You should still have time to get a tourist Visa. Mine took a total of 3 days to get, with FedEx each way. It will be no fun to be turned away.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-06-03 13:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
. It seemed to me it was the airline enforcing Thai law. So I said yes to the ticket it was open ended and all was well. But I was also told on the phone no problem but the problem came at the counter during check in. Just thought I would throw in my .02 cents....


The airlines don't want to be responsible for having to fly you back when you get denied to enter the country.

QUOTE
#######. How much did they charge you for an open-ended ticket?


I would plan on getting a return ticket. Maybe Thai immigration does not normally enforce the rule, however if you get the one guy that is very thorough you are screwed. Also with the recent crackdowns in thailand regarding visas, your best to be safe.

QUOTE
This whole thing has been pretty surreal. Its one thing to read it and quite another to experience it first hand. I cant really imagine how intimidating it is for the girls..


Good luck! I am sure it will go fine for you.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-06-03 12:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
About the vaccinations Chada did confirm the paper is outside the envelope...


Yes it is, and you don't need to bring that to the embassy, we didn't bring ours and was never asked for it. I am fairly certain they also put the vaccinations on a form in the sealed envelope.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-06-03 01:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Jun 2 2009, 07:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We just learned something new on the Thai forum. If you got your medical early and its time for one of the booster vaccinations you have to get that done before you get the visa. Chada is working till 8pm tonight and will have to go to Bumrungrad do that when she gets off. She picking up the 200 photos of our trips today at noon. After that all that is left is to study the documents, interview questions and make the appointment.
27 hours to go...


So are they going to unseal the medical, add it to the form and then reseal it? Just curious. That sounds fishy to me.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-06-02 22:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
I think we will be flying back on July 3 or 4 bnot sure have not locked down the return tickets yet.


I think this is quite optimistic. It usually takes 3 days for them to issue the visa, which would put you on Friday, and the embassy is closed on the 3rd for Independence day and also closed on the 6th for a Thai government holiday. Just food for thought.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-31 21:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
We didn't have any of the official seals put on the documents (there is no need). We just had them translated, the law firm did it for 200 baht for all the documents. They will accept the documents in Thai, but then you have to rely on the girl telling the consular what they say rather then him reading them himself. Also you need to have the Birth Certificate translated for AOS, just easier to do while you are there.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-28 13:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I feel sorry for all you guys. Hopefully they will sort their $hit out and things will get back on track!
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-27 23:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
2.) The whole tourist visa dealie. Now it's only a 15 day extension for visa runs. Don't they want foreigners to stay in Thailand and spend their money?


This is only for crossing at a land border if you came in on the 30 Day Visa. If you are on a 60 Day Tourist Visa or if you arrive via Airport you get the 30 Day extension.

QUOTE
3.) All of the b.s. surrounding the laws that make it almost impossible/feasible for a foreigner to live in Thailand and work a job remotely overseas. Again, doesn't it benefit Thailand if I'm pulling in a foreign salary and spending it all in Thailand?


It benefit the economy, but does not benefit the tax man. The same is true in the US if you are caught working without work authorization you are in big trouble, even if it is remotely. Just keep a low profile, don't tell anyone you are doing any kind of work and you will be fine.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-27 23:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
My fiancée just called and woke me up to tell me that the new schedule was up. I answer in a fog "Hello?" "Honey, bad news, the new schedule is up and we're not on it." Like I really needed to be woken up to hear that!!


I wouldn't count it out. We were never on any schedules that were posted on their website either.

QUOTE
Not to keep beating a dead horse (which I love to do), but why in the world should it take one year for you to be together with your wife? Security risks?


It is completely ridiculous to have to wait a year to be with your wife, however you can thank the millions before that have circumvented and scammed the system, and now all of us have to endure it.

As for security risks there were quite a few other countries that marry or come over just for other reasons. I have been in briefs detailing some of the scams used by foreign operatives to get information. Now with that being said, Thailand most likely had a low security risk, however the government approaches most everything with a One Shoe fits all mentality and in the case of immigration this is true on some level, but false on many others, and again we can thank the millions that have come before us that have made this process a bunch of BS.

Another thing the, worker bees may be getting direction to slow down the entire process to make it look like they are understaffed, so they can get their budget increased from the new administration, since they are just handing out money left and right to anyone that asks with or with a valid reason.

QUOTE
i didn't make the new list either, which doesn't really surprise me. some people have a waited a lot longer then I. I guess I really hate the not knowing, the not understanding, and the fear caused by knowning that my future is in the hands of the guy at window #5. I am really worried about the fact that they have so much power and we have nothing, no appeal, no chatting with a supervisor, "nothing". Sorry about the rant, I feel better........


Don't worry to much, I don't think there has been anyone on this forum from Thailand, that has been flat out denied. They have just had to jump through a couple more hoops.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-20 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
All I know is that this system is sufficiently random and arbitrary to allow the following result. Consider Aaron & my cases. Both K1, both Thailand beneficiaries, both CSC. Let's compare time lines, shall we?

Aaron sent his I-129F one week before I did (Aug 29 vs. Sep 5), and his NOA1 date is 6 days before ours (Sep 4 vs. Sep 10).
His NOA2 date was Dec 19, ours was Jan 14 (that's close to a month 'slippage', just at the CSC stage).
Now is where things get fun. Aaron zipped through NVC, sailed through Packet 3/4 all in January, and had an interview on Jan 29 barely a month after NOA2. Meanwhile here we sit through Jan, Feb, March, April, May and no end to this process in sight.
Here is Aaron, married and living with his wife in LV since February, while we still have no idea when Thanti will finally get here. June? July? August?....
For two cases that began 5 FRICKING DAYS APART.

Now I know there are people even worse off than us. There are people in the 6+ month club and even the 1-year club who don't get their NOA2 for that length of time. There are people (particularly MENA men) who get automatic AP at the embassies for over a year.

That's really my point -the system makes absolutely no sense at all.


I feel for all you guys that are waiting. It sucks. I feel damn lucky everything came as quick as it did. Initially based on VJ timelines I expected to not have her here until end of April going into May.

I am fairly certain the AP and the delays are not random. It may seem random to everyone on the outside, however, there may be something in the application, background check etc that triggers a red flag and requires further investigation. All government agencies have certain policies that aren't advertised, one in particular is the IRS. That is why when you do your taxes there are certain things you deduct and certain things you don't bother with. To many points and your getting an audit.

It might be interesting to send a letter to the FOIA (Freedom of Infomation Act) and ask for the AP criteria from NVC. If there are particular rules then it would be published and as a tax payer you are entitled to see it, also do a FOIA on your self and see what information comes back. I got my background investigation back, a few things were blacked out.

I would also be curious if the more educated/professional career beneficiaries get put through extra scrutiny, because in reality these would be the people that would have money to pay off a petitioner and/or benefit from much larger earnings in the states compared to Thailand.

Just some food for thought. Don't beat me up over it.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-19 19:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (MarkNAam @ May 19 2009, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Man - Hang in there guys! You are so close!

I have to admit, I am at a real loss for words to describe the difference between your PK3-4 & interviews experiences and the same steps when AAm and I went through it about 2 years ago.

I mean, when we went through it, it literally was a cakewalk! We were missing one document, but the CO was a real advocate and helped us immensely! And, he even gave us his personal cell phone number and told us to call him directly when we had the document and he would meet us in the front. So, we got the document and came back, we called him directly, this was about 3 weeks later. He still remembered us and came directly out to us, took our documents, and went in...and I swear he personally put the visa in AAm's passport at that very moment, because he came back out in about 30 minutes or so and the visa was in place in AAm's passport! I mean, he truly was a God-send for us! He even gave us his email address and continued to email back and forth with us until we made it through the AOS process. For reasons known only to him, he really took a deep and personal interest in seeing AAm and I succeed. I have no idea why...maybe he was always this way with all people, or maybe we were his last case and he wanted to end on a high note, but without a doubt the BKK consulate sounds like an entirely different experience now!

However, have faith my brothers and sisters, for you will all soon be successful and happily married!

Peace to All,

MK+JC+AK


That is a great experience. I see also that you went for an interview almost the same time of year we did, January. I really think the time delays are more to do with the time of year then anything else.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-19 19:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
I think she means the Med-exam report and X-ray film these 2 envelope will be sealed DO NOT open it
until the interview date.


DO NOT open it at all, the embassy will open it.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-19 14:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
I have a question on packet 3 submission, can you deliver to the embassy in person or will they only accept through mail or DHL?


You have to mail, they will not accept it in person.

QUOTE
She is picking up the police document this week, hopefully. She says that the police document comes in a sealed envelope and she must not open that, just submit to embassy...is that true? Isn't the police document in Thai and therefore needs to be translated to english before submitting to the embassy? What have you all done?


The police report is not sealed, the Medical is sealed and cannot be opened.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-19 14:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (girarm @ May 18 2009, 09:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, I remember I was so happy to be out of the NVC hell.... Well it seems I have arrived in a new waiting hell..... I really want out. Does anyone have any information on the back log of cases, maybe just the WHY?...[/size] crying.gif whistling.gif


I think it is just this time of year, they get an influx of cases, if you look at the VJ timelines for when embassy interviews, Mar - Jun are the highest months.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-18 23:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
I own one almost identical to this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/...em=180348400267

I bought it in Thailand for around 3,000 Baht back in 2003. It is the best! Rice always comes out perfectly, never burnt; nothing sticks, period. After purchasing it, I became a rice snob and wouldn't eat at restaurants whose rice was stale, overcooked, etc.

Obviously this Japanese import would be cost prohibitive for most, but if your significant other is willing to send or bring one from Thailand, they may still be in the 3,000 Baht range. It does not have a transformer to work internationally, so you would need one of those as well in USA.


I was going to pick one up before I left Thailand, but I wasn't sure how well it would work with a transformer. It seems most of the quality rice cookers here are super expensive. We were able to find a Panasonic SR-TMB10 at Frys for 60 bucks. It works really well, never burns or overcooks the rice.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-16 22:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Here in Vegas I have seen both fresh jackfruit and durian. The Durian was 5.49/lb. The jackfruit just started showing up a couple weeks ago.

As for the steamer, we bought a nice Panasonic Rice cooker at Fry's and then she bought on of those basket thingies and makes sticky rice over the stove.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-16 12:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Thanti went to the post office to inquire about shipping rates to send packages by surface. She's planning to ship some packages to the states by post.The delivery time can take many weeks, even a few months, but if you're not in a hurry to get the goods you could consider mailing things. I don't remember the rates but perhaps Thanti could tell us what she learned at the post office...... she's working really long shifts again so not sure how often she's reading this thread.


I had checked into the option of shipping via the post office. I did some research and had found a bunch of stuff never gets to where it is going. It wasn't much cheaper then DHL/UPS either. Of course DHL/UPS were quite expensive for 20Kg boxes, I want to say 5500 baht.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-14 16:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ May 14 2009, 10:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What have people done regarding shipping of clothes and personal articles from Thailand? On my Korean Air flights I see people with huge taped boxes but not sure what the cost is and wonder how to factor the ROI on her leaving clothes and personal items there vs. buying everything new.

Thought, Ideas, Plans???


I found a place at MBK that sold very cheap large duffle bags (with wheels) for 600 baht. Filled up 4 of those to 25Kg each and we put them on the plane. I also got an extra 23Kg bag for being a Gold Card member on Eva Air. I checked into shipping and it was very expensive. The extra baggage, and over weight limit on the flight would have been cheaper to do then shipping. One thing you do have to think of is if there is a connecting flight to a domestic carrier, the weight limit and charges are different then the international. We landed in LA and then I rented a car and drove to Vegas because we had the large bags. It was much much cheaper.

I did have the advantage of flying back with her, so we got an extra 3 bags, that she would not have gotten going by herself.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-14 13:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ May 13 2009, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ May 13 2009, 02:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ May 13 2009, 04:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
VISA APPROVED!!!

She is going back to BKK on the 19th to pick up the passports..........FINALLY!!


Congrats!


Thanks
Not sure why so many days out. Kinda makes me nervous......


Don't worry about the days. They probably only give them out on certain days and that is the day where they can have it ready. We went back in on Monday and then got the Visa on Thursday, so that was 3 days.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-13 15:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ May 13 2009, 04:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
VISA APPROVED!!!

She is going back to BKK on the 19th to pick up the passports..........FINALLY!!


Congrats!
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-13 13:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Otherwise -that's what I recall of the situation for intererview scheduling a few months ago. Aaron - can you remind us of your experience? I vaguely recall Aaron getting his NOA2 right around the time we got ours. He sailed through NVC, got an appointment at the embassy within weeks, had a very brief delay after the interview when they wanted additional Evidence of Relationship docs, got the visa, and has been living happily ever after in Vegas ever since. I freely admit to being GREEN with envy.


Our interview was about 6 weeks after we received NOA2, and approximately 15 days after we sent P3 in. A few days after we sent in our P3 the attorney was at the embassy and checked that they had received it, they said yes, and then asked if she could schedule the interview and they did right there.

I would be GREEN with envy to if the shoe was on the other foot smile.gif

QUOTE
I thought that the medical was supposed to be done with P4. When they give you an interview date they also tell you go see the doctor. But you can take care of the medical before hand because it doesn't really matter when it's done as long as it's done before the interview.


Technically you are suppose to have it done prior to sending in P3, because on the check list you mark it off as done, but you don't send anything in confirming it was done. It doesn't really make sense not to have it done though since the part that takes the longest is the police report, and the medical is all of a couple of hours. We went and did our, police report, medical report, and did out visa receipt all the same day.

QUOTE
How would you feel if your girl had everything to send in packet 3 but had been too busy for the last 2 days???


This was the main reason I hired an attorney.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-07 00:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ May 6 2009, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A conspiracy theory??

Yes it seems things have changed with the embassy. Chada indicated people on the Thai websites reporting visa interviews and approvals are almost at a standstill. I’m not sure if its related to the economy or just a fluke. I heard that Obama gave a speech about protecting the jobs of existing Americans but have never found anything online to substantiate and conspiracy in that regard. With that said it would seem simple to slow down visa process. Just change certain stages of the approval percentages or make people jump through new hoops. Just thinking through it there does not seem to be a “net gain” to the US for allowing this type of immigration during a recession. It just increases the risk to the welfare system if the petitioner becomes unemployed or the additional burden of supporting the petitioner drives them into poverty.

Chada and I are factoring 8 weeks from sending packet 3 to the interview. Then 2 weeks from Visa to POE due to airfare costs. That would be July 17th for us. I had some great 4th of July hopes for us but it is what it is...

Does anyone have any information on buying 1 way fares from Thailand in less than 7 days?

There is no conspiracy, also the economy has nothing to do with the immigration process. I actually read an article recently stating that there are droves of illegal immigrants headed back to their countries for work, because they work has dried up in the US.

I think it is the time of year, there are certain months that take longer to process paperwork. If you look at the historical timelines the months of April thru June are the longest waiting times for the embassy to process paperwork. There could be many reasons for this, one the week of Songkran doesn't help, might be people at the embassy taking time off, especially since they get close to a week off at Songkran, why not piggy back another few days of vacation on that time, I do that with my work during the holidays. Also there could just be an influx of people applying for Visa's at this time. Summer is coming up, so it would make sense people are wanting to travel, also you have the next school year coming up, so probably an increase in student visa's to process. I am not sure what takes priority at the embassy, but my guess would be they handle the tourist, student, and work visas ahead of the immigrant visas.

The guy that directed me to this site, last year, had sent his paperwork into the embassy in the beginning of April (2008) and his fiancee was in the US with him on June 26th (Going thru Bangkok), of course his fiancee was from India and not Thai.

Buying tickets in Asia going to the US with less then 7 days is no big deal. The price is what it is. Not like the US, where they jack it up just because it is short notice. I was looking at tickets 3 days to a month and they prices were the same when there was availability, some days closer in were more money, but it was just because they had fewer seats on certain days.




AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-06 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
All in all, process is moving ahead smoothly. Looks like some people have gotten the physical started before receiving the packet 4 and interview date?


You need to have the physical done prior to sending in Packet3.

QUOTE
The guy who did ours and a couple others charged 200THB! So being an american I wanted to raise a stink but figured we'd never see the report. Has other people been charged for this service?


Looks like they figured out a way to make a few baht. I would still press for a receipt. I have receipts for everything we did as part of the process.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-04 00:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
She found many places but i need one to help her sound out words, etc. we tried computer class places and after 3 turns out the norm is sitting her down, opening an email then they go outside and talk with their buddies (expensive internet cafe, minimal instruction).

I'm leery of british english (she learned on that and was using quite a few weird english words and seemed confused when I didn't know). Like bobby-police, bollocks (BS), bonnet (trunk), cheeky, fortnight, I can't recall all of them but I guess it depends on if they teach dialect or common usage (with her accent, i'd have no idea what she was saying). Not a big deal but I guess it depends on where the instructor is from. She had an engish thai book but i went through telling her we don't use that, don't say it like that, etc leaving her frustrated. Canadian or American or maybe a rounded UK or AUS would work OK. The book she'd been using would set up sentences in strange ways and she wants to speak conversational English really badly.

...but if it helped your sweetheart, I'll look into it and give them a hollar since it sounds like a larger (not mom and pop shop) establishment.


Basically she has go in and they give her a test to place her in a class. They are all British teachers and going through their books, you do get the occasional strange British word, but for the most part is not bad. From what you are saying she is probably going to start in the beginning class and that would be beneficial learning the language. She may want to speak conversational English, however I think it would be much more of a benefit for her to read then to be able to speak as much. Wait til she goes to the store here, she will be lost if she can't read english.

You also should not be so down on her when it comes to saying stuff about learning english from the thai book. It might be that we don't speak that way, however we may actually write/read that way. Any bit of english whether it is UK/American/AUS is going to be a tremendous benefit to her when she gets here. If she thinks Isann people are treated bad, wait until she goes to the grocery store and someone is frustrated cause she can't read or understand something. She will hate the USA.


I think the test for BC was 600 baht, and then the classes were 7800 baht for 5 weeks, 3 hours a day.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-01 21:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
We can't find a school (or she can't) but I really need her to grasp our alphabet and how to sound out words spoken and read.


http://www.britishcouncil.org/thailand

This is where I sent Nam while we were waiting for her Visa. She was already good at reading and writing, and not bad at speaking, but just needed work on Grammar. There program was great, she improved dramatically, before I met her, she had bought a book on learning english, that explains it in Thai.

They also had an English language school in the Times Square Building where the Lawyer is, on the third floor by the elevators.

If she can't find a place to take her money and teach her english in Bangkok, she is not looking very hard. I saw a places almost everywhere.


AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-01 19:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
(like a Taxi swearing he knew where we were going, then drops us off at some remote temple just to get a fare)


You have got to be the unluckiest person in the world. On two occasions I had a taxi problem, one was the guy had a brand new cab with a nice stereo and he turned up the music and we were having a great time, and he missed the turn which meant he had to take us further down and around, instead of a 45 baht ride it was 60. Then we were coming back from MBK we decided to take a taxi, and the meter was spinning to fast, the wife made us get out and get another cab. She gets pissed off when ever anyone tried to rip us off. So we caught another cab and cost me close to 100 baht for the two cab rides where as the crooked one would have probably cost me 75, but it was principal tongue.gif

On learning Thai, I took the easy route and learned to count. I figured numbers were quite important, which turns out they are. I have problems when I reach 10K, but anything before that I am good at. It made it much easier when buying stuff, and getting places. As for other words, I can understand a lot more then I can speak.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-05-01 14:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I wouldn't even bring the pictures of the ceremony within 100 ft of the embassy! I did the same in Nov had a ceremony, we both had rings, which we removed at the embassy & POE, she wore her engagement ring. I wouldn't even bring it up if asked.

I included the western union transfers in the packet, which ti be honest I doubt is a big deal. It shows you are supporting your finacee, and support is a way to prove a bonafide relationship. Now if she is sending you western union, that might be a problem.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-30 19:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I did print outs of my actual returns not tax transcripts. I included 2006 & 2007, a letter from my employer, and copy of a few months of bank statements. One of them was my primary account, and the other was the account I setup fro Nam to take money out of, so it showed the Thailand ATM withdrawals.

Now that 2008 taxes dues date has come and passed, the 2008 should be included also.


AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-30 14:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
If I can "figure him out" then it may be easier but I have a feeling his personality is one of conflict....not impressed until a conflict is won (I need to look into that more) or the undying need to be right regardless of a perfect file. WOuld groveling or bowing help? Given 2 equal cases, they're certainly not handled equally. I'll definitely tell her to dress nice but try to look ugly (since that assistant will more likely than not 1. be prejudice against Isaan, 2. Be catty as hell.


Not everyone in Bangkok is prejudice against Isaan, I would venture to even say the majority are not prejudice against Isaan. There have been a few people recently with fiancee's from Isaan, and were through on the 1st interview.

I would not spend anytime trying to figure out the consular, you will lose sleep and stress you out, over something you have no control of. Best you can hope for is put the packet together properly, have everything you need in it, and she goes in for the interview. After that you will either pass, or have to bring some other things back. This is a fact of life, it sucks, but in the end, I think the majority get approved, just have to jump through that extra hoop.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-29 23:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
As to the fee - sure, I suppose he scammed her. But for a measly 200B? Is it really worth the effort for such a small sum?


Thats what the cops take on the side of the road when pulled over, so it just makes it easier in the office.

QUOTE
Danny (actually Chada) hasn't yet gone back for a second visit to the police, she's only gone there once. So the only previous experience known to us is Birchbeer's. Perhaps this police officer dealt with birchbeer's case and now heard Thanti repeating the same story.


I would guess this is more plausible. There have been quite a few other people on here who has gone through recently and they weren't sent out for a duplicate police certificate. I know this is a small percentage of the cases that go though, but I think we would be hearing this more and more on here, rather then just one case if they were requiring this of a bunch more people. So far we have 1 documented case of having to get another police certificate.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-28 14:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
The police remembered her, and asked her if she had been there before. She said yes, but then gave them a little story about how the embassy sent her to get another copy (that's a white lie - we haven't had our interview yet). Interestingly, the police guy said that he's been hearing that A LOT.


He may have just being saying that based on Birchbeer, Danny, and now Thanti, going back in. I wouldn't take the police word for it. I would also say the 200 baht fee might be for the duplicate police report since he remembered her, or he might have just figured he could make an extra 200 baht off her. Did she get a receipt that she paid 200 baht?

QUOTE
Could we organize it to have the informational thread to contain common Thai FAQ's in the first several posts?


This is a great idea. We should probably put together a FAQ, show the mods and ask for a sticky. I am sure they would do this.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-28 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Once she gets that, I'll have her get the international DL (whether needed or not, better to err on the side of getting..and keep her busy).


Just for an FYI, she can't get an international license with the 1 year Thai License. They will only issue it if you have the 5 year.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-25 19:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (uscandual @ Apr 24 2009, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Apr 24 2009, 07:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (uscandual @ Apr 24 2009, 07:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It would be kinda nice to get this show on the road....


Come on Ron... you know you love all the waiting! tongue.gif laughing.gif

Oh, sure! That's why I posted this sappy thing today: http://www.visajourn...h...t&p=2871943

secret7vf.gif A lot more waiting to come, but it's always better when you're waiting "together"! good.gif

That's what I'm figuring.... I mean, even if AOS or removing conditions takes forever, what difference does it make? We're already living our normal lives by that point. I can see AP&EAD being very important since she'll want to work and to travel. Robert, you're further along on this whole Journey thing so perhaps you can shed some light on whether the waiting for post-POE steps of the journey are as difficult as pre-POE.




I sent in my AOS paperwork almost 2 months ago and have yet to hear anything after the NOA's. To be honest though, the waiting is no big deal compared to the K1. So far it seems to be cake for the post-POE other then having to call weekly and talk to people and wonder why everyone else is getting Biometrics dates and we haven't. I am wondering if it is due to the fact that we filed 2 weeks after POE.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-24 20:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Apr 24 2009, 04:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Apr 24 2009, 07:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think that is the standard reply of 6-8 weeks for an interview. I highly doubt it will take that long.


Nothing like setting the bar super low, so that it makes their metrics look good if they come in well under that time frame, huh?! laughing.gif


Your a government employee you should know all about this (jab, jab) tongue.gif
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-24 18:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I think that is the standard reply of 6-8 weeks for an interview. I highly doubt it will take that long.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-24 18:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
That is one of the places he won in court. On my next vacation there I am going to get a license. The discounts with a HI license is great. Kind of the same in NV, you get deals places with the local license.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-22 19:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
And as for the one year rule, here is where the RMV in Massachusetts states it's only valid for one year: http://www.mass.gov/...forms/21317.pdf


This becomes an argument of States Rights. Does the state have the right to enact laws that limit the agreements of treaties signed by the USA? The short answer is No they do not (you can look at supreme court cases that trend this way).

I have a friend that has multiple drivers license from different states (9 to be exact, including 2 foreign countries), and who has successfully argued that the states have no power to take or require him to surrender his out of state licenses, even thought they have laws on the books to the contrary. He is not a lawyer, just has a lot of free time on his hands at one point in his life.

This all becomes a mute point as soon as your spouse receives their green card and becomes a permanent resident.

Anyways I don't want to turn this into a policy debate. Have your spouse get a thai license in Thai/English, let her drive on the license (since legally she can from a federal POV), and then when she gets her GC have her take the skills test and get her US license. Another side note when you go to any DMV, don't even show them the foreign license cause they may try to take it (This was told to me by the DMV clerk, technically they are not suppose to but some will take it, as she said it has no bearing on getting a US License so why give it up)

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-22 18:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
But in order for an IDL to be valid, you must also have a valid DL from your home residence. When your DL expires, so does your IDL, until you renew your DL.


I was just typing that, you beat me to it!!
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-22 18:19:00