ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

@ tom and teaw if they give you the 10 year gc it would be i mistake, there was someone here who got one in error and still had to remove conditions.

as for the interview it's not bad, ours was 30 minutes or so, i think we were called for interview because of late filing. at any rate if teaw is not comfortable with english you will need to provide a translator, because it's definitely english only and you are not allowed to guide/help her. they will want to see evidence of comingled assest, bank accounts utilities, cell phone bills. photos seemed to be a big hit, our i.o. was interested in the photos of me with my in-laws and him with my family in h.k. and here in the u.s.

was about 30 minutes and then she went to have a superivsor look at our file and recommend for approval. in and out in under 90 minutes including wait time.

good luck!


We got a 10 year GC. I made an infopass appointment to find out if she was in the system correctly and the card was given in error. They had her listed as a Permanent Resident, and there is no need to remove conditions. It does happen. There were a few people on here, that has had it happen with no problems also.

The interview was painless, Nam was a little nervous, the guy looked through our photos and asked her who was in them, asked her my phone number, and some other questions. He asked me a few questions to, but it has been a while so I can't remember. On a side note, our paperwork from BKK, hadn't arrived when we had our interview for AOS, so he had to wait and verify some information in the packet from the embassy. A week later we got her GC.
AaronLVMaleThailand2011-01-07 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

The info on the embassy website says a notice from the requesting embassy is required (i.e. a cover letter from packet 3). You should be able to get the police clearance certificate with any proof of an impending visa interview (i'd try using the NOA2). If that doesn't work, a few hundred baht should make it "official". :whistle:

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


We used NOA2 when we went in to get the certificate. There were not problems.
AaronLVMaleThailand2011-01-03 11:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

She hit the atm in chiang mai. 10k baht came out the 350 usd. Used to be 250 usd. Global economics.


You have to watch the bank and atm also. When we were there at the beginning of May last year my wife stopped at some ATM in Rayong (in a Big C, I can't remember the bank), and it ended up being an exchange rate of 28.9 when the current rate was 32.3. I only use Bangkok bank and Siam Commercial to withdraw money.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-11-20 00:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Actually Mimi can read and understand and prefers english most of the time when using the computer - it is when she's typing to her friends on facebook, etc. she uses the small arrow on the start bar to change to Thai characters. I don't know if there is a way for her to type to her friends in Thai on the internet without the Windows language pack but I'm sure there may be an alternative. It's free for XP/Vista but Win7 ultimate does cost extra. I was buying a new Alienware so it wasn't that much more altogether but if I had to buy a separate upgrade just for the Thai language pack I probably would have sought out alternatives.

Mike


You don't need Win7 Ultimate to type in Thai. All of the versions of Win7 allow you to add a Thai Keyboard.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-11-19 16:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

3) Download the free Thai language pack for Windows XP/Vista (this allows you to switch between Roman and Thai language on the computer by clicking on an arrow on the far right side of your Start Bar in Windows). Unfortunately, if you have Windows 7 you have to upgrade to Windows Ultimate in order to download/install any language packs.


Not quite true. You can add the Thai Keyboard to any version of windows. You just cannot have a full Thai version (ie, where all text is changed to Thai).
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-11-18 18:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

As it turns out, I've discovered I can't get any Closed Captioning to work through either my HD Cable Box, or the Digital Satellite Receiver I use for the Thai Channels. CC is function that is now built into all TVs but only works when directly connected to COAX cable (HDMI and RGB won't pass the info necessary for the TV to display CC).


You need to turn on the CC in the Cable Box or Satellite receiver, they have their own decoder in them, and don't use the TV's cc decoder.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-10-30 18:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I found the book here:

http://www.amazon.co...s/dp/0375414096

You can click on "Look Inside" and then "Search inside this book" for "Issan".

The province in question is Udon Thani where--indeed--15% of the marriages are registered with foreigners. The "over 60" part appears to be a misquote.

It's pretty scathing, actually, so heads up on that.


The 15% doesn't surprise me, really when I saw the over 60, it wasn't very shocking either, I would have guessed it to be closer to 50+. When I have stayed up in the Issan area I have not run into any young westerners (50 and under). The 15% probably also comes from registered marriages in the province. I have heard a lot of the people in the villages never actually register their marriages, and I would guess the western men that liver there do register the marriage. I think most of the young men who marry Issan woman take them out of Thailand, and marry abroad, either not registering the marriage in Thailand, or not doing it til much later in life when they retire.

Just guesses...
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-10-17 12:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

We just missed you, Tom--back home now. Have a great trip though. Hope you have better luck than my friends did!!

Surprised about the card! Maybe we should order a new one...


I am surprised it doesn't have "Not Authorized to work without DHS Approval". We had it on our card, and then after her friends had a problem at an employer not accepting the SS card with that on the card (even with an accompanying GC). We went and got a new SS card. The employer was using ADP as the payroll service and they rejected it.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-10-16 17:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

She has been here a month yesterday so she was in the system for the guy to find easily. So I am glad we waited a little longer. We will go by tomorrow and see if we can get her number
so I can use it on the AOS docs.


You can send in the AOS docs without the SSN. We did. They just asked for it at the interview.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-10-13 19:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Does it matter where you get your SSI number? I seem to be having trouble getting off work to take Teaw down and sit and wait. But I will
be in Calif the week of the 18th and it might be easier to get it there. All the info on the app will just have NC addresses. In my mind
it should not matter, although I believe the first 3 numbers are an indication of where you lived when you got it.


I doubt it matters where you get your SSN. We actually didn't get ours until after we filed for AOS. When we went into the interview they asked if we had gotten one, and by then we had, so we gave it to them. So I wouldn't worry about rushing to much.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-10-08 14:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Filling out the papers for adjustment of status, etc. On the employment authorization form I used her now married name and put in (a)(6) as the eligibility category. So I assume that is right.
Yes, looking for confirmation from some of you that have done the AOS so I don't get anything kicked back.

On the I-485 do I use her now married name or her family Thai last name? I used her new name there also. Sigh..too many darn forms!!!


I used her married name on all the forms.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-10-06 20:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

n/m. Looks like I'm now potentially looking for one that works in Thailand, the U.S. and Germany as well as England (assuming Germany and England have different types of networks).


sigh


My friend travels alot and has a Nokia E90 with ATT, and he can make and receive calls everywhere he goes (all over Europe, South America, and Asia, to name a few places he has been this year).
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-09-11 20:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

100% false.
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11051.html
http://immigration.f...ent-rights.html


Interesting. I was mis-informed. I never went and looked it up, I got the information from someone else I knew that recently had become a citizen.

Thanks for the links.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-09-07 21:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
The other advantage is she can get social security. Even if she works enough hours to become eligible, a non us citizen can not get any SS benefits of any kind, including spousal benefits, when you kick it. I doubt my wife will ever work enough to get her own benefits, but I would like her to be able to get mine when I die. Plus the fact if you do decide to live out of the US and she is a green card holder, after 6 months or 1 year (can't remember which), she would lose her PR Status without an extension, and have to go through the visa process again.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-09-07 17:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Hrmm, that's really interesting. When I contacted my University, they told me they accept K1 Visa Students. I realize December is an early date to stretch for, but we're just trying to get her over here as quick as possible. December is our dream goal, but I would wait forever :). Now how heavy ended does it have to be for her calling me too? I only have records of 10 calls being forwarded to my cell phone from Skype over the past two months or so. However, the chat log is HEAVILY two-sided, and clearly of romantic intent. I have about 6 months of this. Do you think this will do? She speaks and writes great English, by the way :).

edit: Wow! How did I miss this edit button before?!?!? Just wanted to mention that I do have photos from us together two years ago. However, she hasn't had her own computer until about 6 months ago, which is why our communications have suddenly gone up 10,000x. We weren't dating two years ago, but our friendship had been growing during that time.

edit2: Thanks so much for your response and help!!!


Here in Las Vegas at both UNLV and the community college they required her to have a Green Card (might have accepted an EAD but I don't remember) prior to signing up for classes. I believe a student visa is F1, when you called they might have mis-understood you. You might want to just double check, I would be shocked if they let her attend on a K1.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-08-14 19:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum and the site, and it's been absolutely a godsend. I almost sent in my K-1 visa application for what surely would have been received with many requests for more proof, haha. It's been extremely helpful so far. I only have a couple of questions, and this is a really great place as my fiance is from Thailand!

First of all, I'm 23 years old, so I'm not only new to the world, but definitely new to the world of filing paperwork and trying to wade through our government systems, haha. After talking with my fiance, she had no idea what a police certificate is. I realize that many people have to wait to get their packets in Thailand with a letter from the embassy before even being able to claim them. Basically, one thing we want to know is: What is it??? Where do we go to get one? I've read in different places that you can just go to the police department, others say you can do it by mail, others say you have to go to Bangkok? We're just looking for some clarification on that whole issue. She lives in Chiang Mai and attends University there currently, we're trying to get her here by December, and I realize that this is very wishful thinking, but we're giving it a shot to get her over here before our Spring semester starts in college. Also, she would love to be here for Christmas :).


If you haven't sent in your paperwork yet, December is probably not going to happen, it is not impossible, but highly improbable. Take a look at the timelines and it will give you a good idea of how long the process takes. Right now NOA1 to NOA2 is about 60 - 50 days, but I have noticed people taking longer.

I notice you said 'Our Spring Semester', she won't be able to attend school until she gets her Green Card, just as an FYI.


I'm making a binder (and a copy of the binder) with all the paperwork, and additional paperwork that's on the VisaJourney guide, and I'm putting it in those plastic cover sheets inside the binder to protect it. I then plan on making notes with sticky notes and putting it on the inside to give additional information about certain things. I have about 50 colored pictures that I'll use scotch tape to stick together into series of 3 4x6 photos per transparent sheet, with notes on the back concerning the date of the occasion, what we were doing, etc. I also have our Skype phone call logs (however, they are mostly from me, but some from her, because I can call her from Skype on my iPhone, and she has to be at her computer to call me, so it is less convenient). Is this a good idea for things? I also have our chat logs for the past year, and some stubs from some things that we did while in Thailand.

Do you know if I can highlight the stubs from different locations with pictures from being there? Will that help things at all?

I have my flight receipts too, with the dates highlighted.

*Side Note: Someone here mentioned that they've dropped almost a grand on phone calls. You can get unlimited calls to Thai cell phones for $13.99 from Skype. If you have an iPhone or Android, you can use your 3g connection for free to call straight to their cell phone. Then, you can turn on call forwarding, and they can call straight to your cell phone from Skype for free as well. This is great, convenient, and works pretty well!*

Sorry for just the information regurgitation, I'm mainly wondering about this Thai police certificate, and just looking for a bit of general guidance as I'm trying to learn this system and ensure that I get the fastest k1 turnaround possible. Thanks so much for all of your all's help! I really appreciate it!

Khap Khoon Maak Khrap!


You'll want to have the boarding passes for the Airlines also, not just the receipts, I am guessing they want the boarding passes, since receipts can be altered. You want to make sure that your communication shows 2 way conversations, not just you calling her all the time. We were dinged for that, I had to show that she would call me (ie missed call log), and then I would call her back. They were very concerned with only showing 1 way communication. You might want her to go to AIS and get a monthly bill that shows the calls made and received, rather then just using the pre-paid.


Good Luck.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-08-14 16:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

When I talked to Teaw about getting Thai TV for her when she comes in Sept, she said let's wait because she thought she could learn English better watching regular TV here. I kind of have to agree with her
and I thought that was nice of her to think that way. But I also don't want her bored to death so we'll decide after she has a chance to settle in.


My wife was the same, she didn't want Thai TV, she wanted to watch TV to get better at english. The Closed caption drove me crazy at first, but I am used to it now, and it helps her a lot. After about 3 months she would watch you tube now and then, and finally in December she wanted the Thai TV, she spent a few months watching it, and now rarely watches it. The most important thing was FOOD!!!

I just got her enrolled in English classes at the college and she is doing those 2 days a week.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-08-10 22:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
I have my media center hooked up to the TV (can get a net-top for 300) and we subscribe to ThaiTV.TV (100.00 per year), you get all the Thai stations on a live feed from Thailand along with many archived dramas. Most of the time though she watches regular TV with the closed caption turned on so she can improve her English skills. I did a bunch of research on the satellite options, and there was very few Thai stations that broadcast. The internet seemed to be the most cost effective route with the most content, and flexibility.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-08-10 13:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Hi all, anybody hear any word on interview scheduling dates thus far? How quickly are they being scheduled? Somebody previously posted that its taking 8-10 weeks just to schedule an interview! Ridiculous. The embassy was only closed for 10 days, makes no sense why they would be that backed up (except for the fact that its the typical US government at work).

Anyway, just wanted to know if anybody has received any news on how long scheduling interviews are taking. Any info is appreciated!


If you go through the timelines, you'll notice that May-Aug tend to be longer (5-6 weeks from packet 3) then the winter months, combine that with the 10 days of closure, and add on the backlog of all the other visa's and rescheduling the interviews during that time, and a 8-10 week timeline seems logical, but certainly not reasonable when you are waiting.

Hang in there, time will go by quickly.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-08-03 00:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Shipping Boxes from Thailand to the US ???

Even though we do not have an interview date yet, Audy checked with the Thai post office for shipping rates. The Thai post office informed her 13,000 baht for a box that weighs 30 kgs.

She thinks she will have four boxes in addition to two to three suitcases she wants to bring to the US. Of course I can get three suitcases for free if I bring her to the US which I am certain I will need to do. I think that price is too steep and not very likely to get the boxes to the US.

Have others here shipped boxes from Thailand to the US and if so what were the experiences?

Thanks


When we were coming back I went to all the major shipping carriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx) to gt prices on shipping to the US, DHL was the cheapest, but the box weight limits were low. So I had decided we would just pay for the extra bags on the flight. I bought a few large duffel bags at MBK for about 900 baht (with wheels), and loaded them up. We ended up with 5 bags, 4 of them were about 26 KG, and 1 was 23KG, which was within limits on Eva, so we ended up not having to pay. If I remember correctly the extra bag fee was between 30 - 75USD depending on the weight, we were lucky and everything fit within our limit. You figure at 13000 baht even upgrading your tickets to get extra weight on the bags would be well worth it, plus then she will have all of her items when she arrives.

One thing to keep in mind is if you need to switch to a domestic carrier when you arrive in the states the charges go through the roof, their weight limits are lower than international. We flew into LA and then drove to Vegas for that reason. For two of us with baggage one way from LAX to Vegas was over 500.00, compared to 77 for a 1 way car rental + gas.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-08-02 15:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Another question for those of you that flew from BKK to the States with your fiancee after she got the K-1 visa.
When you went through immigration at the airport leaving BKK did you get in the "Thai" line with her or did you split
up and you go through the crowded line? I am thinking I will go into the Thai line with her since she has a Thai
passport and then she won't have to wait for me to make it through the longer line.


We always go in the separate lines in Thailand. The last 3 trips there have been no lines at passport control. When we come into the US we go through the US Citizen line together.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-08-01 18:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I'm not sure where to go for help, so I thought I would try this since the USCIS seems like a dead end...

I really think something has gone wrong with my I-129F application. According to the online status, it was received in Vermont on March 18, 2010. I never received an NOA1 hard copy and was told it must have gotten lost in the mail. Even though they would not send me another NOA1, I eventually did get a letter from them that included a receipt number, so I assumed everything was on track. Now it has been over 4 months and no word at all. I can't find anyone on this entire forum that recently took longer than 3 months to receive an NOA2 and the USCIS won't do anything until the 6 month threshold is reached (5 months processing time + 30 days). My online status has never been changed from "Initial Review" and I have not received any requests for more information or the like. Does anyone have any idea where I can go to at least make sure my application is still in a queue somewhere? Can anyone think of a legitimate reason it might take so long? Any help would be appreciated as this wait is killing me. Thank you.


I know before the NOA1's were taking a long time to be processed, back in 2008, California was longer then Vermont, but from my reading that changes all the time based on case load. Make sure they cashed your check you sent with the application, on the back of the check it does have a receipt number, which you could match to the letter they sent you, to make sure it is the same. Also when you call, you can ask to speak to the next level of support, they seemed to have been able to give me more information on my case then the regular CSR's could.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-07-28 16:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Another thing to worry about if you leave before you are approved for your GC: what if you receive notice of your AOS interview in the mail while you are gone & you miss the interview?


Good point, I was just looking at my time line, and out Biometrics date was about a week after we got AP.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-07-28 10:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

She can return to the U.S. after leaving provided she has an advanced parole. The only way you will be able to obtain an AP is to get married & file for AOS. You will file the I-131 along w/ your I-485. You may or may not have her AP by late December if you file right after you are married, but you should not leave w/out it. You would be wise to not buy tickets until her AP is in hand. Personally, I wouldn't leave the country until she has her greencard in hand unless it is an emergency.


That is good advice. I wouldn't leave without GC either unless it was an emergency, remember AP is not guaranteed to get you back in the country. I don't remember ever seeing anyone on the site that has been denied entry with AP, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen, you could end up with a jerk for a CBP officer and you will be screwed. With the problems you had in AR, I wouldn't even take the chance. Take her on a vacation in the US, there are so many places to see.

Also, Our AP took about 51 days to get, and that was in the spring with few holidays.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-07-28 10:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

You are supposed to water them, ya know? HAHAHA!!!

Just joking. Are you in Las Vegas? I am thinking of bringing Teaw there for a few days in October when we go out to Calif so she can meet my parents.

Matt, that's great!! Hope all goes smooth at the POE and then you will have it all done!!!


We are in Vegas. If you make it to Vegas let me know.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-07-26 11:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Quite true especialy if they're from the city. There aren't 10 people right outside your door on any given day to talk to so living in the suburbs can be isolating to them. Major culture shock with values (people don't really care what others think here where it's all the rage over there). No such thing as rushing a Thai wife out the door to go somewhere like an American one.

We do have a garden I preplanted her foods in; that was one of the best things I've done. We have at least 200 basil plants and 30 hot pepper plants :devil:


Good to hear everything is going better for you. My wife has tried to grow some things, but here in the 100+ heat, everything dies.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-07-25 12:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

One more thing about the medical exam. Five went to get her paperwork later that day and the doctor refused to give her a copy of her xrays. She asked him twice and he said that there was nothing on them so she didn't need them. He told her he's been doing this for 10 years and if she can't get the visa it won't be because she didn't have the xrays with her. Has this happened to anyone else? Is there going to be a problem at the embassy if she doesn't have it? The instructions do say to bring those with her to the interview. I'm not very happy with that doctor and hospital right now. We paid for the xrays and I don't see what's so hard about giving them to her.....


The paperwork says to bring the x-ray with you, I would have her go back and get the x-ray. What hospital did you go to for the exam?
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-07-06 10:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
Our interview date was never posted on the website interview schedule, so I would not 100% rely on the website interview schedule.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-06-30 11:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
SFO is not bad to go through immigration.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-06-29 21:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Yeah houston was fairly easy for me going through upon my return from Thailand...thnx for the advice take care. :thumbs:


Last trip when we landed in LA we waited about 1 1/2 hours to get our luggage and then go through the customs line. I also suggest getting a direct flight, the extra money will be worth it for your fiancee.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-06-28 22:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Just heard back from the embassy in Bkk and they said Laddawan could expect to get her interview in about 6-8 weeks after they had received our packet which was on may 27th. So much for our wedding plans for july 17th, lol. Just letting people know if they have the same timeline as me. Take care everyone

Matt


That is the standard reply of when they are scheduling interviews. I would guess it will be sooner. Not sure if you would be able to make it to the US by the 17th of July, but I will guess it will be before then.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-06-08 20:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I posted a question on the embassy facebook wall and I am anxious to see what their answer is.

I think the AP process has changed since some of you had your interviews. The have been asking for more documents or proof of relationship and then putting people in AP and giving them their passports back
and telling them they will notify them. It's almost as if they don't want to be bothered with taking care of it right away and put it on the back burner until they get around to it. It's unfortunate they
take so long and make it hard for people to make plans!!

Kari, I'd really love to be able to get a firsthand look at what they do back there behind closed doors!!! Too bad I couldn't arrange a Congressional visit!!! I'd love to send them a case of cut open durian
for the offices back there!!!!


This is exactly what the lawyer said happens, and to insist for them to look at the documents right away. We did get a 221g, and they were just going to take our stuff and get back to us, the attorney insisted we would wait while they reviewed our documents. She had said if they take the paperwork without an answer that day, it sometimes takes months for them to back to you. We waited 3 hours that day while the Consular's where in a meeting.

While the 221g is not the exact same as being thrown right into AP, I think it can be the same if when they collect the paperwork, they send you away and put the paperwork in the same pile as AP.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-06-03 23:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I have no idea how they decide AP. We got a 221g that laid out what they wanted. So at least we knew where we stood. We gave them the 2 things they wanted (more photos and a new I-864 due to some tax issues) Still scratching my head why the didn't make a problem for me on the US side at NVC about the tax lien, but oh well.


I am not sure why they go into AP, however the attorney that we used (we had to bring stuff back), most of the time, they will collect the documents and say we'll let you know. The attorney went in with my wife and when they took the documents and said we will let you know, she just said, "No I prefer to wait while they review the documents". Not that this would have made a difference, but it might be helpful to some people in the future. I believe I posted this info before, but that was over a year ago.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-06-03 20:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

As the US Travel Warnings have been lifted, I am planning to go to Thailand for Ying's Interview. Does it help your chances of being approved if I am in country during her interview. I plan on giving her my passport as proof during the interview to show that I am there and show the newest VISA stamp.

Thanks


It can't hurt. I think if you have very few visits it most likely helps, but for the most part I think it comes down to the evidence you submit.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-06-03 17:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
This is a better link: http://travel.state....types_1263.html

I would guess the application date would be the date when Packet3 is sent in, since they require a copy of the Visa Fee at that time. So send in the packet before June 4th, and I would think you would be ok.
AaronLVMaleThailand2010-05-27 13:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTS clearance

I have a civilian TS clearance. They take all countries under equal consideration under the law but no question USA interactions with China's government are certainly a major concern. So after your 6 months they revoked your clearance?


Your TS should be intact, provided you have been following the rules with receiving permission to travel to china and filling out the required travel debrief when you returned. Most likely on your re-investigation you will be sent to adjudication, and a good chance you will not be re-issued a TS since your wife is from China. However there are a lot of factors and that depends on your program. Lots of high profile Chinese espionage cases in the past few years.

I do have some experience with this (not with China though), my SFO said I had no issues also, however won't detail it on a public forum.
AaronLVMaleThailand2012-08-05 22:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJoint Sponsor Bangkok Embassy

I have a solid work history with management experience. I've applied at just about every place within a 50 mile radius that pays $10/hr+ and no luck yet. I've even begged for my old job back but my former superiors didn't want to lose their jobs so that's why I'm now out of the job. Might have a lawsuit against my former employer, but that's not going to help us get our visa.

 

When I did my K1 in BKK in 2008/09, I submitted my Tax returns for 2 years (1040 and W2's), along with a employment verification letter.  This was all originally sent when I filed with USCIS, and used the exact same returns and letter when we went to the embassy.   I didn't bring in any pay check stubs, nor was I asked to update the letter.   In my case the income on the tax return was well above the poverty level, so I don't know if that made a difference.    Not sure if much has changed.  

 

Another option is to ask your previous employer to give you a new employment verification letter back dated before you were let go.  Explain the situation and they might be amenable.

 

Good luck.


AaronLVMaleThailand2014-06-03 20:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEmployment Letter for I-134

Hi Folks,

My Fiance's interview is scheduled to be on Oct 25th, less than 8 weeks from now. I've requested an Employment Letter from my company last Aug 8 and got it on the same day. I just thought I could be proactive with my time while we waited for NOA2 which we got last Aug 17. Now will this be still considered current or valid? Will it be best to just get a more recent one? The one I've sent through USPS was signed and original copy. If I get another copy, could I just scan this one and have him print from his end?

Thanks!


My employment verification letter was dated in September. I mailed my I-134 packet to my fiancée in October and her interview at the embassy in Manila occurred in late November.

My employment situation has not changed.

I included copies of my paycheck stubs up to the time that I mailed her the packet.

Her interview went well.

She is here, we were married in March, and I just recently used the same copy of the employment verification letter when we applied for her Adjustment Of Status. I just included current paycheck stubs, which support the facts listed in the letter.



Good luck!
drgermMalePhilippines2012-09-01 10:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
I've heard that some states only recognize the IDL for tourists and won't if you are here on an immigrant visa or a non-immigrant visa with the intent to immigrate, which is what the K-1 visa is. You may want to search the forums for that info...


This is untrue. They must recognize your DL from another country until you become a permanent resident. I have seen some people state that there is a 1 year rule, however if you look through the Dept of Transportation laws, there is no such regulation.

QUOTE
Since each state is different, everyone needs to do their research for their particular state's requirements. In the case of Florida, they issued both a State ID and DL to my wife, and the expiration dates were not tied to her 2 year GC expiration date.


Each state is different in their requirements to obtain a drivers license. But ALL states have to recognize the Domestic License that is in thai and english, or the international license.

QUOTE
Thats good to know that they will issue the exam in thai.


It is good they offer the test in Thai, however it really is not very helpful when they do not offer the book in Thai.

QUOTE
true of california as well. we applied for my husband's i.d. 3 weeks after he arrived back in the u.s. in fact he applied the day he got his social security card in the mail which we applied for exactly 15 days after he landed back here and his i.d. doesn't expire until 2011. hope that helps some the californians!


You got lucky. Must have had a clerk that didn't know the rules.


AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-22 12:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Ok. There has been so many discussions lately about driver licenses, domestic vs. international, etc. So I decided to do some research tonight and here is the jist of what I found.

1. The foreign license can be used provided the following:
- It is not expired
- It is in English or is accompanied by a certified translation
2. An international license is not required (Usually this is used as the certified translation into the national language)

This is covered by the U.N Convention on Road Traffic (1968), provided the country whose license is being used has signed the treaty. A majority of the countries in the world have signed the treaty (Thailand has), so our spouse drivers license with Thai and English on it can be used with no problems for driving in the US, no need to have them get an international license.

Once they become permanent residents (GC) they can no longer use the license and must get a valid US license or or learners permit.

So I think we can finally put this topic to bed. Moral of the story here if you want your spouse or fiancee to drive in the US while awaiting their GC, have them get a new Thai License that is in both Thai, and English.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These are excerpts from the UN United Nations Convention on Road Traffic which confirms what I wrote above.

QUOTE
Validity of driving license


1.Contracting Parties shall recognize:
(a) Any domestic driver's license drawn up in their national language or in one of their national languages, or, if not drawn up in such a language, accompanied by a certified translation;
(cool.gif Any domestic driver's license conforming to the provisions of Annex 6 to this Convention; and
© Any international driver's license conforming to the provisions of Annex 7 to this Convention, as valid for driving in their territories a vehicle coming within the categories covered by domestic driver's license, provided that the license is still valid and that it was issued by another Contracting Party or subdivision thereof or by an association duly answered thereto by such other Contracting Party. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to learner-driver permits.


Excerpt from Annex 6

QUOTE
1. The domestic driving permit shall take the form of a document.

2. The permit shall be printed in the language or languages prescribed by the
authority issuing it or empowered to issue it; it shall, however, bear the title
"permis de conduire" in French, with or without the same title in other languages,
and the name and/or distinctive sign of the country in which the permit is issued.

3. Entries made on the permit shall either be in Latin characters or English
cursive script only, or be repeated in that form.

4. The following particulars appear on the driving permit; they shall be
preceded or followed by the numbers 1 to 11.

1. Surname
2. First names 1/
3. Date and place of birth 2/
4. Address 3/
5. Authority issuing the permit
6. Date and place of issue of the permit
7. Date of expiry of the validity of the permit 4/
8. Number of the permit
9. Signature and/or stamp or seal of the authority issuing the permit
10. Holder's signature 5/
11. Category or categories of vehicle and any sub-categories for which the
permit is valid with indication of the date of issue of the permit and
the dates of expiry of the validity for each of those categories.

In addition, the holder's photograph shall be affixed to the driving permit.
It shall be a matter for domestic legislation to determine any additional
particulars to be included in the driving permit as well as the format and the
material on which the driving permit is printed.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-22 01:12:00