ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
The biggest issue was crossing the street. After almost getting killed by taxis in BKK, I finally learned to look right then left. Now that I am back here the opposite. I have finally re-taught myself to look left again before crossing the street.


I had just gotten used to looking the correct way when I left BKK, now being back in the US, I am having problems with it.

QUOTE
I really had no problems driving in Thailand except for massive traffic in BKK.


I was always nervous about driving in BKK, because I used to see the Traffic fly through red lights, and finally one day my Australian friend explained that at T intersections the far lane does not stop on red. Then it all made sense to me, and that made it easy. My little secret for driving there is that the center of the road is always on the drivers side of the car, this works in the US and Thailand, now Cambodia that was a whole other story. LOL

QUOTE
Apparently the motor vehicle offices aren't accepting USCIS documentation as "permanent" or "legally in the US" enough to issue a license and I learned a temp green card expires so the short duration of a provisional license cannot be renewed...although the paperwork shows it, a work permit or an actual green card seems all they'll accept from what I read. I'm glad I' learning this now. This info is all useful...this website is invaluable!


Not sure what you mean by the provisional GC. If you mean the 2 year Conditional GC, that is good enough to get a license on, they will issue the license valid until the expiration of the GC at least in NV. Just like right now she could get a license / state ID, but it would expire when her I94 expires, so I figured it was useless. My main concern was that she is insured, and to be insured she had to have a DL, and my insurance company accepted her DL from Thailand, so it works out. I doubt I will feel comfortable letting her drive by herself until well after she gets her GC.

I really think you might as well resign yourself to the fact that she won't be driving on her own here in the US for a good year, or you can buy her a scooter. I am contemplating that, just so she can run down to the Asian Market by the house or Wal-mart to shop when she gets bored staying home. Nam's friend we just visited in LA a few weeks ago has been here 3 years and she still doesn't have a license, he bought her a scooter and she cruises around locally on that. I thought that was a great idea.

I had the mentality before I got here, she has to learn to drive right away, but once being here, I kind of figured out, it is really not that important, just requires me to spend a lot more time with her, which I don't mind doing at all smile.gif
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-21 20:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Yes. Earlier discussions talked about difficulty switching sides (left to right) but I think your method and reading US websites this may be easier. Thanks!


It has been very difficult for Nam to remember what side of the road she is suppose to drive on. She had 10 hours of lessons in Bangkok, and grew up riding motorbikes in her hometown. I have a feeling if they don't have solid years of actual driving experience count on them not going out by themselves for quite some time.


AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-21 13:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Apr 19 2009, 06:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If I remember correctly, I went to a place called Royal Thai Restaurant on W Sahara. The food was great, the wait staff was great. Compared to the Thai restaurant in Honolulu, it blew them away.

Maybe Aaron and his wife can stop by and see if it is still up to par? unsure.gif

I would be up for a gathering. It sounds fun!


I just looked up the address, I will have to swing by and check it out. There is another place called Lotus of Siam, that is supposed to be really really good, it has been around for a very long time. We just haven't had a chance to go.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-19 20:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Aaron, I assume you can recommend some good authentic Thai restaurants where we can all reminisce about the good times in Thailand?


That is going to be tough to recommend a good place. So far every where we have tried I have been rather disappointed, compared to what Nam cooks at home. There are two places that have been recommended, we just have not made it there yet. I am sure we will prior to August, so by then I should have a good recommendation.


AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-19 19:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
I've been talking to Danny a bit in email about possibly getting together in Vegas later this summer. Thanti and I are considering either getting married there, or having a honeymoon trip there after marriage in Illinois. Danny is thinking of a road trip that may include passing through Vegas. So, if we get things aligned right, perhaps we could do a Sawasdee reunion of the whole bunch of us there! I'm thinking late July or August, personally.


I will be here, except for August 15, my friend is getting married in California. There are tons of killer deals on hotel rooms here right now also, and I am guessing it will be that way til the end of the year.

The place has changed quite a bit since 03-04. Wynn did build a nice place but 15.00 bucks for pancakes is a bit to expensive for me tongue.gif The latest project that is just massive is City Center, we just drove down the strip the other night, and it is huge. It will be pretty cool, if they finish it, I think the price tag is around 8 billion and they are having cash problems right now.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-19 16:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
I HAD Geico, until I realized that when I got my new truck, the rates went up a lot more than I expected. When I started comparing, I realized I was paying an extra $440 bucks a year. I even went onto the Geico site as if I were a new customer, and got the same lower rate quote. When I called them and asked them what the deal was, I got some morron saying I wouldn't be able to purchase the lower rate, because I already had insurance with Geico!!! mad.gif wacko.gif Needless to say, I told him "fine, then I will no longer have insurance with Geico" and hung up the phone, then went with Progressive.


Your ex-military you should try USAA. I believe you should be eligible. Great rates, no one has been able to touch the rates & coverage I get through them, plus their service is exceptional. Their credit cards and checking accounts are awesome also.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-19 14:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Why is it going to be hell if she can't learn to drive? She can't work w/o a GC, so why is it important to throw her out on the freeways in Dallas?

Like Aaron says, it means YOU get to take her shopping, or you do the shopping. It's going to take some time for her to learn her way around, especially where you live. What's wrong with letting them adjust first? They have to crawl before they walk, and it sounds like some want them running the second they touch down!

Chutima has been more than happy staying at home playing on her computer and working on her blogs. I do a lot of the shopping on my way home from work, or take her to one of the local Asian markets on the weekend when we run low on those supplies. Does she want to drive, yes, but right now I only have one vehicle, and I'm not looking to get another one just now.


The only time I miss her having a DL is when she wants to go to the mall to look at clothes. I do not have fun walking around looking at dresses all day, however I deal with it.

I had the feeling "Oh God", she is going to have to drive when we get here, or she is going to be stuck at home and completely bored!! Well she has done fine, she started knitting, and has planted a garden, plus she spends time on the computer, she is fine. I think if she could drive she would be calling me asking me how to get home most of the time, she has a terrible sense of direction.

In the next few months it will probably be tougher because she is going to be taking an english class on saturdays so I am going to have to drive her back and forth. I want her to continue the classes since she has been doing that for the past 6 months in BKK.


AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-19 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I have USAA.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-19 12:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
I think the big deal about the drivers license has to do with where you live. In Texas I was told by the State Trooper in the drivers license office that without an international DL you cannot drive until you get a green card. The big deal about this is we don't really have mass transit thats worth anything. Additionally everything is spread so far apart its going to be hell if she cant learn to drive or apply for a DL until she get the GC.


That was my big concern in Las Vegas also, just being able to teach her. I doubt the state trooper is going to be smart enough to tell the difference between the Thai license and the international license. Nam is stuck home all day while I am out, she doesn't seem to mind though. It doesn't bother me at all having to take her shopping etc, I kind of thought it might be a big pain to have to always go with her, but it has actually been good. I have thought about buying her a scooter to be able to make it down to the grocery store on, and may still do that, but haven't decided yet. She had her own scooter in Buriram, so I know she can ride. The funny thing is she sees my sportbike in the garage and said she wants to take that out. I just laughed and told her if she can sit on it and get it off the kick stand she can take it. To funny watching a 95 lbs 5'1" girl trying to get GSXR 1000 off the kick stand. LOL
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-19 01:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
You can probably get her a state ID. Rin got a TN ID for identification only (looks like a DL but is laid out in portrait instead of landscape. The first month she was here we went to Beale St. She got carded. I handed the guy her Thai ID and pointed to her birthdate (year 2521). He didn't ask, just let her in. Maybe he is versed in the Thai calendar?


I was going to get her the state ID, but it is only good until her I94 expires then the state ID expires, so it would be a complete waste of time. Right below the Thai Birthdate on the Thai ID has the birthday in English units, at least Nam's does. The Thai DL also has it in Thai and English.

She has been studying and translating the Nevada Drivers Manual since we got here, she hasn't been real motivated to finish it, however it doesn't matter until she gets her GC we can't get a DL that will last longer then her 90 days so it doesn't matter. Apparently in California they offer the written test in Thai, but for some reason they do not have the manual in Thai. When we were in BKK I had her take 10 hours of driving lessons to get her Thai license, she had never driven before that, now the problem I am having is she has a hard time realizing the side of the road to stay on. Then when there is a new situation that arises she gets excited and then forgets the simple things, she is improving quite a bit every time we go out. I try to take her out everyday, even if it is just the 3 minute drive to the gym, it is behind the wheel time and I think that is important. The one advantage of having the Thai DL is that my insurance company covers her to drive, so she is insured.


AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-19 01:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Aaron thanks again for the information you provided me about this. Do you think it possible to get the 1 year drivers license without the training. I guess I'm looking for the (wink wink)..
Having something in Thai and English that looks legit would be better than nothing.


I am sure you can. I believe her mom did it, she went to the driving school, and told them she wanted a license, and she paid a fee, and went with them to the place they take their tests and goto it. The place we went, same place as her mom, was at the Prom Pong station on Sukhumvit.

The more I have been doing the research on the international license, the more I think it is completely useless to any of us anyways. Technically, at least in Nevada, you have 10 days to get a Nevada Drivers License when you become a resident. So I think having the regular license with both in Thai and English is good enough for what we need. I also think technically the International license would only be valid for the period of which the I94 is good for, after that being married and filing AOS, the spouse becomes a resident and must get a license.

On a side note I have slowly been teaching Nam to drive here, and I can tell you it is going to take me a lot longer then 90 days. I need a shot everytime I get out of the car. LOL
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-18 20:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
As for civil servants... I am one, and I take my job very seriously, along with my co-workers. Though I've certainly met a few I'd like to seen thrown out on their ear, you can't judge us all in the same light.

As for government contractors, the same can be said for them, as I have worked for both, and see good and bad on both sides. If it weren't for the contractors bilking the government for every cent they can, not delivering their products on-time and on-budget, we wouldn't be in the financial bind we are today.


Like I said the majority I have met. My experience is there are the guys that don't care (majority I have met) and then the guys that should be working in the private sector making a bundle cause they are so good at their jobs.

Then there are contractors, you are correct, they are abysmal, they are bilking the government of billions, my friend told me about a team that works at a large defense contractor, he would get in daily and all of them would be sleeping at their desks for hours, and maybe do an hour of work per day. The company I used to work for was a contractor, and we always delivered on-time, and under budget. It is a rare find, we took pride in our work, and weren't treated as just a charge number.

QUOTE
Then come steer it in the right direction.


I will jump in at any moment smile.gif I just need time to read the novels being written. LOL
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-18 20:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Haven't seen AaronLV or BirchBeer over there yet, and Danny has only posted once, so come on by!


The conversation in that thread has spiraled out of control. I have been reading, but have had nothing to add thus far.

QUOTE
I don't think however that your example of SS and DVM offices in the US are comparable however. The clerks in those offices have reams of procedures to follow on many different situations and cases that come before them.
In the IV Unit of BKK embassy - processing visa requests is all they do. You betcha they should know the finer points of the Packet 3 checklist procedures!


Yes my example might be extreme for the situation, however, their are reams and reams of regulations and rules related to Visa's, and they do change, and most likely not all the CO's keep up on the changes. Some people remember certain items and some people don't. Also don't assume just because Visa's are the only thing they process that they are good at their jobs, and remember the K visa's are only a small fraction of what they process, compared to tourist visa's which I am sure the CO's are better versed in the details then they are for the K's.

The CO's are still civil servants, and the majority of civil servants I have met don't care about their jobs, and are lazy to learn all aspects of them (no offense to any civil servants on this forum). This has been my experience working in the government contracting world.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-18 18:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Added a statement asserting the accuracy and reason for the changes.


I would not even mention the fact you had altered or changed the conversation at all. Puts up a BIG RED FLAG.

I would also not put it in a 3 ring binder, that will make it very difficult for them to slide it through the window.

Edited by AaronLV, 18 April 2009 - 05:06 PM.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-18 17:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I think the problems are more with the support staff then the consular himself. At least from my experience and Nam's experience it was the support staff that kept telling him things were not in the packet, that were in our stack of paperwork. I would not be surprised if he didn't even know that the originals on the Thai documents are to be sent in with Packet 3. I noticed the revision date on my packet 3 instructions were 09/08. If you think about new policies being implemented in government, and business, 95% of the time people skim the memos and don't bother taking them to heart until it has been pointed out to them. I am guessing most of the staff isn't well versed on the new policies or for that matter what is and isn't supposed to be sent in with packet 3. That is why some people have had no problems using the old packet 3 checklist and some people have had problems.

Go read some of the experiences people have had at the SS office when getting their SSN once here int he states, and it makes perfect sense. Some of the people know what they are doing and some of them do not. It is just like when I went to DMV to turn in the license plates for a car that had been totaled, I was owed a refund on my registration, since it was over 125.00, I spent 30 minutes arguing wit the clerk, him telling me they don't give refunds, I even pointed him to the website where it stated it, he insisted I was wrong until finally I grabbed a supervisor and she said I was right and here is the form. The guy was so pissed off at me, he had been an employee at the DMV for 15 years and didn't know the policy.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-18 17:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Apr 18 2009, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
I was talking about this on Skype with Thanti last night. We came up with what we think is a brilliant plan.

She's going to go back to the police station this week and get ANOTHER original certificate. It will take the typical 2 weeks or whatever, but it's free, and she lives locally in BKK, so pretty easy for her to do.

Then she'll come to the interview armed with a second ORIGINAL in hand. Along with the ORIGINAL in the packet3, that we mailed. Let's see them object to that!!!
In other words, rather than have birchbeer's experience of getting rejected with a 221g and need to spend 2 weeks after interview to get another certificate, we'll just preempt that and get it now before interview.

Can anyone see any downside to this?
If not, I'd highly urge everyone lining up for an interview (Danny ... this means YOU!!) to do the same.


LOL, I had the SAME IDEA this morning and did everything I could to talk Chada into it over MSN. So if you can get Thantita to mention it to her as well that may convince her. Actually my plan was to get originals of every document you send in and just make two packet 3's. One for the embassy and 1 for the interview.


We did not bring a photocopy of the originals that we had submitted. Personally on the police report I would bring up that fact, along with the packet 3 instructions that says, mail in the original, and let them know they have it. I think it again comes down to the Thai Girl helping not going through the packet thoroughly enough.

QUOTE
. For example, I left my notarized and certified divorce certificate from Israel with Thanti, and she copied it.


That one you are suppose to only send a copy in, and then present the original at the interview, so there is no reason to have two originals.

Edited by AaronLV, 18 April 2009 - 04:47 PM.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-18 16:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
for those of you that have gone through the 221g,
does the interviewee need to get interviewed again or do they just go in with the documents, see someone else and the person says, "yea, ok, you have this, this and this...come back ???day and get your visa?


In our case, when she went back in to give the additional information, the red shirt girl went through the papers she brought in, to make sure it was all there. Then she told her to wait, and 3 hours later, the girl gave her the 3x5 card and told her she was approved. She didn't have to interview again.

However I was told by the attorney, sometimes they will just take the paperwork and say thank you we will contact you. She went in with Nam and was going to ask the girl to have it reviewed that day while she waited, so we didn't have to wait, luckily they did it automatically.

It is seeming like they are using the 221g as a bonafide relationship checker, rather then for missing paperwork. I think the other thing that might be happening is the thai girl that is going through the packet for the consular is not being thorough enough. It seems like people here are getting 221g requests for information that was in their packet.


AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-18 01:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Congrats Danny. It will go really fast now!
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-16 18:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (daboyz @ Apr 15 2009, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good point. To add to that, this is the Thailand K-1 thread so conversation here should be limited to K-1 only and not K-3 or CR-1/IR-1.


Someone had suggested a while ago that this thread really should be moved to the Asia Pacific forums. It makes a lot of sense to me with topics that go on in this thread.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-15 17:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (TimS @ Apr 13 2009, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We have chatted a lot but have used Yahoo IM. I have saved some chat files but cannot find a log file for this service. How important do you think this will be?

Regarding Bai Rub Rong Sod, is this in addition to a divorce certificate?


You only need the divorce certificate. The Bai Rub Rong Sod is only for woman that have never been married.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-13 19:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I talked to my Mother in law last night, and she has pretty much just stayed inside for the past 4 or 5 days. She said everything is so slow, she has about 7 condos for rent and has had most of the reservations canceled.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-13 15:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
I have met tons of people in my 8 years aboad who want to go to the U.S.


I have to agree I have run into a lot of Thais that want to go to the US. Some of them think the roads are paved with gold, but a majority of them just want to have opportunity. Especially for woman, the opportunities in the US are far far better then they are for them in Thailand. The people who have money in Asia, have tons of money and live very very very well, why would they want to come to the US and have to go down the social ladder.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-09 21:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
If I were the CO making the call, I'd have no problem approving you guys in a heartbeat. Same goes for just about everyone else who's story I've come to know on VJ. Quite seriously - if the government wanted to truly distinguish real from fraudulent cases, they could do much worse than monitoring VJ and getting a sense of the loyal devotion all us forcibly separated couples demonstrate here.


You have a good point, but the loyalty and devotion on VJ is mainly from the perspective of USC, not from the beneficiary. It seems a lot less fraudulent cases by the people that post here all the time before and after they get their Visa, but alot of them don't come back and say how things are going. Read some of the crazy stories in some of the other forums from guys and woman getting here and then abandoning their USC in some of the other forums. I get bored and browse some of them sometimes. It is interesting and insightful on the entire process, and gives a better understanding of why we are scrutinized so hard. It sucks, but unfortunately a fact of life with all the liars out there. I could go into a story about the girl that was at our medical with us, but I don't know if they are on here, and would rather let people find out truths by themselves.


AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-09 17:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
I'm mentally building up an image of a quick hassle-free interview and approval. Anything short of that is going to be a real downer.


I had the same build up and it was a major let down. Think the worst and then when it goes through with no problems it will not be a let down.

QUOTE
I emailed HYENA the other day. He is still around but very upset about the lack of NOA2 after the RFE. His situation sucks as well.


I am shocked he is still waiting for NOA2. That sucks.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-09 14:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
i was wondering of all people that past interview got visa and flew to u.s. did they have one -way
or round trip? our fiancee's are coming on a 90 day visa ..when my girl went to europe some years back on
a one way she almost did not get in , they wanted to see a return ticket.I am thinking they will do the same here? just curious.. most of the round trip are only about 300 more than one way so am thinking better safe the
sorry.


One way tickets are fine, the K visas are for immigrating to the US.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-09 03:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Birch Beer.... 221g. He has to go back.


That sucks. Seems to be standard operating procedure lately, make people come back.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-09 01:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Apr 8 2009, 02:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WOW you guys are great. This just saved me hundreds of dollars on Chada's future plane ticket! I had looked online at all the US sites and it was almost the same price 1 way or round trip.

Thanks again!


I always fly Eva Air, they seem to be the most direct flight (Besides Thai), and priced well. I paid 918 for a one way for my Fiancee from BKK to LAX, and this was for their Elite Class. The economy at the time was 718, but I wanted the extra baggage allowance flying in that class, plus the seats are a bit nicer. It is about a total of 18 hours with layover in Taiwan. I am a gold card on Eva which gave us allowance for an extra bag, and used my miles to upgrade my economy ticket to elite ticket. When I looked for other airlines, some were less expensive but stretched the trip to 24+ hours, and Eva has always been on time or early when I fly with them, so the few extra bucks were worth it.

When we came in we had 5 bags total, 4 right at the 25 Kg allowance and then my extra for gold card at 23 Kg. We ended up renting a car and driving up to Vegas, because the domestic excessive baggage charge was close to 500 bucks with our plane tickets, one car rental 77 bucks. So don't forget to check the domestic allowance on baggage once you arrive, it can rack up killer fees from LAX to wherever you are going.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-08 18:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (GeneT @ Apr 5 2009, 06:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, Has everyone always printed out chat logs or has anyone submitted soft copies on DVD? My fiancee and I chat all the time, but to print out 4-5 hours of chat logs per day for 4-5 months would be silly. But I do want to show the amount of conversation we are having.

I found out from NVC that the package was sent to embassy last week so I starting to preapre for packages 3 and 4 biggrin.gif . Thanks for your help.


They do not allow electronic media inside the embassy. You have to print them.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-05 21:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Thai family @ Apr 4 2009, 11:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Aaron,

Read #8 on the instructions: http://www.uscis.gov.../i-485instr.pdf
It is not worth it to get an RFE. Hope you are doing well. I haven't been around as we've been planning another wedding. My DIL is tired of snow and missing her hubby, but otherwise doing quite well. In twenty-nine days she'll get to see him again, if all goes well. She is a gem. I will miss her greatly when they move.

Thai Mom


I was referring to the FAQ on AOS and medical here on VJ. I sent in my AOS a month ago, and not RFE's yet. I did not include my I693 as part of my packet. Will keep you posted if I get an RFE. I did a lot of searching on the site, and I ran across a bunch of people who had their vaccinations done as part of their medical, and they did not get RFE's. So I sent it in, on a side note I did find a CS here in Las Vegas that transcribed the vaccinations for free, just had to drive down to them wait 10 minutes and that was it. I just didn't include them after reading the guide.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-05 01:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Thai family @ Apr 4 2009, 10:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Apr 5 2009, 01:17 AM)
QUOTE (magic girl @ Apr 4 2009, 10:15 PM)
QUOTE (Nahathai_Ike @ Apr 5 2009, 10:45 AM)
I have not visited this site before. Look like there are a lot of information regarding Thailand. It is good that I do not have to create another thread or topic.

Quick question about the medical at Bamroongrad hospital ---> my wife went to do the medical last month for her first shot and received a brown envelope. Everything looks fine.

I chatted with her an hour ago to review all of the documents. She said that the hospital did not give her the vaccination book, (to be signed or recorded by the doctors who performed such action.) My wife said that all of the vaccination records were in the OPD folder at the hospital.

My wife said that she did not ask for one because she did not know that it was necessary and the hospital did not give her anything back that day, except the brown envelope. Does she need to have the vaccination book as well in order to show at the US embassy regarding what type of shots had been put inside? (I am not even sure whether the vaccination records (book) is available in English.)

She plans to go back to the hospital this coming Tuesday, April 7, 2009 for the second shot, which will be approximately 30 days apart from the first one.

Please advise. Thank you.



At Bumrungrad Hospital after you complete medical exam you will get 2 brown envelopes(small one is the result of the exam and the vaccine list that you got,the big one is film x-ray)they will be sealed and staff will tell you DO NOT open them they are for the embassy! And they will give you a white envelopes,it is a copy of the result and vaccine list same as the small brown one.In the white envelope you have to keep it for the AOS and after the interview they will return you the film x-ray ,when you fly DO NOT load it in a plane just take it with you.


You don't need the vaccination history for AOS. They were included in your medical, and since the vaccinations were done as part of your medical, it is not necessary to submit them with your AOS packet.


We are filing the required vaccination supplement with AOS. Those doing AOS do need their vaccination history. CR-1s don't need it for immigration purposes, but it's good to keep a copy, because you never know when you might need it.

Thai Mom
-too close to public health not to care about this topic


Thai Mom


It clearly states in filling out the AOS forms that if part of your medical on a K Visa, the vaccinations were performed, you do not need to submit the supplemental with your AOS packet. Since the Bangkok embassy requires all K visas to have their vaccinations done, when applying for AOS, you do not need to submit the supplemental, it is already part of your medical packet. I agree everyone should keep a copy of their vaccination history, I have my book from when I was a baby, and it has been updated every time I get one.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-05 01:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (magic girl @ Apr 4 2009, 10:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nahathai_Ike @ Apr 5 2009, 10:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have not visited this site before. Look like there are a lot of information regarding Thailand. It is good that I do not have to create another thread or topic.

Quick question about the medical at Bamroongrad hospital ---> my wife went to do the medical last month for her first shot and received a brown envelope. Everything looks fine.

I chatted with her an hour ago to review all of the documents. She said that the hospital did not give her the vaccination book, (to be signed or recorded by the doctors who performed such action.) My wife said that all of the vaccination records were in the OPD folder at the hospital.

My wife said that she did not ask for one because she did not know that it was necessary and the hospital did not give her anything back that day, except the brown envelope. Does she need to have the vaccination book as well in order to show at the US embassy regarding what type of shots had been put inside? (I am not even sure whether the vaccination records (book) is available in English.)

She plans to go back to the hospital this coming Tuesday, April 7, 2009 for the second shot, which will be approximately 30 days apart from the first one.

Please advise. Thank you.



At Bumrungrad Hospital after you complete medical exam you will get 2 brown envelopes(small one is the result of the exam and the vaccine list that you got,the big one is film x-ray)they will be sealed and staff will tell you DO NOT open them they are for the embassy! And they will give you a white envelopes,it is a copy of the result and vaccine list same as the small brown one.In the white envelope you have to keep it for the AOS and after the interview they will return you the film x-ray ,when you fly DO NOT load it in a plane just take it with you.


You don't need the vaccination history for AOS. They were included in your medical, and since the vaccinations were done as part of your medical, it is not necessary to submit them with your AOS packet.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-05 00:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (magic girl @ Apr 4 2009, 09:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I did translate Birth certificate,Name change certificate,Verification of unmarried status (single certificate)although it say:Required if you have not registered a previous marriage.I have never been married but sometime THE MAN ask for it I don't want to waste my time to go back again next day or next week so I try to complete everything before the interview day.Somecase he ask to see her parents death certificate,her transcript (don't need to translate ) ,You never known what will be asked for ! The document that he ask more,you can bring just only on Monday afternoon 13:00-15:00 hrs.
I also did my house registration translate .


The verification of unmarried status is required since you have never been married, not optional what so ever. I forgot we did translate her house registration also. I completely forgot about that document. There are two days you can bring back your information when requested to do so, Monday & Wednesday 13:00 - 15:00 hrs. I would suggest arriving as early as possible the line gets long. We got there on our return trip at 12:00pm, and there must have been 40 or 50 people behind us by 12:15, and we did not get out until 14:45, just some info if you have to go back and resubmit items.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-05 00:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Nahathai_Ike @ Apr 4 2009, 09:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Apr 4 2009, 11:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nahathai_Ike @ Apr 4 2009, 08:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have not visited this site before. Look like there are a lot of information regarding Thailand. It is good that I do not have to create another thread or topic.

Quick question about the medical at Bamroongrad hospital ---> my wife went to do the medical last month for her first shot and received a brown envelope. Everything looks fine.

I chatted with her an hour ago to review all of the documents. She said that the hospital did not give her the vaccination book, (to be signed or recorded by the doctors who performed such action.) My wife said that all of the vaccination records were in the OPD folder at the hospital.

My wife said that she did not ask for one because she did not know that it was necessary and the hospital did not give her anything back that day, except the brown envelope. Does she need to have the vaccination book as well in order to show at the US embassy regarding what type of shots had been put inside? (I am not even sure whether the vaccination records (book) is available in English.)

She plans to go back to the hospital this coming Tuesday, April 7, 2009 for the second shot, which will be approximately 30 days apart from the first one.

Please advise. Thank you.


The vaccination record should be in the brown envelope. We got a separate envelope with a copy of the DS2035 in it, just so we had a record of which shots she had, this was at BNH and they automatically gave that to us. We have no needed to give it to anyone else.


When my wife goes to have the second shot done, where it will be recorded since the book is already in the sealed brown envelope? Should she ask for another one to demonstrate that the second shot has been made? Or will the hospital give her another type of paperwork certified that she has the second shot completed?

Please advise. Thank you.


They only care that the first shot is done.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-04 23:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Nahathai_Ike @ Apr 4 2009, 08:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have not visited this site before. Look like there are a lot of information regarding Thailand. It is good that I do not have to create another thread or topic.

Quick question about the medical at Bamroongrad hospital ---> my wife went to do the medical last month for her first shot and received a brown envelope. Everything looks fine.

I chatted with her an hour ago to review all of the documents. She said that the hospital did not give her the vaccination book, (to be signed or recorded by the doctors who performed such action.) My wife said that all of the vaccination records were in the OPD folder at the hospital.

My wife said that she did not ask for one because she did not know that it was necessary and the hospital did not give her anything back that day, except the brown envelope. Does she need to have the vaccination book as well in order to show at the US embassy regarding what type of shots had been put inside? (I am not even sure whether the vaccination records (book) is available in English.)

She plans to go back to the hospital this coming Tuesday, April 7, 2009 for the second shot, which will be approximately 30 days apart from the first one.

Please advise. Thank you.


The vaccination record should be in the brown envelope. We got a separate envelope with a copy of the DS2035 in it, just so we had a record of which shots she had, this was at BNH and they automatically gave that to us. We have no needed to give it to anyone else.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-04 23:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Apr 4 2009, 07:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Apr 4 2009, 09:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rsn @ Apr 4 2009, 07:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Apr 4 2009, 09:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We had the birth certificate translated and the single certificate translated, but that was it. The birth certificate you have to have translated for AOS, so you might as well do over there.


What's a "single certificate"?


The document that says she is free to marry, I forget the name of it, and am to lazy to look it up. It didn't necessarily need to be translated, but the attorney did it anyways. I think it is better to have them translated so the consular can read them rather then relying on the Thai staff. If they are un-helpful like the day we were there, then having the consular being able to read the documents helps.


Is this a required document for all, or just for those who have been married before?


Required for girls who have never been married. In the case of someone who has been married, they have a divorce decree to show they are no longer married.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-04 22:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Apr 4 2009, 07:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Apr 4 2009, 09:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We had the birth certificate translated and the single certificate translated, but that was it. The birth certificate you have to have translated for AOS, so you might as well do over there.


What's a "single certificate"?


The document that says she is free to marry, I forget the name of it, and am to lazy to look it up. It didn't necessarily need to be translated, but the attorney did it anyways. I think it is better to have them translated so the consular can read them rather then relying on the Thai staff. If they are un-helpful like the day we were there, then having the consular being able to read the documents helps.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-04 21:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
We had the birth certificate translated and the single certificate translated, but that was it. The birth certificate you have to have translated for AOS, so you might as well do over there.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-04 21:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
For HPV, they only requested to see the first shot of HPV right? Since for HPV, you need another 2 shots after the first one. (but not required by embassy right?)


Correct for any vaccinations that require a series, you just have to get the first one.
AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-02 21:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Apr 2 2009, 07:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Apr 2 2009, 09:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (paintbrush @ Apr 2 2009, 07:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello rsn

Yes looks like aaron answered all your questions.But i might add about the cost it was around $5000
baht for exam and shots etc.We had child so we had to pay a total of 9600 baht.. dont use the forms
on website they say expired 2004 .we paid 20 baht for forms at the hostipal..and yes takes all day.
also when paying the $131 u.s fee at post office make sure fiancee keeps receipt in safe place you will need at interview.We thought child fee was covered under fiancee visa but it was not and moved us from first in line .To around noon as we had to run across street and pay for child,than come back.


good luck to you rsn

chris


Our medical was 12500 baht, she had to have 4 shots including the HPV shot which is required for females under 27. That shot was expensive, it was almost more then the exam itself. We arrived at BNH at 11am, went to lunch at 12:30 for 1/2 hour and then got the results and were on our way by 1:45. We didn't bring pictures and had to pay 200 baht extra for those.



I thought shots were not required at this stage. I was under the impression that shots were only required at the AOS stage in the U.S.

Also, how long did it take for everyone from mailing in the packet 3 to your actual interview?


The Bangkok embassy requires the vaccinations be done. We waited 15 days. You can do a search on the timelines and see what the dates are for people at the embassy.

AaronLVMaleThailand2009-04-02 21:42:00