ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
My fiancée emailed the consulate carefully following the email instructions on their website at the very bottom of this page:

http://bangkok.usemb...estions.html#14

They replied in less than 15 hours and confirmed that the petition had been received and Packet 3 would be sent out shortly. It arrived about 3 days later.


The appointment schedule can be found here:

http://bangkok.usemb...pointments.html

Edited by ThaitoUSA, 17 March 2009 - 05:01 AM.

ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-17 04:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
My fiancée is heading to Bangkok at this moment for her medical and police certificate. She's received my package as well as Packet 3, so we're hoping she can have it all mailed back in a week or so. From the Bangkok embassy's website, it seems like interviews are scheduled until the end of April, so I am guessing that we might be some time in May. That will work for me, since she will not be coming here until mid-July.

I'm getting very excited now.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-16 10:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
just a typo. A slip of the finger is not a slip of the mind.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-15 17:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Well, at least now this thread has finally gotten interesting!
Anyone wanna offer a comparison of Nana vs Cowboy?


There is a club in the basement of the Siam Square Novatel called CM2 (Siam Squared). My friends affectionately called it "The Black Hole." It has live bands, many farang men and many young Thai ladies. This one friend loved to bring guests from America there, just to show them the raunchiness of Bangkok. I went once and couldn't handle it. I love the cultural side of Thailand, as mentioned in the above post, but this part of it turns my stomach. When my father saw the beer bars in Patong beach, Phuket, he shook his head and said "Sad. I really feel for these girls."

A little known fact is that the international market is relatively small compared to the local one. One study reported that over 40% of Thai men frequent brothels on a monthly basis. At Chiang Mai Univeristy, for example freshmen boys all go together as a form of initiation. Men who can afford it take mai noi (mistresses), while many of those who cannot afford it go to the brothels. Even tiny towns far off the tourist trail have local services.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-15 17:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Yes, I remember when those posters went up too. People had vandalized them by giving him a fu-man-chu beard and glasses. I also recall him naming names and providing a detailed list of all the services they received. He obviously must have some more dirt that he's threatened to reveal if anything happens to him.

I remember also reading about him running for Bangkok governor, but haven't heard anything since. Is he still in politics? Didn't he form his own party?
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-15 17:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Did you see during the time when he gave up the massage parlor business to get into politics? He had a whole display set up with a big bathtub representing the business. He took this huge sledge hammer to it. Some great photos of it in the Bangkok Post.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-15 16:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Ironically your avatar photo is of a notorious pimp.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-15 16:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Where do you think they met?

sorry daboyz.. . I couldn't resist.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-15 16:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
These girls are referred to as "Pretties," as that is the reason for which they are hired. I have quized many of them, and often they know little or nothing about their products. Their main job is to stand there and look pretty.

Several pretties attended my unveristy and during their oral exams for English, they'd happily declare this. "I am prit-dee." And yes they were.

If I can figure out how to embed videos and pictures, I'll be sure to upload some Pretty shots I've taken over the years.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-15 10:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Thank you for the picture of the post office slip Danny. I showed my fiancée, so she knows what to look for when she goes.

Your description of Bangkok makes me miss it so much. I had lived there for four years and had seen it all. I miss the chicken curry restaurant in the alley beside my university; I miss taking the canal (khlong) boats downtown to Central World; I miss walking out onto Ramkhamhaeng Rd and seeing scores of beautiful women; I miss being able to hop on a bus on a Thursday afternoon and spend the weekend on some beautiful beach; I miss the experience of walking outside after the monsoon showers have abated; I miss the Burmese roti man; I miss getting dressed up to go out to some club where the music was loud and bad, the girls were grinding, and the Sing-ha flowed; I miss weekend excursions to JJ market, sometimes to find something in particular, sometimes to just get lost in the sea of stalls; I miss my Honda Wave; I miss this guard at The Mall Bangkapi who would always smile and say 'hello' to me as she held the door; I miss a whole lot more.

For me, I fell in love with more than just a Thai girl; I fell in love with the whole darn place. I learned Thai language, culture, history, geography, etc. I even studied Thai massage at Wat Pho's massage school. I feel confident that we'll travel back to Thailand during our summers (as we're both teachers), because whenever you or others start talking about the place, my heart aches to return!


ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-15 10:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
This is from the FAQ on this site:

QUOTE
For K-1 Visa's the NVC's role is to process the file, run initial background checks on beneficiary, repackage the I-129f and then send it to the recipient Consulate/Embassy.


This is the link to the site I had referred to in the ealier post:

http://www.usaimmigr...tiveReview.html

Of interest is this bit here:

QUOTE
At National Visa Center (State Department) stage, a separate independent NCIC database check is done by in-house FBI staff in connection with information supplied in the DS-230. Based on results, NVC has the option to request full fingerprints to be taken at post. NVC checks can usually be completed in 24 hours. In some limited cases involving high-risk visa applicants meeting certain specific criteria, NVC also does Security Advisory Opinions (SOAs) before sending the file to Consular Post.


edit: I see here that this might not be referring specifically to the K-1, as the DS-230 is mentioned. However, I am still of the belief that it is not random at all and has to do with the checks done at NVC.

Edited by ThaitoUSA, 14 March 2009 - 05:23 PM.

ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-14 17:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
NVC is apparently randomly selecting about 15% of cases (I've been analyzing the stats from VJ timelines), and holding them in New Hampshire for "additional processing".


I believe you refer to the process as random, because you've yet to see a pattern to who goes and who stays. However, I do not believe the NVC's AP is random at all. I just read an excellent list that clearly indicates which databases (FBI, visa lists, etc.) are accessed along each step (USCIS, NVC, Consulate) and potential red flags that could cause AP. I went back through my history, but couldn't easily find it. A link to it was posted here in VJ quite recently.

I do not believe the decision to hold some cases and allow others to pass is arbitrary.

ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-14 13:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I actually enjoy it here. Feel like it's a privilege to reside in the main K-1 forum.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-12 19:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I believe my fiancée shall have her medical at Bumrungrad this coming week. Is there a particular doctor that you'd recommend?

When filling out the vaccination chart, should she bring two forms and have both filled out; one for interview and one for AOS?



ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-12 16:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
She's over 27, so thank goodness that's one less. She'll get the blood test results back today, finding out which ones she has and which ones she'll need.

Edited by ThaitoUSA, 10 March 2009 - 05:31 PM.

ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-10 17:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Vaccination Requirements
All applicants for immigrant visas are required to have the following vaccinations if appropriate for age, medical condition or medical history:
• Mumps
• Measles
• Rubella
• Polio
• Tetanus and diptheria toxoids
• Pertussis
• Influenza type B
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella
• Pneumococcal
As a fiancé(e), you are not required to fulfill this requirement at the time of your medical examination for a fiancé(e) visa. However, you may want to do so. These vaccinations are required when you adjust status following your marriage.


This is from the Bangkok Embassy's website. However just to expedite the AOS process and ensure that she has no problems with the visa, we'll probably go ahead and get them.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-10 16:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
My fiancée is going for the medical exam this coming week and we've been back and forth on the issue of vaccinations. She has recently gotten a blood test to check for which vaccines she already has, since no records had been kept. We figure there will be at least a few on the list that she'll need to get. Do I understand correctly that she is not required to have all of the vaccines prior to entering the US, but will need all of them before filing for AOS? She is concerned that she'll spend several thousand Baht for them, but she would be able to get them all for free under my insurance here in America.

Any suggestions, advice, information from those who recently completed a medical would be most welcome. Thank you.

ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-10 07:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
Seems like the information coming out of the embassy is all over the place



Point well made and taken to heart. We've prepared as best as we could. If we can do anything more, we shall, but otherwise there is no point in worrying.



ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-09 17:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I have already done that; printed out a couple dozen emails and chats representative of the past five years. I may direct her to print out a few more, so if they ask, they'll be ready in hand.

Thanks for the advice.

PS I only ask because some recent members have said things such as "I am told it is best to have 50+ photos." "We were asked to return with evidence of ongoing relationship" (after having already submitted as much as, if not more than what I have prepared).

Edited by ThaitoUSA, 09 March 2009 - 04:36 PM.

ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-09 16:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Has anyone tried submitting digital information to the Consulate? We have well over 600 chat logs from over the years as well as dozens of photographs, all of which originate as digital files. I have printed several chats and photos for my fiancée, however I am sending her everything on a CD. I am wondering if they want to see more evidence if she would be able to hand them the CD and have them inspect the contents of it.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-09 09:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I did not believe that any documents in Thai needed to be translated for the US Consulate. I thought they would accept all Thai and English documents. No?
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-07 13:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
came out to find her buying grilled squid-on-a-stick from one of the street vendors. Guess she really didn't enjoy the mexican food that much!



This may be a misunderstanding of Thai. They love eating more than most Americans I know. It's not the amount of food, rather the types of diets, climate, etc. that make us Americans larger and Thai so diafinous. I have seen three slim Thai coed university students put down, no exaggeration, a dozen dishes plus accompanying rice. They probably went out for som tum or ma-muang priow later.

Rin just wanted some delicious squid.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-06 16:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
We are coming up on the interivew stage for K-1 visa at Bangkok Consulate. I am about to send off the completed I-134 along with evidence of our relationship. She should be able to complete the rest of Packet 3 requirements in the next 3 weeks. We are praying for an interview in April or early May. She intends to emigrate in July.

I appreciate the collective wisdom of this forum and all those who have, are and shall undergo the journey.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-05 18:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Like some of my students and myself. We really don't hate each other at all. We just have patchy starts and fits. In the end we celebrate each other's successes and do care for each other.

That's awesome!
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-02 07:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Cool move I just read if you are not allowed inside is to hand her your passport to hand to them. They can inspect the entry stamp date.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-03-01 18:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Excellent news Anya. Congratulations and all the best. I am at the beginning of the process and it seems very long. There are always more forms, more appointments, more waiting. I am certain it shall be easier when my fiancée is here with me.

This is not the same Thailand I remember. I wish all the Thai people peace.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-24 17:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Recent approvals, I believe including Aaron, have said that ALL forms need to be returned with the checklist, except any original documents, such as birth certificate and/or evidence such as receipts.

Perhaps someone else could chime in. We will be going through this soon ourselves, so I am certainly interested.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-21 18:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I've never heard of the couple handing envelopes of money to the guests, though I am certain it does happen the other way in Thailand i.e. the couple receives envelopes stuffed with cash as gifts.

Anyone ever hear of this being practiced in Thailand?
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-20 11:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
That post inspired me to look up my state's law. I found all documents we need and have made preparations so everything will be ready when she arrives. Thank you for bringing this step to my attention. I also emailed her a document of the driver's manuel. She's printed it and will study it.

I recommend checking your state's website
: http://www.txdps.sta...rol/dlindex.htm




ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-15 22:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
If you go to a noodle cart on the streets of Bangkok, you expect to eat noodles. If you go to Cowboy you can expect...
No big surprises, nor a big deal. It simply is what it is.

My fiancee comes from a modest background as well. Her parents are farmers too, yet she made the choice to go to an all girl's high school in the main town about an hour and a half from her home. She was 13 at that time and made the decision herself. "What did your parents say about that?" I inquired, almost in disbelief that she took it upon herself to seeek out the best education she could. She replied "They don't know much about education, so they trusted me to pick the best and supported me entirely." In order to pay for her high school and college education, she agreedafter graduating to work for seven years in the public school system. That contract shall end this July. In the meantime she decided to pursue a Master's degree and has established herself as a fair and fun English language tutor, both to kids and adults. Though she has had support from others, she's done all this herself.

Of course I am proud of her, but I mention this to show how one's situation, one's background, does not make the person. She is highly ambitious and that is what allowed her to succeed and that is more of what really defines her. So regardless of one's station in life, I believe one's character is fundamental. I appreciate and enjoy the company of those of high character. To those of more questionable character, I say "Live and let live," but I prefer not to keep company with such folk.

Is this person's character someone you respect, admire, and want to be like? I believe that answer says it all.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-12 11:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
If you go to a noodle cart on the streets of Bangkok, you expect to eat noodles. If you go to Cowboy you can expect...
No big surprises, nor a big deal. It simply is what it is.

My fiancee comes from a modest background as well. Her parents are farmers too, yet she made the choice to go to an all girl's high school in the main town about an hour and a half from her home. She was 13 at that time and made the decision herself. "What did your parents say about that?" I inquired, almost in disbelief that she took it upon herself to seek out the best education she could. She replied "They don't know much about education, so they trusted me to pick the best and entirely supported my decision." In order to pay for her high school and college education, she agreedafter graduating to work for seven years in the public school system. That contract shall end this July. In the meantime she decided to pursue a Master's degree and has established herself as a fair and fun English language tutor, both to kids and adults. Though she has had support from others, she's done all this herself.

Of course I am proud of her, but I mention this to show how one's situation, one's background, does not make the person. She is highly ambitious and that is what allowed her to succeed and that is more of what really defines her. So regardless of one's station in life, I believe one's character is fundamental. I appreciate and enjoy the company of those of high character. To those of more questionable character, I say "Live and let live," but I prefer not to keep company with such folk.

Is this person's character someone you respect, admire, and want to be like? I believe that answer says it all.



For all Thai-Farang couples I recommend www.geoffandamy.com It is a site of, by and for thai-farang couples. I have frequented the forum and it was there that I learned about VJ from a fellow member.

Edited by ThaitoUSA, 12 February 2009 - 11:00 AM.

ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-12 10:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
HYENA,

Though that service does require a computer with internet, it does not use your internet connection during the call. I guess I should have desribed the service. All this is on their website, so you can check it out righ there, but the way it works is. .

You create an account, charge it up with $13. You go to their site and enter the number of your phone (cell or landline) and the number you wish to call in Thailand (cell or landline). It then calls your phone from a local number. You answer your phone. . You then hear it dialling the destination number and presto! you're connected from phone to phone. So you need a connection just to dial the call (a dial-up connection would work fine!).

So no high speed necessary!

$0.01 vs $0.004

It logs your calls . . and she can use it too!
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-03 15:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE
VOIP Discount
$0.004/min 10 hours = ~$13


My apologies, this should have read

VOIP Discount
$0.004/min 60 hours = ~$13





ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-03 11:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
HYENA,

Someone pointed me toward www.voipdiscount.com

You pay about $13 (10 Euro) for 120 days of calls to Thailand (mobile or landlines). It costs 0.5 Euro per call (connection fee) and you may talk for as long as you like. There is a fair use policy, which allows you upto 300 minutes per week, no carry over for unused minutes. That's still 3,600 minutes over a period of four months for only $13!!

It does keep a log of the phone calls made, their date and duration. And you can set up your fiancee in Thailand to use the service, so you have logs of calls going both ways.

I did a quick price comparison of other products I had been using

AT&T World Connect
$0.26/min. 9 hours = $140.40

Skype
$0.13/min 9 hours = $70

MOBIVOX
$0.02/min 8.3 hours = $10

VOIP Discount
$0.004/min 10 hours = ~$13



So there it is! I can hardly believe how much I had been spending in comparison.

Edited by ThaitoUSA, 03 February 2009 - 11:31 AM.

ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-03 11:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
There is an old Buddhist saying "Walk Straight Ahead No Matter What."

Or as a biker friend would say, "Always forward, Never straight."




ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-03 08:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
My fiancee just got the single certificate from her Ampur office. She wants to go get the police certificate, however they asked her for a letter from the embassy. I presume this could be the letter included with Packet 3? So perhaps we'll wait on that one.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2009-02-01 17:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresThailand K-1 Visa & political demonstrations
Even in recent history Thailand has experienced bloodshed during protests.

These are the two most famous incidents that come to mind; the 1973 student massacre and the 1992 coup.

http://en.wikipedia....Black_May_(1992)


http://news.bbc.co.u...000/2534347.stm

One significant difference was that previious demonstrations were largely the people vs the government i.e. the military while this is Thaksin vs the government. A bit ironic that many in the media paint it as a class struggle between the downtrodden and the elite when the poor were being manipulated by the richest citizen of the country.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-05-21 21:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresEmployement
To the OP, you would be able to determine this better than me, but my concern is that this is your employer's non-confrontational way of letting you go. I would not want to return to find out that I did not have a job, for then I'd really be in a pickle.

My wife and I spent about a year and a half together in Thailand when we first met. However, we spent the next three years apart. I did visit her a couple of times and she made a trip to the US, but for most of that time we were on other sides of the world. I understand how tough it can be, but you are now down to home stretch. I encourage you to hang in there and your reunion shall be all the sweeter.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-06-12 17:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestouched?
Others shall likely chime in. You know that you've been touched when you see a change in the 'Updated' date on the USCIS website. This means that someone has accessed your file; perhaps to examine it or possibly just to move it from a shelf to a desk. Some receive several touches and others never see an update. Nothing to fear.

NOA = notice of action.

NOA1 indicates that the petition has been received, while NOA2 is an approval notice of the petition (at which point it goes to the National Visa Center [NVC] and then to the US consulate of the beneficiary's country of residence). Then comes the interview and hopefully a visa is issued.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-06-30 18:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDid everyone receive a notice from NVC
Called NVC after receiving NOA 2, and was told the case number and that I'd receive a letter. Still waiting for that letter.
ThaitoUSAMaleThailand2010-08-06 06:42:00