ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (daboyz @ Dec 19 2008, 02:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Dec 18 2008, 11:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (daboyz @ Dec 18 2008, 09:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know what the have been asking at the visa interviews lately in BKK?


Noi just had her visa interview today and got approved!

Questions

the usual ...
where/when did you meet?
also ...
where did you live together? (we lived together in BKK for 2 years)
can you spell your fiance's name (she misspelled my first name out of nervousness, but immediately corrected)

Noi says interviewer (a man) was very nice, complimented her English and said she had a great personality. Then said "Merry Christmas, your visa is approved"

I guess I'm worried over nothing. I lived in BKK for 3 years. 1.5 of them with her. I have a Hutch bill with her name, and a UBC bill with my name at the same address. I hope that is good enough. I have 10 photos of her with me and my sister at Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, plus some boarding passes from my last trip in March. I sent phone bills as well. I would just hate to get tripped up and the last stage of this process.


That sounds like good evidence to me. I bet you'll be fine!
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-19 06:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (daboyz @ Dec 18 2008, 09:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know what the have been asking at the visa interviews lately in BKK?


Noi just had her visa interview today and got approved!

Questions

the usual ...
where/when did you meet?
also ...
where did you live together? (we lived together in BKK for 2 years)
can you spell your fiance's name (she misspelled my first name out of nervousness, but immediately corrected)

Noi says interviewer (a man) was very nice, complimented her English and said she had a great personality. Then said "Merry Christmas, your visa is approved"
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-19 00:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (raptorea1 @ Dec 15 2008, 07:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Dec 15 2008, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Dec 15 2008, 06:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rin and john @ Dec 15 2008, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (raptorea1 @ Dec 15 2008, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
NEED HELP PLEASE

I am in Thailand now and need some input. We met with our attorney and he said the guy cannot come to the interview and it is actually recommend. This is where I need help! He says that my girls english is poor and the current Co is very strict and he will more than likely deny my interview based on english skills? Can this be true?
He says she will more than likely have to wait for a second interview! Right now I am already heartbroken.. We have done everything correct and to based on poor english I am in shock! I think she speaks english ok I understand her but the attorney says the co is very impatient and is mean!! What are your thoughts??? Thank you


She can request the interview be conducted in Thai. The only issue would be if he asked the language in which the two of you communicate. If it is english and her english is very limited, it may raise the question in the CO's mind as to whether or not the relationship is bonafide.

I was able to attend the interview with Rin, but have seen on here recently that it is no longer possible to attend.


John raises a valid point on communication. The CO has to be sure the relationship in "bonafide", and in order to have a bonafide relationship, there needs to be communication. The stronger the better, otherwise it raises doubts.

I too attended my fiancee's interview, but that policy has obviously changed.


Wouldn't an extensive record of phone calls answer this concern? After all, if anything it's more difficult to communicate that way and if you have phone calls that last more than a few minutes, one could surmise you're actually talking to each other, no?


Couple more comments what if yo chose you spoke in thai together and you wernt at the interview? How could the fact of not knowing english well be proven? Could it by emails? We have over 300 emails in english and 6 months of phone records with many many calls per month?
Also is it true the Co is a total jerk? and very impatient with the women that are slow in there english response? I am slowly turning into a very hateful person(never have been) and becoming very frustated with the process. You can not really say that having 60 plus pictures and 300 emails and 6 months of phone records and a lot of receipts of the two of you spending time at locations ie: plane tickets etc.. In addition comilng to Thailand twice to visit is not enough to prove the realtionship is strong and sincere!!!
And the fact that she might be denied because her english is not well is a #######!! However it is not my decision and I guess up to someone that has never been involved in our lives and never will be.


There are several consular officers, so for your lawyer to refer to the consular officer is incorrect. I don't want to suggest anything, but I wonder if your attorney isn't just trying to cover his ####### on this in case it doesn't go perfectly. When is your interview? You haven't updated your timeline.

Edited by symbiosis, 15 December 2008 - 08:01 PM.

symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-15 20:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Dec 15 2008, 06:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rin and john @ Dec 15 2008, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (raptorea1 @ Dec 15 2008, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
NEED HELP PLEASE

I am in Thailand now and need some input. We met with our attorney and he said the guy cannot come to the interview and it is actually recommend. This is where I need help! He says that my girls english is poor and the current Co is very strict and he will more than likely deny my interview based on english skills? Can this be true?
He says she will more than likely have to wait for a second interview! Right now I am already heartbroken.. We have done everything correct and to based on poor english I am in shock! I think she speaks english ok I understand her but the attorney says the co is very impatient and is mean!! What are your thoughts??? Thank you


She can request the interview be conducted in Thai. The only issue would be if he asked the language in which the two of you communicate. If it is english and her english is very limited, it may raise the question in the CO's mind as to whether or not the relationship is bonafide.

I was able to attend the interview with Rin, but have seen on here recently that it is no longer possible to attend.


John raises a valid point on communication. The CO has to be sure the relationship in "bonafide", and in order to have a bonafide relationship, there needs to be communication. The stronger the better, otherwise it raises doubts.

I too attended my fiancee's interview, but that policy has obviously changed.


Wouldn't an extensive record of phone calls answer this concern? After all, if anything it's more difficult to communicate that way and if you have phone calls that last more than a few minutes, one could surmise you're actually talking to each other, no?
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-15 19:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 12 2008, 07:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has everyone seen this bit of info:

"Depending on which U.S. airport you fly into (NY JFK) some will issue a temporary 90 day work authorization if asked for. If issued, the employment authorization ends on the day the K-1 expires. You will have to file for an EAD when (or after) you file for AOS."

Wow! Free bonus for JFK entrants!


Yes, my Noi is flying into JFK. Do we know this for sure, or is it just heresay?
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-12 08:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Our consulate interview is on Friday the 19th, but if they don't issue the visa right away ...?

Does anyone know if the embassy will work any part of xmas week?

never mind:

http://bangkok.usemb...v/holidays.html

(only Christmas Day is holiday)
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-09 03:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 8 2008, 11:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Dec 8 2008, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yeah, I'm thinking about that. I live near Baltimore. Kuwait to NYC is cheap, but there's a connection in Kuwait City. We could take a week in a (cold) NYC (where I lived for 4 years) or else opt for a more expensive Thai Airways direct flight to L.A., then we could meet there, do L.A., SF and maybe Grand Canyon. She doesn't know the U.S., so is leaving it to me. blink.gif


Anna's on the Kuwait flight. I don't think it's a big deal, the US Army is still in the area and they aren't going to let these girls leave the security area anyway.

I live in Florida, so I don't really care to go to SoCal...haha... and we're already going to Vegas in February. Anyway, she's very excited to see NYC and there is no better time of year to be there IMHO. It should be gorgeous! You can get the Hyatt Regency in NJ that is right across from Manhattan (only one stop and a few minutes by the PATH train) for only $71 per night and the EWR Airport Hilton for $55. I prefer it to staying in Manhattan anyway, because anything less than a high room in a 5* is going to be noisy. Plus the views are AWESOME from there.

http://jerseycity.hy...otels/index.jsp

I plan to take her to the Statue of Liberty, skating at Rockefeller Center, walking in Central Park (hope it snows) and to a Broadway show.... and ALL of this will be cheaper than flying to BKK... though technically I got all of the flights for free with mileage. (But I still account for mileage as real money, because in a way, it IS...)


I wasn't concerned about Kuwait City, per se. Just thinking non-stop was perhaps better. When is your SO arriving? Thanks for the tip on the Hyatt!
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-08 12:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 8 2008, 07:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Dec 8 2008, 06:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The good news is the embassy sent us an email with the interview date today. The bad news is less than 2 weeks from now! (Dec. 19), so there's NO WAY I can be there!! sad.gif mad.gif

Oh well, at least the waiting is over!



I wouldn't worry too much... the current staff seems to be very nice. Are you not going for work or for flight reasons? I think some cheap flights are still available.

Or... how about using the money you save to take a quick vacation with her at the POE instead?


Yeah, I'm thinking about that. I live near Baltimore. Kuwait to NYC is cheap, but there's a connection in Kuwait City. We could take a week in a (cold) NYC (where I lived for 4 years) or else opt for a more expensive Thai Airways direct flight to L.A., then we could meet there, do L.A., SF and maybe Grand Canyon. She doesn't know the U.S., so is leaving it to me. blink.gif
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-08 10:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
The good news is the embassy sent us an email with the interview date today. The bad news is less than 2 weeks from now! (Dec. 19), so there's NO WAY I can be there!! sad.gif mad.gif

Oh well, at least the waiting is over!
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-08 06:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Has anyone gotten an consulate interview assignment in recent days? First the consulate lost most of our Packet 3 and now that it's been resent, they haven't even bothered to answer my email inquiry.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-05 06:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
2. They still give us better visa treatment than we give them. It's not like you have to drive to DC for an interview at the embassy and pay $130 for your visa. (And have a 50% chance of denial with no refund...)

good.gif
Only 50%? For a B (tourist) visa, I think the denial rate is much higher than that -- at least in Thailand. Surely $130 + thousands of denials each year probably pays most of the consulate's bills.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-04 13:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (toma1 @ Dec 1 2008, 02:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (raptorea1 @ Dec 1 2008, 02:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry dont mean do sound dumb but I am assuming that it would be question one 1) as you say? and the surname is my last name correct? or my Fiancee?
Thank you


Not correct. Your fiancee is the applicant and you are the petitioner.



Sorry, #1 only - I shouldn't have included the other one.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-01 18:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (raptorea1 @ Dec 1 2008, 01:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Dec 1 2008, 08:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Dec 1 2008, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Embassy lost Packet 3!

My fiancee EMSed all her documents, but now the consulate says they are missing passport photo, checklist and passport copy! If I hadn't emailed them, we would never have known they had lost this paperwork!

mad.gif


In our case, everything was in the same packet, but the consulate says it only received DS-230 (part I)


How do you ask about if they received the paperwork? What I mean is when writing the email what should you put in subject line case number etc?? My attorney sent in our paperwork should I have my attorney ask? I hope that this isnt common!

Does anyone know if interviews have been delayed because of the troubles in Bangkok?
Good luck..


These are the instructions I got in an auto-reply from the consulate:

Thank you for your inquiry to the Visa Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, please read the following carefully: Due to the large number of emails received daily, we are only able to respond to case specific questions. If you need general visa information about U.S. visa services available in Thailand, please consult the following websites:

http://bangkok.usemb....gov/visas.html http://thailand.us-v...ms/default.aspx

1) If you have a case specific Immigrant Visa (including Fiancée) inquiry, you must resend your email to visasbkk@state.gov and the subject line must contain "IV Inquiry," the case number (with prefix of BNK), and the applicant's surname. Your email must also contain the full name of the petitioner, applicant, the type of visa, your contact information and your question.

2) For a case specific Non-Immigrant Visa inquiry you must resend your email to visasbkk@state.gov and the subject line must contain "NIV Inquiry." Your email must contain the full name of the visa applicant, the applicant's date of birth and your question. 3) To request an expedited Non-Immigrant Visa appointment which are only available for business travel, emergencies and educational/exchange travel (visa categories F,J,M) please send an email to visasbkk@state.gov with the subject line: "Request to Expedite a Non-Immigrant Visa Appointment." You must already have a scheduled appointment for a visa interview. In your email request for an expedited appointment, please include your appointment ticket number, full name, a contact telephone number, and the reason you require an earlier appointment. The visa unit will contact you should space be available. Additional visa information can be found on the following websites: http://travel.state..../temp_1305.html http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis


I have an attorney, but inquired on my own, so that's no problem.

Edited by symbiosis, 01 December 2008 - 01:54 PM.

symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-01 13:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Dec 1 2008, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Embassy lost Packet 3!

My fiancee EMSed all her documents, but now the consulate says they are missing passport photo, checklist and passport copy! If I hadn't emailed them, we would never have known they had lost this paperwork!

mad.gif


In our case, everything was in the same packet, but the consulate says it only received DS-230 (part I)
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-01 08:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Embassy lost Packet 3!

My fiancee EMSed all her documents, but now the consulate says they are missing passport photo, checklist and passport copy! If I hadn't emailed them, we would never have known they had lost this paperwork!

mad.gif
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-12-01 06:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Thai family @ Nov 30 2008, 04:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 30 2008, 12:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Not that this is anything new for Thailand, but whenever the military doesn't understand civilian authority, you're in for a bad time.


What civilian authority????!!!

Thai Mom


precisely. That's just what the military thinks!
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-30 07:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (eric_f @ Nov 29 2008, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm gonna roll the dice. Can't let a few left-wingers hold me down biggrin.gif I'll get into Thailand eventually!

Besides, I've got to get all the packet 3 stuff together and ready to just drop in the mailbox. It's not worth putting off until January... I'd be behind the power curve then.


You mean right-wingers, of course blink.gif

Anyway, here's the latest:

BANGKOK: -- Gen Pathompong Kesornsuk, former chief advisor of the Supreme Command, urged Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda to stage coup to prevent himself from being sacked by the government.

Speaking to protesters at the Government House, Pathompong said the Army chief should not allow Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to purge him.

Coup rumours were widely spread Thursday with a lot of phone calls being made to several newspapers' editorial offices to check whether coup was being staged.

The rumours came a day after Anupong called on Somchai to dissolve the House Wednesday afternoon. But Somchai went on TV late Wednesday to announce that his government would not either resign or dissolve the House.

-- The Nation 2008-11-27

Not that this is anything new for Thailand, but whenever the military doesn't understand civilian authority, you're in for a bad time.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-29 23:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (daboyz @ Nov 29 2008, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 28 2008, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (daboyz @ Nov 28 2008, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 28 2008, 08:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ Nov 28 2008, 09:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
http://news.yahoo.co...olitical_unrest

BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand's prime minister demoted the national police chief Friday after thousands of protesters occupied the capital's airports in an anti-government campaign that has plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades.

Government spokesman Nattawut Sai-Kau said National Police Chief Gen. Pacharawat Wongsuwan was moved to an inactive post in the prime minister's office.

Nattawut declined to comment on the order, issued by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

It was not clear if Pacharawat was removed because police failed to evict the protesters, but it could be because he apparently made no attempt to negotiate a peaceful end to the crisis, as the government had asked.

In a televised address to the nation late Friday, Somchai made no mention of Pacharawat except to say "security forces will use peaceful means" to end the crisis.

Despite his assurances, reporters saw a small buildup of forces near the airport. About 200 police, carrying riot gear and shields, were seen outside airport offices about 400 yards (meters) from the terminal where the protesters are camped out.

Dozens more police armed with assault rifles were deployed on the main road to the airport. Police set up barricades and at least one black police truck and several fire trucks were parked in the area.


Yes, well, the only "peaceful means" one can imagine working is for the government to resign and let the People's Alliance for Anti-democracy win (again).

Good point. While we're at it, let's bring back Thaksin and make him PM again. Then he can sell what ever is left to Singapore and make billions of THB in the process. I think Myanmar would be a good place for him. He would fit in well with those dictators.


Except that Thaksin was elected -- twice. In Myanmar, the military refused to allow the elected government to take office. Seeing as how the PAD is trying to overthrow an elected government and has openly encouraged a coup, it seems it has more in common with the Myanmar junta. As for Thaksin's private business dealings, the only thing that's ever been questioned was whether or not he paid taxes on the Shincorp deal. It was his company and not a public utility after all, so who he chose to sell to was his concern and not the Thai government's.

AIS is not a public utility? The #1 mobile provider!


Mobile providers are NOT considered public utilities -- anywhere. To wit: is ANYONE without mobile service in Thailand?!
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-29 20:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (will92104 @ Nov 29 2008, 02:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
the only thing i can hope for is that they are done with this by the time my wifes visa is approved.


good.gif
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-29 06:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (daboyz @ Nov 28 2008, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 28 2008, 08:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ Nov 28 2008, 09:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
http://news.yahoo.co...olitical_unrest

BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand's prime minister demoted the national police chief Friday after thousands of protesters occupied the capital's airports in an anti-government campaign that has plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades.

Government spokesman Nattawut Sai-Kau said National Police Chief Gen. Pacharawat Wongsuwan was moved to an inactive post in the prime minister's office.

Nattawut declined to comment on the order, issued by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

It was not clear if Pacharawat was removed because police failed to evict the protesters, but it could be because he apparently made no attempt to negotiate a peaceful end to the crisis, as the government had asked.

In a televised address to the nation late Friday, Somchai made no mention of Pacharawat except to say "security forces will use peaceful means" to end the crisis.

Despite his assurances, reporters saw a small buildup of forces near the airport. About 200 police, carrying riot gear and shields, were seen outside airport offices about 400 yards (meters) from the terminal where the protesters are camped out.

Dozens more police armed with assault rifles were deployed on the main road to the airport. Police set up barricades and at least one black police truck and several fire trucks were parked in the area.


Yes, well, the only "peaceful means" one can imagine working is for the government to resign and let the People's Alliance for Anti-democracy win (again).

Good point. While we're at it, let's bring back Thaksin and make him PM again. Then he can sell what ever is left to Singapore and make billions of THB in the process. I think Myanmar would be a good place for him. He would fit in well with those dictators.


Except that Thaksin was elected -- twice. In Myanmar, the military refused to allow the elected government to take office. Seeing as how the PAD is trying to overthrow an elected government and has openly encouraged a coup, it seems it has more in common with the Myanmar junta. As for Thaksin's private business dealings, the only thing that's ever been questioned was whether or not he paid taxes on the Shincorp deal. It was his company and not a public utility after all, so who he chose to sell to was his concern and not the Thai government's.

Edited by symbiosis, 28 November 2008 - 10:42 PM.

symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-28 22:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ Nov 28 2008, 09:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
http://news.yahoo.co...olitical_unrest

BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand's prime minister demoted the national police chief Friday after thousands of protesters occupied the capital's airports in an anti-government campaign that has plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades.

Government spokesman Nattawut Sai-Kau said National Police Chief Gen. Pacharawat Wongsuwan was moved to an inactive post in the prime minister's office.

Nattawut declined to comment on the order, issued by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

It was not clear if Pacharawat was removed because police failed to evict the protesters, but it could be because he apparently made no attempt to negotiate a peaceful end to the crisis, as the government had asked.

In a televised address to the nation late Friday, Somchai made no mention of Pacharawat except to say "security forces will use peaceful means" to end the crisis.

Despite his assurances, reporters saw a small buildup of forces near the airport. About 200 police, carrying riot gear and shields, were seen outside airport offices about 400 yards (meters) from the terminal where the protesters are camped out.

Dozens more police armed with assault rifles were deployed on the main road to the airport. Police set up barricades and at least one black police truck and several fire trucks were parked in the area.


Yes, well, the only "peaceful means" one can imagine working is for the government to resign and let the People's Alliance for Anti-democracy win (again).

Edited by symbiosis, 28 November 2008 - 09:54 AM.

symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-28 09:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
good analysis of what's really going on in Thailand right now:

http://news.bbc.co.u...fic/7716033.stm
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-28 07:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Mommy @ Nov 28 2008, 02:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a question about the police certificate.

Do you need to provide the letter from NVC or NOA2 to them in order to get the police certificate? applying for IR-1.

Thank you.


Technically, the answer is yes, though I understand that a sufficient gratuity can easily waive that requirement. No comment on that except to say that it's the way things work with the Thai police. whistling.gif
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-28 06:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Here's the answer:

Suvarnabhumi Airport remains closed until Nov 29

BANGKOK: -- Suvarnabhumi Airport will remain closed until 6pm of November 29, according to Airports of Thailand Acting President Serirat Prasutanond.

Serirat also added that Don Mueang Airport would be shut down until 6pm of Friday, November 28.

He said on Thursday that he has sought an injuction for the court's protection of Don Mueang Airport.

-- The Nation 2008-11-27


30 emergency medical teams prepared for police's operation to clear airports: Chalerm

BANGKOK: -- Public Health Minister Chalerm Yoombamrung said he instructed the permanent secretary for Public Health to prepare 30 emergency medical teams in the aftermath of expected police's crackdown on protesters.

He said police would try to negotiate with protesters first.

"But if the negotiations fail, let's keep our fingers crossed," Chalerm said.

"I want the negotiations to be successful because I don't want to see bloodshed."

-- The Nation 2008-11-27

SO, the police are going to clear the airports by Saturday unless the army stages a coup first.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-27 08:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Thai family @ Nov 27 2008, 12:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hope all of you get to see your finacees or spouses as scheduled. I noticed my son isn't speaking of 'politics as usual' in Thailand since Suvarnabhumi closed down. His wife is supposed to finally arrive here the 11th. He was there during the 2006 coup and referred to it as boring. I hope these current events will become boring, for everyone's sake. If problems continue he will be looking at southern routes, although I could see them making an effort to close them down too.

Thai Mom


Yeah, Thailand tends to have "coup lights" or the "mai pen rai coup" as I called it in 2006. Like I said before, the fact that the military has denied it is planning a coup is the scary part -- as that almost certainly means they're preparing to move. Whatever the generals say, believe the opposite.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-27 07:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (toma1 @ Nov 26 2008, 04:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 26 2008, 03:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (eric_f @ Nov 26 2008, 12:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee called and was asking frantically if I'll be able to make it on 4 Dec. I told her I really don't know... I'm pretty sure my leave just went down the toilet. It's too bad it took this long and happened during this time of year for the boilover to finally start.


Have you checked into flying into Chaing Mai? Or Phuket. Most of the disturbance is on the east side of bkk (where Suvarnabhumi airport is), so maybe should could get a bus west to Phuket.

It would be a shame to have this screw up your leave!


If they can't get them out of Suvarnabhumi, they could just start routing flights through Don Maung again. (After properly securing the perimeter.)


Now that's shut too.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-27 07:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (eric_f @ Nov 26 2008, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No, the problem is that travel packages and travel itineraries have to be routed up the chain of command approved by our group C.O. and he's on leave for Thanksgiving. I have to submit a 20 page force protection package to go to a foreign country for leave lol. I've got clearance to go so far as the airport is opened back up, but I have instructions to get to the embassy ASAP no questions asked if anything escalates. It's better than nothing smile.gif


I see, well I certainly hope it works out for you. Of course, if you arrived in Bkk and then immediately went south ...

Although there has been some disturbance in CM, past history shows that whatever happens is very likely to be a bkk-centric event. So, find a window, scoot in and then get the hell out of Krung Thep!
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-26 16:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
right now, I see Singapore-Phuket Air Asia for Dec. 4 for about USD$70
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-26 16:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
should say: "maybe she could get bus ..."

you could get a flight into, say, singapore or Kuala Lumpur and then hop on a cheap Air Asia flight to Phuket:

http://www.airasia.c.../th/en/home.jsp

Edited by symbiosis, 26 November 2008 - 03:59 PM.

symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-26 15:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (eric_f @ Nov 26 2008, 12:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee called and was asking frantically if I'll be able to make it on 4 Dec. I told her I really don't know... I'm pretty sure my leave just went down the toilet. It's too bad it took this long and happened during this time of year for the boilover to finally start.


Have you checked into flying into Chaing Mai? Or Phuket. Most of the disturbance is on the east side of bkk (where Suvarnabhumi airport is), so maybe should could get a bus west to Phuket.

It would be a shame to have this screw up your leave!

Edited by symbiosis, 26 November 2008 - 03:52 PM.

symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-26 15:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
It's as bad or worse for Thais, I think. My SO came to Bkk for visa medical check and now can't go home to Surin because PAD thugs are blocking the roads leading east. She's dark skinned and if she heading to Isan (PPP territory), she could get beaten up or worse.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-26 11:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
... and Sondhi is far from Mr. Clean either.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-26 11:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
I think Samak was just as big a proxy for Thaksin as Somchai is today.
Well, then, I guess that makes my point. Who could the PPP appoint that wouldn't be perceived by the PAD as a Thaksin "proxy"? I suspect there's no right answer.

I find Thaksin to be a VERY selfish man with his phone call-ins etc. He's a convicted criminal. And I'm sure he'll be convicted again. I'm tired of hearing his "woe is me" line about how he was railroaded. That Ratchadaphisek land deal, is crystal clear. Nothing ambiguous about that.

Hey, he's a rich man in Thailand. That guarantees corruption.

Also, the fact he sold a good portion of Thailand's telecom assets to the govt. of Singapore, makes me think he's a little more concerned about money than the welfare of the Thai people.

Well, ostensibly it was his business to sell. And I haven't seen a Thai politician yet (and very few anywhere else) that did have the welfare of the people in mind.

Anyway, not sure why I'm so concerned about all this. My wife doesn't seem to care much. I guess as long as the airport is open by the time I go to bring back my wife, that should be my only concern. I guess the U.S. has enough of it's own problems. I should probably worry about those.

I'm in exactly the same situation.
symbiosisMaleThailand2008-11-26 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresinterview
Good luck on the interview!!! smile.gif
Shannon and DavidFemalePeru2008-01-07 17:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresNOA1's arrival
Hi! I completely agree with everyone else's comments above... You should have already received your response (NOA1) by now!

Suggestions above are all good.

Good luck!

I also miss Peru and my man so much. It's already getting old, the waiting. And I only filed a month ago! Definitely have a wait ahead.
Shannon and DavidFemalePeru2008-01-28 22:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A "All Other Names Used"
I used all my fiancée's names on all forms. (first, middle, father's 1st last name, mother's 1st last name)

Under the other names used, none.
Shannon and DavidFemalePeru2008-03-29 16:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLetter of Intent
The initial application materials that you send to the Service Center should be in English. I just wrote the intent letters in English and had my fiancée sign his. This is probably the easiest way to go.

[If you/he feel(s) more comfortable, you can write the letter in Spanish for him and then translate it. If your Spanish is good enough, you can write a "I'm translation capable" letter, sign it and have it notarized. Have him sign both the Spanish/English versions though if you're going to do this. There's an example somewhere on this site of exactly what it needs to say. Found it!

http://www.visajourn...p;page=assembly

When I included our emails for the evidence, I sent both the originals in Spanish and the translations. I wrote the letter certifying that I was capable of the translation and had it notarized.]

You don't need to include the birth certificate with the I-129F application; so no need to worry about translations for that. When you have your interview in Lima, the items can be in either language (Spanish or English). For the interview in Lima, anything can be in Spanish, so your life will be easier in that respect.
Shannon and DavidFemalePeru2008-03-29 15:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiancee visa forms to download!
QUOTE (Johana&Jared @ Mar 31 2008, 07:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello! unsure.gif I have a few questions, now that I'm too busy leaving everything ready for the interview. I see I could download the forms from http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/forms/, and when I did it, I realize I could NOT save any document or data typed into the pdf documents! I wanted to do this, to obviously secure some copies, and also send them to my fiance so he'll check them in case I had made any mistake, but now it seems they can just be filled in online and then printed but not saved.
Was this like that for all of you as well? How did your fiances or fiancees manage to do this?
What if someone wants to edit the documents again? Why are they doing this? I really don't get it, and never heard of anyone on VJ mentioning this, but it's just not practical, in my opinion.
Also, I'd like to ask if anyone knows if the copies ones ought to present to the embassy, such as the birth certificate copy, are supposed to be legalized or something.
In addition, Jared, my fiance, has one question. He says he has multiples checking accounts and uses one of them as his saving account, but the affidavit of support form asks for the amount of money there is on the saving account... is this a problem? should he get a saving account or what?
Oh well, good luck to you all! Thanks for being there energy.gif

P.D. What about the OF - forms? I don't find them online, should I take just what's in the package *when it comes to OF or Optional Form) ph34r.gif helpsmilie.gif


Yeah, you pretty much have to have your info ready to type in the data for the DS156. (I just printed it out blank, it looks weird, printed the info and then typed it later.) Then print it out a 2nd time after you type in the data when you're done... It's the way that the government has formatted this form. Other ones (like the G235) you can type in and save the info.

Yes, the birth certificates need to be certified by RENIEC in many cases. From packet 3: "Partidas de provincia deberén ser legalizada por la RENIEC."

The OF forms don't have anything to fill out. They are directions: "Evidencia que podra presentar para demostrar que no se convertira en carga publica."
Shannon and DavidFemalePeru2008-03-31 19:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa for Chilean
QUOTE (motu @ Apr 4 2008, 12:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Unfortunately what many people will like to do is not possible to do. Most of us, would like to bring our boy/girl friend over and show them around and introduce them to family and friends and then decide whether we should go ahead with a permanent relationship or not. However, this is not possible in this world - there are too many security threats (real or perceived); too many fraudulent visa seekers, too many money hungry people doing visa scams etc. - this makes the process very hard and very limiting. So, you have a simple choice, do you feel strong enough to marry this person now - even though s/he hasn't been here or met your family and friends and doesn't know his/her job prospects etc.? If yes, then you can proceed with a K1 visa or a K3 depending on where you want to get married and how soon, otherwise you need to keep searching for the 'sure' connection. Unfortunately there is no trial period available for most of us (some do have this option from the VWP countries). Good Luck


I agree with much of what the above poster said... You've kind of got to make a decision. Is this really worth it? Do you guys love each other? If the answer is yes, then go for it. If either of you feel any trepidation, it will be hard. It's going to be hard regardless even if you are sure that you want to do this.

The amount of culture shock is BIG, HUGE even, and if he were to leave, he's leaving all his family and friends behind. I've got a couple of friends who have already gone through this process... One couple is still together and sadly, the other isn't. And the couple that is no longer together (yes, after doing the K-1 and getting married and all of that; 4? years together) is the one that has the Chilean in it... Major culture shock for him and he still misses his family and friends after being here for years...

So, I wish you luck with your decision. The K-1 process is not so bad. You've got to have patience, but if you're going through the Vermont Service Center, once you send in the I-129F and supporting documents, he could be here in 6 months (my process, hopefully, will be a total of 4)! I don't think that the fact that you two have tried to get his a visitor visa will affect their decision. It shows that you two have tried to get together in the States. Nothing wrong with that! You've visited him there, obviously.

Buena suerte, chica!
Shannon and DavidFemalePeru2008-04-04 15:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTranslations
QUOTE (susita83 @ Mar 29 2008, 11:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm fully fluent in Spanish and English... is it a conflict of interest to do the translations myself and write a letter and have it notarized??? It's such a waste of money for me to pay someone to translate when I know how!! star_smile.gif

And do the police records / birth certificate have to be translated into English???


You do not need to have the police records / birth certificate translated into English for the Embassy phase of the process at all. All of these materials can be in either English/Spanish.

The only thing that I have translated up until this point is our evidence materials (emails) for the initial submission to the Service Center for the K-1 (to go along with the I-129F). I also wrote in English next to all receipts for the evidence the basics of: item, date, etc.

That was it for translations!! I also wrote the "I can translate this" letter that Kid Brooklyn mentioned to go along with the I-129F packet, initial submission to the Service Center. Yes, I had this letter notarized.

I'm at the Embassy phase of this journey as of now. Maybe later for the American phase (AOS) of it you'll need translations?? I personally am worrying about this part of it later. I've got enough to do!
Shannon and DavidFemalePeru2008-03-30 13:20:00