ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (anya-D @ Mar 26 2009, 02:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Mar 25 2009, 10:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Mar 25 2009, 09:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Favorite Thai dishes?

Mine is ??????????????? ka-prao kai khai dao - chicken with holy basil and a fried egg. It usually already has some peppers in it, but I add the fish sauce with ?????????? prik khee noo - rat shite peppers, the little tiny spicy ones, and wow! It's just so tasty.


If you had wrote Ka Pao Gai with Kai Dao, I would have understood it better! laughing.gif

My favorites are Lap Moo and Nam Tok Nua. I also love Ka Pao Moo, Gang Kiaw Wan Gai, Panang Nua, and Gai Pad Mangmuan Himapan. I eat Kai Dao (sunny side up) for breakfast!

The spicier, the better. I have yet to find a Thai person who can eat a dish spicier than me! smile.gif

Using transliteration with Thai is not always easy. I could write in Thai, but I don't know how many could actually translate it.

One doesn't have to live in Thailand to understand the food and the language, if they truly love the country and the culture! wink.gif


ummmmm FOOODDD!!!!!! smile.gif

I have 6 days to go until I will get to eat the 'real' Thai food.. I cant wait!! kicking.gif kicking.gif


We leave in the morning for Asia. I'm going to Shanghai first then BKK next friday. Rin's going straight to BKK. She has a list of restaurants, shops, salons, and thai/foot massage places to hit during the two weeks!
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-03-26 14:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Mar 25 2009, 09:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My favorites are Lap Moo and Nam Tok Nua. I also love Ka Pao Moo, Gang Kiaw Wan Gai, Panang Nua, and Gai Pad Mangmuan Himapan. I eat Kai Dao (sunny side up) for breakfast!


Those are my two favorites, too (although Rin usually makes Nam Tok Moo as we both prefer pork over beef)! We had Pad Krapow Gai with Kai Dao last night for dinner (actually Horapha since it is impossible to find Holy Basil in Memphis). My fav breakfast is Kai Jiao Moo Sub (with Prik Nam Pla to kick it up).

Funny that most of the people I work with ask if I am sick of Pad Thai. We've had it once in the two years she has been here!
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-03-26 07:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (uscandual @ Mar 14 2009, 03:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Youtube tip -
There don't appear to be any Thai TV channels on US cable/satellite systems. I have AT&T UVerse, and their channel offerings include Philippines, India, Russia, etc. Even VietNam. But no Thailand. I think it's the same for Comcast, DishTV, etc.

So, out of concern that my honey will have access to 'back home' content once she's here in the US, I was very happy to hear that she likes watching her Thai dramas on Youtube. Apparently they get posted there very quickly. E.g. a drama that was on live TV last Thursday was already up on Youtube by this weekend. Here's a sampler.
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-03-14 15:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Mar 7 2009, 12:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Mar 7 2009, 10:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Mar 7 2009, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
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?


I tend to agree with you, unless of course things have changed. There is no need for that document in the AOS process, so no need for an English translation. unsure.gif The Consulate staff can read the document and verify its authenticity.


My packet 3 said to have all documents in a language other then English translated.


Was your packet 3 different than what the embassy has posted online?

http://bangkok.usemb...isa_packet3.pdf

There instructions indicate any document not in English or Thai requires a certified english translation. Perhaps what they send and what they have on the website are different. Two years ago, documents in Thai were acceptable at the embassy.
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-03-07 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Mar 6 2009, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
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.


Agree, she can eat six to eight times a day and doesn't ever reach 45 kilos. But in this instance she really didn't like the mexican food (and hasn't eaten it again in almost two years of being in the USA), but didn't want to hurt my feelings. Another Thai trait (not wanting to say something tastes or smells bad).

My eldest daughter (21 yo) on several occasions has entered the house and said she didn't like the smell of whatever was cooking (whether it was Rin making Thai food or myself making western food). The first few times, Rin was very offended and thought my daughter was being really mean about it. I told her it is somewhat common (at least among family) to express your opinion openly. Whenever my daughter says it to me, I just tell her "good, more for the rest of us". I can remember growing up and my mom cooking Polish food (lots of boiled cabbage) that I thought smelled just awful; and would say so. Didn't hurt or feelings or stop her from cooking what she wanted!

Edited by rin and john, 06 March 2009 - 05:03 PM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2009-03-06 17:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Mar 6 2009, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Mar 6 2009, 02:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (dvddvd @ Mar 6 2009, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Mar 6 2009, 11:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (uscandual @ Mar 1 2009, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (daboyz @ Mar 2 2009, 05:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sitting in a hotel on soi 22. Can't sleep. Second interview tomorrow. Stressing out.


Cool. We (honey+me) spent the month of Sept at Liberty Apartments on Soi 22, near Queens Park.
http://www.cityphotoguide.com/node/404

Lots of good eats + stuff to do nearby. Great Mexican restaurant on Soi 18 as I recall, best guacamole in Thailand.


You're in Thailand eating Mexican food?! unsure.gif



Yeah, it's kind of funny, but it sure is nice to get some Mexican food sometimes. (Especially if you're from Texas). There's a place on Soi 22, kind of across from Larry's Dive, in a little mall area (can't remember the name) that has a Tuesday night Mexican Buffet. I like it for a change of pace sometimes. I don't remember ever seeing any Mexican Food on Soi 18. Anyway ...

My wife and I will be in Thailand in June. June through Mid-July

I'll be wanting some Mexican Food.

Daboyz - What's your status????

Best,
Dvd


I found a great little Mexican taco stand inside Topps Market on Thong Lor. The chicken tacos are great, I found myself getting them a few times a week for lunch. The rest of the mexican food I had in Bangkok, was expensive, and not good. I have a friend that lives on Soi 22, and always saw the Mexican place when I was walking to his place, but never ate there.


Hey don't get me wrong, I'm from Texas too, and being a Texas Aggie, definitely love Mexican and Tex Mex food. However, its just not the same if you eat it anywhere else! I'm so used to eating Thai food, which I've been doing for 8 years, that when I go to Thailand, I eat "Authentic" Thai food! Just like you can't get authentic Thai food in a Thai restaurant in Florida, you can't get authentic Mexican food in Thailand. no0pb.gif


I've been to one mexican restaurant in Bangkok - it wasn't too bad (can't remember where it is - around soi 11 or 13). I had taken Rin their a few years ago since she never had had mexican food. She said she liked it, but after dinner I went into a nearby 7-11 to get a bottle of water and 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!

One of my favorite restaurants is Rioja. It's a spanish restaurant, and is one of the best spanish restaurants I have been to outside of Spain. Here's the link:

http://www.riojath.com/

It has nice ambience and a good wine list. With wine it can get a bit pricey (Rin and I spend around 3,000 THB their with wine), but makes for a nice evening out. They serve a mixed grilled seafood that Rin loves!
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-03-06 16:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Here we go again, more protests in Bangkok!

http://news.yahoo.co...hailand_protest
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-02-24 10:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Feb 23 2009, 11:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HYENA @ Feb 23 2009, 09:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (daboyz @ Feb 23 2009, 10:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hell Ya!!!

"During the interview, the applicant submitted only 5 photos, some money
transfers, 2 cards. Your 2007 income is above the poverty guidelines,
but the consular officer has noted an IRS lien of 11K from JUN 2008,
which would bring the income to below poverty guidelines. Thus, in
order to process the case, the applicant needs to submit more
substantial evidence of relationship and information about the lien."

Now I know.

that sounds much better .i wonder how long u have to get a cosponsor and more evidence...thats much better. i know he's tough cookie from what i read but maybe he feels his time is wasted or he's frustrated when he can't justifiably approve.


The Bangkok embassy does not allow co-sponsors. There was another guy that got denied last week because he had a co-sponsor.

Also why not wait to file your 2008 taxes until after the interview, if you are above the poverty line in 2007. They cannot ask for a 2008 tax return until after the filing deadline in April.



In Daboyz case a co-sponsor is possible as it is a CR-1/IR-1, so uses the I-864, not the I-134. The I-864 allows for a co-sponsor.







rin and johnMaleThailand2009-02-24 07:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (HYENA @ Feb 16 2009, 03:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Feb 16 2009, 12:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I used these people quite a bit, and never a problem: http://www.flowerbangkok.com/ They are also cheaper then most any of the other flower shops I found. The flowers had always arrived on time and looked great.



Thanks for the info and kind message...I had forgotten who the cheaper alternative was when I read about another experience similar to mine (this guy ordered one of the most expensive items they had...huge bouquet and got a completely different graduation teddy bear item with 3 flowers instead). His post was deleted but it was my mistake not to try to find an alternative since I used them Chrismas and all went quite well.

I certainly will never deal with them again since it's a gamble and could happen to anyone...perfect service or pay backs; all depends on the roll of the dice.


Oh well, she wanted to get me back for trying to prevent the mistake and she got me back good; my fiancee got nothing but a headache on the day of her birthday/Valentines day. It just bugs me I had a full 8 hours to prevent it and I could not no matter how much I tried to get them to see; their mind was made up and each time I tried to get them to log into the pay pal description clearly showing 2 diff amounts and diff item descriptions, only revenge plots thickened.

Never again. Hopefully if I can get my NOA2, I won't have to bother. I did get a lecture about spending money, though (she's frugal). She told me flowers die...save money for 3 flower orders and buy gold...gold you can sell while flowers die. Makes sense.


Seems to be the Thai way. The individual you wanted to fix the problem was most likely the person at fault. In Thailand, a lot of businesses will deduct the cost of the mistake from the pay of the one who made the mistake. If it would have been someone else's mistake, the lady you spoke with would have fixed the problem right away. One time Rin and I were at a restaurant in Bangkok and I clearly ordered pork ribs. The waitress brought out pork chops. I wanted to send them back (as I would have in the USA), but Rin wanted me to keep them as the waitress would be required to pay for the mistake if she took them back to the kitchen. It would have cost the waitress 2 to 3 days wages for the mistake. I ate the pork chops!
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-02-16 22:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfinancial support affidavit
From the instructions for the I-864, I would say they count:

http://www.uscis.gov...ize: 10px;'>21d
rin and johnMaleThailand2011-04-19 10:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOne way or round trip airline ticket for a K-1 Visa holder?

I'm getting ready to buy the plane tickets from Bangkok to the US. In our case, a one way ticket is cheaper than round trip. So, I would like to way the one way ticket, but I am not sure if we are required to have a two way ticket with the K-1 visa. Does anyone know?



We did one way on Thai Airways. The lady at the ticket office tried to tell us we needed a RT, but I spoke with the manager and explained my wife was moving to the US, thus did not require a RT ticket.
rin and johnMaleThailand2011-04-21 22:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with G25A
Has her permanent address changed during that time? Being from Thailand, her name is in a Tabien Baan somewhere. We used the TB address for Rin.


rin and johnMaleThailand2011-08-09 06:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOne-Way Tickets on a K1 Visa
QUOTE (ochef @ Jun 12 2009, 02:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has anyone had any problems with their fiances entering the US on a K1 Visa with a one-way ticket?



No problem with entry into the USA. When we were in Bangkok and went to the Thai Airways ticket office in Silom, the representative there tried to tell us that she had to have a RT ticket. Told the agent she was wrong. She went in the back for about ten minutes to talk to a manager and came back out and issued the one-way.
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-06-12 23:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTime frame from package 3 to interview
Based on immigration timelines here, about 2 to 3 months.

http://www.visajourn...p4=1&op5=&cfl=0
rin and johnMaleThailand2011-09-06 15:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresfiancee got 221(g)
I provided my pay stubs along with a letter from my HR department stating I was an employee in good standing, time with company, time in current position, and annual income. I'd request proof of income from your company's HR department.
rin and johnMaleThailand2011-10-21 08:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTax Transcripts?
Transcripts are better as they are from the IRS and show what was actually filed. You can generate a tax return yourself in Turbotax. Given the two, I'd believe the tax transcripts...

But since your co-sponsor sent the W2's, you should be OK.

Edited by rin and john, 01 December 2011 - 01:57 PM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2011-12-01 13:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Unless she just got her tourist visa recently, by the time you get to the interview stage of a k1 the police report and medical will be out of date and she will need new ones. I am not sure about the exact validity time the embassy will accept for these docs but it is not more than 1 year for sure.



The embassy's website info on K visas says the medical and police certificate are valid for one year.
rin and johnMaleThailand2011-02-01 21:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Hello all, new here, just discovered VisaJourney recently but have gleened a lot of great information. I have a quandry, though, that I hope someone here can help with. Like a lot of others here, we have yet to receive our Packet 3 in the mail (waiting for it about 6 weeks now). We are in Bangkok however, and we'd like to get the Police Certificate so we can send off the Packet 3 (downloaded the forms from the BKK US Embassy website).

But everywhere I read, it says the Royal Thai police require the Packet 3 cover letter. Is there something else I can provide to fulfill the requirement? What have others who never received their Packet 3 done?



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

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

Edited by rin and john, 03 January 2011 - 09:24 AM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2011-01-03 09:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

On another note, a friend in Chicago took his wife to get her SSI and they would not issue it saying the I-94 was past the 90 days and they had to wait until she had a green card. I am wondering if anyone else had that happen. I would think you can get your SSI anytime as long as you show you were admitted here legally. Anyone know if that's true after the I-94 has expired? They waited to get married right before it expired.



Technically, they need to wait for either the EAD or the GC, whichever comes first, as they both provide work authorization and therefore qualify the holder to receive a SSN. Your friends will want to make sure they file for the EAD (comes much faster than GC interview in virtually all cases). It will be much easier to file taxes with the SSN than going the ITIN route.


John

Edited by rin and john, 15 December 2010 - 08:14 AM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2010-12-15 08:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

It's good to know that there is an alternative out there for Thai TV. $95 for one year or $165 for two years isn't too expensive if it keeps working as well as you say it does. The recorded content would come in handy because of the time difference. I'm not sure what time Mimi's favorite soap opera will be on here in the USA...I fear I'll be waking up at 3:00am to watch some Lakorn Thai :blink: Thanks for the info.

Mike


Another benefit of internet tv - I am sitting here watching the Yankees and Rangers (go Rangers!) and she has the laptop watching thai television using headphones. With the satellite, you are setting up a showdown for the television...

(of course, you will lose)
rin and johnMaleThailand2010-10-22 21:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

I know some of this info has been mentioned before but I thought I would post anyway for those who have recently married or will soon. I wanted to have Thai TV available in my home so I did some research. Not so much for Mimi because she can understand most American TV (they do talk too fast sometimes but if I turn on English subtitles she'll be OK), but for my visiting soon to be Mother-In-Law since she speaks very little English. I tried a few web sites but even with a high speed internet connection the streams were horrible (they paused every five seconds).

I ended up buying a fixed dish satellite system from Galaxy-Marketing.com for $218.65 with shipping. I paid a local satellite guy $150 to install it so I'm out about $370 but it's all free-to-air broadcasting so there is no monthly bill. They have about seven Thai stations, mostly American produced but Thai speaking broadcasts, on the Galaxy 19 satellite. One of the channels is TGN which is the exact same broadcast as in Thailand (I called her while watching a cooking show to verify it was the same). I noticed there is a new station called "Lakorn Thai" which means it is a station dedicated to broadcasting Thai Soap Operas - it's sure to make Mimi's mom happy...LOL.

I know that there is an argument to be made for total English immersion upon arrival but I think that your significant other would really appreciate having some connection to Thailand in their new home - even if just for Thai news. I know how much I appreciated just being able to watch a little BBC or any English news broadcast while I was in Thailand.

Mike



We've had www.thaitv.tv for the past three years. About three weeks ago it stopped working altogether (calls and e-mails received no response; they have since changed their homepage, no login page). Tried several of the "free" sites but none worked without "buffering" every five to ten seconds. Ended up subscribing for three months to www.mydootv.com. Rin absolutely loves it! Has alot more content than thaitv had. No problem with streaming video (no buffering issues). Also, shows that are live are available as recorded content within an hour (on thaitv it was usually about 24 hours later). Another benefit has been that it is possible for us to login to dootv from multiple computers at the same time (using the same login/subscription). Not possible with thaitv. Works well when the children and Rin want to watch different things!

With thaitv we had buffering/delay problems initially. Ended up being our modem supplied by Comcast. I went and purchased a Motorola cable modem/wireless router combo and the problem went away.
rin and johnMaleThailand2010-10-22 19:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Any phone that supports WCDMA 2 GHz or, I think, 800 mhz CDMA on one of its bands will work in Japan. Thailand is mostly GSM 1800. So, any tri-mode phone that supports those 2, at least, should work, I think. I read something about needing 2100 UMTS in Japan too. The Motorola C975 is one phone and it is offered by OneSimCard.com for rental. I'm just looking for other options as I worry about shipping the phone back from Thailand. Maybe I'll just have to buy one of those phones along with an international SIM.



I have AT&T and just got the Blackberry Bold 9700. Supposedly it works in Japan and Korea. I haven't been there yet, but will be in November.

Check this out for other devices that AT&T says will work in Japan

http://www.wireless....icenum=1&STEP=3

Pick a device and click continue. Can also go to their international section and build an itinerary, enter phone number, select phone type, and determine if it works in various countries.

Edited by rin and john, 10 September 2010 - 10:45 PM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2010-09-10 22:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Seems like awhile back I saw that ssi for non-citizens who live in the USA didn't have a problem getting SSI ( believe that is what the pubs above are about), but that there was a limit on a non-citizen living overseas and drawing SSI. Can't find it now, but I swear I saw it somewhere. Since Rin and I plan to retire in Thailand, her being a USC would assure she was able to receive SSI if she outlives me.



Found this:
http://www.ssa.gov/p...html#additional

Basically as long as the USC lived in the US for ten years and had 40 qtrs of credit and the Thai spouse lived in the USA for five years, then they would qualify for survivor benefits. These requirements vary by country.
rin and johnMaleThailand2010-09-07 22:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

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



Seems like awhile back I saw that ssi for non-citizens who live in the USA didn't have a problem getting SSI ( believe that is what the pubs above are about), but that there was a limit on a non-citizen living overseas and drawing SSI. Can't find it now, but I swear I saw it somewhere. Since Rin and I plan to retire in Thailand, her being a USC would assure she was able to receive SSI if she outlives me.
rin and johnMaleThailand2010-09-07 22:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
We also plan on Rin getting citizenship as when she passes the test, her minor children become USCs. They, in all likelihood, will never return to live in Thailand, thus it would be much more convenient to be USCs rather than LPRs.
rin and johnMaleThailand2010-09-07 21:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

@rin and john, how did you finally get rin to study for the driving exam, my husband says he's nervous to drive here and parking in abysmal in san francisco.


I didn't! She took the written test twice, missed too many questions, and decided she doesn't need to drive! Her oldest daughter turns 15 in Feb, so maybe they can take the test together.:P
rin and johnMaleThailand2010-09-07 21:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

just thinking ahead and in just 13 months my husband will be applying for citizenship, i happened to find a link that lays out all 100 questions in english and thai that is pretty awesome. my husband's english isn't bad at all but i think the civics test will be a challenge so i was quite pleasantly surprised to find it in thai.

i think most of you have pretty english savvy spouses but here you go just in case...

Citizenship test in Thai/English


Agree with DaBoyz; that is sweet! Just yesterday was telling Rin she had less than a year to study. Given her efforts (or lack there of) in studying for the written driver license exam; I am starting to apply early pressure to begin studying for her citizenship test!

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2010-09-04 09:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
Rin usually watches American TV, but does watch ThaiTV about an hour a day when I am at work (to catch up on news).

We decided against the the bum gun and instead installed the shower head with separate spray hose in the shower in two of the bathrooms. If you live where the weather is cold and ground water temps in the winter drop to 50 degrees or less, the unheated bum gun would be a bit too "refreshing"!

Edited by rin and john, 11 August 2010 - 08:45 AM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2010-08-11 08:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)
We also subscribe to Thaitv.tv. Also made sure I knew where all the asian grocery stores were in Memphis before she got here. Those and the internet were about all Rin needed (we did get keyboard stickers when we were in Thailand so she had Thai characters on the keyboard).
rin and johnMaleThailand2010-08-10 20:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

People interviewing with children I believe.



Correct. They assign children the same BNK number (at least with K visas, not sure about CR1/IR1)
rin and johnMaleThailand2010-08-05 21:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

Shucks, had to make a slight change in plans. Checking airfares and getting a ticket for Teaw on the same flights back with me proved to be not only very expensive due to high airfares, but hard to get on the same flight home as many were sold out on AA who I prefer to fly with. So I have switched to leaving Sept 4th for the two weeks and it saves me over $1000 in airfare and plenty of room on flights to get us both on the same return. Just love playing these games!!!!


Just a thought - Now that you have the txt for 9/4, wait a day or two, call the airline and ask if they can be changed to an earlier date. I've done that in the past (calling every few days since airfares change) and have sometimes been able to change to the original date I wanted (sometimes FOC, sometimes for $100 per ticket). Even if $100 per ticket, saved the initial $1,000!

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2010-07-21 13:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling tax questions
Forgot the link
http://www.irs.gov/p...s-pdf/i1040.pdf

rin and johnMaleThailand2012-12-29 09:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling tax questions

1356790064[/url]' post='5893220']
I completely appreciate that.

Do you know much more about taxes? Will I possibly get back around the same as I did last year filing married with the 2 children? I'm claiming them on this tax return and I think I may qualify for head of household. Does it have to be a house (like mortgaged house) or any domicile like an apartment etc.?


Will depend on your taxable income. HOH and MFJ have the same tax rate up to about $12,000. Then HOH is a little higher (but much better than single). Also, if you receive An earned income credit, it may also be different (again, depends on your taxable income). If you know what your taxable income was last year (after deductions, etc), then you can go to the link below pages 74+ have columns showing tax owed based on income and you can compare HOH vs MFJ. This will show you the difference. the actual you get back will Depend on how much you had withheld during the year and additional credits. For the EIC, table starts on page 52.
Did you file MFJ last year?
Does your divorce settlement or parenting plan grant you the right to claim the children? Mine did even though the kids lived with their mother. Kind of a surprise for my ex-wife the first year when I pointed it out to her.
And any domicile will do. Can be a cardboard box on an empty lot.

rin and johnMaleThailand2012-12-29 09:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling tax questions
Filing status is based on your status as of December 31, 2012. If you were divorced in June and have not remarried, you can only file single, or head of household, if you qualify. You cannot file married filing jointly based on a marriage that ended in June.

Here are the requirements for filing status (check for head of household)
http://www.irs.gov/p...blink1000170738

Edited by rin and john, 29 December 2012 - 08:15 AM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2012-12-29 08:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAge gap - Education level difference K1
Also, see here:
http://www.uscis.gov...-0-0-11691.html
The adjudicators field manual section 25.1(g)(2) states:

(2) Assigning Fraud Levels . [Section (g)(2) updated 06-20-2006]

If an interview is deemed necessary, the case is sent to the Service Center's Adjudications Unit and given to an adjudicator to assign a fraud level. The fraud levels of A, B, and C are assigned to the I-751 based on the documentation submitted with the application. If the adjudicator is fully satisfied that the case is approvable, then a fraud level of C is assigned. If the adjudicator is less than fully satisfied, but still feels that (based on the information available at the time) the case can be approved, then a fraud level of B is assigned. If the adjudicator has serious concerns about the approvability of the case and/or wants the applicant and the spouse to be interviewed, then the case would be assign ed a fraud level of A.

· Reasons for Assigning Fraud Level C. If you assign a fraud level C, it means that there are no technical problems (signatures, missing information, lack of evidence, etc.) and you think the case is approvable (no interview necessary). All required supporting documents are attached and there is no indication of fraud that can be identified in the documents or through the biographic data of the parties involved.

· Reasons for Assigning Fraud Level B. Fraud level B cases are those cases which have no technical problems that need correction and have the minimum number of proper supporting documents, but there is something, or an absence of something (which you may or may not be able to articulate) that creates suspicion about the bona fides of the marriage, the veracity of the evidence, etc. The reasons for suspicion are so varied that a concise list cannot be made. An example would be where the I-751 is supported by t he minimum required number of documents, however the documents are all of recent origin. Remember, though, that a level B case will be approved if the computer randomly does not assign the case to an interview slot, so do not assign a fraud level B if the application and /or supporting documents are insufficient to approve the case.

· Reasons for Assigning Fraud Level A. Fraud level A should be assigned when the adjudicator strongly suspects fraud. Reasons fraud level A might be assigned include:


- the petitioner fails to sign the form;
- there is insufficient evidence;
- a large age difference exists between the spouses;
- the married couple is not living together;
- a prior I-751 was denied;
- the petition was filed untimely without a good reason for being late; or
- any other reasons as the service center director may determine.

Note: The service center adjudicator must indicate when fraud is suspected, rather than a technical omission, to alert the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Immigration Officer at the District Office.


rin and johnMaleThailand2013-01-18 17:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAge gap - Education level difference K1
http://www.visajourn...ost__p__2585006

From a few years ago (note link no longer works)


rin and johnMaleThailand2013-01-18 17:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDocuments translated to English?
For USCIS, any documents submitted would have to have a translation. for the US Embassy in Bangkok, see page 5 of the instructions for immigrant visas.

http://photos.state....on_packet_3.pdf

However, remember you will have to deal with AOS, removing conditions, citizenship, etc once your spouse is stateside. Best to have all of those mentioned in your original post translated as you will need them sooner or later in English.

There are lots of services around Bangkok and the embassy lists several. We used One across the street from the Embassy.

http://bangkok.usemb...otographers.pdf

Best of luck!










rin and johnMaleThailand2013-06-12 07:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat are the costs "after" entering on a K-1

I am happy to have the green card immediately after I move and be able to travel or work.  Look at the immigration cost comparision for K1 and CR1 and you'll see a reason why not wanting to be apart for the first year of marriage, suddenly becomes a "this is logical."  smile.png

 

Agreed.  For us being apart "engaged" or being apart "married" was no different.  It also did not matter to either of us where we got married   However, there was a huge benefit to being married (we did K3, though).   By marrying in October 2006 and filing K3 (now would be CR1 option) versus waiting on a K1 and marrying in the USA in 2007, we saved several thousand dollars on taxes (MFJ versus single).   The K3 was good for 2 years, so we waited to file AOS until Rin would receive her 10 yr GC, thus missing out on ROC.

 

So anyone planning on getting married to a foreigner needs to look at all costs (travel, moving, immigration filing, taxes, etc) based on their individual case.

 

John


rin and johnMaleThailand2013-07-01 14:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat are the costs "after" entering on a K-1

Is there a reason someone would not file all 3 of them together?  I'm curious.  I can't think of one.


The only one would be if you had a K3 (now obsolete). No need for AP (so in our case no AP). If Rin had already had a SSN, we wouldn't have filed EAD either.

rin and johnMaleThailand2013-07-01 08:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresaccidental K2?

Happened to us.   They listed Rin's children (K4's as she was a K3).  When it came time to file in BKK, we only sent in the paperwork for Rin.   Six months later we filed for the children (follow-to-join).   Follow to join is allowed for one year after K1 approval.  If you and your fiancee want her child to come to the US, you have one year to file at the embassy (assuming you get the child's father to sign off on it - or a court order).


rin and johnMaleThailand2014-01-02 17:19:00