ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Jun 2 2009, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Man its quiet around here...

Well we are 34 hours away from our interview (not that I'm counting or anything). We have both been burning brain cell's and the midnight oil to get everything ready. Its coming together but we will be going right to the wire with this. Hopefully Chada was able to get Wednesday off. If not I don't see how she's going to make everything happen. I am thrilled to get the chance to interview but when I think about how many people could go from sending packet 3 to an interview with 2 days notice it blows my mind. I feel very fortunate we got everything completed on my last trip / pre NOA2 in March.

We will be getting feedback from someone who is doing a K1 interview tomorrow and I will be sure to let everyone know Thursday morning how our turned out. Hopefully our interview debriefs on VJ will be of help to some others.


But when you sent in the packet 3 you told the embassy (form DS2001) that you had all documents and were ready for the interview! laughing.gif

Good thing you didn't wait for packet 4 before getting the medical exam!

Best of luck on the interview!


John
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-06-02 14:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (dvddvd @ May 29 2009, 01:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rin and john @ May 29 2009, 11:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MarkNAam @ May 29 2009, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey Brother John,

Good to hear from you! Actually, once I read your prior post about amending your past year's returns to claim Rin's kids in Thailand, even though they were still in school in Thailand, I 'mentally' went out and bought my own bottle of Camus! good.gif I made another mental note to get back to you about this topic...but thought I would research it first a bit...

AAm actually has 2 kids, both in school. However, her son is now 20 and like all kids, too deeply involved with college and friends/girls to want to want to move to the USA now. laughing.gif So...I wonder if I could claim both of them, since they were 19 & 13 at the time of last year's filing...and both in school in Thailand?


Mark - I would think the older child would be allowed as long as they are a full-time student. The potential issue will be the SSN. I filed my amended return for 2006 after Rin's children had their GCs and SSNs. You'd have to file with ITINs. Not sure if that would be an issue or not. The IRS help line was not helpful as they said "try it and see if they allow it". The IRS won't be punitive if you can explain your reasoning based on their instructions, so why not try (a "no" only costs you time and a postage stamp)?

Best of luck,
John


FYI - We were denied an ITIN and had to wait until my step-daughter had her ss#. Once she had it, we ammended the previous year's return (the year her mom and I married) and claimed her on it (even though, she was never in the USA that year).

DVD





DVD - What was the reason given for denying the ITIN application?
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-29 13:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (MarkNAam @ May 29 2009, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey Brother John,

Good to hear from you! Actually, once I read your prior post about amending your past year's returns to claim Rin's kids in Thailand, even though they were still in school in Thailand, I 'mentally' went out and bought my own bottle of Camus! good.gif I made another mental note to get back to you about this topic...but thought I would research it first a bit...

AAm actually has 2 kids, both in school. However, her son is now 20 and like all kids, too deeply involved with college and friends/girls to want to want to move to the USA now. laughing.gif So...I wonder if I could claim both of them, since they were 19 & 13 at the time of last year's filing...and both in school in Thailand?


Mark - I would think the older child would be allowed as long as they are a full-time student. The potential issue will be the SSN. I filed my amended return for 2006 after Rin's children had their GCs and SSNs. You'd have to file with ITINs. Not sure if that would be an issue or not. The IRS help line was not helpful as they said "try it and see if they allow it". The IRS won't be punitive if you can explain your reasoning based on their instructions, so why not try (a "no" only costs you time and a postage stamp)?

Best of luck,
John
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-29 11:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (MarkNAam @ May 29 2009, 06:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
On our side, we're slowing down the processing of the visa for AAm's daughter. I've got everything ready to send to the NVC for her 'next to last step' before it goes to the BKK embassy for her interview. However, because AAm's daughter is ony 14, her and AAm have decided that they want to 'time' her visa in order that May (AAm's daughter) can finish school, and then come on over. So, it looks like we won't be pressing the issue too much until she's ready to come over around the end of the year. That works for AAm and I also. As you guys know, we just moved to the DC area, and that will give us some time to buy a house/move before she gets here. We're actively searching now...need to get the ObamaCredit of $8000 like USCandual! yes.gif


Mark - Yeah, Rin and I went through the same thoughts on bringing her children to the USA. Rin came in April 2007 and our initial plan was to have her children finish the school year. But I had to go to Thailand in September, so we decided that missing a few months of school in Thailand in exchange for starting earlier in the USA was a reasonable trade-off. We are glad we did it as it added 3 to 4 months to the learning curve for english. After almost two years in school, the children's english (at least the reading, writing, and grammar) is probably better than their mother's.

On a side note, do you claim Aam's daughter on your taxes as a dependent?

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-29 10:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (uscandual @ May 28 2009, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rin and john @ May 28 2009, 01:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (daboyz @ May 28 2009, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One thing that really rubs me wrong about these numbers:

289,065 H1/H2 visas issued.
Only 62,080 K, IR visas issued.

Seems like they are spending most of their time bringing people here to take American jobs.


The one thing that has always gotten to me is the wait time/process for K1/K3 non-immigrant visas (start to finish 6 to 12 months to process for someone who has a US citizen basically vouching for them). But a visitor, with no USC backing them up, can get a visa in Bangkok in 8 days! See here (unless you are currently waiting and prone to acute nausea):

http://travel.state....m...p;x=87&y=10

No USCIS, no long wait, welcome to USA for 90 days (or longer since student visas are also processed in 8 days!).


In 2008, there were 38,017 B1/B2 visas approved by the BKK embassy. Most of these were issued in less than two weeks. They received an additional 2,011 K1/K3 visas with data already vetted by USCIS and it takes them 2 to 4 months to approve these? Why not treat K1/K3 applicants in a similar fashion as B1/B2s, as USCIS is going to make the final determination anyway as to whether or not they can remain in the USA? Do all the K1/K3 vetting/processing locally with similar criteria as B1/B2. Then complete the "immigrant" portion of the process while in the USA. The only valid argument is that we would have people getting here and then staying illegally without completing the USCIS process. Really? More illegals? Even if 5% of the 40,000 K1/K3s went bad and remained in the USA illegally, those 2,000 are a drop in the 11+ MM bucket of illegals already here. Use the money currently wasted on the overly bureaucratic K1/K3 process to improve our borders and the tracking/deportation of illegals already here. The money would surely be much better spent in this manner with respect to protecting our borders!


OK, dismounting soapbox, rant over.....


John, I will ask you nicely. Please stop it. Right now.
You are talking sense. You are suggesting a plan that would actually be logical.
We're dealing with US Immigration here. Logic and common sense simply will not be tolerated.
Stop. Desist. Now.



Sorry, every so often I slip into moments of lucidity. I will go home, take the meds, and have a glass of wine. At which point I should be in much better shape to once again sing the praises of the government....

It won't get fixed as it represents a very, very small part of the immigration process (even though it is near and dear to all of us here!).
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-28 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (daboyz @ May 28 2009, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One thing that really rubs me wrong about these numbers:

289,065 H1/H2 visas issued.
Only 62,080 K, IR visas issued.

Seems like they are spending most of their time bringing people here to take American jobs.


The one thing that has always gotten to me is the wait time/process for K1/K3 non-immigrant visas (start to finish 6 to 12 months to process for someone who has a US citizen basically vouching for them). But a visitor, with no USC backing them up, can get a visa in Bangkok in 8 days! See here (unless you are currently waiting and prone to acute nausea):

http://travel.state....m...p;x=87&y=10

No USCIS, no long wait, welcome to USA for 90 days (or longer since student visas are also processed in 8 days!).


In 2008, there were 38,017 B1/B2 visas approved by the BKK embassy. Most of these were issued in less than two weeks. They received an additional 2,011 K1/K3 visas with data already vetted by USCIS and it takes them 2 to 4 months to approve these? Why not treat K1/K3 applicants in a similar fashion as B1/B2s, as USCIS is going to make the final determination anyway as to whether or not they can remain in the USA? Do all the K1/K3 vetting/processing locally with similar criteria as B1/B2. Then complete the "immigrant" portion of the process while in the USA. The only valid argument is that we would have people getting here and then staying illegally without completing the USCIS process. Really? More illegals? Even if 5% of the 40,000 K1/K3s went bad and remained in the USA illegally, those 2,000 are a drop in the 11+ MM bucket of illegals already here. Use the money currently wasted on the overly bureaucratic K1/K3 process to improve our borders and the tracking/deportation of illegals already here. The money would surely be much better spent in this manner with respect to protecting our borders!


OK, dismounting soapbox, rant over.....
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-28 13:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (daboyz @ May 28 2009, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Maybe now is the time to start complaining to DOS since Hilary is going there.

QUOTE (daboyz @ May 28 2009, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Maybe now is the time to start complaining to DOS since Hilary is going there.

Sorry John, didn't notice you said the same thing.


No problem!

Just looking over the stats on the DOS website:

http://www.travel.st.../pdf/FY2008.pdf

The total number of K1 and K3 applications for 2008 was about 40,000 (vs. 8.7 MM for all non-immigrant visa applications). The initial refusal rate for K1/K3 is about 5%; for all NIV applications it is 24%. After waivers/overcomes, the approval rate for K1/K3 is over 99%; for all NIV applications it is 82%. It was stats like these a few years ago that kept me sane during my wait. knowing that with a 99% likelihood that Rin would get her visa and join me in the USA eventually. It was a lesson in patience that continues to serve me well!
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-28 12:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I am very sorry to hear of all the delays going on in BKK. Perhaps it is the changing of the guard (new admin). Saw recently that SOS Clinton will be visiting Thailand in July; perhaps that has everyone at the Embassy working on other items.

From the DOS website:

http://www.state.gov...9/02/119967.htm

"She (SOS Clinton) announced at that time that she would look forward to coming to Thailand in July for the ASEAN post-Ministerial meeting and ARF meeting."

Perhaps now would be the time to flood the DOS with complaints regarding the handling of family-based visas in BKK?

Suggest you include their customer service guidelines:

http://www.travel.st.../visa_2796.html

"Customer Service Statement to Visa Applicants

The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States. We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged.

We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:

We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa.
We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
We will remember that, to you, a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous.
We will use the limited time available for the interview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
We will use our available resources to fairly assist all applicants to get appointments to allow travel in time for business, study, and other important obligations.
We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on every Embassy and Consulate website.
We will provide information on nonimmigrant appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate posted on http://travel.state.gov.
We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you. "

Really like #6, not even close to doing that in BKK at the current time.



rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-28 12:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ May 25 2009, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's been several years since I've been there but I believe that the IV Unit is on the opposite side of the road of where the American Citizen's Services Unit is. Guards at the gates are happy to direct lost fiancées.



The visa unit is in the same building as ACS. Once through security, the sidewalk curves to the left. Their will be people outside at the desk taking applications/assisting for other visas. Go inside and approach the appropriate window (believe it was window 4, 5, and 6 but it's been awhile since we were there).


rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-26 14:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Virtually all asian stores will carry jasmine rice (Rin favors the "Three Ladies" brand). They also have sticky rice (usually labelled glutinous rice or sweet rice). We've seen jackfruit and durian in the asian markets in Memphis (the durian was frozen whole, thank God as the whole store would have reeked!). Both were very expensive, although they did sell half or quarter jackfruit.

We have an "Aroma" rice cooker from Costco. Rin doesn't like it. It has a warm feature to keep the rice warm all day, but it tends to still burn. She wants a new one. Anyone cook and keep rice all day (or even overnight) in the cooker without a problem? If so, what brand/model?

John

Edited by rin and john, 16 May 2009 - 07:49 PM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-16 19:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ May 6 2009, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A conspiracy theory??

Yes it seems things have changed with the embassy. Chada indicated people on the Thai websites reporting visa interviews and approvals are almost at a standstill. I'm not sure if its related to the economy or just a fluke. I heard that Obama gave a speech about protecting the jobs of existing Americans but have never found anything online to substantiate and conspiracy in that regard. With that said it would seem simple to slow down visa process. Just change certain stages of the approval percentages or make people jump through new hoops. Just thinking through it there does not seem to be a "net gain" to the US for allowing this type of immigration during a recession. It just increases the risk to the welfare system if the petitioner becomes unemployed or the additional burden of supporting the petitioner drives them into poverty.

Chada and I are factoring 8 weeks from sending packet 3 to the interview. Then 2 weeks from Visa to POE due to airfare costs. That would be July 17th for us. I had some great 4th of July hopes for us but it is what it is...

Does anyone have any information on buying 1 way fares from Thailand in less than 7 days?


You may be OK to start looking now as change rules, advance purchase discounts, etc are different overseas than in the USA. We actually bought Rin's ticket before her interview (about three weeks - I was in Bangkok and we bought the ticket at the Thai Airways ticket office). Got a one way ticket, could not change routing but could change date without penalty for up to a year. It was Thai Airways (direct at that time from BKK to LAX - about $600 back in 2007). Did the LAX to MEM on FF miles.
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-06 15:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ May 4 2009, 01:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
yea, we've given these documents to them twice now. Apparently they want it one specific way.
They gave her an example paper to have it done in the same manner. WHAT FUGGING BS!!!!


found out just now, after speaking with my wifes sister, that there are 5 workds that are
different on the sample form.
well, at least they gave a sample to take to the Amphur......JFFC!!



Is the sample they provided in English or Thai? Guessing the Amphur provides the document in Thai. Maybe the difference was in translation?
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-04 14:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ May 4 2009, 06:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
well, the wife went to the Embassy today at 12:40pm. came out at 2pm. They took all 6 documents and said #6 was not correct. This is the form to prove she has sole custody of the kid. So, they gave her an example of what they want from her.
The sister says its no problem to do. They will do it tomorrow. Apparently the Embassy is closed Wed., so she needs to wait to go back to BKK next Monday. Niiiiice.



Rin had to have a similar document (didn't need the document at the embassy; needed it to get the children's passports). She had to go to the local amphur along with two witnesses (her sister and cousin, in her case) and sign an affidavit stating that she was solely responsible for taking care of the children. The only other alternative was a similar document from the local amphur signed by her ex-husband. I believe the document was like 20 baht, but it was about 3:15 when she went, office closes at 4:00 pm, so the guy was going to miss his bus home if he did it, have to take a taxi, she'd have to come back in morning, long lines in morning, blah, blah, blah. But for an "extra" 400 baht he could stay and do it and take a taxi home. dry.gif OK, you can cross Bangkok twice for 400 baht, but whatever. Took him 15 minutes; she was out of there by 3:30.

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-05-04 08:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Apr 27 2009, 11:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wanted to do that with Chada but she said Thai people would be to lazy to host a slingbox and if it broke it would be difficult to fix. She just wants to watch American TV and her soap OPERA wink.gif on utube. That would drive me nuts...


Check out www.thaitv.tv It's about $10/mo and Rin loves it. Can watch live TV or recorded shows. Had it for two years without any issues.
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-04-28 06:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
[quote name='AaronLV' post='2655325' date='Feb 15 2009, 08:26 PM'][/ quote]
Plus it can be used for her ID, since it has her Birthdate and she won't need to carry her passport everywhere. In Vegas she will get ID'd everywhere.

quote]

You can probably get her a state ID. Rin got a TN ID for identification only (looks like a DL but is laid out in portrait instead of landscape. The first month she was here we went to Beale St. She got carded. I handed the guy her Thai ID and pointed to her birthdate (year 2521). He didn't ask, just let her in. Maybe he is versed in the Thai calendar?
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-04-18 21:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Apr 18 2009, 08:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
On a side note I have slowly been teaching Nam to drive here, and I can tell you it is going to take me a lot longer then 90 days. I need a shot everytime I get out of the car. LOL


I know the feeling. Rin never learned to drive in Thailand. Over the past two years I have taken her out several times. We are at an impass now though. She wants to continue to drive (locally with me in the car), but I want her to begin studying the TN manual so she can pass the written test (since it has to be passed before a driving test is taken). I don't want to continue to have her drive without a license (and therefore insurance). Kind of the chicken and egg thing. I've looked into classes here, but not sure that would help her much.

Wish I could find a manual for any state written in Thai for her to study.
rin and johnMaleThailand2009-04-18 20:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (MarkNAam @ Sep 20 2008, 07:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all,

I hope all of you can help me out a bit. My 'now-wife' came over on a fiancée K1 visa 1.5 years ago from Thailand. All is well and it has been a visa-journey dream come true! She has her 2 year greencard and will be filing to lift conditions around mid-2009. I/we have never been more happy!

Now we would like to bring her 14 year daughter over. Her daughter's name was on my wife's K1 application.

Considering that its been more than one year since the approval of my wife's K1, I cannot use the 'Follow-to-Join' process. So, I downloaded the I-130 and completed it, with me filing for her as my stepdaughter.

It seems like a pretty easy process. I just send in the I-130 to the Chicago Lockbox, along with the supporting documents. Which supporting documents is the area where I have some specific questions. Here is what I've compiled for the package I plan to send, can you please comment?

1. I-130 with me petitioning my wife's daughter as my stepdaughter.
2. Copy of my stepdaughter's birth certificate (translated)
3. Copy of my stepdaughter's passport
4. Copy of my prior divorce decree
5. Copy of my current marriage certificate to my stepdaughter's mom (my wife!)
6. Copy of my passport/birth certificate and also the same for my wife.
7. Check made payable to USCIS for $355 (is that the correct amount?)
….and that is all I plan to send.

Also, am I correct to think that I do NOT need to send in the G-325A Biographical Information, or the I-134 Affidavit of Support? I realize that these forms may be required as a part of the Packet 3 information, but at this moment of initial filing, it is not required…correct?

Once the original I-130 packet is received, I believe we essentially just complete the same process as we did for my wife's K1…wait for NOA1/NOA2/Packet 3/Packet 4/Medical/Interview/Visa received. I think it would take around a year or less…about the same time as it took for my wife's K1. Once the visa is issued to my stepdaughter, and she enters the USA, she should receive her greencard in a month or two (No AOS…GOOD!<hahaha>.

Please provide me with any input you might have to help me start this process! I would sincerely appreciate it! And…congrats to everyone going through this process. Its rough, but it is so great to make it through it!
Peace to all!

Mark-N-AAm


I read the I-130 instructions the same as you. No G-325A required. Seems I filled them out for my stepchildren earlier this summer, but maybe for AOS since I filed their I-130, I-485, and EAD at the same time (wanted EAD for SSN; SSN needed to get tax rebate!).

With the immigrant visa, the process will be a little different in that you will follow the CR-1/IR-1 path at NVC. You won't do the I-134; they will need the I-864 when it gets to NVC. Check the guide on the CR-1/IR-1 for the differences with K1/K2.

http://www.visajourn...page=i130guide1

And for NVC:

http://travel.state..../info_1335.html

Best of luck!
John

Edited by rin and john, 20 September 2008 - 08:40 AM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2008-09-20 08:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Devkpaik @ Sep 15 2008, 01:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So my fiance is coming tomorrow morning at 11:20 AM. About how long does it usually take for them to go through immigration? I live like 10 minutes from the airport. Do you think I should leave my house at around 12:00? I'm thinking 12 because maybe an hour through immigration possibly and baggage claim?
What do you guys think?
Thanks


Go early, grab some lunch, read the paper, buy her a gift, etc.

Really, it depends on where her flight is from. If she is coming direct from Asia, then I would get there early. I have flown direct from Asia and landed 1 1/2 hours early due to strong tailwinds (I have also been 2 hours late going to Asia due to strong headwinds). You may be able to go on the internet and check flight status (most airlines have live updates showing ETA of flights enroute).

p.s. And a big congratulations!

Edited by rin and john, 15 September 2008 - 10:23 AM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2008-09-15 10:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Piyanet&Dan @ Aug 29 2008, 11:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thai Airways Problem


I bought a ticket using ORBITZ for my Fiance. It is an E-TICKET which I thought would be no problem.

She saw a post on Pantip.com saying that for Thai Airways you must show the credit card used for the purchase to
board the plane. This is obviously impossible.

She called Thai Airways and they confirmed this. I checked Thai airways website and confirmed it myself. Needless to say she is very upset as she was scheduled to leave on Thursday.

I will never fly TG again.

Be careful about where you buy your tickets.


I took my daughter's and two of their friends to Thailand in March 2007. Their friends' parents bought their own children's tickets. Thai Airways told me they needed the credit card when they checked in. After several calls to Thai Airways office in LA, they sent me a form that the parent could fill in with the CC info and have it notarized. The passenger carried a copy of that with them for proof that the CC was from their parent. Not sure if a similar procedure could be used in your case. The one friend brought the CC with her anyway, the other did not. Both made it to Thailand with us.

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-08-31 14:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (sference @ Aug 25 2008, 04:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has anyone here gone the IR-1/CR-1 route in Thailand? I ask because can my spouse get the initial required vaccinations there, and then the follow up shots here in the US?


We didn't go IR-1/CR-1, but did K-3/K-4. Rin completed her shots in Thailand; the children did not. First set in Bangkok (Sept 2007), second set in USA (just before we filed for AOS in June). The form from Thailand showed "insufficient interval" on the medical form for the children. So at least on a K-3 it would be possible. Not sure about the IR-1/CR-1 since it is an immigrant visa versus non-immigrant for the K visas.

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-08-25 16:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Never mind. Just read the I-131 instructions. If she leaves the USA, they consider her AP application abandoned.
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-08-14 16:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Aug 14 2008, 01:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tom and Wariya @ Aug 14 2008, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'll tell her not to mess with anything else tonight when we chat and take the papers with me and see if I can't convince her to go to the interview anyway. I doubt she would come in October but maybe in March when they are out again. I thought the visas were good for a year. But she wants to get married while I am there and if that happens the visa is no good anymore. So who knows what we will do. All was fine until her mom and daughter came to visit her in BKK this last weekend so she could take her daughter to the med. appt. And even if they used the visas to come here, if they go back without AP the visas are then no good as I understand it.



That would in fact be a one-way trip, but given the alternative of not coming over at all?

As for getting married while you are there, there is the ceremonial Buddhist type wedding, and then there is going to the Amphur and registering as a married couple.

Until you register with the Amphur, you are not legally married in Thailand. Therefore, it is possible to go through the Buddhist ceremony and not violate the terms of the K-1 visa. Just make sure that if you do this, and exchange rings, and if she comes over on the K-1 visa, that both of you remove your wedding bands when going through Immigration at your POE.


Tom - Robert is correct, no amphur, not legally married. Many do the Buddhist ceremony before coming to the USA for official wedding.

The K1 visa is valid for six months. She could come here within six months of issuance, get married, file for AOS and AP. I think (don't hold me to it since we were K3), once her biometrics are completed, she could theoretically depart. I think the AP is for re-entering the USA and is not touched in any way upon leaving. Check with USCIS. If that is the case, biometric appts are typically about 25 to 30 days after you send in the AOS/AP paperwork. So if you had everything ready, entered the country, married, filed AOS/AP, did biometrics, and then left, she might be able to complete that in under 40 days. She would have to come back for the AOS interview, but right now about 30 to 35% are getting their GC without interview. So there is about a 1 in 3 chance she wouldn't have to come back then.

Another option would be to check with the consulate and find out if the visa could be extended by another six months after the original validity (reason: want daughter to finish school year in Thailand so cannot enter USA until April).

Hope someone with more experience on K1's than I can shed some light on the legalities of the AP.

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-08-14 16:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Tom - Thailand schools are out for a month in October/November. If her and her daughter had their K1/K2 they could at least visit you in the USA. Having the chance to bring her daughter to the USA even for a vacation would be enough for most to at least go through with the interview. You can probably go back to the hospital and get them to re-seal the envelope for you.

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-08-14 13:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Tom and Wariya @ Aug 13 2008, 06:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (shawndoc @ Aug 13 2008, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tom and Wariya @ Aug 13 2008, 03:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
John, what if we got married before the interview? Would they then process it as a K-3 at the interview date, if you know? I remember someone I used to talk to infrequently doing that and when they went to the interview they processed it as a K-3 but I don't know how long it took to get the visa so she could travel to the USA. It is something I have thought about today, us getting married before the interview. Anyone else have input on this, please respond. Thanks.

Also, Wariya did try for a tourist visa about two years ago and they would not give it to her even though she was on the family business and business bank acct., etc.


If you get married before the interview, the K1 application is thrown out and you have to start all over again with the K3 process.

If you do a search on the forums you'll find a number of sob stories, including one where the people had a unofficial wedding ceremony (ie. not actually married) and included photos as part of their proof of relationship. The embassy refused them the K1 claiming they were married, even though they had documents showing they were not legally married, and told them to file a K3.


Well, I have plenty of proof of the relationship over the last almost three years. And the other person said when they got to the interview the lady was happy to see they were not doing the fiancee visa just to get her to the USA and in fact got married before they went for the interview and she was going to process it as a K-3. I am not sure I'd try it unless I knew it would work okay, but it was something I started thinking about today as it would solve the problem I am dealing with at the moment of her worrying about her daughter and being able to get home quickly if she was needed. I have tried to tell her that if we got married here right away and filed the AOS she could have the AP pretty fast. I even wrote the embassy asking what would happen if we got married before the interview and came to the interview. So I'll see what their answer is.

On another note, I saw that they finally posted interview dates as of Aug 5th.


Shawndoc is correct. Several cases like that on here where couples had to basically go back to refile their petitions because they got married before the K-1 was issued. A K-3 involves both an I-130 and an I129f having been filed (with at least the I-129f having been approved to get to the consulate).

Be interesting to see what the embassy's reply says.

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-08-13 21:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Aug 13 2008, 07:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tom and Wariya @ Aug 12 2008, 10:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok. Here is a good question. What is the best procedure if your fiancee does not want to live here but comes over on the fiancee visa and we get married. Yes, I know she can return but I don't want her to jeopardize being able to travel here in the future. Is filing AOS and gettng AP the only option or is there a better way to conquer her fears of her daughter going bad while she is away for 5-6 months? I'd like her to be able to travel here some before I retire again in 2-3 years and move over there.


You must file AOS and AP. It would be advisable for her not to leave until she has her biometrics appointment at your local ASC. The sooner you get married, the sooner you can file. I would hope you already have a head start on the paperwork and documentaion required.

Rather than going through this whole process, did Wariya ever even attempt to get a tourist visa? Having kids over there is a strong connection, which is important for a B1/B2 visa.


Agree with roi_aggie. You have to file AOS and AP after getting married. Once she gets her AP, she will be free to travel and re-enter the USA, but she will have to come back for the AOS interview (unless you are one of the fortunate ones that get approved without interview).

It's hindsight now, but had you married in Thailand and then filed K-3 instead of K-1, she would have received a two year, multi-entry visa. AOS filing could have waited up to 21 months from visa issuance.

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-08-13 08:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Thai family @ Jul 24 2008, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the congratulations, sharing in our celebration and the whole nerve-wracking process. I did sleep quite well.
I didn't wake my husband up. He just came home for lunch and still hadn't heard the good news because he hadn't wanted to wake me up, either!
Bangkok seems to be a fairly reasonable, as long as one isn't applying for a tourist visa. I wouldn't be saying that if they were denied or got put in AR. It sounds as though she was calm, cool and collected. I had been somewhat concerned since she had been denied a tourist visa there before. Take heart, for all you still awaiting interviews. It sounds like the CO had his decision made prior to asking the three questions. I will tell J & A that they have lots of friends on Visa Journey who had a big part in this approval.

Blessings to all,

Thai Mom



I agree with your comment that the CO has made his decision (or at least he is 99% sure) prior to the interview in most cases. When they called Rin to the window, our visa application was laying in front of the CO with a red "approved" stamped across the top of it.

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-24 14:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (shawndoc @ Jul 23 2008, 01:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rin and john @ Jul 23 2008, 06:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here's one from a year and a half ago.

http://www.visajourn...h...st&p=617349


Just FYI, the links on that one no longer work.



Sorry about that! I didn't check it first.

Try this one (about four posts earlier):

http://www.visajourn...h...st&p=616828

Edited by rin and john, 23 July 2008 - 01:32 PM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-23 13:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Thai family @ Jul 23 2008, 01:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Kang Lang,

My DIL's renewed her passport right after their marriage in October. My son was filling out the DS-156 at an internet cafe and didn't know the expiration date, thus the question. So much for filling out paperwork at the last minute, especially when it's a bar-coded form that can't be saved, you don't have your printer, it's late at night, and you have to go pick up your wife from work. I don't know for sure if he got the date in there or not. If he didn't, and just wrote it in, hopefully the CO won't send them away to completely redo it. Please pray a little prayer for them if you are so inclined. They need it!

Thai Mom


Wouldn't worry about it. There were a few items I had left blank (did most of the paperwork in the USA) and filled in neatly with black ink once I arrived in Bangkok. The children's passport info was one of these as they obtained them a week before the interview. I have seen people fill in blanks at the embassy (they turned in docs without info; the CO had them fill it in on the spot).

Best of luck to your son and DIL at the interview!

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-23 08:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Thai family @ Jul 22 2008, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Welcome back shawndoc,

I'm sorry to hear about your hassles. It sounds like she is very prepared for her interview. I just hope my kids are ready, as my DIL's is 24 hours away. He is there with her, but I'm not sure if that is good or bad. He can be a bit distracting and tends to think anything is possible, even if the ducks aren't all neatly lined up. He's definitely not the engineering type. I hope they paid attention to packet four. They're leaving for Bangkok about now, as she has to pick up her police report and get another round of immunizations. She's not exactly excited about that.
At least they've spent enough time together and endless hours talking, so she should know everything about him.
I'm trying not to hold my breath. I'm not even the one in love, but I do strongly believe that they were meant for each other.

I'm sure it would be helpful to others if packet four were posted. August 18th will be here before you know it.

Thai Mom


Here's one from a year and a half ago.

http://www.visajourn...h...st&p=617349
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-23 08:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Here is the link regarding getting affidavits legalized at MFA prior to getting married. Basically you are legalizing a foreign document for use within Thailand.

http://bangkok.usemb...e/marriage.html

The instructions for K visa applicants do not list a requirement for legalization at the MFA.

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

Regarding information on this website, there are alot of knowledgable individuals on here. That knowledge was obtained through experience and/or research. I would not discount it. I agree there are instances of misinformation being provided, but that can also be the case when talking to a single individual at the embassy.
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-21 12:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
The only thing we ever had "certified" at the MFA were the papers (affidavits) we received from the Embassy that I was free to marry (had to take them to the amphur when getting married). Regarding our documents for the interview, some where in english, some were in Thai; all were accepted (per Thai Mom's post about what is acceptable). We did get certified translations near the embassy of marriage certificate and birth certificates to be used in the USA for AOS. I would go with what is in the instructions (believe what you read on the embassies website, not what someone tells you - lots of misinformed people giving out information!)

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-21 12:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (chivasgeo @ Jul 10 2008, 09:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Tom and Wariya @ Jul 10 2008, 06:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I figure our interview will fall end of August, early September. At least that is what I think from what I have seen happening with other people and their interview dates. So I plan on being in BKK in September probably for a month. Thanks for all the good info. I have never been inside the embassy, only past it, so I don't know what goes on inside. I just hope it all goes well when we get there.

My GF has been there before and she said NOT to bring a huge pile of papers as the slot to slide them under at the interview is not that big. I, of course, will come prepared with more than enough to show we have known each other for about 3 years and that I can support her with no problem, although she already has my neighbor and an owner of a Thai restaurant and grocery store wanting her to teach them yoga so that's good for me to keep her busy.

So if anyone has had a very recent trip to the embassy with their fiancee, please let us know if you were talked to, got to go in with the fiancee or what happened.


Tom,

If the process is still the same as when I went. After you enter and get passed the security checkpoint, go up the 2-5 concrete steps/stairway and head straight through the double door and go inside to window #5. I believe the lines outside (after the security checkpoint and before the double doors) are for non K visas .

If it has changed someone please correct me, thanks!

Regards,

George


You are correct. Ignore the outside lines (both the one outside the embassy and the one after security - we got there at 7:30 am and the outside line was 60+ people long; I went to talk with the security sitting at the front of the line and they were moving all K-1 and K-3's to the front of the line). Once past security, go up the concrete steps near the soda machine (to the left of the outside windows). Once inside, go to window 4, 5, or 6 (on left wall once inside) and tell them you are there for a fiancee' or spouse visa. They will take your paperwork, sort through it, and hand back anything they don't need. Then have a seat and wait for your fiancee's name to be called (in our case two hours later).

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-11 09:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
I went to the interview with Rin. The CO spent more time talking to me than he did to her.
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-10 16:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Dagobert @ Jul 9 2008, 10:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the congratz guys!

Gam emailed me a scan of her visa and one thing that she and I are confused about. The visa expires on January 1, 2009, but under the Annotation it says that the K-1 Petition expires on November 2, 2008? She asked the embassy official and he stated the visa expires January 2009, but when she asked what the Annotation mean...she said he ignored her and went on about something else. Is this annotation pertinent to her entry into the US or our marriage in the US time frame?

Cheers,


The petition was the I129F. When you received the NOA2 it was valid for four months. The embassy has the authority to extend it. They did in your fiancee's case as they issued the visa after those four months expired. More of a CYA for the State Dept with the DHS (since they cannot issue a visa for an expired petition).

So at this point the extension to November is meaningless (it just had to be done to allow the embassy to issue the visa). With the visa your fiancee has until January 1st to enter the USA. After entry, she has 90 days to get married.

Edited by rin and john, 09 July 2008 - 10:51 AM.

rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-09 10:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Tom and Wariya @ Jul 8 2008, 01:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I understood that if your fiancee comes here on a fiancee visa and you get married there is no fee to change her status to a married visa. Is that not true?


Your fiancee' does not change visa status once you are married, she applies to adjust status (I-485; AOS) from a non-immigrant visa (K1 for a fiancee; K3 for a spouse) to a conditional permanent resident (green card). Cost to file the I-485 is $1,010 and you can include the I-751 (EAD for employment authorization) and the I-131 (AP, advanced parole, travel document to be allow her to be re-admitted to the US while her AOS is pending) at the same time with the fee for the I-751 and I-131 being waived.

She cannot change from a K-1 to a K-3 (or any other visa category) after coming to the US and getting married (free of charge or otherwise).
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-08 13:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (George-Joom @ Jul 3 2008, 08:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (littleasianman7 @ Jul 3 2008, 04:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey guys,

Just sent everything a couple days ago to my fiance for her interview coming up.
Wanted to make sure I included everything needed.

I sent the following:

Phone records showing we talk a couple times a day and text a couple times a day
bank statements showing my transactions of my three trips to thailand in the last year and a half
a lot of pictures
airplane itinerary and ticket stubs
my w2's and tax returns (only had one and it was for this year, as I'm a full-time student)
my mother's (co-sponsor) w2's and tax returns for 07, 06, 05 and 04.
a letter from her employer
my affidavit of support and her affidavit of support
receipts from being in thailand
copy of my passport with visa's inside

thanks guys


Littleasianman
That all sounds good to me....you have everything notarized that needs to be?


Now I have a question... helpsmilie.gif
Does my fiancee have to be in Thailand to get her Visa?
She is in England....Can the Embassy there give her a Visa?
We already had the NVC send everything to Thailand but when she picked up her police report for England the officer asked her if she was getting her Visa in England? Now we are confused.....we thought she had to return to Thailand.
Any cooments ...please.
Thanks much
George




George - If it was sent to Thailand, then that is what was entered on line 20 of the I-129f. If she is living in the UK, then she could have interviewed there (a friend of mine had a fiancee' from the Philippines that worked as a nurse in Italy - she interviewed in Milan). Don't know how you would change that now, though.

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-07-05 03:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (littleasianman7 @ Jun 26 2008, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yea, we had our lawyers pick up the paper from the station, not get it sent in the mail, but the police screwed up at the station and gave the wrong papers to some other idiot (who still hasn't returned it). They tried to give our lawyers the wrong persons paper, and my lawyers were like, "no this isn't our paper, why the hell do we want this one, give us the correct one", and the police said, "oh sorry we gave your paper to another person by accident".
ugghhh idiots... I dont see how they can make this mistake. Youd think theyd have to show ID to pick up the paper seeing as how the "almighty head-honcho" has to sign it.
Ughhh, thanks for responses guys.


Rin and I had to sign in (and show ID's) to enter the compound. Then she had to show her ID to receive the certificate (the certificate has her picture on it!). Someone didn't follow the rules and screwed up.
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-06-27 11:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
When Rin went for the police certificate, she had the option of mail or pickup. She elected to pickup (they told her to return on a certain day). I went with her to get it; it took about 15 minutes.

John
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-06-26 21:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
lin - You might check this post:

http://www.visajourn...h...t&p=1602656

DeeZee has called around in the San Fran area and might be able to direct you towards a cheaper CS.
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-06-24 15:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Kang Lang @ Jun 24 2008, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rin and john @ Jun 24 2008, 06:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kang Lang @ Jun 23 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rin and john @ Jun 20 2008, 08:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kang Lang @ Jun 20 2008, 10:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kang Lang @ Jun 19 2008, 02:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i need some help and hope someone who has already filed aos can help. i am gathering the documents for my husband and realized that he doesn't have a copy of the medical. so he got the shots etc and failed to get a copy. has anyone been able to contact bumrungrad after the fact and get a copy? (i still have all the information relevant to his appt. since i made it for him online.) but i am worried about him getting the medical shots again don't think that's wise also cost prohibitive since you cannot use insurance for that.

any advice is very much appreciated.

helpsmilie.gif



Nobody?


Are you referring to the entire medical or just the immunization record? We did not receive the medical info (from BNH), but they did give us the immunization record (DS-3025). I would think Bumrumgrad would fax or e-mail you a copy of the immunization records. I agree, I wouldn't want to get the immunizations again.

In our case, Rin's immunizations were complete, but the children's were not. We got them at the pediatrician's office and they were 100% covered by insurance (our insurance covers "preventive care" 100% without deductible). The civil surgeon exam (Rin only) can also be turned into my insurance, but I have to do that myself - the CS had to be paid in full at the time of the exam - and the insurance will re-imburse me directly (since my insurance allows one physical per year to check general health).


thank you so much rin and john! we have emailed BNH to see what they say. thanks for the tip about turning the civil surgeon fees in, i actually verified that i could use my fsa debit account to pay for the out of pocket costs which is nice since the cost is pretty dear and then submit to my insurance for reimbursement. i was surprised that it's several hundred dollars.

i will post what (bnh) replies in case anyone else gets caught in the same boat as us.


Kang Lang - Several hundred dollars??? Does that include all new immunizations? Rin had her medical earlier this month (it had been more than one year since her BNH medical). She had a TB skin test, blood test, and general exam (BP, temp, height/weight, and doc listened to her breath). No shots. Total cost was $117.50. The children had their BNH medical last September, so the doctor just filled in the I-693 part 2 (vaccination only) and part 5 - cost was $30/child for him to fill in the form (after we had gone to the pediatrician and obtained their second round of shots as the DS3025 showed their immunizations as being incomplete due to lack of sufficient time interval).

John


yes, crazy i know they want $185 to just to transcribe the med report from thailand and then the physical is $150 and the tb/hiv test is $350. i wonder if that's california pricing? unfortunately this cs is a wee bit more expensive than the others nearby but the 2 others i called, neither could see him before september!

lin


Must be one of the "perks" of living in California (along with the inflated salaries, right?)

When I called the CS office nearest to my home, they told me to come in between 9 am and 4 pm and let them know it was for immigration physical. Any day, no appointment necessary. The only glitch was that the admin that made sure all the paperwork was completed ended up getting ill (hospitalized) and was out for the week following Rin's visit. No one else in the office (not a small office as four of them are listed as CS) had a clue as to how to do this admin's paperwork. So we had to wait until she returned. I actually felt sorry for her as her boss was taking work to her in the hospital. She got out on a Friday and called me at my house Saturday morning to let me know I could come by and get Rin's paperwork.

BTW - the immunization transcribing onto the I-693 was included in Rin's $117.50 (it was $30/child as they did not have an exam). Does your CS actual charge additional for that when you are also having a medical with them? What a crock....
rin and johnMaleThailand2008-06-24 15:32:00