Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	GOT IT!! Pond had her interview this morning got there about 6am. Got the call 10 minutes ago about 9:45am bangkok time. Very simple interview the woman was very cordial and caring. The questions she was asked: (in case anyone is preparing for theirs and curious) WHere and when we met: how many times I had been to visit when the last time I was there where she will live pretty simple. I was worried since I wasn't able to go with her. I cannot thank everyone here enough I would have been lost without this website. Congrats!	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-09-18 06:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Almost home... I think. Ok well ,we have our interview date of September 18th and we as of today have every last peice of paperwork and then some. I have been feeling confident about everything as we have sped through the process pretty well with no problems. But today I spoke with a friend who scared me. HIs brother had some big problems getting his wife from Brazil a visa. He was telling me to be ready for the interview process because its very indepth and we should rehearse our answers and be ready for anything. I know I've read that each embassy is different and their requirements are different but still this has me spooked. Am I being paranoid now or should I really prepare for disapproval? Sounds like Brazil is difficult. However Thailand has not been tough. If you are going to be with her at the interview you will probably be fine just like the rest of us. The man that interviewed us really was friendly, smiling and polite. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-08-31 11:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	To anybody that has already passed the interview for Thailand, Can you please post some of the interview questions and what goes on during the interview process. Example do they want to see pictures? I only have pictures from the engagement (the only time I went to Thailand 01/2006). • How did you meet your fiance? • When did you meet in person? • How long have you known each other? • When was the last time you met your fiance? Where? • What is your birthday? • What is your fiance’s birthday? • Where was your fiance born? • What does your fiance do for living? • Where does your fiance work? • What is your fiance’s designation at work? • Does your fiance have any brothers and sisters? • Where does your fiance live? • Where do your fiance’s parents live? • Do you have any brothers and sisters? • Did you have an engagement party? • Did you make a formal announcement of your engagement to family and friends? • How do your families feel about your plans to get married? On the main visajourney page there is a link in the upper right corner titled “Embassy/USCIS Reviews” click on it..... then on the next page choose the Consulate as Thailand then click find entries. That will give you all the information about the Thailand interviews. Some reviews are very detailed. Are you going there for the interview? Go a few days early and take photos everywhere you go. If she can answer all the questions you posted then you are doing well. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-08-25 05:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	To anybody that has already passed the interview for Thailand, Can you please post some of the interview questions and what goes on during the interview process. Example do they want to see pictures? I only have pictures from the engagement (the only time I went to Thailand 01/2006). As twellspeak answer, my K-1 interview question was really much the same.. but because we met in the US they didnt ask how many time he came for visit but Bram (my hubby) was there with me at the interview so he was asked "what do you do for a living" and a little more simple questions for him.. just total like 5 mins dont worry.. you will be fine. By the way.. at the embassy they have a translator also if your fiancee cant speak English well.. so dont have to worry about that also and for picture of your engagement.... umm... it can be misunderstood like twellspeak said. so if you can come for the interview, that might be better.. Well for our engagement party, there were two parties one informal for family members (morning time with regular clothes and at the temple), the formal party was in the evening time with people and friends. that is when i gave her the engagement ring. I wore a suit and she wore a white wedding dress to make it look formal. I am planning to go with her to the interview. What do you mean when you say they might misunderstand the pictures? Anyone on here get an interview date yet and how long is taking from when Bangkok receives the paperwork and the interview date? I would definitely not show them those pictures! From what I have heard the whole engagement and marriage ceremonies differ around Thailand. Some would call that a wedding. Then you would have to prove that it wasn't. My wife wants to know where your fiance comes from in Thailand? Mike & Jass	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-08-24 20:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hi all, I have joined VJ for a few months, but this is the first time I post in this forum. the reason is I want to introduce myself and my fiance, Robert, here. we are now all about waiting for NoA2. that is really hard for both of us, but we have to be patient. I got email from marydon, Mike, who told us that there are lots of useful info and I can meet new friends here too. I may have to spend lots of time reading all posts but I will my English is not good enough to write more in detail, but I love to practice. Nice to know you all and with all the best! Waen, (Littleone is named by Robert) Welcome to Sawasdee 2! Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-08-21 06:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	ANy help is appreciated Pond and I seem to be disagreeing about what we do now. She received packet 3 in the mail last week she then went to the embassy and they took her DS-230. Her was done yesterday and her police record will be finished August 25th.. Now what? she thinks we have to wait for more mail from the embassy. Do we just wait or do we have to turn in packet 3? Stone I was trying to remember exactly in what order it all happened for us and I found that my signature had an accurate record of what happened. 2/9/2006 NVC says they mailed to BKK Embassy-Unable to confirm receipt at Embassy 2/16/2006 Received Medical, requested Police record, paid Visa fee at post office 2/20/2006 Mailed in her Checklist and DS-230 P1-Never received her Packet 3 (Day 31) 2/24/2006 NVC just told me that an Interview appointment was made and sent out to us today 3/06/2006 Received Packet 4 in the mail (Day 45) 3/07/2006 Mailed in 2 photos and copy of passport photo page per packet 4 instructions 3/21/2006 Jass went to Bumrungrad to have them transfer all medical data to new un-expired forms 4/24/2006 Interview appointment at BNK Embassy (Day 94) Hope this info helps you. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-08-20 21:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	APPROVED!!!! Thanks for all the great information here! She was interviewed August 15, by "The Man," and he asked 3 very probing, suspicious questions. "What is your surname?" (her surname), "Where does he live?" (she replied Texas, Dallas ), and "When did he come to visit last?" (she replied Last month, the 29th...no, June 29th!) Yeah, I'm REALLY tickled!!! Congratulations!!! We have received our Biometrics appointment letter. Appointment Date 8/21/2006 11:00AM Mike and Jass	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-08-16 10:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	This thread is rediculously long... but, I guess I'm the new kid on the block, so here's my two cents: Bill Welcome to Sawasdee 2! Before I posted this I first "stalked you" by looking at you posts. I discovered that you are not a "nut job"... at least not yet! I found you to be a very funny person. That sense of humor will help you in this process. Going through this I have found that this group of people on Sawasdee 2, and especially Yodrak!, have 99% of the information you will need. Best of luck and Ask away! Mike PS Don't stalk me by looking at all my posts they will just embarrass me!	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-08-07 15:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Dave, What is it that you are concerned about? What prompts this question? Yodrak Is it important to go to the amphur and get a letter from them saying my finacee is single? Or will a updated id card work if it says, "Ms" on it? Do I need this? Thanks, Dave Yodrak, Nothing really. I just want all my bases covered. I want to make sure I don't get caught by anything. Our interview is in about 10 days and I will be joining her in Bangkok for it. I don't want the needle in the haystack to ####### me. So another fear: does the dates on the I-134 matter (can they be notorized after she sent in packet 3 checklist and Ds-230 part 1 in). I want to re-adjust this form before I go, seems like I gave incorrect information on the surrendor value of my Life insurance policy and don't want this to invalidate the form. So I want to get another one done on Wednesday! Dave We got a document in Thailand that said that my wife was single...but we have never had to use it. The reason we got it was because someone my wife knew told her that we would need it...so what the heck..I wanted to cover all the bases also so we got it. Dave.. Relax sounds like you do have everything covered..really the interview is a piece of cake. Best of luck to you both. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-07-26 09:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hi Everyone, Well, its offical, Chutima and I are married! It took long enough, but it was worth the wait, although I could have done without the cost! I have also received a job offer for a new job in Florida, so it looks like we're moving to the mainland. We were just there last week for the interview and to check out the area. Chutima and I both love it there, and we will be able to buy a house no problem! It is so much cheaper in Florida than Hawaii! Here are some of the wedding pics! Wedding Pics Aloha, Robert & Chutima The Wedding looks beautiful and a second congrats for the new job Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-07-26 09:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Mile, If your wife is already using the name that she plans to continue using into the future then the comment does not apply to her. I included it for completeness because, for example, someone might be ready to submit their application today and may intend to start going by a different name 2 weeks from today. It would be reasonable to anticipate the change over that short a period of time. It won't cause a problem to see a woman's married name on an AOS and related applications when a different name was used on pre-marriage documents. The USCIS is an entity of the USA, its employees are US citizens. They know that in the USA a woman typically, though not always, changes her surname to that of her husband when she marries. It would probably cause more difficulty is she used her previous name on the applications when they don't intend to use it. (Have you seen the ocassional posts from people who apply for adjustment in their maiden name, try to change it later on during the adjustment process, and then are upset because their green card is issued in the name they gave when they applied?) Yodrak Mike, .... The AOS and other applications should be made in the name that your wife is using at the time she submits the applications. (Unless, perhaps, she is planning to change the name very shorly after making the application.) Yodrak Thanks Yodrak I don't quite understand what you meant by "(Unless, perhaps, she is planning to change the name very shorly after making the application.)" Since our wedding day she has used her new name. Will this cause a problem when they don't see her "original" name on the AOS forms? Thanks Mike Thanks I understand what you are saying now. I keep forgetting that it is real people looking at these applications and that they can probably figure it out. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-07-20 16:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Also we are almost ready to file our AOS. Question: should all the forms for the AOS, EAD, Et al. be filed out with the new name “first name, maiden name as middle name, new married last name”???? Thanks Mike Mike, If thats how you and your wife wants her name to officially be, then Yes...my wife's name has the same format as your wife's, and that is how she entered the name on the application for AOS (her first name, her maiden name for middle, and my last name ) Best of luck... regards, George Thanks for the info George I guess that it won't raise a red flag then...I suppose that her name not matching the save sysytem is something they see and deal with all the time. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-07-20 12:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Mike, A lot of people have trouble like this. One can advise the SSA of the name change for their records, but the SSA cannot issue a changed card for the alien unless the name matches what's in the USCIS SAVE data base. That isn't going to happen until after the woman (it's generally a 'female' problem) applies for adjustment, because until that application is made the USCIS has no way of knowing that there's been a name change. The AOS and other applications should be made in the name that your wife is using at the time she submits the applications. (Unless, perhaps, she is planning to change the name very shorly after making the application.) Yodrak After we got married we went to our local SS office to have my wife's name changed to "first name, maiden name as middle name, new married last name" The girl at the desk put through the change without a problem. Just before we left I asked if there was anything they could do to get this "not allowed to work with bla..bla" stamp off the next card. The girl asked a senior member for advise. The senior member looked over our situation and flipped out at the "summer help" girl for putting the name change through. She told her she would have to answer to the boss because the name isn't the same as the immigration document" K1 visa" she said that the name change had gone through and couldn't be changed back now.....so we slinked out of the office...happy to know that the name change went through and wasn't going to be changed back. Any one else have trouble like this…isn't this what all of us are doing? Also we are almost ready to file our AOS. Question: should all the forms for the AOS, EAD, Et al. be filed out with the new name "first name, maiden name as middle name, new married last name"???? Thanks Mike Thanks Yodrak I don't quite understand what you meant by "(Unless, perhaps, she is planning to change the name very shorly after making the application.)" Since our wedding day she has used her new name. Will this cause a problem when they don't see her "original" name on the AOS forms? Thanks Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-07-20 11:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hey everyone. Does anybody know how to change the name on the Social Security Card. We have a Work card would that be enough. Thanks to all! Skyman, To change the name on my wife's SS card, we went back to our local SSA office and submitted form SS-5 and brought along her Calif ID and our marriage certificate. You can download and print the SS-5 form along with more info by clicking the link below!! http://ssa-custhelp....php?p_faqid=315 Good luck!! regards, George After we got married we went to our local SS office to have my wife’s name changed to "first name, maiden name as middle name, new married last name" The girl at the desk put through the change without a problem. Just before we left I asked if there was anything they could do to get this "not allowed to work with bla..bla" stamp off the next card. The girl asked a senior member for advise. The senior member looked over our situation and flipped out at the "summer help" girl for putting the name change through. She told her she would have to answer to the boss because the name isn't the same as the immigration document" K1 visa" she said that the name change had gone through and couldn't be changed back now.....so we slinked out of the office...happy to know that the name change went through and wasn't going to be changed back. Any one else have trouble like this…isn’t this what all of us are doing? Also we are almost ready to file our AOS. Question: should all the forms for the AOS, EAD, Et al. be filed out with the new name “first name, maiden name as middle name, new married last name”???? Thanks Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-07-20 11:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hello All!! A quick update. Last week Tik wiound up in the hospital with a 103 deg fever and she had bacteria in her blood. She was very sick and the doctor said she was very close to death. They gave her a IV and put un 2 types of antibiotics and she is back home now and feeling better. I have not started AOS yet some paperwork is filled out but I have not had the time. I hope everyone else is doing well. I am happy to hear that Tik is getting better.	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-07-20 10:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Well today is the day. We are finally getting married. Nothing to big only a small service at the court house then a nice romantic dinner. The end of August we are planning a big reception with all of our family and friends. All are Invited Congratulations Ray and Su! Jass and I were married last Saturday July 1st. We just completed our honeymoon watching 4th of July fireworks in New York City and then visiting Washington DC...We are glad to be home! Mike and Jass	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-07-07 22:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	It should only take about a week to receive your S.S.N. in the mail. Two weeks max. You need to return to the office or figure out if there is a way to call them. Over a month is unheard of based on the most timelines I've seen. Mine took six days and included a weekend. Rich We went to the SS office today. They said that she was issued a card but if it didn't arrive it was the fault of the postal service. They gave her the number that was assigned and reissued the card. mike My honey arrived Friday evening at LAX. My friend whom escorted her said her visa was scrutinized at every point, from the time she left Bangkok, to the stop over in Taipei, to arrival at LAX. I will try to post her POE experience when I have more time. I just happy she is here now and settling in to her new life in the USA. I hope you are both happy! Mike and Jass	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-06-21 21:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Jum just applied for the SS# with her given name as we are not yet married. However, I have heard that it is easier to apply with the maiden name before marriage and then update it after marriage, but I don't really know why. Also, we are still waiting on the SS card to arrive. I hope its in the mail this week, it has been more than a month and two visits to the SS office later. C.J. It sounds like most of us will be in Thailand in the years to come. We can plan some reunions and parties all the time! C.J. & Jum Sounds good. So tell me C.J. did your SS card have your wifes maiden name on it? I tried to get one with my wifes new name but no luck. Just finished the biometrics so maybe the work card will have her new name. What's your opinion fellow VJ'ers??? Hey C.J. it should only take a couple of weeks to get the SS card. As long as its within 2 weeks of your K-1 expiration it should be really fast. I am still waiting on the temporary work card since the biometrics interview. How long does that usually take??? Good luck, kirk n jenny Jass applied for her SS card on 5-19-06 ( she was in the save system) and still doesn't have it.....Could something be wrong? Can she reapply? Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-06-20 20:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	The funny thing I think most of us plan on moving back to Thailand. Su and I have plans to build a small vacation home in Nakhon Si Thammarat at first. This is still a few years off but in the plans. Ditto! Jass and I are expecting to move there in 5 years...I have had enough of work! Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-06-13 07:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hi all!! Everything is great here. One question,, If someone was not to get the packet 4 letter would they still be able to get into the embassy on interview day? Thanks Dennis I am wondering if anyone has found an inexpensive way to call to Thailand. My wifes cousin, in Chicago, has just told her about www.tollthai.com We are trying it now and it seems to work great. It is $0.01 per minute to Thailand with a $0.99 fee applied every two weeks and the credit is good for 90 days. You buy a $20.00 credit to begin. Its strange the first time you use it and it says " you can talk for 1 day and 9 hours" It is working great for us! Mike and Jass	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-06-11 10:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	I have no yellow wrist band i didnt know why i didnt buy it.. may be coz i know someone who sell fake band then i always afrais that it's a fake one and my money wont go to the king it actually doesnt matter that much..it's just my excuse that I dont have one I'll have to ask my mom to get one for me now.. hm.. why am I doing something the hard way Here we will have a Thai gathering with all thai food... and I dont know what else we will do.. sing a Thai national antham(spelling?) and King's song may be? oh.. Long live the King!!! I bought two of them (one for Jass and me) in the airport before we left Thailand. It was nice because they had us each fill out a card so we could send a message to the King. Mike I have no yellow wrist band i didnt know why i didnt buy it.. may be coz i know someone who sell fake band then i always afrais that it's a fake one and my money wont go to the king it actually doesnt matter that much..it's just my excuse that I dont have one I'll have to ask my mom to get one for me now.. hm.. why am I doing something the hard way Here we will have a Thai gathering with all thai food... and I dont know what else we will do.. sing a Thai national antham(spelling?) and King's song may be? oh.. Long live the King!!! I bought two of them (one for Jass and me) in the airport before we left Thailand. It was nice because they had us each fill out a card so we could send a message to the King. Mike Has anyone had there USA marriage registered with the Thai government? I am told that I have to do it in person at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington DC. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-06-09 11:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Well to all those who do not know ... We got the Visa and Tik is home. SHe is having a great time , Today is my first day back to work. I am a little worried but I think she will be just fine. We got home Sun morning at 5:30 am. We had a great interview with the man at window 6 he is very nice and speaks Thai and english. We were delayed due to a lot of name changes in the past by my Tik and they wanted to check each name. We found out friday morning all was clear and a go for the Visa and picked it up at 3pm. POE was LAx and the man was a little rude and cold but gave no problem and we came on through! Thai2luv-- I was at the embassy friday morning asking the guy at window 6 about the visa, I think your S?O should have been there. Ask her If she seen a guy in a bright green shirt go up to window 6 (that was me!!) Congratulations! I am sure she will be fine today at home without you.....I was concerned my first day back at work also. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-05-30 10:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	YEAH BABY WE GOT!!! My fiancee, Wan, just called me from outside the Embassy with the great news. She was so excited, she couldn't stop talking, but I did manage to get a few questions in. She arrived at the Embassy about 630am and sent me an sms. She couldn't believe how many people were already waiting in line. The embassy opened at 7am and she went straight to window 5. Turned in everything they asked for, signed a few forms, and took a seat. She waited about 2 hours for her name to be called, then went to Window 6. The consular officer spoke with her in Thai, and asked only two questions. Where was I from? she replied California., and How many times did I come to see her? 4 times. That was it. Piece of cake. I told Wan they would probably ask 4 or 5 questions, but she wouldn't believe me. she was so worried about the interview being a full blown interrogation. After the two questions, she was told to come back next Tuesday 3pm for the visa. Monday is the Memorial Day Holiday. They kept her passport. What a relief it's now over. Well, until AOS anyway. Thanks to all of you for your assistance along the way. I guess it's time to check out the AOS forum. Congrats to all! It sounds like all our experiences at the Embassy have been similar. Roi aggie’s recount of the events was remarkable! As I read his review I remembered more about mine. I was so nervous that morning! Now on to the AOS. I have a few questions….Anyone know what a “certified copy” of a marriage certificate is? We are planning on going back to Thailand in December. Should we file for an AP now? Is there a sample cover letter available for the AOS? Thanks Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-05-26 06:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Sorry it took so long to post. Everything went very well and Jass and I are now home the the USA. The interview was easy...just as expected...Thomas asked her how many times i had been to Thailand ..he asked me when i first met Jass...he was surprised when i gave him the exact date....he also joked with me about what time it was when i first saw her! Very pleasant experience......we were the first people called to the window and we were out by 10 AM. Note there were two lines outside that went to the same door...stay in the line that is against the wall...that is the correct line....the guards were no help. There are signs inside that say to wait for your number to be called...no one was issued a number just sit down wait for them to call your names. We are extremely happy together! Mike and Jass	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-05-12 03:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	The Interview is one week from today. I am leaving for Thailand in less than 48 hours. I think we have everything we need: Passport Original birth certificate Certified English translation of birth certificate DS-156 (with barcode) DS-156K DS-157 Notorized I-134 with the following: -3 years (2005) tax return and W-2(s) -letter from employer -recent pay stub(s) -bank statement Receipt for visa fee from Post Office Packet from Medical Exam Police Certificate Original NOA2 Be sure I-134 is notarized Tabian ban document and her current ID I can't wait to be back with my fiance. It hasn't been a long wait but it has been too long! Thanks to everyone for there help. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-17 13:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	My fiance(e) got her Visa! She got it April 4. I started the process (NOA1) September 26, so about 6 & 1/2 months total going through CSC. Thought I'd share my experience since I've learned so much from here... Got to the Embassy at 7:45am and went in and checked in at window 5 with all of our paperwork. They seem to start the K-1 interviews when the clock hits 9am. We were about the 5th or 6th called to window 6. We we're interviewed by a well spoken falang about mid-thirties. He said hi to the both of us and asked her if she spoke english. She said yes and he continued writing stuff down. Then he asked her where she learned english, she then told him from school and reading alot. He asked where she was from and she told him Petchabun. He then continued writing more stuff down. Then he took a breath and directed his questions to her and asked where we met. Then asked me how many times I've come to see her and I said 5 times and he seemed a little shocked by that and told me that was 'dedication' and we laughed. That was it and told us to come back the next day at 3pm and pick it up. Seemed very nerve racking but was pretty easy in the end. I got her birth certificate translated the next day at one of those shops down the road on the corner of wireless and sukhumvit for 200 baht and now I'm ready to head home with her and get married and start the AOS process Congratulations As many of you know Su passed her interview back on Feb 7th with Jum. She was waiting for the xrays and Dr reports before she could be cleared and given the Visa. Well after two months of emotional pain and several trips to the Dr and some meds I am happy to report everything is fine. The Dr will be sending the report to the Embassy and we will finally get our visa. So if anyone else has a problem like this don't worry have faith and every thing will work out. I know it will be hard, because you can not get answers right away but let the Dr do his or her job and give it time. Ray Fantastic Ray I am gald everything has worked out fine Mike We had an infopass appoint this morning for Dao's EAD, she is beyond 90 days. Long story short, no temp ead because the real ead is already approved pending biometrics. Unfortunately when we went for biometrics on 2/17 she had a cut on her finger and they were unable to be captured. We were told to re-schedule. Two months later we will go for her re-scheduled biometrics appointment next week., and were told we should receive her EAD card 1 to 2 weeks after that. It really irks me that my wife will have been in the country for 5 months, not allowed to work, yet they want to allow illegal aliens to be "guest workers". hmmm.... oh well, here is not the place for a political discussion. i'm sorry to hear that... I think i was in the same position but they gave me the temp EAD because they havnt sent me any biometric letter... my EAD was approved even before my infopass but they were late on sending the biometri appointment so they have to give it to me.. that's my guess anyway. And after my infopass and my temp EAD.. my real EAD arrived 1 week after that (with a whole lot better picture on it YEY) Today is my first day back at work.. everybody seems to miss me and happy that i'm back!! yey.... i'm happy to be working too (well.. just an easy job but at least get paid! ) wil see if i missed the free time I am happy to see you are back to work. Someday you will remember those free(non-working) days as the "good old days" I will be in Thailand in exactly 14 days......Boy i can hardly wait! Mike I have been reading about the AOS procedure. I figure i have everthing i need for the process except the I-693A. I undestand that i should just take it to a civil surgeon and have them fill transfer the inormation form the DS-20XX vaccination form. Is this something that can be done in Thailand from the list of doctors that could do the K1 medical? Seems like it would be alot easier to get it done there. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-06 19:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	My fiance(e) got her Visa! She got it April 4. I started the process (NOA1) September 26, so about 6 & 1/2 months total going through CSC. Thought I'd share my experience since I've learned so much from here... Got to the Embassy at 7:45am and went in and checked in at window 5 with all of our paperwork. They seem to start the K-1 interviews when the clock hits 9am. We were about the 5th or 6th called to window 6. We we're interviewed by a well spoken falang about mid-thirties. He said hi to the both of us and asked her if she spoke english. She said yes and he continued writing stuff down. Then he asked her where she learned english, she then told him from school and reading alot. He asked where she was from and she told him Petchabun. He then continued writing more stuff down. Then he took a breath and directed his questions to her and asked where we met. Then asked me how many times I've come to see her and I said 5 times and he seemed a little shocked by that and told me that was 'dedication' and we laughed. That was it and told us to come back the next day at 3pm and pick it up. Seemed very nerve racking but was pretty easy in the end. I got her birth certificate translated the next day at one of those shops down the road on the corner of wireless and sukhumvit for 200 baht and now I'm ready to head home with her and get married and start the AOS process Congratulations As many of you know Su passed her interview back on Feb 7th with Jum. She was waiting for the xrays and Dr reports before she could be cleared and given the Visa. Well after two months of emotional pain and several trips to the Dr and some meds I am happy to report everything is fine. The Dr will be sending the report to the Embassy and we will finally get our visa. So if anyone else has a problem like this don't worry have faith and every thing will work out. I know it will be hard, because you can not get answers right away but let the Dr do his or her job and give it time. Ray Fantastic Ray I am gald everything has worked out fine Mike We had an infopass appoint this morning for Dao's EAD, she is beyond 90 days. Long story short, no temp ead because the real ead is already approved pending biometrics. Unfortunately when we went for biometrics on 2/17 she had a cut on her finger and they were unable to be captured. We were told to re-schedule. Two months later we will go for her re-scheduled biometrics appointment next week., and were told we should receive her EAD card 1 to 2 weeks after that. It really irks me that my wife will have been in the country for 5 months, not allowed to work, yet they want to allow illegal aliens to be "guest workers". hmmm.... oh well, here is not the place for a political discussion. i'm sorry to hear that... I think i was in the same position but they gave me the temp EAD because they havnt sent me any biometric letter... my EAD was approved even before my infopass but they were late on sending the biometri appointment so they have to give it to me.. that's my guess anyway. And after my infopass and my temp EAD.. my real EAD arrived 1 week after that (with a whole lot better picture on it YEY) Today is my first day back at work.. everybody seems to miss me and happy that i'm back!! yey.... i'm happy to be working too (well.. just an easy job but at least get paid! ) wil see if i missed the free time I am happy to see you are back to work. Someday you will remember those free(non-working) days as the "good old days" I will be in Thailand in exactly 14 days......Boy i can hardly wait! Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-06 19:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Wedding_002.jpg   62.98KB   56 downloadsDon't know why, but the justice wanted to be in just about every picture.. Congratulations to you both! Mike and Jass	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-03 21:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	skyman, I guess it depends on what banks one uses. Costs me $1.50, and then only after using up 4 free transactions. Yodrak The ATM card trick is the way to go. You can even leave your own name on the card. I recomend calling her with the PIN though. Its about 6 bucks per transaction though so make it count. Good luck. I have never paid a fee that i know of in Thailand at the ATM. The slip always says fee 0.00. The machine never discloses a fee during the transaction. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-03 06:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Well it is now official. Ton and I got married today Now I dred having to go through the whole AOS process Dan Congratulations Dan and Ton Best wishes to you both! Mike and Jass	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-31 21:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	I received an answer from the embassy, and they now have the case in their system. However, the packet 3 was sent to my fiancees old address . Can you believe two days ago, it wasn't in their system, but now the packet 3 was already mailed out. Just to let you, and others, know what has happened in my particular case, the NVC sent my case to BNK on Mar 10th, and from what I could tell using the DHL website, it was received on Mar 13th by BNK. I had Chutima mail in her "check-list" and associated documents on Mar 17th. On Mar 23rd I received a response from the Embassy to an e-mail enquiry by me, giving us our interview date and indicated her "Packet 4" was mailed on Mar 22nd. On Mar 27th she received her "Packet 4". To date, she has never received a "Packet 3". If I was you, I don't think I would sit around waiting for "Packet 3", since all the forms necessary are available on the BNK website. I believe there are a few members on here that actually received a "Packet 3", but the majority never did. I personally feel they don't bother mailing it out, since many of us have already printed out all the necessary forms, and submit them as soon as we know our case has been received at BNK from the NVC. Robert Robert, As a matter of fact, I already have everything the embassy needs and was just waiting for confirmation of having rcvd my case. The Embassy checklist and website FAQ specifically mention not sending any documents unless requested by the embassy. I didn't want the packet 3 ending up in the trash. Now that it's confirmed, I've asked my fiancee to send the packet 3 to the embassy. Should have the interview date very soon. As for your case, I believe it kind of "fell thru the cracks" during the embassy's transition to the "new" IV processing procedures. My situation was very similar in that I was "sweating out" the fact that I could not confirm the arrival of the case in BNK. I was also worried about the fact that I sent in the Packet 3. But in the end it all worked out and I probably shaved 2 weeks off of our wait for an appointment. In 20 days I will be with Jass in BKK. I love her and even though my wait wasn't long ...it still has felt very long without her. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-31 11:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Mike, Yes, that's what I'm saying. I think they put expiration dates on the forms so that they'll be reviewed periodically, but if nothing changes they just continue using the supply of old ones until they're gone. Look at the USCIS and the list of it's forms - for most of them several versions back continue to be acceptable. I checked out Rodjanaa's medical forms. All of them - DS-2053, DS-3024, DS-3025, and DS-3026 all had a printing date of 01-2001 (January 2001) and an expiration date of 01/31/2004. The medical was done on 2/26/2004, the interview was 4/05/2004. The 'expired' forms were not an issue, although they were'nt all that old. Just out of curiosity, are your 'new' forms really any different from the old ones? Any changes to any of the items? Again you write that the forms on the consulate in Japan's web pages are "unacceptable" - has someone told you that they are? Yodrak Yodrak I am delighted that we finally have the forms that are not expired. So it is a moot point and i do not have to worry about it any longer. But are you saying that you think that the Embassy would have accepted the forms that had expired in 2004. I must admit i do find it hard to believe that the US Embassy in Japan would have forms on there web site that are out of date (but they did) and unacceptable. But then again...why do they put expiration dates on these forms if they will always be accepted? I guess it's just how things are done. (We never did get a visa application package...i wonder why?) Mike From what you describe those expiration dates don't really mean anything. I was probably worried for nothing. I thought they were unacceptable because they were out of date. The forms look basically very similar. But I am still sleeping better at night knowing that Jass's medical is on forms that do not look expired. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-24 11:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Life is full of little surprises! I am mailing off the AOS paperwork tomorrow and we found out today that before the end of the year I will get TWO extra tax dedections. One for my new wife and another in November! We were taking precautions but I guess when it's time it's time! 2006 is shaping up to be a GREAT YEAR! Now I can pull out that I-765 (EAD) My Best, Rich I am very happy for you and your wife. Yes when it is time it is time....but that's what life is all about ..isn't it? Best wishes to you and yours Mike and Jass	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-24 09:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hi I will come through Bangkok from Cambodia for K1. Can I deliver in person the checklist and get the interview schedule or mail it in . I am not sure about the procedure. What documents besides the checklist I will turn it in. please advise. Thanks I don't know if things have changed but last year Ying was able to drop off the checklist along with the other required documents in person. Ying dropped off the documents that Ufkenmill listed. Yes you are correct...under the new procedure it must definitely be mailed in. They no longer have an open window in the afternoon. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-23 07:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	[quote name='Yodrak' date='Mar 22 2006, 11:00 AM' post='87365'] Mike, I agree with them - if it were my wife, I wouldn't be worrying about it. I don't think there is a problem. But then, I wouldn't have gone off and gotten the forms from a source other than the visa application package from the consulate or the clinic that performed the examination. Yodrak Yodrak I am delighted that we finally have the forms that are not expired. So it is a moot point and i do not have to worry about it any longer. But are you saying that you think that the Embassy would have accepted the forms that had expired in 2004. I must admit i do find it hard to believe that the US Embassy in Japan would have forms on there web site that are out of date (but they did) and unacceptable. But then again...why do they put expiration dates on these forms if they will always be accepted? I guess it's just how things are done. (We never did get a visa application package...i wonder why?) Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-22 22:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	I have finally had a chance to read the artice " Man smashes Erawan statue, beaten to death" This is such a terrible shame. I was just looking at pictures of it on the internet because I haven't had a chance to see it in person yet. They say that it is going to be repaired. I will be sure to see it when it is. Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-21 14:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	I feel the same way! We checked out some houses and condos during our trip. Very reasonable and I'm sure extremely reasonable for you guys from the Bay area. heheheh...the housing here is CRAZY (price wise) it's all about getting the right loan with a great interest rate (and perhaps 2 incomes) to get a house here (for most) . Someday I plan to retire in Thailand and when we go back this Sept, we may look into some land/property to buy and pay installments on. CJ&Jum: thats too bad people need to destroy things to get attention and got him killed as well!! regards, George Update It seems as though everything has worked out at the hospital. Jass tells me that they transfered the information to the new forms and she was able to get her last vaccination. Now I feel we are ready for the interview Alls well that ends well Mike I feel the same way! We checked out some houses and condos during our trip. Very reasonable and I'm sure extremely reasonable for you guys from the Bay area. heheheh...the housing here is CRAZY (price wise) it's all about getting the right loan with a great interest rate (and perhaps 2 incomes) to get a house here (for most) . Someday I plan to retire in Thailand and when we go back this Sept, we may look into some land/property to buy and pay installments on. CJ&Jum: thats too bad people need to destroy things to get attention and got him killed as well!! regards, George Update It seems as though everything has worked out at the hospital. Jass tells me that they transfered the information to the new forms and she was able to get her last vaccination. Now I feel we are ready for the interview Alls well that ends well Mike I know this isn't the right place to ask this question but... I just found out that the hotel that i love in BKK isn't available for our dates. My king bed non-smoking is sold out. Can some of you recommend someplace ? Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-21 07:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Thanks Yodrak. The only reason I enquired about an e-mail, is because in Ken's signature, it states he received an e-mail from BNK with the interview date. In Mike's signature, he states he got their interview date from the NVC. That's why I was wondering if there is another way of finding out when the interview date is without waiting for the Consulate to "snail mail" Packet 4 to Chutima, i.e. send an e-mail to BNK or to call the NVC. Either way, I will try doing both, just to see what responce I get. Robert Robert, My appologies - I did not read your post correctly. I read "an e-mail with the interview date" as "mail the interview date". The notification by post will go to the visa applicant, I don't know about an e-mail with the interview date. Neither my wife not I got an e-mail notification. As you indicate I don't know how they'd have an e-mail address for either of us. I would not expect them to hunt through the case file for an e-mail address, nor do I expect that they'd note it for the file from any e-mail inquiries about the case. Yodrak I hope you get the same surprise that i got. Your interview date! I am a little frustrated right now. I just got off the phone with Jass and a very nice lady at the hospital. The nice lady is insisting that her medical is good for one year(wrong only 6 months). They just don't understand! I told her they were the wrong forms.... that they had expired. She said that they would call the Embassy to make sure we could use these forms.( I do not believe she understands the problem sufficiently enough to explain it to the Embassy) I told her that I would pay whatever they wanted to transfer the information on to the new forms...but i was not going to fly half way around the world to be told by the Embassy that I have given then expired forms. She said that they didn't have any different forms there at the hospital. I told her that Jass had the new forms with her. She looked at the forms and could see the new expiration dates of 2007. She said that she understood. I am hoping that she did but i just don't believe it at this time. Why are they so convinced that i am asking for something that I do not need? Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-20 22:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Approved!! She gets her visa tomorrow! What a relief! After a 4 hour grueling wait, the interview took a total of about 4 minutes and then it was "congratulations, come back tomorrow and get your visa". I'll post the details later...in bkk now... thanks everyone for your help.. Fantastic! Mike	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-20 11:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Congratulations, we're up for monday morning 7am. Can't tell you how nervous I am, I think I'm more nervous than she is and I'm a USC! Great to hear about your success, good luck in the future.. Dear vj members, Visa pick up today. Yeaaaa!!! Anyway my fiancee never received a phone call from the Embassy to pick up her visa. I mentioned earlier that her visa was held for a final "computer check" and the Embassy would call her when it was ready. Well having her flight on the 21st a monday pick up would be the latest to make the flight. my impatience was overflowing. So I e-mailed the Embassy a second time. They e-mailed me back the same day and said that she can pick up her visa tomorrow at 1500. What I am saying to people is that if anyone in the future gets this type of call back situation--give them a day or so then e-mail them. I was very impressed they replied to me the same day yet very unhappy that they never called her back when everything was ready. One more hour till pick up. By the way she was only asked 2 questions at her interview--when did she see me last? and where did we meet? Take care all Greg and Nin Las Vegas bound!!! Ken and C I have a good feeling about you two for Monday morning. I think things will be just fine and you will be celebrating like crazy! Mike and Jass	malydon	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-17 20:20:00