ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (daboyz @ Jun 10 2009, 05:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Jun 10 2009, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
Yes, on packet 4 it does say phone cards are not acceptable, but I believe someone who recently had an interview said that he used his phone cards as evidence without a problem, but I may be mistaken there. Still, since it specifically says no phonecards I would avoid them.


Someone may have passed with having them, but they may have had a bunch of other evidence that was more supportive.

Also on the phone card issue, by law if they are selling phone cards in the USA, they have to be able to provide a detail report to the customer when asked for it. Back in the late 80's early 90's the telecom industry was using deceptive billing practices when billing per minute rates. So there was a big class action suit and the FCC stepped in and levied this requirement on them. If they don't provide a detail report, then report them, they will be fined, and subjected to not being allowed to sale the cards. Now a lot of phone cards are sold by third party companies, and what you may need to do is find out who the underlying provider is and contact them directly. The place I used Mobilecaller.com, did not provide call details directly, but directed me to the actual discount provider and they were more then happy to send me an excel spread ###### with the detail calls when I informed them it was for immigration purposes.

I guess s h e e t is a bad word


laughing.gif That's what I was wondering! laughing.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-10 21:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I used, and continue to use, PINGO. They have great rates, you can print out your calling records, you can assign quick dial numbers to numbers you call, and register numbers you call from, so you don't have to enter your account number and PIN, and you can re-charge maunually or automatically online. I'm not one to ever promote something, unless I truly like it, and PINGO has been a lifesaver for me with all the overseas calls.

www.pingo.com
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-10 16:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 10 2009, 11:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Jun 10 2009, 09:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's funny that after more than a week, the embassy has just emailed me back saying "We've scheduled your fiancée's interview for June 18th." They had already sent us each an email saying they'd scheduled the interview. In this email it also states that they sent her Packet 4 by regular mail on June 2nd, though she has yet to see it arrive. Of course she's already gone online and downloaded Packet 4, so it's not an issue.



Same here (embassy told me they would also mail packet 4, but it has not arrived yet). I don't expect it to arrive either. I figured they made a mistake when they said they would mail out packet 4. I suspect they don't mail it out anymore at all.


We never got a Packet 4. I think it is a BNK urban legend.
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-10 11:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (shawndoc @ Jun 8 2009, 08:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just for anyone who cares. Lisa got approved for her green card this last Friday. Interview went well (its in the AOS reviews section).


Congratulations on the temp GC! good.gif good.gif good.gif

We were lucky and didn't have to interview for either her 2 yr GC or 10 yr GC!

You probably won't need to interview for your Removing Conditions. smile.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-09 13:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (NCThai @ Jun 9 2009, 06:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good news !
My visa got approved today. I will pick up visa on Friday at 3 pm.


Congrats!!! good.gif good.gif good.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-09 06:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (uscandual @ Jun 8 2009, 02:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (daboyz @ Jun 8 2009, 01:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jun 8 2009, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Jun 8 2009, 01:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And lets not forget the long flight over, especially if flying alone..


It's my understanding with a K1 visa the beneficiary must enter with the petitioner the first time they pass through customs so flying alone is impossible. Is this not true?

I've never heard that. As far as I know beneficiary can come alone.


Beneficiary can enter the US alone at POE. There is no need for the petitioner to enter at that time. It's a nice thing to do, but definitely not necessary.


yes.gif They do NOT have to be accompanied on ANY visa.
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-08 13:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Jun 8 2009, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One thing I would suggest is to not overlook the amount of stress beyond the interview stage. The beneficiary can have a huge amount of stress about leaving friends, country, job, culture and family. I'm not sure if its good to bring all of that up to them but its definitely something to be sensitive of.

And lets not forget the long flight over, especially if flying alone. Navigating through transit airports, filling out the I-94, getting through Immigration and Customs at the POE. Then of course they have to adapt to a new home, different food, no more Thai TV or hearing Thai spoken everywhere they go. Next, there's the task of getting married, getting your certified marriage certificate, so you can apply for AOS, along with trying to get your SSN before you're within 14 days of your I-94 expiring.

Uh Yeah... you guys have a LONG LONG way to go, and a whole new set of obstacles to overcome.
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-08 13:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jun 8 2009, 01:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I received permission to send packet 3 on May 20th. I'd had it ready for weeks already and sent it the next day. However it was until now that the embassy acknowledged even receiving it and only after a personal visit from me. I'm looking forward to the next time they update their appointments on their website.


I'm so glad to hear you got confirmation on your P3 being at the embassy. I hope you get an interview date very soon! good.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-08 12:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Time for reinforcements!



And maybe a little blessing:



*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-07 21:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 7 2009, 01:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 7 2009, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (uscandual @ Jun 7 2009, 11:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 7 2009, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Jun 6 2009, 11:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
secret7vf.gif And here I was about to say how peaceful and friendly this thread had been without a certain distraction... oh well! whistling.gif


distraction: Are you talking about politics, or the bald guy? I'm slow (sometimes)


Neither whistling.gif


QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 7 2009, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Even though I plan on being in Thailand for Kat's interview, I thought about this to (buy return tickets early, or late). I checked a few websites and talked to a few people to see what it might cost if I bought last minute tickets. I didn't find any substantial difference in price between tickets that were bought weeks in advance versus tickets that were bought days in advance. Also, I noticed that in some cases, airlines were offering tickets for flights set to leave in a few hours for the same price as my one-way ticket to Thailand (about $900). So, I figured we would buy the tickets only after she has the visa in her hands. You never know.


You are right - I did the same, checking for tickets 3 days out from now - and was able to find the same itinerary for the same price. Perhaps we should have waited till the interview. But, I wanted to lock it in. Sort of like locking in the mortgage rate on a house. There's enough uncertainty about the overall process, at least this little details is now assured.


Completely understandable.

Could someone let the slow guy in on the secret?



Nevermind. Anyway, good luck on that. As much as it sucks to fly into our out of O'Hare, I've been reading that the 1st-time immigration process there is pretty smooth.


Don't worry Ray... it's all good! cool.gif wink.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-07 13:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (uscandual @ Jun 7 2009, 12:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Jun 6 2009, 11:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hopefully you booked a late night departure. When we went to get the Visa we had to go at 3pm, and it took alittle over an hour. If you happen to have to pick it up on Thursday.


Yes, it's actually a 12:30AM (Friday morning) departure. So she needs to get to the airport around 10pm. She will be fine as long as the visa is available at any time up to close of business on Thursday.


That's what I would call "cutting it close"!!! whistling.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-07 11:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (uscandual @ Jun 7 2009, 12:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A little update on the subject of travel plans... I know all of us who are having our interviews this month are starting to schedule flights. Some of the guys are flying to Thailand and returning with your SOs - that's great!
However some of us (myself included) don't have that luxury. I can't take the vacation days at work now, since I need them for a trip to Brazil to visit my kids later in July.

So our dilemma was about whether to buy Thanti's ticket now, or wait till she gets her visa officially approved post-interview. Obviously the safe thing to do is wait. But her interview is on Monday June 29 and if at all possible we were hoping for her to be here with me for 4th of July. That means she would need to get the visa approved on the Monday, and have it ready to be picked up in her passport no later than the Thursday, since Friday July 3 the embassy will be closed. If we wait till that week to buy the ticket we were afraid there may not be any seats available, or at least none at a good fare.

So in the end we went ahead. I booked her a one-way fare BKK-Seoul-ORD on Delta (operated by Korean Airlines). It leaves Thursday night, arrives in Chicago Friday morning. So if she gets the visa in time, we'll be together for the 4th. If not... it's a $250 change fee to rebook the ticket to a later date, and it's valid for a year. So worst case, I'm out $250 but now we have a real shot at getting her here asap after interview. The ticket itself was $981, booked on Expedia. All the roundtrip fares I saw were even higher, so the oneway made the most sense. Needless to say, we're entirely psyched!

Good luck to all..............

Ron, you did what I did, and that was plan ahead, hoping that the visa would be issued in time, which in our case was, and hopefully yours, is the case. Only difference was that I was there for her interview, and flew back with her. Hopefully everything will be fine, and Thanti will be here for her first 4th of July celebration. I'm sure they have some pretty good firework shows in Chicago, the "Land of Obama"! biggrin.gif wink.gif tongue.gif

secret7vf.gif And here I was about to say how peaceful and friendly this thread had been without a certain distraction... oh well! whistling.gif

Chok Dee my brother! good.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-06 23:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (will92104 @ Jun 5 2009, 04:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 5 2009, 09:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For people that already finished their interviews: did the embassy give you originals back without a problem? There are some originals like BC and name change docs I think we will need for AOS. Also, we will be submitting some relationship evidence w/ sentimental value that we also want back.

Yes, they will give back original documents. if they don't give them back automatically, just ask for them and they will give them back. As for the ones with sentimental value, i suggest making a copy. the pictures i submitted were not the originals but were ones i printed from my computer and they were not very good quality.

That's what I did. Made color printouts with 4 pictures on a page.

Getting the originals back is NOT a problem.
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-06 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Jun 5 2009, 09:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (will92104 @ Jun 5 2009, 07:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife just picked up her visa today. she was telling me that the people that do not get approved is because they do not show enough evidence or are missing paperwork. she said there were about 30 people there to pick up various kinds of visas.


That should not be a problem for VJ couples... smile.gif



That's a fact! good.gif biggrin.gif

I am so happy to see things changing both at BNK and here on VJ! Goes to show... you never know what's going to happen in this process. I feel bad for all the people who had to get stressed out and jump through extra hoops in the recent past, but I'm happy for all the recent approvals and what appears to be a return to "normalcy", that we've had at BNK for several years.

Congratulations to all the recent approvals, and I look forward to seeing many more this month! good.gif

For folks like Wasabi, I hope you get some good news soon. yes.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-05 09:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Jun 4 2009, 07:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Now if someone could just convince her to quit her job of before the end of June. I even tried bribing her with a 20,000b shopping spree in Dallas. She said "I donot know how to tell boss" I told her we can buy him a nice gift. wink.gif she said no0pb.gif "cannot"..


If I had 20bht for everytime I heard that!!! laughing.gif

Get used to it! wink.gif tongue.gif

Everytime I think that I've come up with what I THINK is a great idea, I hear the "cannot", and I can't help but stand there with a blank stare on my face!

And of course we've ALL heard the "up to you" phrase!!! laughing.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-04 07:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Congratulations Danny and Chada for getting the visa!!! dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif

And to think... how upset you were just the other day!!! laughing.gif

See how fast things change around here?! whistling.gif

secret7vf.gif I see you've decided to put Chada's picture back up... is that your "rally" picture?! wink.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-04 06:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 3 2009, 04:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 3 2009, 03:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (afisher @ Jun 3 2009, 03:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
2600 dollars!!!


They really get you for fully-refundable tickets. Actually, that's exactly double the price of a non-refundable ticket on their site, so if you buy the fully-refundable tickets and cancel them, they don't lose out at all, and if you actually use them, they double their profits. tongue.gif


Ok my logic doesn't make any sense at all in that post. I'm going to stop posting now.

yes.gif whistling.gif

laughing.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-03 15:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Congratulations Bill on getting the visa!!! dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif dancin5hr.gif

AND

Congratulations Pete for finally getting your interview date! good.gif

Sounds like if they have a new CO(s), the waiting will have been worth it! yes.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-03 13:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rin and john @ Jun 3 2009, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One potential solution for the one way nonsense would be to book a fully refundable one way BKK to USA on NWA or United (or an onward flight - i.e. BKK to SIN - fully refundable). Then once you are safely in Thailand, return the ticket. Would tie up cash or credit for a little while, but wouldn't cost you anything in the long run.

John

good.gif good.gif good.gif

Fully concur with that idea.

Ray, you have the potential for two things to happen. Either they don't let you on the plane, or they turn you away at BKK. I personally, am not a gambling man, and would NOT take any chances at this point. I think John has a very viable solution, unless you want to try for a tourist visa you won't fully utilize.

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-03 13:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Jun 2 2009, 05:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rin and john @ Jun 2 2009, 02:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
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


Good Point! I think we were lulled to sleep thinking we had another 2 - 4 weeks after the embassy sent packet 4 or an email.

That's why it's not nice to fool with mother BNK!!! laughing.gif

There shouldn't BE any hopefully. She's LEAVING!!! Why worry about working now?!!! unsure.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-02 16:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I'm thinking, and once again maybe giving them too much credit, that they realized they were asking for documents NOT listed to be turned in, namely the Thai ID and House Registration, probably after enough complaints over the fact they screwed up.

For everyone going to an interview, I would certainly make sure those documents are in hand at the time of the interview, along with everything else.

Chok Dee to all! star_smile.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-01 16:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Congratulations to all of you with recent interview dates. good.gif good.gif good.gif

It doesn't matter how you were informed, or who got theirs before whom... just as long as you get your appointment! smile.gif

Remember... this is just the beginning of much more fun to come! yes.gif

QUOTE
Permanent Resident Card Production Delays


USCIS is announcing that applicants may experience up to an eight week delay in the delivery of their permanent resident card while we are in the process of upgrading our card production equipment. USCIS Field Offices will be issuing temporary evidence of permanent residence in the form of an I-551 stamp to applicants approved for permanent residence at the time of their interview. You will need to take your passport to your appointment. If you do not have a passport, you must bring a passport style photo and government issued photo identification to receive temporary evidence of permanent residence.

If the application is approved subsequent to your interview or by a Service Center or the National Benefit Center, the applicant should bring the above documents to an INFOPASS appointment to be issued temporary evidence of permanent residence in the form of an I-551 stamp.






Last updated:05/29/2009

*Robert*MaleThailand2009-06-01 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (daboyz @ May 27 2009, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Not trying to scare anyone, but some weird things happening there. This stoppage of scheduling interviews is odd as well, although it did take me 3 months from case complete at NVC to get the interview. Kinda apples and oranges though since I was IR-1. IR-1 there is no packet 3, so you think it would go quicker. Also for IR-1 NVC schedules the interviews not the embassy.

Maybe, just maybe, due to all the complaints and other ####### that has been going on over there, they are making personel changes, which would DEFINITELY be good news!
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-27 14:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (girarm @ May 27 2009, 11:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (uscandual @ May 27 2009, 08:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rsn @ May 27 2009, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
FYI: The embassy answered a "do we have an interview date yet" question I asked a couple days ago yesterday (today Thai time). So I wouldn't give up on asking them yet. No mention of them not answering future questions. Looks like they still might be answering these questions after all.


My last correspondence with them goes like this:

May19 1:07am Chicago time - they initiated an email exchange with me, by asking for a document (which had already been included in our original I-129F petition last Sept.)
May 19 7:28pm Chicago time - I responded to their email, pointed out that they were given the document in question, and attached a pdf scan of said document.
May 20 - Thanti sent a photocopy of said document by EMS to embassy. According to tracking information it was received the next day.

...

May27 - no response. No email, no physical mail, nothing. That's 1 full week with no response to an email exchange they had initiated, and which was not merely a 'ping' for interview date, but a factual discussion of a document they claimed they needed. They have not even acknowledged receipt of the document, or given any indication of what's going on.

To say that we are frustrated is a massive understatement.
We are now in a holding pattern at the embassy since late March, and it's almost June.





I have been following your story and to me it is just unbelievable, the stress you must be feeling and yet you stay very calm.... I do not have your level of patience for sure. I read so many of these stories and they are just incredible. It is hard to believe that our goverment could really be this screwed up, and this cruel. Well enough said, as people who are living this nightmare when we should be enjoying our dream, we can all feel it... Sorry ranting again.

secret7vf.gif He takes his stress out on n00bs in OT!!! laughing.gif wink.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-27 10:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (MarkNAam @ May 20 2009, 08:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I love Liberty University! AAm and I spent last weekend there. Its in Lynchburg VA which is just a few hours from our pad. Its a fantastic city/campus. I went to Liberty for a lot of different reasons. Unlike most Libery students though, I am Catholic, and Liberty is predominantly Protestant. In fact, their goal is to be the 'Notre Dame' for the Protestants. Now that Obama has spoken at Notre Dame's commencement though mad.gif , I bet they'd like to revise that goal wacko.gif . Anyways, Catholics believe that wine 'Cheers the heart' (Zech 10 <NRV/NAB>). Its one of the smaller differences between the faiths. I'm working on my Masters of Theology right now though, and I'm back at a Catholic University.


Gee brother Mark! From that statement, one might take it that you're not a big fan of President Obama! whistling.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-20 07:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
As someone who is at the last step in the process, and still waiting for a 10 yr GC, 10 months after applying for it, even though I received an approval letter last month... I'm here to tell you guys... this entire process if fvcked up! :rant:

Until your SO gets naturalized... it will never be over. Bottom line. (Two months to go for that fun process to start!)

I truly feel for each and every one of you going through BNK right now, because it certainly wasn’t like that when I went through, along with all the others at the time.

Not that it makes it any better, but ALL the application processes right now are messed up. There is no rhyme or reason to ANY of the processing times, the RFEs, the APs, or the 221gs. I wonder if it doesn’t have something to do with the fact that we have a new administration, and they haven’t filled all the top positions in the Dept of State along with Dept of Homeland Security, and that they are in a state of flux. (Just trying to come up with some sort of rationale explanation.)

Getting your SO’s to the states is by far the biggest hurdle, because after that, you will be together for the rest of the hurdles that are surely yet to come.

I read about all the problems you guys are going through, and my heart goes out to each and every one of you, and all I can do is just shake my head, and wish the best for each one of you.

Hang in there everyone, and I hope that everyone gets their visas soon.

Robert


*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-19 22:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
As someone who is at the last step in the process, and still waiting for a 10 yr GC, 10 months after applying for it, even though I received an approval letter last month... I'm here to tell you guys... this entire process if fvcked up! :rant:

Until your SO gets naturalized... it will never be over. Bottom line. (Two months to go for that fun process to start!)

I truly feel for each and every one of you going through BNK right now, because it certainly wasn’t like that when I went through, along with all the others at the time.

Not that it makes it any better, but ALL the application processes right now are messed up. There is no rhyme or reason to ANY of the processing times, the RFEs, the APs, or the 221gs. I wonder if it doesn’t have something to do with the fact that we have a new administration, and they haven’t filled all the top positions in the Dept of State along with Dept of Homeland Security, and that they are in a state of flux. (Just trying to come up with some sort of rationale explanation.)

Getting your SO’s to the states is by far the biggest hurdle, because after that, you will be together for the rest of the hurdles that are surely yet to come.

I read about all the problems you guys are going through, and my heart goes out to each and every one of you, and all I can do is just shake my head, and wish the best for each one of you.

Hang in there everyone, and I hope that everyone gets their visas soon.

Robert


*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-19 22:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
When it comes to rice, we buy 25# bags of either Lucky or Elephant brand Jasmine rice, and a 25# bag of Wang Derm Sweet rice.

I have a rice dispenser that can hold up to 75 pounds of rice, and conveniently dispenses it in 1,2, or 3 cup portions in a drawer at the bottom.

For those of you thinking... 25#s?!!!! blink.gif Believe me... it won't last that long!!!

Don't forget to get a nice pre-seasoned Wok and accessories, and start stocking up on all the various sauces, curries, noodles, and seasonings. The first trip to an Asian store is NOT going go be cheap! And count on spending $100 buck on each subsequent trip! Of course this is addition to buying all your other groceries at you local grocery store. good.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-17 09:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
With regards to a "rice steamer", I have a feeling your girlfriend meant a sticky rice steamer pot and steamer basket.

What you're also going to need, is a mortar and pestle, as that is a MUST in Thai cooking.

As for rice cookers, I have a National brand, and can leave rice in it over night no problem.

Attached Files


*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-17 09:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ May 13 2009, 07:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
VISA APPROVED!!!

She is going back to BKK on the 19th to pick up the passports..........FINALLY!!


Congratulations Frank! good.gif good.gif good.gif

The hard part is over! dancin5hr.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-13 08:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (ThaiStyleUSA @ May 12 2009, 05:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello there, I just want to say hi to everyone. I wish everyone well and congrats to approved applicants. I have great news as well...my wife got her temporary GC as of yesterday. Now she has to concentrate on getting her Driver License. Everything is going smoothly as planned. Good luck all. Choke dee krup porm.

Congratulations on getting the 2yr GC! good.gif good.gif good.gif

Though you get a little break from the USCIS, make sure to save and gather evidence for your I-751! smile.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-12 19:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Congratulations Mommy!!! good.gif good.gif good.gif

Next stop... U.S.A! dancin5hr.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-12 05:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (raptorea01 @ May 9 2009, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Have question? My wife came on a k1visa and we married and filed for adjustment green card. She got approved yesterday for her green card. Now here is the question we were at the same time applying for a k2 visa for her 9 year old son. He hasnt gone to the embassy yet for his k2 visa. Will this be a problem because she is now a green card holder?? not have k1 status no more
Thank you

Two separate cases. The fact your wife received her green card has no bearing on her son's K-2 application.

Edited by roi_aggie, 10 May 2009 - 12:04 AM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-10 00:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (uscandual @ May 7 2009, 09:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (MarkNAam @ May 7 2009, 05:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey UScandual and Danny+Chada,


Good post, Mark ... thanks for sharing that, it really does help. I know you're right, once she's here and we're settled this will all be just a distant memory. But while it's still real and we're going through it, it's incredibly frustrating. Only those of us who have been through it can really relate.
Take care, and keep posting about the idyllic life of MarkNAam .. that's what it's all about!


Hang in there Ron and Danny! star_smile.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-07 10:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ May 6 2009, 09:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (uscandual @ May 6 2009, 06:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ May 6 2009, 08:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Until recently, people were waiting about 10 days from sending back Packet 3 and receiving Packet 4. Now there are several people waiting over a month; we've been waiting about 3 weeks already. Our original plan has been for my fiancée to travel to America in the beginning of July to be wed at the end of the month. We're a bit concerned whether we can still accomplish this.


ENOUGH OF THIS ####### ALREADY!!! I'm about ready to scream at these a*holes.


How would you feel if your girl had everything to send in packet 3 but had been too busy for the last 2 days???



This is how:

ranting33va.gif

Edited by roi_aggie, 06 May 2009 - 09:12 PM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-06 21:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (eric_f @ May 5 2009, 06:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm still in AP, over three months now; super fun time to say the least. I'm sure I've miffed the embassy because I send them a message once a week and now they're not responding anymore tongue.gif I keep asking for specific info on whether it's there or kicked back to USCIS and all they'll say is that it's in AP and will be in contact when a decision is reached and that it has neither been approved nor denied. My fiancee didn't get a 221g, so I don't know what the reason for refusal is. I'm temped to just nix this K-1 and go for a K-3 instead. I might be waiting that long in AP anyway. It's turned into a straight garbage experience for both of us.

Eric.


Agree with afisher that this sucks.

If anyone should contact their Congressman or Senator, it should be you, Eric. Though being a military member doesn't help speed up your case, it will help get the attention of your elected officials. I have never recommended someone do this before, but in your case I really think you should.

I would not recommend going for a K-3, as you don't know what the reason for the AP is. It could be an issue for any other type of visa for all you know.

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-05 16:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (daboyz @ May 2 2009, 09:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I love Bumrungrad. you can get your teeth cleaned there for 1k baht.


Yeah... see biggrin.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-03 11:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (MarkNAam @ May 2 2009, 11:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ May 2 2009, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
Actually I'm glad you corrected me. I pulled it from my chat logs.

The more money this girl from Roi Et takes from Hyena is a good thing. I'm just trying to help her out.


OMG!! rofl.gif



HA! good.gif


good.gif good.gif good.gif devil.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-02 11:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ May 1 2009, 11:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For naughtier stuff, I would prefer sending that privately. A book that serves as an excellent resource for that is called "Thai for Lovers." I had had a copy, but it got swiped by a deranged Thai lady.


Now that sounds like an interesting story! devil.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-05-01 15:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Birch-Beer @ Apr 30 2009, 11:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
tell her, "next time I want to " kang lung""


And then she will "topsa lopsa lai" you! laughing.gif
*Robert*MaleThailand2009-04-30 23:37:00