ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Ok I have a question. I may have missed this form an earlier day or another post.

My question is given the fact that all of us are trying to the right thing here and going about bringing our finances to the US. How do the rest of you feel about the recent immigration policy and the events in the news?

There was plenty heated debate over on the "Off Topic" forum. You might want to go there and take a look. What I came away from it with was the following: if you start brining up the illegal immigration problem, it will only bring the WHOLE immigration problem to the surface, along with "mail-order-brides", visa fraud, and everything else. When they start throughing out the numbers of Immigrants in the country right now, it makes everyone raise an eye. Best for us to just stay out and continue what we're doing, i.e. "legal immigration", and let the rest of them fight it out. We don't want them to start focusing their attention on people like us as well.

Robert

Edited by roi_aggie, 12 April 2006 - 05:13 PM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2006-04-12 17:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

My file is being sent to Bangkok. Please help how can I track it with DHL? How you guy do it?

Here are the basics:

Goto: www.dhl.com

Select: Track by Reference
Type in Reference: (Depends on Embassy) Use any of the following three keywords:
I-730
EXPEDITE NIV SECTION (Maybe Non-Immigrant Visas)
EXPEDITE IV SECTION (Maybe Immigrant Visas)

Put the range of dates around the date that NVC gives you as package has been shipped.
Look for any of the packages sent to BNK. There is no gaurantee that it will acutally be your package, but if you see a package sent on the date they told you, then it could possilby be yours.

On the date they said they sent mine, I got two "hits". One for the EXPEDITE NIV and one for the EXPEDITE IV, so I assumed one of them was mine!

Hope this helps.

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-04-10 01:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Just wanted to update everyone quickly about our status. We finally made it to the US! C and I arrived thursday night at about 2am to maryland. We're still recovering from the long flight and time-change..

Will write more later...

Thanks again everyone for all your help!

Welcome home Ken and C!!! :joy: Glad you had a safe trip and good luck readjusting! I'm sure it won't take long, and hopefully, you won't have cold weather much longer! :D

Robert & Chutima
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-04-08 17:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Bob,
I've had no problems with FEDEX :thumbs: . Takes 3 to 4 days to Bangkok. I have used USPS and a few packages never made it. :angry:


Hello to all,

I was wondering what the best non-electronic method to send documents from Thailand to the US is? Daeng said she sent everything Airmail not sure if that is slow or fast. How long does it take? Do they have anything similar to Global Priorty Mail?

Thanks,
Bob :D :D

Mike, Bob wants things from Thailand to the USA, not USA to Thailand! ;)

Bob, the Thai Post Office does have AIRMAIL Priority, and can get to the US in less than 10 days. :yes:

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-04-08 12:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

I love to hear all the great news from everyone here.

Another question....
What is the difference between the BKK Embassy packet 3 and 4?
I thought the packet 3 was just the checklist, and packet 4 was all of the required forms (medical, DS, etc....).

According to Wan, my fiancee, she just rcvd everything (about 30 pgs) in a single packet.

Mike,

Packet 3, which some of us never received, are all the forms posted on the "BNK" website. :D (The airport doesn't have an embassy! :lol: )

Packet 4 contains the appointment letter along with instructions of what to bring to the interview along with instructions of how the forms should be arranged. In addition, there are stern warnings that if everything is not in order, or if you are missing any forms or documents, you will be sent away till another interview can be arranged! :o According to Chutima, my fiancee, :) there are 7 pages in packet 4 in both English and Thai.

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-04-08 02:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

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 :whistle:

Anya, I've never seen someone so happy about going back to work! :lol: (But I can understand how you feel! ;) )

Hope you enjoy your new old job! :yes:

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-04-07 19:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

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

Mike, we need to work with you on how to edit quotes!!! :D Anyway, to answer your question, it comes from the pinned message at the top of the K-1 Visa forum!

When you apply to adjust status in the States, assuming you as a K-1 holder apply within one year of the original medical, you need an I-693A. This is USCIS'S VACCINATION SUPPLEMENT. Here's where it gets tricky! Some people have submitted a DS-3025 with their AOS package and have NOT received RFE's. Some HAVE. If you want to be absolutely safe in terms of your medical documentation as a K-1 adjusting status, you should take your DS-3025 to a USCIS-certified civil surgeon and ask them to transfer the information from your DS-3025 to an I-693A. They should do this for a nominal charge. If they try to tell you you need a full medical examination, DO NOT LISTEN. You ONLY need the vaccination supplement. The following memo from the USCIS documents that this completed form will remain valid beyond one year when submitted with most Adjustment of Status applications.

http://uscis.gov/gra...edExt011106.pdf

The civil surgeon should give you an I-693A documenting the fact that your vaccinations are complete (either they were completed when you had your medical or you had them completed stateside). You should submit this with your AOS package.

I'm not too far behind you! I'm leaving for Thailand on 14 May and will be coming back on 20 May, hopefully with Chutima! Be sure to keep us informed of everything you take and do!

Good luck,
Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-04-06 22:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 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.

Congratulations! :dance: :dance: :dance: Great news, and thanks for sharing your interview experience. Chutima and I are getting ready for her interview on May 16.

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. :dance: :dance: :dance:

Ray

Great news Ray! :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: Glad everything turned out fine. Looks like May is going to be a busy month for many of us! :yes:
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-04-05 15:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Robert, Dennis, Mike or Brent,
What did you include with the DS230 Part 1 and IV checklist you mailed back to the Embassy?
My fiancee moved and she has not received her packet 3 by mail. So, I'm going to have her mail it this week.
thanks,
Mike

Mike,

Chutima sent in the following:

DS-230 Part I (unsigned)
"Check-list" with Page 4 filled out
Copy of her Passport
Two Passport Photos (2x2")

Be sure to address the envelope for the IVU and put your BNK case number on the envelope.

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-04-04 17:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Congratulations Brent and Wi! :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

Glad to hear everything went well and you had a safe trip. As for Wi's SSN, you just need to wait about two weeks to apply, so that Wi's entry into the U.S. makes it into the system.

Good luck with the rest of your journey! :yes:

Robert & Chutima

Edited by roi_aggie, 03 April 2006 - 10:48 PM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2006-04-03 22:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Congratulations Dan and Ton, :joy:

Best wishes to you both, and good luck on your AOS journey! :yes:

Robert & Chutima
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-31 21:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 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 :angry: . 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*MaleThailand2006-03-30 01:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

She's going from one paradise to another, that's great to hear. Except the standard of living in kauai is alot better than in thailnad generally speaking,lol.

I was stationed on sand island in honolulu when I was in the coast guard. I have great memories of hawaii. I've only been to the big island and maui, along with living on oahu. Great fishing there!

What do you do there? I would love to move back there but the cost of living is a bit prohibitive.

The standard of living on Kauai isn't what you would think, except for the resort areas!!! However, the cost of living is through the roof!!! She is prepared for what to expect, which is basically the same thing as living in the country, only it costs you an arm and a leg!

I am a Systems Engineer with the radars here at PMRF Barking Sands and up on Makaha Ridge. Before I came here, I worked at the Ronald Reagan Nuclear Ballistic Missile Test Site on Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands for 7 years... way cheaper living there!!! (and no Federal or State Income Tax!) :lol:

We plan on moving to the mainland as soon as possible, because as you said, the cost of living here is prohibitive! I'm trying to get a job on the Western Test Range at Vandenberg AFB in Lompoc, CA. At least that will be about a 25% cost of living increase from here, and I can actually buy a house for less than $500,000!!! It's funny how some people worry about meeting the 125% of the poverty level, while my taxes alone exceed that amount alone! :o

Aloha and Mahalo,
Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-25 02:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Thanks again Ken!

I do have the recepits for the "rock" Chutima is wearing, and like you said, they will see it when we go to the interview, as I will definitely be there with her! It's hard to say there isn't a bonafide relationship when the couple is right there together!!! :yes:

We do have plenty of pictures of our "engagement" ceremony, even though we all know what it truly stood for, but after all, this IS a K-1 Visa!!! ;) And yes, we will be "legally" married here on Kauai up on the North shore at Hanalei Bay after we get back! (Where South Pacific was filmed!)

Thanks for reminding me about the Tabian Baan. Of course she will have her Thai ID card with her, but we will bring the House Registration as well. The only reason I'm taking a copy of the English translation of her Birth Certificate, was because William (Dakineman) got into trouble at Window 5 for not having it?!

I'm pretty sure I'm ready, but I'm just wanting to double check, and make sure to cross my t's and dot my i's!!!

Robert

Edited by roi_aggie, 25 March 2006 - 02:36 AM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-25 02:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Ken (et al),

Could you please tell us what all you took to the interview in terms of "proof of relationship"? I figured on bringing the photos I submited for my I-129F, and boarding passes, along with what else? Phone records and e-mails, but the same as what was submitted with the I-129F along with recent e-mails, or all new stuff?

And just for review, please verify that the following documents are needed:

Passport
Original birth certificate
Certified English translation of birth certificate
DS-156 (with barcode)
DS-156K
DS-157
I-134 with the following:
-last 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


Is there anything I missed?

Thanks,
Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-24 17:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

A few questions...
What is the address of the Bangkok Post Office where the US$100.00 visa fee is paid?
Does my fiancee need to bring anything regarding her case to the post office?

What identification is required at the Medical Exam?

thanks

Here is the cost breakdown from Chutima's exam, which was earlier this month at Bumrungrad:

Code Description Amount/Baht
925 Doctor's Fee 900.00
090 Laboratory-Clinical 850.00
100 X-Ray 255.00
105 X-Ray Radiologist's Fee 125.00
06 Medicine 2,266.00
Gross Amount: 4,396.00
Discount: 130.00
Total Amount: 4,266.00

Robert

Edited by roi_aggie, 24 March 2006 - 04:34 PM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-24 16:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Hey Everybody!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

I'm tok jai mot mak mak!!! I just received an e-mail from BNK Visa telling me that Chutima has an interview date of May 16th at 0730!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: ( Kop koon mak krap Ken for your "how to" e-mail advice!)

I can't tell you all how much a relief this is for both Chutima and myself!!! :D

Congratulations also to you Rich for your fantastic news, and to Dennis and Thai2luv who are right behind me!!!

Then there is Mike, who is just in front of me! :P Take good notes Mike!!! ;)

Of all the news so far, this is by far the best!!! :thumbs: Of course, getting that visa will be even better, but as far as I'm concerned, it's all down hill from here!!!

Thanks to everyone who has answered my questions and given advice. I think this is by far the best thread on VJ, and the best group of people! :yes:

You guys and gals are the bestest!!!

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-24 00:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Ken,

First of all... Congratulations to you and C!!! :dance: :thumbs: That is great news, and thanks for giving some of the details. Does this mean that Thomas no longer works there?! :unsure:

I've been checking their Interview schedule page, but haven't seen our case number. :(

It seems I've hit a brick wall with both e-mailing BNK and calling the NVC. When I talked to the operator at the NVC, she said once it leaves there, they have nothing more to do with it. When I sent an e-mail to BNK, I got an automated reply, which took 5 minutes to read!!! :blink: In order to write them back, I need to provide retina scans, DNA strands, and a few other things... don't remember now! :wacko:

Is that the new practice as well, or were you able to actually e-mail them? :unsure:

Either way, looks like we'll just have to wait for them to mail "Packet 4" to Chutima. It's just that I'm also nervous about having gotten the timing right with sending in "Packet 3", and hope that it wasn't too early and they put it in the "round file", like they threaten on their web site!!! :crying:

I JUST WANT AN INTERVIEW DATE!!! :yes: Once we have that, we can take a collective breath, and start making more tentative plans! The waiting is just getting to both of us! :clock:

Anyway... I'm glad that you and C will be on your way back to the States, even though I know it will be hard for you to leave Thailand, because I know I wouldn't want to leave! ;) Good luck to both of you! :joy:

Robert

Yes, I received email notification of an interview date but I don't believe that's the standard method they use to notify the parties involved. ... They responded back by email with a one liner "your interview date is set for March 20th at 7am".

Also, if you haven't seen it yet, they also post interview dates on their website, but it's usually behind a week or two in updates. Just look for your case # on the Immigration Visa Interview schedule page.

Sorry for any confusion. Best bet is to just email them and ask them. They've always been friendly to me when I've communicated with them.


Edited by roi_aggie, 22 March 2006 - 01:51 AM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-22 01:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 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. :whistle:

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


*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-20 20:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Okay, now I have a funny question... how do they know Chutima's e-mail address? From the e-mails I included in the I-129F petition, because on no forms sent in thus far does it ask for her e-mail address, just on the DS-156 which we will take in at the time of the interview! :help:

Should I send an e-mail to BNK and ask for status, or contact the NVC and ask for status? :unsure:

Robert,

They send it to the visa applicant.

Yodrak


... When BNK sends an e-mail with the interview date, do they send it to BOTH the petitioner and beneficiary?! :unsure:

Robert


*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-20 18:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Great news Ken & C!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

Mike, it looks like you're next! :thumbs:

Statman, nice story... I can relate to it big-time!!! :)

Chutima mailed her "Packet 3" last Friday, so now we are waiting for our interview date! When BNK sends an e-mail with the interview date, do they send it to BOTH the petitioner and beneficiary?! :unsure:

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-20 11:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Hi again!
Well I'm off to Thailand in the morning!!! Wi will have her interview on the 15th, without me :( . But I will be there a few hours afterwards. I will be staying for a few weeks :dance: ,, so we will have the time to wait for the "call" from the embassy to pick up her visa :whistle: . I will try my best to let you guys know how it went and what to expect. We will be returning to South Florida in early April. (L)

Thanks for all your help,
Brent

Brent,

Have a good and safe trip. Hope everything goes well at the interview, and yes please try to keep us informed and tell us what happens!! Enquiring minds want to know!!! :yes:

Chok Dee,
Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-13 21:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Mike,

There are lots of web sites out there that have a "cost of living calculator". Just do a Google search on "Cost of living by state".

I know I would GLADLY trade places with anyone out there when it comes to cost of living, especially when compared to quality of living!!!

Kauai may be paradise to some... but it takes its toll on the pocket-book!!! :yes:

Heck, I'm just happy that the cost of gas is below $3.00 again! :lol:

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-12 23:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Does anyone know how a couple can get divorced in Thailand? Does the marriage have to be over a year before a divorce can be granted? Can it be done without the USC being present but with a power of attourney? The marriage has been for less than a year and both people have mutually agreed to divorce. I'd appreciate any information you have regarding this. Thanks.

-James

James,

First of all, were you married in Thailand, i.e. registered your marriage with the local Amphur? If you registered your marriage with the Amphur, then you can go back to the Amphur, with both copies of your Marriage Certificates, pay like 12 baht, fill out a couple of forms, sign, then get your Divorce Certificates right then and there. Very simple. Easier and cheaper to get a Divorce Certificate in Thailand, then a Marriage Certificate.

As for being separated, or the marriage over for a year, the answer is no, not if you go in together. You need to give them a reason why you want the marriage to end, and as long as it is mutual, i.e. no one contesting the aggreed upon settlement, then it is very simple to do. Just tell them you are not compatible, or something like that. If a Thai woman was trying to get a divorce from her estranged husband, or husband living outside of Thailand, then that's a different story.

Robert

James,

Check out this site.. It will give you some info on divorcing in Thailand.

http://www.thailand-...om/divorce.html

Ty

Ty,

Just looked at that site. You're right, it has good info!

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-09 15:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Brent,

I'm a little confused here. Most everyone else has either handed in at the Consulate, or mailed in, the following items:

Checklist
DS-230 Part I
Copy of passport
Two passport photos (2x2")

After that is when they received their "Packet 4" and interview date.

The only thing that had recently changed was that they were no longer accepting walk-ins to turn in the above items, and they had to be mailed.

What exactly did you do?

Robert

This must be a new procedure. We recieved our packet 4 in Febuary. It gave us our interview date, and a list of items needed for the interview. Not a request for any copy of passport or any pictures to be mailed in, just our date and a list of items in packet 3.

She later recieved a call from the embassy asking, "If it was possible to move her interview a few days earlier?" and, " asked if she could bring in all items from the list in packet 4 on the March 3rd at 9AM, along with her passport and two passport photos.

I don't know if this is their new way. Nor do I know if you have to mail in your packet 3 items. We were expecting to bring it with us on the day of our interview until they called.

Brent


Edited by roi_aggie, 08 March 2006 - 07:39 PM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-08 19:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Good news from my Teerak.

She successfully got her Medical Exam completed and applied for her Police Certificate yesterday. She tried to pay for her visa at a post office near The Mall on NgamWongWan road, but when she tried to give them a $100 bill, they freaked out. She will try to pay at a post office in Bangkok when she mails in her Checklist.

She was given a copy of her vaccinations, and was treated very well by the people at the hospital. She said it takes awhile to get everything done, because they send you all over the hospital to get the different parts done. No problems with the forms she took.

When she got to the Police station, they joked with her and asked her if she had anything contagious, like bird flew, since she had bandages on her arms from the shots and taking blood! They told her she could pick up her certificate on the 17th. She said her butt and arms are quite sore! Only thing she had to do was get a copy of her ID and Tabien Baan. She already had a copy of her passport, but not the other two. They asked if she had someone else to make copies for her, and told them she was there by herself!

On top of that, I received our BNK case number from calling the NVC. All we need to do now is wait for our case to get into the system at the Consulate!

Amazing how someone was able to do that all on their own, without help from some guy claiming to be a lawyer and taking peoples money!
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-08 17:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Richard and Anya,

I was very glad to read your posts. Anya, I understand what you said, and feel the same way you do, even though for the most part, I think Stickman's articles are degrading to Thai people, and if he, or his writers, have so many problems with Thai people, why are they still living there in Thailand?

Richard, I'm glad you agreed with my assessment of the last paragraph. My fiancée is a graduate from Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, and can read, write, and speak English quite well, often times better than me. Because of that, I found it offensive what was implied. I am very proud of my fiancée’s ability to take care of herself, and her total understanding of all the forms and what she needs to do to in order to obtain her visa, that we both desperately want so that we can be together. I provide all the help and assistance I can, in order to make this whole process as easy as possible for her, and plan on being there for her interview, but it doesn't mean she isn't completely capable of doing it herself. Then again, the whole reason for being a couple, for becoming man and wife, is to help and support each other in any way possible.

I am so tired of reading about the stereotypes of Asian women, and the men who want to marry them, and I take particular offense to anything derogatory against Thai people, Thai culture, and especially Thai women. I'm not naive, and know there are bad people in the world, but that applies to ALL races, creeds, and cultures. The people, who actually live in Thailand and talk bad about Thai people, in my opinion, are the worst hypocrites of them all.

Sorry for getting on my soap box and I apologize if I have offended anyone.

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-07 02:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Interesting article you found Yodrak! I don't particularly care for the last paragraph, where he says that those of us doing our own visa work are taking "...a selfish approach"! Why, because we aren't putting money into his pocket? He also insinuates that any Thai woman marrying an American isn't proficient in English! Pretty big assumption on his part, considering he practically tells all his "bar girl" clients to lie! What a piece of work!

Wonder what he would say if he knew the success rate VJ members are having?
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-06 18:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

For all of you who have been thru the interview process, and those about to;
Did you send to your fiancee your "original" tax returns, check stubs, I-129f packet, etc....?
I'm a bit nervous about putting the originals in an envelope and sending it half way around the world.

Mike,

Since I haven't seen Ty (twellspeak) post lately, I will cut and past one of his posts on another thread that I found very helpful. Though I have not called for my tax transcripts yet, I plan to call next week, now that I finally have my NOA2! I think sending them, as opposed to your 1040's is a much better method. As for your original W-2's and paycheck stubs, you should make copies of them before you send the originals. Hope this helps you as well.

(begin twellspeak post)
What I sent was much more than was needed. Here is a list of the documents I sent:

1. Past three years tax transcripts with W2's
2. Letter of employment (notarized)
3. Letter from bank stating balance, and amount deposited for the past 12 months.
4. Prior three pay periods paycheck stubs.

Of all the information above, the only thing they even looked at was the prior years tax returns. It's always best to have as much backup paperwork as possible.

Tax transcripts are available here:

http://www.irs.gov/t...pics/tc156.html
(end twellspeak post)

Good luck!
Robert

Edited by roi_aggie, 05 March 2006 - 12:23 AM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-05 00:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Sorry to hear about that Anya. :( I hope your dog will be okay and get well soon.

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-04 15:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Guys... I can't believe it!!!! After two touches in a row... APPROVED!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

NOA1 12/06/06 then...

Receipt Number: WAC0XXXXXX474

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status:

This case has been approved. On March 2, 2006, an approval notice was
mailed. If 14 days have passed and you have not received this notice,
you may wish to verify or update your address. To update your address,
please call the National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.

I guess being "touched" IS a good thing!!!

Chutima is one happy camper right now, as am I!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-03 01:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Mike,
You have only two choices...
Either print out the updated forms, take them back to the hospital and ask the doctor to transfer the info to the new forms.
Or, submit the expired forms and take your chances.
I would probably do the the former.

Mike,

I agree. You have plenty of time before the interview. Just have Jass go back to the hospital and ask them to transcribe the results onto the newer forms. Even if they are reluctant at first, I'm sure a couple of hundred baht (or more ;) ) might persaude someone to get it done! I feel bad that I was the one that found the Japan forms in the first place, and over looked the fact they were expired, but I certainly wouldn't take the risk and try turning them in. Better to get the new forms now, instead of after they turn Jass away at "Window 5"!

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-02 19:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

They gave her the shots according to the shot record since she had no prior shot record and they made a copy of the form for shots and gave the copy to her.

Dennis,

Great news! I'm also glad to hear they gave her a copy of the shot record. I was wondering about that. I gave Chutima two copies of the DS-3025 just in case!

For all you veterans out there, I have maybe a silly question. Since we will turn in two passport photos along with the checklist and DS-230 Part I, do we still need to attach a photo to the DS-156 form?! :unsure:

Also, I have a question concerning the Police Certificate. Most Consulates call for a Police Certificate from everywhere lived for more than 6 months since the age of 16. The Thai instructions just say go to the address there in Bangkok. Is that a "one size fits all" certificate for Thai citizens? Or will they ask where she has lived in Thailand, or does she need to request one for each place in Thailand that she's lived for an extended period? :help:

Robert

Edited by roi_aggie, 01 March 2006 - 05:12 PM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-01 17:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

That's not the embassy address - it's the consulate address. But then the consulate - not the embassy - is where you want to send the material.

Yodrak, you worry me sometimes!!! :lol: I thought I was #######! :lol: Actually, I cut and pasted that directly from the BKK... oops, I meant BNK website!!! Their words, not mine! Look and see!
Bangkok U.S. Embassy
Consulate, Embassy, BKK, BNK... I think we all know what we're talking about! Wireless Road!!
The Embassy is in fact at 120/22 Wireless Road, while the "Consulate" as you call it, which is Immigrant Visa, NonImmigrant Visa, and American Citizen Services is at 95 Wireless Road. Even their map shows that building as the "U.S. Embassy", so you can see it is quite easy for people to get confused when you say "Consulate", but everything they have on their website says "Embassy"

Robert

Edited by roi_aggie, 01 March 2006 - 01:38 PM.

*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-01 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Oh, and we never received packet 3 and don't expect to either. We received packet 4 after we submitted our checklist, pictures and DS230 part I.

We just downloaded the packet 3 from their site and added the DS2053 which I got from the DOS webpage.

Sounds like quite the medical exam! :blink: I can just hear the nurse saying "????????? ?????????", and you saying "??????... ?????? ??????"! :lol:

Speaking of sending in the checklist and other documents, who on here has acutally "mailed" their checklist, DS-230 Part I, Photos, and copy of their passport? What address did you use? Did you just use the following address?

U.S. Embassy Bangkok
95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Thanks,
Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-03-01 02:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
That's exactly what I already did, when I took Chutima all the forms she would need on my recent trip. I printed the current forms off of the BNK site, and added sheet 2 from the Japan site for the DS-3024 and DS-3025 forms since DS-3026 comes with a second page.

I still want to know whether or not they actually need the DS-2053, which is really just a summary of the findings from the other three forms? :unsure:

If it is needed, I'll just e-mail the current DS-2053 to Chutima and have her print it out before she goes for her medical.
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-02-28 15:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Dennis, hope all goes well with Tik's medical. I'm very interested in finding out whether or not the DS-2053 is really required.

Ken, you said C had her medical on Monday. How did it go? Did she take in the DS-2053? Did you ever receive a Packet 3 from BKK (BNK)! ;)

I'm hoping my NOA2 will come any day, and it's really starting to get to me. :wacko:
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-02-28 13:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Hey George, good to hear from you! Yes, all is well, and I also hope all is well with you, Pocky and the baby!

As for the whole political thing, there definitely seems to be some confusion. I have been searching hard to find something more concrete, and I can't. Chutima also confirmed the resignation, and that Thaksin is now in a caretaker position, but all the English sources make it sound like he has not. I wonder if it's not a case of actually "leaving" office as opposed to his dissolution of the House of Representatives, which requires a new election, giving him another chance to remain in office? :unsure:

Ken, I am well aware you are in Chiang Mai, and that's why I'm confused about what is actually happening, considering what I heard while I was in Bangkok. No matter what happens, I just hope that there isn't a major upset in the stability of the Thai economy. Though Thaksin has the support of 70% of the people, mostly farmers and people in the rural areas of Thailand, this is not a good thing for the country. Considering his popularity has dropped by over 35%, his days could very well be numbered. :yes:

I'm curious as to all the other members with Thai spouses, or soon to have, who plan on or are considering retiring in Thailand? In addition, how many have learned how to speak Thai, or have gone even further and learned how to read and write Thai?

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-02-28 03:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

Roy, thaksin hasn't resigned. He announced for a dissolution of the house and a new election to be held on april 2nd but only for house representatives. The house doesn't plan on doing this however.

The anti-thaksin people are giving him a dead-line of this sunday to resign but Thaksin will never resign in my opinion (but I could be wrong on that).

Glad you enjoyed your trip...Thailand's a beautiful country.

Ken, you need to go back and read the newspapers! I was there on Friday when he announced his resignation and when it came out in the Thai newspapers. Here is a quote from an online news source:

"Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra resigned this evening after a day of first rolling out populist measures giving civil servants a pay rise and tax breaks to professionals, street hawkers and office workers and then in an about face announcing dissolution of parliament and calling it quits shortly after meeting Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej late Friday afternoon.

In a televised broadcast carried on all Thai channels 20:00 hrs (GMT +7) Friday evening, Shinawatra said he was “Giving power back to the people” and apologized saying “I tried to do my best”.

Thaksin had been under heavy attack from opponents who have been holding mass rallies in Bangkok every weekend for the last month. His popularity began to take a more dramatic spiral downward in the past month since his family sold their $1.9 billion stake in Shin Corp, the telecoms empire he founded, to a Singapore state investment firm."

Thaksin is currently in a "caretaker" position. The latest news is that the other parties are threatening to boycot the elections.

As for Thailand being beautiful, I completely agree, since I have been going there at least two times a year, 3 weeks at a time, for the last 4 years, and have traveled extensively throughout Thailand. I even have two Town Houses in Chiang Mai, and rent the apartment in Nonthaburi. I prefer Chiang Mai because of the climate and cost, and was there in both Feb and Nov of last year, but also enjoy all the different things to do in Bangkok and Nonthaburi. All the flooding in Chiang Mai is making me reconsider where I want to build a house!

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-02-28 01:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2

kirk,

You've gotten this far and don't know her name or country of citizenship yet?

(And who is Jenny, then?)

Yodrak

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Kinda what I was thinking!!!

Well, I'm back from my way too short of a trip to Thailand. Everything is good, except not having a NOA2 yet! :( For those of you who don't keep up with Thai politics, PM Thaksin resigned, under heavy pressure from both parties, including his own TRT party.

The Siam Paragon is amazing, along with the Siam Ocean World Aquarium. Though 450 bht to get in seemed a little steep, I felt is was worth it; and yes, even Thai citizens have to pay the same amount! ;) Rather then spend the whole time in Chutima's rather small apartment in Nonthaburi, we spent 4 nights at the Pathumwan Princess. Though old, and in need of redecorating, it is a very nice hotel, with great views, large rooms, and great location. They have the beast breakfast buffet I have seen, with plenty of selections and great food. Definitely worth getting up for each morning.

Since the hotel is connected to MBK shopping mall, it is easy to move around without going outside. From MBK, you can get to the National BTS station, or go to the Discovery Center. From there, you can go to Siam Center and on to Siam Paragon. For those of you who like malls, this should be enough to last a lifetime!!! My feet are still sore from all the walking, and we didn't even cover a fraction of all the floors and shops. It would take a couple of days just to cover all the food places on the first floor of the Paragon! There are so many stores it's not even funny. There were even 5 golf shops in a row, carrying every brand imaginable! Seeing the new Hummers, Ferraris, and Lamborghini’s was a treat as well!

Anyway, this was the shortest time I ever spent in Thailand, and don’t think I will do that again, but I wanted to save my vacation time for when Chutima has her interview, to fly her back, and to get married and have a short honeymoon. One week was just not long enough!

Robert
*Robert*MaleThailand2006-02-27 18:12:00