Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Brand new!	Salut et bienvenue sur visajourney, les gens ici sont tres sympas, n'hesitez pas a poser vos questions. Welcome to Visajourney, the folks here are really cool, don't hesitate to ask any questions, most likely y ou'll find someone who has gone through that stages, going through it, or about to. Good luck	Nikita2Charles	Not Telling	India	2009-03-08 21:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Entering on B1/B2 and getting married	It's all about to Immigration Intent You can come here get married then GO BACK home and your husband fill out the paperwork to bring you here legally. Let's say you came on a vacation, and after being with each other, you guys decide to get married then the intention was not to come here for marriage but vacation or see your bf. Does some people get away with it? Yes But there are risk to it and it's illegal so why start out your life with those unnecesary stress. Edited by Nikita2Charles, 25 September 2008 - 11:55 AM.	Nikita2Charles	Not Telling	India	2008-09-25 11:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	School and K-1 visa?	what state are you in?	Nikita2Charles	Not Telling	India	2010-05-28 23:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	EVERYONE BRACE YOURSELF	Congrats, Best wishes to both of you, Safe flight and Happy reunion.	Nikita2Charles	Not Telling	India	2011-10-18 17:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	HELP! COMPLETE change of personality.... :(	Cut your losses it's not worth it, consider yourself lucky all of that is happening now rather than after you guys are married, maybe she's having second thought about the relationship and doesn't want to fess up, what else she has to do for you to get the hints. it's clearly written, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP and GO HOME.	Nikita2Charles	Not Telling	India	2012-02-17 18:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Wife did not make it past homeland and got k-1 cancelled	Takis kinda into something here, Here's a good question, ON the post itself you mentioned WIFE didn't make it past homeland and K-1 Got cancelled. Maybe it's a Typo did you mean Fiance. If you guys are already married and she came in as a K1 that would be using the wrong kinda visa, maybe it's just a typo on part, hopefully you can get some more info from your FIANCEE as to what happened. Good luck is it your wife?? or fiance? kinda get confused?	Nikita2Charles	Not Telling	India	2012-04-25 17:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Visa Agency	WElcome to visajourney, it's not that difficult, most people here have done it by themselves, just read the K1 guideline as suggested earlier, and at every step along the way, read the forum, don't be shy to ask any questions that pop up in your mind, and most likely you'll find there are others going through the same step as you, going through it or has gone through it. Best of luck There isn't really a "faster" in this process. If you're planning to do the fiancé petition, start by reading the guide: http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide Most of us do the paperwork on our own. It's not that difficult, less expensive, and if we're going to make any mistakes, we may as well be the ones making them.	Nikita2Charles	Not Telling	India	2012-05-17 15:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	I am looking into the advantages of living in Thailand after I retire. Do any of you know an American that is retired and living in Thailand that I could contact? I have many questions and have only found some of the answers on the internet. Most of the sites I’ve found deal with Americans living and working in Thailand. I don’t plan to work. I just want to sit back and enjoy not having to shovel snow in winter! My retirement is still down the road but Ying and I are starting to plan now and we are considering buying a house in Thailand within a year or 2. Gene Hey Gene, Long time no post ...I know a Thai - falang couple that will be moving to Chiang Mai area in 2009...they are also in the market for a home and are continually looking around...The falang husband knows a contact in Thailand....I will let him know about your inquiry and I will send you a private email, perhaps you two can communicate and take it from there!! Hope all is well, take care... George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-06-12 14:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hi Everyone, We have our interview sheduled for 23 June which is a Friday. Does anybody have experience with a Friday interview? If approved, do you go back Friday afternoon or Monday afternoon for the visa? Thanks!!! Most likely Monday the visa will be handed out.....My wife's interview was also on a Friday but she had hers given on a Tuesday because the following Monday was a US holiday!	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-05-31 13:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	What did all of you do "in your home" to accomodate your fiancee and make her more comfortable? I guess I should have said that.... thai2luv, I didn't need to do much to make her more comfortable at home...actually my wife adjusted pretty well and SHE was the one to re-arrange things here to her own likings...like everyone else we had shopped at an Asian/Thai grocery store to get Thai ingredients... I'd also like to add, to help in adjustment, socializing and perhaps the boredom of staying at home, my wife enrolled at the local adult school for ESL...I think it was good for her and she had made several friends along the way. 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!!) Dennis & Tik, Congratulations!! Glad to hear all went through OK... George, Can you please give me the name and address of the temples in the Bay Area. Especially the one in Fremont. I didn't know that they were here, we are 45 minutes away from the bay area. Thank you, Will and Pan What part of Northern CA are you both from? For me to get to Thai Temple in either San Bruno or Fremont it takes about an hour one way...ironically the closest one to us, in Berkeley, takes only about 30 minutes and we have not gone there yet!! Anyway here is where you can find Thai Temples in California or anywhere else in the USA: http://www.dharmanet...r/thai-wat.html Wat Buddhanusorn 36054 Niles Boulevard Fremont, CA 94536-1563 Phone: (510) 790-2294 Fax: (510) 796-9043 Wat Buddhapradeep of San Francisco 310 Poplar Ave. San Bruno, CA 94066 Tel: (415) 615-9528, 615-9688 Fax: (415) 583-8083 Wat Mongkolratanaram 1911 Russell Street Berkeley, CA 94703 Tel: (510) 849-3419, 840-9034 Fax: (510) 845-8150	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-05-30 15:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Other than making closet space, what did all of you do to make your fiancee comfortable whe she arrived? We went to several Thai temples around the Bay Area, mostly, the one in Fremont, Calif... Wat Buddhnusorn....she has made several friends by going there. I also go to another Forum type website called Thai-Falang Board http://forums.delphi...haifalang/start and before my wife even came here, I had met a lot of Thai-Falang couples that lived in the Bay Area that also go to the thai temple in Fremont... when Pocky came over to USA, I took her there to meet those same couples...plus the Thai food is not bad, som tam and BBQ pork w/sticky rice Perhaps you could do the same in Los Angeles, I know there is a big Thai Temple (or two) there..sometimes being with other thais and talking with them will help with adjustments and feeling of comfort... regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-05-29 18:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Sorry for the late post, but I've been pretty busy since getting home and getting settled. Wanted to tell our story concerning the Bangkok Consulate for future members going for their interviews. Hey Robert & Chutima....Glad to hear all is well!! Indeed your post will make others who are still going thru the K-1 learn a lot about the interview process...Pocky's interview was similar to what you both experienced... And yes our baby Anthony is growing up fast, going on 7 months now...Looks like in no time we will, or we may here about junior Robert? or junior Chutima? regards, George Edited by chivasgeo, 25 May 2006 - 06:40 PM.	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-05-25 18:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hello all, Want to report another success story with the Bangkok Consulate. Chutima had her interview on the 16th and received her visa on the 17th. We are flying back to Hawaii on the 20th. All our bags (2 large, 1 medium, & 2 small!!! ) are packed, wedding dress purchased, and we're ready for the long trip ahead. Will report more after we get home. Robert & Chutima Way to go Chutima and Robert Congratulations!! George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-05-19 10:46:00
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 Congrats Mike & Jass, its got to be the best feeling to get that interview passed and the brown envelope at hand. I wanted to add that when Pocky & I were outside lining up for Pocky's interview there were also 2 lines but we had been lined up not against the wall but the line by the street. I would guess they (The security guards) line up applicants differently sometimes. Good luck w/the rest of the processes and welcome to "Ah-meh-lee-kah" Jass!! Which reminds me....Robert (Roi aggie) abd Chutima is having their interview soon as well, good luck to them also!! regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-05-12 05:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Congrats to you!!!! I know this question has been asked before, but I don't feel like searching thru page after page to find it. Do I have to purchase my fiancee's plane ticket to the U.S. in Thailand??? How did all of you do it??? I purchased my wife's ticket in the USA at EVA's website. It was a 1-way ticket for her. WOOHOOOOO!!! My AOS is approved!!!! YEY Congratulations to you all.	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-05-09 14:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Gongrats on the interview. What happens next after you send in the AOS packet? How do I know where the interview will be for biometrics. Thanks everyone. Kirk and Jenny Kirk & jenny, After sending AOS package you should received an "NOA" for the I-485; in that NOA there will be instructionson how to schedule biometrics. Don't know if things have changed but thats is how my wife's experience went. Good luck, regards, George Edited by chivasgeo, 28 April 2006 - 11:22 PM.	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-28 23:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	skyman, Rodjana had the DS-302x (I forget the exact number at the moment) Vaccination Documentation Worksheet from her visa exam accepted as sufficient evidence of vaccinations for her adjustment of status. Others have not. You can either pay now to have a Civil Surgeon prepare the I-693 Vaccination Documentation Worksheet for your wife, or you can wait as I did to see if it will be necessary before spending the money. Yodrak QUOTE(skyman2112 @ Apr 17 2006, 09:35 PM) .... Now tell me about the vaccination supplement. All I have is the checklist from Bangkok. What did you use for yours? Thanks alot, K n J Skyman2112, As with Yodrak's wife, my wife only submitted the Vaccination Supplement from Medical Examination from Bangkok (she went to Bumrungrad Hospital) USCIS accepted that vaccination supplement. regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-18 21:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	***Question*** For those of you whose fiancee was never married before, did you get a Single Stauts Certificate, or was anyone ever asked for one? I'm wondering how necessary it is to have one, and if I need one, where to get one and what is needed to get it? Hi Robert, My wife got a statement from her local amphur. Basically the statement said she has never registered her marriage. She went with her father and had to show the house registry and her Thai ID. At the interview it was never asked for. The ONLY reason why I had her get one was from reading a poster's report in Thai Falang Board....that his then fiancee was asked to get one before the visa was approved. I am still not sure what triggers the CO to ask for such a statement. regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-18 16:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Skyman the visa number is her A number. It is on her I-94 and on her NOA 2. As far as AOS as Anya said use whatever name your wife will be using after your marriage. If she took your name than I would use that. Anya Congrats on your interview date I am sure all will go well. Thanks samsbs, but there is already a line for the A# on the I-485 part 2. Then part 3 has a space for the non-immigrant visa number. Are they the same number??? skyman2112, They are not the same numbers.....A# can be found on the NOA #2 , look next to "beneficiary", The red numbers on the k-1 visa is the non-immigrant visa number. regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-17 13:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	When I tried to add Dao to my account they would not accept her Thai ID Card, Thai Drivers License, Passport, or SS Card. They handed me a sheet which gave me a list of acceptable forms of ID due to the "Patriot Act", one of those are her EAD card, so at the moment that is what we are waiting for. I have read that different banks interpret the Act in different ways. I tried to add Ton to my bank account yesterday, they said she needed more ID then just her passport and SS card. They said she will accept her Thai ID even though there is no engish on it what so ever. I really have to change banks!! This is disturbing news! I assume the SS cards you both used already had their new married names? I'm wondering if taking the marriage certificate would also help? I hope some others on the thread will add their personal experiences, because this was something I was planning on doing as soon as we got Chutima's second SSN card, with my last name on it. Perhaps getting a state ID card will help. I added my wife to my savings acct (Patelco Credit Union) . They only asked for her CA ID card which was in her married name (the CA ID card she obtained before marriage in her maiden name-then changed the CA ID card into married name after marriage). I did not bother to add my wife's name into my existing checkings acct, instead we opened a joint checkings account at B of A with my wife being the primary account holder; and the only ID my wife provided was her CA ID card. regards, George YEY GOT THE AOS INTERVIEW DATE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll be going to the AOS interview on May 9, 2006 - why so soon i dont know but that's great!!!!! YEY Thought it gonna takes us more than a year.. seems like NC is not that slow after all.. oops.. knock on wood... I'm so HAPPPPYYYYY! That's good news for you Anya!! I'm sure it'll be a breeze and in no time you 'll be officially a US Permanent Resident!! Best of luck to you!! regards, George Edited by chivasgeo, 13 April 2006 - 06:59 PM.	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-13 18:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	My bank, Citibank, has a standard financial information form for immigration purposes. this form does not include deposits made for the past 12 months. The bank rep ran on about a bunch of legal mumbo jumbo and would not include it on the form. Anyone else run into this issue? Any ideas on what I should do, other than change banks? Do you have access to your statements on-line? Any way to print those out and attach to the imigration form from Citibank?	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-10 23:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hello VJ'ers!! Well, Me and Wi are back in South Florida from Thailand!! We had a (unofficial) wedding that blew my mind away! Unbelievable is all I can say about it! From the ceremony to the party it was an all day event that was like a dream. At the end of the party, the hotel that hosted us, flew 50 hot air, paper kites. A flame was lit under each 5 feet by 2 feet ,light weigt, paper cylinders. Causing the hot air to lift them all high into the air. Watching them all fly over the Andaman sea was breath taking! Now, back to reality,,, time to plan an American wedding and start the whole AOS process. Can Wi get her social security card now, or do we have to be married first? Still in a daze, Brent Brent & Wi, Way to go man, congratulations!! Hope Wi is enjoying the USA!! (speaking from my wife's SSN/card experience) I would wait a couple of weeks after the entry date in the US before applying for Wi's SS number/card (give it some time before her name is in the "system"-usually a couple of weeks or even 3 weeks). Apply in her maiden name. Then after marriage, it would be easier to apply for a new SS card under the married name. Thats what my wife did with her SS number/card. Best of Luck, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-04 01:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	PS: here is a link on Thai Falang Board on a discussion about another person's experience with Parent in law's visitors Visa: http://forums.delphi.../... Reading >> Sorry, seems like the link doesn't take you to that discussion. Here's another way to find that post. Once you're in the website http://forums.delphi...haifalang/start On the left side, Try to search for post 2481.1	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-01 19:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Anyone tried to bring Mama or Papa to the U.S.? As mentioned a bit earlier my wife of 2 months is expecting a little one. This was not something we planned but one of those 1% out off 99% issues you hear about with birth control. Anyway, I would love to fly her mom over before the delivery and for a short time after. Is this possible or should I not make the effort? She has ties to her country including a rubber tree plantation, a home, a husband and two other children. My wife has already told her the chances are ha-sip ha-sip (50-50). Any thoughts? Rich Rich, Congratulations to both of you on the "little one" I am also considering about a b2 visa for Mother/Father in law. We also have a baby about 5 months now and I'd also like for my wife's parents to come , especially MIL since she can help with baby while my wife tries to continue her studies. I am gonna try for a 10 year Visitors Visa. This link has good info on that process, I am considering getting the on-line access: http://bangkok.usemb...safactsheet.htm I know that chances are low, but other have done it with success. Others that have done so also wrote a letter explaining their situation and also wrote who will pay for the MIL-FIl's expenses to include an I-134 to show they (the US husband) CAN actually handle the expenses. I know all this extra paperwork is not necessary but I think I will also include extra letters like that. Good luck to you all, especially with the baby!! regards, George PS: here is a link on Thai Falang Board on a discussion about another person's experience with Parent in law's visitors Visa: http://forums.delphi.../... Reading >> Edited by chivasgeo, 01 April 2006 - 07:01 PM.	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-01 18:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	.............. I just got my work permit card in the mail...... i feel sooo happy.. the only thing is that the valid dateis from JAN.. and they just approved me this week ... just soo tired to complain so it seems I just have 10 months instead of 12 months work permit at least I can use this card as my ID for the state licence test (didnt get the SSN card back yet so cant change name in driver's licence yet) leaving for a job interviw... wish me luck!! anya, I've never seen anyone so happy to work, LOL (just kidding ) Good luck on your interview!! Well it is now official. Ton and I got married today Now I dred having to go through the whole AOS process Dan Way to go Dan & Ton!! Considering what you both went through.....it's good to hear things are going foward!!	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-04-01 11:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hey Everybody!!! 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!!! ( 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!!! 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! Take good notes Mike!!! Of all the news so far, this is by far the best!!! 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! You guys and gals are the bestest!!! Robert Robert & Chutima, Things seem to be rolling along well for you both, Congratulations. Pocky gives her best regards to Chutima, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-24 12:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hi there, For clarification on the picture for the beneficiary. Are the 2, 2x2" pictures of beneficiary the standard passport picture? please advise. Thanks Sarakong, You are correct, they are 2x2 inch standard Passport Photos. http://travel.state..../info_1287.html regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-23 23:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	George, We found some very nice homes in Chiang Mai. The price was great. The complex had a club/exercise room room, swimming pool and tennis courts. Homes ran between $60K-$70K and most had a balcony with a view of the mountains in the distance. We also saw some cheaper ones but they were not as nice. We also started looking into a condo in Bangkok which are also reasonable. We want to get a place either in Chiang Mai or Bangkok to use as a winter home when I retire. It will sure beat spending Dec-March in Wisconsin! Gene Hey Gene, Thats cool, hope it all works out for you. I also have a friend that is in planning stages to retire in Chiang Mai (within 4 years), and he described similar houses at around the same prices. As for me, retire? perhaps in 20 years	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-22 01:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	ufkenmill, Her interview should be a breeze! Living there and being there for the interview probably helps. I was there for Jum's interview and she was asked one question, How many times had I been to visit? The visa was scheduled to be ready the next day at 3PM. We had other travel plans that day to celebrate and after the visa was approved, we made arrangement to pick up the visa the next week. Hanging out in the lobby outside the interview windows while others get a visa is quite an experience. Just seeing the happy smiles and excited faces of those being granted visas to the U.S. really makes a USC appreciate the country in which we live. Even hanging out in the little room to the right where the visas are handed out was a good feeling. And when the person's name is called, the long wait is over. C.J. It was a piece of cake. Of course I say that now AFTER the fact! lol. Man, those 4 hours of waiting for brutal. C and I were both on the edges of our seats wondering what they were going to ask and if we'd get approved. They asked these questions: 1) She asked me how long I'd been living in thailand and if I spoke thai 2) She asked C how we met 3) She then asked what out plans were upon arriving in the US 4) She asked what degrees we had (I have BS, C has MBA) 5) She showed us each picture we had given her and asked the approximate dates of each and where we were at. I got the impression she was new on the job, just due to her nervousness (yes, hers). She was extremely nice though and just seemed like an all-around good person. She did her best to make us feel comfortable and told C to not be nervous that everything was going to be fine. Then, after about 4 minutes total she whipped out the appointment card (which was already filled out by the way) and said congratulations. That's it, then we picked up the visa yesterday and now we're back in chiang mai after a long over-night busride. We were in BKK for 4 days and had a great time although we're beat. C's a trooper, she's even gone to work today after no sleep on the bus all night. My wife also had a fast interview, except from a falang male that spoke some Thai!! Anyways, CONGRATS!! and good luck with everything else.	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-22 00:52:00
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	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-21 00:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Gene, I was wondering why you haven't posted for so long.....sounds like a great time you both had!! Hey are all luggages limited to 50lbs now to and from Thailand....what airline did you fly? My mom recently flew Northwest to Bangkok, her check in luggage weighed in at 70lbs each but the lady at the counter said luggages to Bangkok are now limited to 50 lbs, but since it was a NEW rule, they let her pass thru w/the 70 lbs (each) luggages. I can't wait to get back myself, my wife & I have planned a trip for this Sept and eating and shopping is what we also want to do, well to be honest, for me= eating, my wife=shopping!!! Hi George, How's little Anthony? I bet you and Pocky are having a great time with the little guy. We flew Northwest and we were aware of the luggage limits. When we flew out of Milwaukee we only had 2 checked bags. One was about 1-2 pounds over weight and the other was a few pounds under. They made us shift some things so that both met the 50 lb. (23 kg) limit. Inside Thailand we flew on Air Asia. Their limit is 15 kg per bag. Since we started in Bangkok we were able to leave some things there while we headed to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Are you planning to travel within Thailand when you go in September? We got a great deal with Air Asia. When we booked our tickets late last year they had a special anniversary promotion. We got 2 round trip tickets for about $46.00. The tickets were free and we only had to pay the tax. If things go right I'll be in Bangkok the last week of April for work. Ying will be staying in the US. I think she would like to come along but we don't want to burn up my frequent flyer miles and I think she doesn't like the time it takes to get there. Take care, Hey Gene... Tony is now about 4 month He is well. Thanks for asking...And the little guy is keeping us both busy, well my wife more than I It just amazes me how babies develop....and how fast they grow!! Guess I better confirm with EVA and Thai Airways regarding limits on luggage when we go back. Usually when we fly to Thailand, we stay at BKK airport and book the next flight to Udon Thani. I'm aware that Air Asia (and also Nok Air ) have some good deals when flying domestically in Thailand. The only problem though is their luggage limits. Last time I flew Thai Airways ,their limits for international travellers were 70 lbs. However when I flew Nok Air , they did not have allowance for international travellers and I had to pay an overweight limit fee. So that fee made Nok Air's discount fare almost as much as Thai Airways' regular fee Man, wish i can work in Thailand!! regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-20 18:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Hi All, It’s been awhile since I’ve been on VJ. It’s good to see so many happy couples finally together. Ying and I just got back from Thailand last week. We hit Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai with a short day trip into Myanmar. It was her first trip back home since coming to the USA last May. I thought I would relay some useful (maybe?) information for those of you who may be heading back with your Thai wife for the first time. Ticketing: Ying’s ticket was issued under her married name even though her passport is in her maiden name. We took her passport, her green card (in married name) and our wedding certificate. We did not have any issues except 1 that was not related to this documentation. When leaving Thailand Ying had a little problem, she had her departure card but Thai immigration did not have a record of her arrival card. It took an extra 10-5 minutes for her to get through. Eating: Be prepared to eat and eat and eat. It started by having som tom and fried noodles at a street vendor when we arrived late on the 3rd and it never ended. Shopping: This was second only to eating. We ended up just about maxing out our baggage limits (size and weight) on the way home. The last day in Bangkok we got a scale from the hotel and weighed each bag to make sure we didn’t exceed the 23 kg max limit per bag. Customs/Immigration in USA: Even bags of snacks should be declared. Ying had some bags of prepared snacks that were found when we had some of our bags checked at customs. We did not declare them as “food” and we were told that we should. They let us keep them, even the processed durian in a tube unfortunately! With all of the shopping and eating we still had time to hit some of our favorite spots…The Huntsman Pub in the Landmark Hotel (Bangkok) and The Riverside (Chiang Mai). For those heading to Chiang Rai I highly recommend taking a boat ride up the Mai Kok River (800 baht) to the elephant camp and some hot springs. For both of us it was only 200 baht for a 30 minute elephant ride. In Chiang Mai it would have cost 1200 baht per person for a 1 hour ride. The strangest part now is that Ying is glad to be back home in the USA and I can’t wait to head back to Thailand! Gene, I was wondering why you haven't posted for so long.....sounds like a great time you both had!! Hey are all luggages limited to 50lbs now to and from Thailand....what airline did you fly? My mom recently flew Northwest to Bangkok, her check in luggage weighed in at 70lbs each but the lady at the counter said luggages to Bangkok are now limited to 50 lbs, but since it was a NEW rule, they let her pass thru w/the 70 lbs (each) luggages. I can't wait to get back myself, my wife & I have planned a trip for this Sept and eating and shopping is what we also want to do, well to be honest, for me= eating, my wife=shopping!!!	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-20 14:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Sawasdee krap khun visajourney members! I'm so happy to be here with Wi! Everything went well with her interview! They asker her 3 questions. How did you meet!,,, How many times I have come to meet her?,, and Where She learned to speak english so well? She was given a card that told her to come the following day (March 16th) at 3PM, to pick up her visa!!! I was there for that meeting. She and about 15 other girls were asked to join a man in a room, where he handed out all their visas. He also provided them information on what they need to do once arriving in the USA. She was given a sealed envelope and was told not to open it. She was also given her passport back with her visa inside. So,,, we will be returning the beginning of April to start the AOS paper work. See you then! PS. The airline where I bought her round trip ticket (online) had me pay an additional fee for her already being in Thailand! You can only buy a one way ticket for her!! She is worth every cent of it! Khab khun krap! Brent and Wi CONGRATULATIONS For my wife and I, that was one of the BEST feelings is to get approved and to have the visa at hand. Enjoy it and good luck with the rest of the process!!!! regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-16 20:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Damn it...so damn close.. I got a dreaded RFE. They said I need to provide more evidence that my fiancee was in Bahrain during the time we met. I sent a damn Good Conduct certificate from the Kingdom of Bahrain that is only issued to people that have lived there and provided her address and work address and phone numbers for when she was in Bahrain. The only other thing I can send is a copy of her passport (which she got scanned and sent to me via email) I received that today. So I will send that back to California tomorrow. Anyone else have any ideas??? I hate the thought that this petition could be disapproved if I can't come up with anyother evidence besides her Thai passport. By the way, does anyone know if I need to get the Passport translated??? It's in both Thai and English anyway. Anyother help??? Comments??? Thanks! Blacson30, Sorry to hear about the RFE...once USCIS is satisfied though, the petition should get approved. The passport showing entrance and exit from Bahrain should be the best evidence for your fiancee being in that country...My opinion is that you shouldn't need to translate her passport it since its already in English. Good luck, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-16 20:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 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 ,, so we will have the time to wait for the "call" from the embassy to pick up her visa . 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. Thanks for all your help, Brent I realize this isn't the correct thread to post this but you all buy airfare to Thailand so... I am trying to buy airfare from Boston to Thailand round trip and will need to buy airfare for Jass to join me on the return. The travel agent I use says she can't sell me Jass's ticket. I am concerned that if i don't buy all of the tickets at the same time we could end up on two different planes. Any solutions? Do you have any travel agents or websites that you have used and can recommend? Thanks Mike Mike, I bought tickets from EVA for me and my wife. I was able to purchase both tickets (round trip for me and 1 way for my wife) ON-LINE, search for EVA airlines. That was a purchase on their website back in Oct 2004 for the trip to USA on Jan 2005. I think someone said to purchase round trip for both, thats a good idea if she will end up not marrying you within 90 days Otherwise i'd just purchase a 1-way for her (IMHO) regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-14 02:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	I've gotta ask!! What is a "402"? thanks, Curious George it's our student ID number - 402xxxx - the 40 is the year 2540 or 1997 and the 2 is for the student who enter in the second semester. I think most of the university in thailand have the same system but most university doesnt accept student on the second semester so they might not have the '1' or '2' part. but u can tell what year is that student by looking at their number... i think now is the year2549 so 1st year student should have at least number '49' in front of their ID number. Got it...thanks for the explanation..."learn something new everyday" Edited by chivasgeo, 09 March 2006 - 11:18 PM.	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-09 23:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Anya, Dao is 402 also. you two have to talk sometime. That's wicked!!!! U know how many 402 there was???? quite few actually (campaired to the other years) - it's such a small world!!!!!!! I went to see your homepage - to see if i can find Doa's pic so i might recognize her.. but sorry.. cant remember anybody without the uniform ;p - we deffinately have to talk I've gotta ask!! What is a "402"? thanks, Curious George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-09 13:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Guys... I can't believe it!!!! After two touches in a row... APPROVED!!! 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!!! Robert Congrats to Robert & Chutima....you guys will be together in no time!!	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-03-03 13:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	Mariya received her GC in the mail today just three days after getting her approval email. She is one happy camper. Our journey is finally over. We want to thank everyone for all the help and encouragement we receiced during this ordeal. We feel like we are part of one big family now. Thanks again everyone Sam and Mariya Sam And Mariya: Congrats on her being a PR.....one thing though...its not over YET with dealing with USCIS ....90 days before the 2nd anniversary of receiving the GC you'll need to file the I-751 "removal of conditonal PR status".. to have her offically be a PR with no conditions....Then you're both home free from USCIS until Mariya wants to become a US citizen. Congrats again. regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-02-28 21:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	SAWASDEE 2	kirk, You've gotten this far and don't know her name or country of citizenship yet? (And who is Jenny, then?) Yodrak 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, I agree 1 week is too short for a stay in the LOS. I also stayed a week for our engagement ceremony and it takes me like 3-4 days to get over jet-lag!!. Next time we go back to Thailand, I also want to check out the new mall. Sounds like something to see. Oh , I searched yahoo news and did not see anything about Thaksin resigning. Oh well, politics is not my thing. But whatever happens I hope its for the best of Thailand and its people. Hope all is well with you and Chutima. Regards, George	chivasgeo	Not Telling	Thailand	2006-02-28 02:25:00