ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsEl-Hamdulilah!!! WE FINALLY GOT OUR VISA!!! =oD
Congrats,

I'm not familiar with your situation. Were there challenges you faced that you finally overcame?
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-20 02:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNovember '08 K-1 Filers
Got the NOA2 today.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-03-18 08:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNovember '08 K-1 Filers
QUOTE (together-forever @ Feb 18 2009, 03:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anything new with you guys??? You see anything happening? Any touches? We just passed 100 days since NOA1!
Keep in touch you K-1 November VSC filers!


I'm just a few days after you. Still at NOA1 as well. It seems 4 months from NOA1 - NOA2 is the average so I'm hoping to be approved this time next month.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-02-18 05:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI am a US citizen my fiancee is Lao
I have filed US tax returns every year even though I at times do not live in the US. I work for a US company and am paid in US dollars to a US bank but can work 100% remote so I can live in Thailand if I chose. My fiancee and I don't particularly want to go to Laos more than needed. I would like to do the DCF method if possible. I don't want to return to the US and have to spend a year apart. I respect and understand many must do this but if I can avoid it I'd like to.
wasabiMaleThailand2008-08-12 07:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI am a US citizen my fiancee is Lao
Also I have just read that it is very difficult for a foreigner to marry a Laotion in Laos. You have to go through all kinds of checks and get approval from a village headmaster. My Fiancee has been living in Thailand for almost 20 years now however she is not a citizen of Thailand but working through the Lao system could be very difficult. Thus DCF here in Bangkok would be great. I will have been here 6 months November 2nd 2008.

http://laos.usembass...ge_in_laos.html
wasabiMaleThailand2008-08-12 05:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI am a US citizen my fiancee is Lao
That signature has nothing to do with my present situation, I have deleted it.

I am a resident of Thailand however I am here on a student visa, I don't know if I can do DCF while on that or not.

Edited by wasabi, 12 August 2008 - 05:11 AM.

wasabiMaleThailand2008-08-12 05:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI am a US citizen my fiancee is Lao
I am in Bangkok Thailand on a student Visa and would like to stay here about another year, though it's not imperative that I do if a visa could be obtained in less time than that. Because my fiancee is from Laos she is permitted to obtain monthly visas to stay here as long as she exits the country every 30 days. We both live together in an apartment in Bangkok and would like to move to the USA after marriage and hopefully being granted a visa.

Does anyone know if we need to go to Laos to get married? After that can I do the IR-1 process while I stay here in Bangkok? I still have a US bank account and address if needed. I also have a US job that I do remotely with sufficient salary to meet the I864 requirements. Is the IR-1 process the best option? I would like her to have a multi entry visa rather than single entry when we get to the USA.

Also should I not mention that I am presently in Bangkok Thailand but rather do everything through my US address?
wasabiMaleThailand2008-08-12 03:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTiming concerns for I-864 AOS
I have been told DCF requires one year of residence in a foreign country. I will attain that on May 2nd of 2009. Thus it's probably better for me to do whatever filing I do now. Most likely I will still have my job even at the end of the year wait but there is a chance I could lose it somewhere along the way, hence my question. Also the fact she is Lao but lives here has made my situation somewhat complex.

I am presently here studying Thai language and my employer has permitted me to work remotely while I do so but they have hinted they may end this at some time at which point I'd either have to return or quit. I actually have been married to a foreigner before and waited out the full year abroad. I got divorced several years ago. It was very difficult and put a lot of strain on the relationship. I know most people here must go through this wait apart and I sympathize completely. I realize how lucky I am to have this remote set up with the chance to wait it out together.

I still might do the Fiance visa because from what I'm told it is done more quickly and though I'd pay more in taxes I'd have some extra assurance I wouldn't lose my job if I could get back to the USA quicker.


I realize the I-130 could take a year or more but how long on average does it take to get past the I-864 step. Like I said I did this once before but I forgot most of it.

Edited by wasabi, 14 September 2008 - 10:20 AM.

wasabiMaleThailand2008-09-14 10:16:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTiming concerns for I-864 AOS
I am considering marrying my Fiance and going through the I-130 process. I am still debating whether we would be better off doing this or the K1 Fiance visa but am hoping to do the I-130. My Fiance is Laos but lives in Thailand. I am a US citizen but I have the ability to telecommute from anywhere so for now I am also in Thailand with her. There is a chance my remote employment set up could end at some point during the next year so making it past the I864 step is important.

If we were married this Monday and I began the I-130 process soon after marriage, about how long would it be before I needed to send in the I-864 with attendant tax documents and letter from my employer?

When she has an interview will they ask for a new letter of employment and any other updated tax or I864 info?

If we went with the Fiance visa would I be likely to make it through the I864 process any faster? If I understand correctly with the K1 you give an affidavit or support I think the I834 on or very close to the day of your interview. After coming to the USA you marry, adjust status and 4 months later file another affidavit or support.

I'm not worried about finding a job once we are in the USA. I just would like to stay here while we go through this process and hopefully could time everything that I make it past any financial check points while employed.

Also a cosponsor is not an option for me. I would like to do the I-130 more than the K1 primarily because there are tax advantages to being married and filing jointly.
wasabiMaleThailand2008-09-14 04:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresImmigration Lawyer/Attorney
I understand people's reservations but I did hire a lawyer because my situation is complicated. I did not hire a lawyer because I thought he could magically make things go faster. I have been married to a foreigner before and did the entire thing myself we divorced 3 years ago. If money is an issue and you don't mind putting together all the paperwork then doing it yourself it is not all that bad. However my lawyer here in Bangkok is excellent. He is always available via phone or email and knows the process down pat. He already saved me from one major pitfall that would have screwed the entire process up and possibly wasted an entire year. I was divorced at the Thai consulate in Los Angeles but not here in Thailand. He noticed this and informed me that I had to get divorced again here in Thailand. I confirmed this with the US embassy and USCIS. He helped me complete this, spending many hours getting things organized without charging me a dime. I only paid him for the visa paperwork after this was taken care of.Also this time around I'm not short on cash and don't feel like dealing with all the different filings and knowing exactly what documents to gather. My only concern is having it done right and having someone knowledgeable to help me if things get tricky which they already have. There's no need to be ashamed or feel like you are getting ripped off if you hire a lawyer, you just want to make sure he/she is a good one. If your husband/wife/Fiance is from Southeast Asia, namely Thailand I recommend him very highly. His name is William White.

Edited by wasabi, 15 September 2008 - 12:01 PM.

wasabiMaleThailand2008-09-15 11:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOver a month no NOA1?
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Nov 8 2008, 10:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's good you did your homework before hiring someone and even better you are staying on top of things and educating yourself! wink.gif

btw... You say you filed a I-129f but your profile says CR-1/IR-1



Oops just updated that to say K1.

I sure will feel better once I know we are in system and the ball is rolling.
wasabiMaleThailand2008-11-09 08:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOver a month no NOA1?
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Nov 8 2008, 06:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
wasabi,

For clarification, your I-129f petition was mailed from Bangkok? Are you able to confirm that it was received at VSC by use of a tracking number? As a rule of thumb, NEVER mail I-129f from abroad, since the petitioner sending it is the American citizen (or legal representative). Someone has already written about their petition being held up in customs for a time before being forwarded to VSC.

We received our NOA1 one week from delivery. I know a few other around the same time who had waited a little longer, so it does seem somewhat random how quickly they are received, but I do not believe there is a backlog in sending NOA1's.

All the best,
Pete


Yes it was mailed for Bangkok. I think I will wait a few more weeks and if still nothing than I'll ask to dig up the check. He has been a family visa lawyer for a long time and is very competent so I have every reason to trust him, I just want to rule out that some random thing went wrong and they didn't get my papers.
wasabiMaleThailand2008-11-08 10:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOver a month no NOA1?
I am using a lawyer to proceed with the K1 visa. He is based in Bangkok where my Fiance lives. No need to debate the pros and cons of that here, I just wanted this to be clear.

My lawyer sent our I29F packet a little over a month ago to the VSC. We have not received any NOA1 from the VSC, he claims they are delayed in processing that it may take another month to get the NOA1 and there is no need for concern. He has stated that they have a big backlog mailing out the NOA1's but that doesn't mean my case isn't being processed and I should already have my place in the queue. He is the one sent the check so I can't review if it has been cashed or not nor look for a case number on the back. He is a very well known lawyer in Thailand and I do not have any reason to believe something is fishy but nevertheless I am stressed and just want to know our case is moving along. After reading through the threads here I can't find anyone else who is facing this kind of lag. Can I somehow contact the VSC myself just to get assurance they have received my packet and things are moving along?

Edited by wasabi, 08 November 2008 - 05:21 AM.

wasabiMaleThailand2008-11-08 05:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan the congressman help us?
QUOTE (Johny E. @ Sep 8 2008, 07:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So my fiancee and I applied for a k1 in June. We hired a lawyer recomended by the Congressman of my state. Now my question is, does he (the congressman) have any influence with immigration cases? If we asked him to help us speed up our case in any way, will he be able to? Anyone who might know anything about it, please reply. thank u.

I contacted my local U.S. Representative's office twice when we needed specifics to our case that USCIS wouldn't answer. They had a form for me to fill out just for this purpose so I'm sure your local office has had your request before. I don't know if they technically have legal power to "speed" anything up, but both times we did it, we got our problems solved within days. Coincidence? Maybe, but if I got an inquiry from a Congressman, that would light a fire under my butt to get an application through.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-09-10 13:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Dec 23 2008, 07:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I did not state or imply you were breaking any laws. It's a matter of perception on the part of the CO at the embassy, and the CBO at the POE. If they see wedding bands, then it is possible for them to assume you are married, which invalidates the K-1 visa. It will then be up to you to prove otherwise.
It's all about perception, not the law or the facts.

For what its worth, my wife and I had our ceremony and exchanged rings in Thailand. At the K1 interview in Bangkok we didn't wear our rings, but had they asked a direct question, we would have told them. It's far worse to get caught in a lie then to tell them you had a ceremony. The people that work at the embassy aren't stupid; they know you'll probably have wedding events before leaving the country.
At the POE in San Francisco we left our bands on and the IO just congratulated her. As soon as we got home, we went to a local judge and had the legal ceremony. The judge made us take off our bands and exchange them again in front of her. ha! This time I got to kiss the bride in front of the witnesses, unlike during the ceremony in Thailand. good.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-12-23 08:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (shawndoc @ Dec 16 2008, 03:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone have any suggestions for an inexpensive online translation service? The embassy took her translated copy of her birth certificate and she didn't make a backup copy, thinking the embassy would just use her Thai birth certificate. I'd like to be able to scan her Thai BC, and upload to a translation service who will email back the translated document for AOS.

www.thaienglish.com worked great for me. I was in the U.S. and needed documents translated. I sent them a PDF through e-mail, they translated and sent me a PDF back and also mailed a hard copy to a relative in Thailand. All this for $15 and the quality was great. E-mail Sam Fraser at sam@thaienglish.com This was several months back so I assume he's still working there.

Edited by mnbinth, 18 December 2008 - 09:42 PM.

mnbinthMaleThailand2008-12-18 21:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (Devkpaik @ Dec 14 2008, 06:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Dec 14 2008, 07:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For my birthday this past weekend, my fiancee mailed me a vest she knitted. I am wearing it right now to keep warm. It may be one of my favorite presents ever, since each and every strand of it was once in her hands, lovingly being transformed into this gift for me. She, too, has never seen snow and eagerly awaits it. I assure her that there will be plenty for her to see! In the same conversation when she tells me that 50 degrees (10 C) is quite cold, it brings a chuckle.



Haha, that's too funny about your fiance saying how cold it is in Thailand right now. My fiance, after just speaking with her mom, goes "oh it's SO COLD in my home in Thailand right now! It's about 60 degrees!" I'm like, "hahaha, yep... pretty cold... haha".

Apparently it was cold enough to call Hua Hin a "disaster zone."
http://www.bangkokpo...2008_news04.php
I smiled when I woke up and saw the wind chill was -25 farenheit this morning. smile.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-12-15 15:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (afisher @ Dec 4 2008, 10:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Did you all hear about the latest boarder run deal? Only 15 days now.
http://www.thaivisa....foreigners.html

Visa changes and airport protests... Talk about biting the tourist hand that feeds you.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-12-04 12:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (skyman2112 @ Dec 2 2008, 06:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everyone, just wondering where to get the form and procedures for renewing a Thai passport. I think there is an emabassy in Chicago, we live in Oklahoma. Any help appreciated

Instructions in Thai are here.
http://www.thaichica...e/passport.html

You have a Consulate-General in Oklahoma. I don't know if they can provide this service at the smaller consulates.

OKLAHOMA
ROYAL THAI CONSULATE-GENERAL
25900 EAST 81ST STREET
BROKEN ARROW, OK 74014
Tel : (918) 357-2886
Fax : (918) 357-1334
Honorary Consul-General, Mr. Richard H. Hughes
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-12-03 00:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
While everyone is on the topic of saving money on travel, I thought I'd share this tip. A new hotel website is offering $30 off your next hotel stay and it's good internationally. My wife both signed up and used it today. Just FYI. Link to instructions below.
http://savingingreen...t-hotelclubnet/
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-11-25 16:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Nov 24 2008, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
???????????????!


I would greatly appreciate some holy basil seeds! I would cook with it every day if I could. ????????? ?????? is my favorite! Wow! Really want to eat it now.

So gentlemen, please make note that formerly diaphanous Thai ladies may pack on a few more pounds once they get here.

No matter how hard we try to find ingredients in the U.S., nothing is quite the same as the real thing in Thailand... We've found ways to improvise though!
We brought a bunch of seeds back with us but they searched our luggage and took them out on the way back to the U.S. Our nearest Thai grocer had small basil plants though which didn't grow well. They also had Thai chilis and we planted those and have more peppers than we know what to do with!
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-11-24 18:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (feyser @ Nov 24 2008, 03:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (afisher @ Nov 24 2008, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know of cheap flights to BKK. I've been looking and the cheapest I have found in 1266.00 dollars. Under a grand would be sweet, but I won't hold my breath.

I always make sure I check a wide variety of websites and airlines and on my last two trips www.cheaptickets.com was the cheapest. Most of the online sites seem to pull information from the same place though. I'd be interested to hear how others buy tickets too.

China Air and Korea Air both fly into Chiang Mai through Taipei; I think on Tuesdays and Thursdays if I remember right. Anyway, one time it was actually cheaper to fly to Chiang Mai and then buy a cheap $20 midnight AirAsia ticket to Bangkok. Just FYI if you normally fly West and are on a budget.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-11-24 16:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (afisher @ Nov 24 2008, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know of cheap flights to BKK. I've been looking and the cheapest I have found in 1266.00 dollars. Under a grand would be sweet, but I won't hold my breath.

I always make sure I check a wide variety of websites and airlines and on my last two trips www.cheaptickets.com was the cheapest. Most of the online sites seem to pull information from the same place though. I'd be interested to hear how others buy tickets too.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-11-24 16:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (HYENA @ Nov 15 2008, 12:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The fly by the seat of your pants (their culture) versus financial planning (my culture) is clashing big time!

Our compromise was that family support is part of our budget. That satisfies my need for a controlled budget and her need to meet family obligations. So far so good.

You might also try getting some opinions at the forums on www.thaivisa.com. Lots of experienced expats in those forums.

Edited by feyser, 19 November 2008 - 11:13 AM.

mnbinthMaleThailand2008-11-19 11:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (symbiosis @ Nov 13 2008, 09:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I realize this subject has probably been covered numerous times before, but I can't seem to find specific references:

Can someone tell me what the deal is with a temporary EAD work permit (90 days). Is this automatic for K-1 visa holder upon U.S. entry? If not, what are the restrictions, or which specific POEs do it? The latter could make a difference on my fiance's flight arrangements.

Also, how long does it typically take to get a permanent(?) work permit?

I asked at San Francisco and they said my wife had to apply. It took us 3 months to get EAD and 6 months to get Green Card.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-11-13 12:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Oct 26 2008, 12:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There are a couple of pieces from my years in Bangkok that I would like for my fiancee to ship over before she emigrates.

Have any of you had successful experience moving furniture or other large items from Thailand to USA?

The pieces are probably a total weight and demensions of 50 kilo (110 lbs) and 1.5 meters (59") X 1 meter (39") X 0.5 (20"). If the cost were around 7,000 Baht ($200), I would not hesitate to do it. If it were significantly more, I would probably just keep the pieces at the in-laws house.


Thank you for any information or advice.

Pete

This doesn't exactly answer your question, but from my own research into this, the cost to ship was never worth it. I would have been better off buying new stuff. smile.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-26 12:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Oct 19 2008, 10:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
Section 13.
A woman of Thai nationality who marries an alien and may acquire the nationality of her husband according to the nationality law of her husband, shall, if she desires to renounce Thai nationality, make a declaration of her intention before the competent official according to the form and in the manner prescribed in the Ministerial Regulations.


It does not state that she is required to renounce Thai nationality, rather if she so desires to, this is how.


A Thai man/woman may enter and leave the US on a US Passport, and enter and leave Thailand on a Thai Passport with no problems at all.

The King of Thailand is dual national, having been born in Mass. USA while his father studied there.

I didn't know he had dual citizenship. Interesting fact!
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-19 10:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Oct 15 2008, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
http://usembassy-aus...ar/dualnat.html

This website confirms dual nationality is allowed. It clearly states that citizenship in a country is distinct from nationality. A foreign spouse may choose to become a U.S. citizen and still retain citizenship in their home country. Your SO can enter and leave the U.S. with a U.S. passport and enter and leave Thailand on a Thai passport.


Here are a few more resources on dual citizenship.
United States official stance on dual citizenship
Thailand's official stance on dual citizenship This is Thailand's latest revisions to the Nationality Act according to some reliable expats and a couple lawyers I called. According to Section 13, a Thai citizen would have to CHOOSE to revoke their Thai citizenship.
General Dual Citizenship Information
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-19 09:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (afisher @ Oct 3 2008, 01:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello,
I'm just starting my I-129F petition, on the G-325A form where my Fiancee has to sign her name, should she sign in Thai or English or both?

Thanks for a reply

My wife signed her I-129F and documents in Thai, and then once we got to America she started signing everything in English.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-10-06 12:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (dvddvd @ May 31 2008, 09:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
feyser - "I assumed it would work for AOS if I gave them Thai and English copies but it did not."

your mistake was not in assuming .... your mistake was that you ignored the advice given to you on this site regarding thai birth certificates. the advice was .... to not come to the usa without the birth certificate. and you did exactly that.

sorry,
dvd


Hindsight is always 20/20. I just want to help others avoid mistakes on this long and often confusing process. Good luck to all on your journey!
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-05-31 09:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (sference @ May 30 2008, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rin and john @ May 30 2008, 08:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sference @ May 30 2008, 07:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (feyser @ May 30 2008, 02:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sference @ May 30 2008, 06:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife doesn't seem to have a birth certificate, although she has a Thai passport, Thai ID card, and a translated copy of the house registration (blue book.) I found this on the State Dept. website. I wonder if I'll have any issues with AOS? Thoughts?

"The issuance of birth certificates in Thailand began in Bangkok in 1917. Records of birth are often lacking for people born in Bangkok before World War II and for those born in other areas of the country up until the 1970s. Birth Certificates are issued by "Amphur," (geographic subdivision roughly equivalent to a county in the U.S.) district authorities having jurisdiction over the place of birth. There may be a fee for this service.

A Thai citizen older than 15 and born in Thailand, whose birth was not registered, must present in its stead a household registration, together with a Thai national identity card ("bat prachachon"), and may also be required to submit additional proof of the claimed relationship."


For the K1 visa we used the household registration and Thai national identity card and that is acceptable for K1 applicants as stated above. I assumed it would work for AOS if I gave them Thai and English copies but it did not. USCIS is a different branch of government from the Department of State and I'm assuming that's why it did not work. I don't have any official documentation to prove that though. The U.S. Bangkok Embassy understands Thai documents. Service centers in the U.S. doing AOS deal with all countries and they don't have a clue what a household registration is. I attached a copy of the RFE I received.
I thought of another potential problem for you. When you get your medical examination done in Bangkok, make sure the doctor marks the correct approval box on the I-693 supplemental vaccination form. Our doctor checked the wrong box so we got a 2nd RFE and had to find a civil surgeon in the states to redo it. Go here to see the document we had to resubmit. Make copies of all the medical documents if possible because you turn them in at your point of entry and USCIS has been known to not forward them to the right service center which causes delays. I can't remember if the doctor seals them at the hospital or if they are sealed at the interview. BNH hospital reluctantly e-mailed me a copy of the document they messed up on.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for that info. Looks like the wife is going to be making a trip to Si Sa Ket for the Birth Certificate. She doesn't sound happy about it, but that's how it goes I guess. Better to do it now while she's in Thailand.


Rin is also from Si Sa Ket. We originally planned to go get her BC while I was visiting, but instead a family member was able to go to the local amphur and get it for her. The interesting part was that her aunt went and they would not give it to her. They told her that a male family member with the same last name could get it. Her uncle went the next day and was able to get it and mail it to her in Bangkok.

So if she still has family in Si Sa Ket, they might be able to save her the trip.

John

Great. Her mother and father still live in Si Sa Ket. Rasi Salai actually, but I'm sure I could get her to have her father deal with it. I wonder does she have to go to the Amphur where born, or can she go to Muang Si Sa Ket?


My wife is also from the Sisaket area. I just asked my wife and she said you have to go to the local amphur of birth and the building in phonetics is called "ti wat gone amphur" or ???????????????????????????????????? and we had her father go do it. They don't give out originals. They make a copy and have someone sign it.
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-05-30 10:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (sference @ May 30 2008, 06:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife doesn't seem to have a birth certificate, although she has a Thai passport, Thai ID card, and a translated copy of the house registration (blue book.) I found this on the State Dept. website. I wonder if I'll have any issues with AOS? Thoughts?

"The issuance of birth certificates in Thailand began in Bangkok in 1917. Records of birth are often lacking for people born in Bangkok before World War II and for those born in other areas of the country up until the 1970s. Birth Certificates are issued by "Amphur," (geographic subdivision roughly equivalent to a county in the U.S.) district authorities having jurisdiction over the place of birth. There may be a fee for this service.

A Thai citizen older than 15 and born in Thailand, whose birth was not registered, must present in its stead a household registration, together with a Thai national identity card ("bat prachachon"), and may also be required to submit additional proof of the claimed relationship."


For the K1 visa we used the household registration and Thai national identity card and that is acceptable for K1 applicants as stated above. I assumed it would work for AOS if I gave them Thai and English copies but it did not. USCIS is a different branch of government from the Department of State and I'm assuming that's why it did not work. I don't have any official documentation to prove that though. The U.S. Bangkok Embassy understands Thai documents. Service centers in the U.S. doing AOS deal with all countries and they don't have a clue what a household registration is. I attached a copy of the RFE I received.
I thought of another potential problem for you. When you get your medical examination done in Bangkok, make sure the doctor marks the correct approval box on the I-693 supplemental vaccination form. Our doctor checked the wrong box so we got a 2nd RFE and had to find a civil surgeon in the states to redo it. Go here to see the document we had to resubmit. Make copies of all the medical documents if possible because you turn them in at your point of entry and USCIS has been known to not forward them to the right service center which causes delays. I can't remember if the doctor seals them at the hospital or if they are sealed at the interview. BNH hospital reluctantly e-mailed me a copy of the document they messed up on.

Hope this helps!
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-05-30 02:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Hello all,
I like to post this reminder in the forum every once in awhile because it created a big headache for us. Before heading to the U.S., be sure you go to the fiance's amphur of birth and get an official birth certificate. You'll need it to adjust status. Also, if your fiance has had any name changes, get those official documents and have them all translated too. I had a very good translation experience with Anuchit Piewkham at info@thaienglish.com. Good luck on your journeys!
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-05-29 12:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
I talked to my U.S. representatives office the other day to get some help and they said USCIS is so backed up that they are asking retired employees to come out of retirement. Unbelievable! blink.gif
I recommend contacting your representative or senator. I've gotten fantastic help from their offices so far. I don't know if they've actually done anything yet but they listen and call USCIS to check on your case. Worth a shot anyway!
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-01-28 10:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
[/quote]


Congrats my friend..........I'm still waiting due to USCIS being incompetent.
[/quote]

Have you tried contacting the U.S. senator or representative that represents where you live? They have a lot of power. I know of at least one person that had issues with immigration and went to their representative's office and they fixed the problem quickly. Several of my family members got their passports unbelievably fast doing that as well. I'm having issues with AOS at the moment and am going to try it too.

Don't forget to get your spouse's birth certificate from the amphur of birth before you leave for the U.S. That cost us a lot of time and money because we forgot to do that after receiving the K1. You need it for AOS and it has to be translated too. If anyone is looking for a translation service, I had a very good experience with www.thaienglish.com. All of it done online.

Good luck!
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-01-16 11:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
QUOTE (ThaiStyleUSA @ Dec 31 2007, 11:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee wants to know how long does it takes for the medical exam and will she get the result the same day? I understand it takes several weeks for the police report.


It took my fiance 3 hours to complete everything at BNH and she received all the documents needed. The hospital has all the forms you need at the hospital and they give them to you in a sealed manila envelope.

We were told 2 weeks on police certificate, but that was back in September. If you pick it up, it's faster than if you have it sent to your house.

Also, I know I've mentioned this several times in the forum, but don't forget to go to the Amphur of your fiance's birth to get an official birth certificate before you leave Thailand. You need it when you adjust status in the U.S. and we're having a heck of a time getting approved because of a mistake made on it 29 years ago.

Good luck!
mnbinthMaleThailand2008-01-01 10:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
The Meridien is about one block, if that, from the embassy. I haven't stayed in it, but I have stayed in one down south and they are amazing!
http://www.starwoodh...angkok_overview
mnbinthMaleThailand2007-12-09 19:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Ok, so apparently one of the many Thai documents we have that I can't read is the 'birth certificate' but the date on it is different than her Thai passport, Thai ID card, and every single legal document we have for her. I guess there was a mistake that was never corrected and I guarantee USCIS isn't going to be happy. *sigh* Any suggestions?
mnbinthMaleThailand2007-12-01 22:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Hello,
I just filed for AOS and got an RFE asking for my wife's Thai birth certificate. What document did you send in for a birth certificate? My wife said the household registration is her birth certificate and all we have is a copy of that. Anyone else had this problem?
Thanks!
mnbinthMaleThailand2007-12-01 19:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
My packet 3 never made it through the mail to us either. Looks like a common problem
mnbinthMaleThailand2007-11-28 15:22:00