ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (daboyz @ Jul 24 2009, 11:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jul 24 2009, 07:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My Fiance was handed a new manila envelope that is not to be opened by us. I now have this envelope and the big medical Xray with the smaller vaccination envelope which has apparently been resealed. what do I need at the POE? Can I stick the big X ray in our suitcase and just hold onto the smaller vaccination envelope and the new envelope for the customs agent to inspect?

It states pretty clearly on the outside of the brown envelope "Do Not Open" Don't put it in your checked bags. You will need it before customs. Carry it on the plane.


I understand about the new envelope. I wasn't sure if I needed the old one from the hospital. It sounds like the answer is no, only the new one. That's good because that big X ray one would be annoying to carry.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-25 02:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
My Fiance was handed a new manila envelope that is not to be opened by us. I now have this envelope and the big medical Xray with the smaller vaccination envelope which has apparently been resealed. what do I need at the POE? Can I stick the big X ray in our suitcase and just hold onto the smaller vaccination envelope and the new envelope for the customs agent to inspect?
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-24 19:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (TL to AZ @ Jul 21 2009, 08:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (GeneT @ Jul 21 2009, 03:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jul 20 2009, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My Fiance finally got her visa, it was really seeming like it might not happen for a bit. I have never felt more stress, sadness and anger than I have the past few weeks. We had a problem intially because I was once married to a Thai and got divorced at the Thai consulate in LA. This is very problematic because it's only recognized in Thailand. Thus I had to find her and divorce her at the Amphur in Thailand when my Fiance and I decided to get married. I had a lawyer and he was very helpful with this.

The second problem is my Fiance is Laotian, but we both reside in Thailand. We are relocating to the USA next week. She had to have a number of additional stamps and guarantees from various Lao agencies in and outside of Thailand that Thai's do not. This was a little surprising to me and my lawyer. We learned this via a 221(g) If you think Thailand is disorganized it's nothing compared to Laos. It was a real nightmare to gather all the needed signatures and stamps. In fact the guy at the Laos embassy in Thailand flat out refused to help us and forced us to go to Vientiane Laos for something he could have easily done for us in 30 seconds. During the last week I had to fly my Fiance to Laos and back twice. Also getting anything done at the various agencies in Laos is an exercise in luck and madness. It was also never entirely clear exactly what stamps we needed as the 221(g) was very vague so we basically took our best guess which of the dozens of government agencies might be able to provide us with the proof we needed. Since getting the 221(g) my life has very much felt like the Kafka book The Trial. If you haven't read it check it out, you'll relate to some of the strange bureaucratic steps involved in getting a visa to what he had to do in the book to get through his 'trial'.

I am very very relieved we made it this far, now I just hope there are no problems getting married and we can simply begin our life living together in the USA.



Congrats!!! Wow, that did sound like a very involved process but now it is behind you! Kick back and have a beer! Cheers!



BeerLao, of course!


LOL. I have my frustrations with Laos but BeerLao makes up for about 75% of them.

wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-21 21:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
My Fiance finally got her visa, it was really seeming like it might not happen for a bit. I have never felt more stress, sadness and anger than I have the past few weeks. We had a problem intially because I was once married to a Thai and got divorced at the Thai consulate in LA. This is very problematic because it's only recognized in Thailand. Thus I had to find her and divorce her at the Amphur in Thailand when my Fiance and I decided to get married. I had a lawyer and he was very helpful with this.

The second problem is my Fiance is Laotian, but we both reside in Thailand. We are relocating to the USA next week. She had to have a number of additional stamps and guarantees from various Lao agencies in and outside of Thailand that Thai's do not. This was a little surprising to me and my lawyer. We learned this via a 221(g) If you think Thailand is disorganized it's nothing compared to Laos. It was a real nightmare to gather all the needed signatures and stamps. In fact the guy at the Laos embassy in Thailand flat out refused to help us and forced us to go to Vientiane Laos for something he could have easily done for us in 30 seconds. During the last week I had to fly my Fiance to Laos and back twice. Also getting anything done at the various agencies in Laos is an exercise in luck and madness. It was also never entirely clear exactly what stamps we needed as the 221(g) was very vague so we basically took our best guess which of the dozens of government agencies might be able to provide us with the proof we needed. Since getting the 221(g) my life has very much felt like the Kafka book The Trial. If you haven't read it check it out, you'll relate to some of the strange bureaucratic steps involved in getting a visa to what he had to do in the book to get through his 'trial'.

I am very very relieved we made it this far, now I just hope there are no problems getting married and we can simply begin our life living together in the USA.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-20 14:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (daboyz @ Jul 18 2009, 12:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jul 18 2009, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have one other question other than my 221g question above.

I was previously married to a Thai national who I divorced. I have a copy of our divorce document from the Los Angeles consulate. For those married to foreign spouses before what did you need to provide to prove you were divorced and register your new marriage?

You didn't learn your lesson the first time?

laughing.gif

Sorry had to do it.


Actually yes I did. I'm marrying a Laos woman this time. The above question pertains just to those who were married to a foreigner, divorced then got a K1 and married in America.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-18 11:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I have one other question other than my 221g question above.

I was previously married to a Thai national who I divorced. I have a copy of our divorce document from the Los Angeles consulate. For those married to foreign spouses before what did you need to provide to prove you were divorced and register your new marriage?
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-18 11:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
For those with the 221(g) after you resolved the problem and picked up the visa 2 days later, was it available in the morning?
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-18 09:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
After you get your K1 visa what documents do you need to get married in America? My Fiance is Laos but I imagine the documents should be similar to a Thai person.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-18 01:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I am presently dealing with a 221g situation. It's been incredibly frustrating and annoying and is not over yet. I hope to have all the needed documents ready for presentation this Monday. I am back in Thailand and will be going to the window with my Fiance. If I'm successful I'll explain everything that happened.

Johnnorcal after you resolved the 221g problem was your visa issued right then and there or did you have to wait a few days?

Edited by wasabi, 18 July 2009 - 01:13 AM.

wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-18 01:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
There was a lot that could have gone wrong. I was married and divorced to a Thai person before. My Fiance is Laos, living in Thailand and I was working remotely over the internet. I am pleased this is the only issue they had.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-08 06:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
My Fiance was issued a 221 (g) She is Laos and we had a proof of being unwed document from Laos. It turns out we need one from Thailand too. That should easy enough to fix. There were no other issues.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-07 22:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (Nill @ Jul 7 2009, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jul 7 2009, 06:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My Fiance is interviewing right now!!! Please Jesus Buddah Allah Moses let there be light.

chok dee brother wasabi!


kop khun krap
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-07 21:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
My Fiance is interviewing right now!!! Please Jesus Buddah Allah Moses let there be light.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-07-07 21:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Congrats Scandal
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-29 20:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Jun 16 2009, 07:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wasabi, what did you do for the I-134 Affidavit of Support, since you were in Thailand for over a year?



I work for a major US University and have for over 5 years. However I'm lucky that all my work can performed remotely. As long as I have an internet connection I can live anywhere in the world so obviously I wanted to be with my Fiance and chose Thailand. I still have my job but now that she is about to come back I'd actually like to embark on a new career and am simultaneously pursuing that.

It's weird being back I keep wanting to tell check-out clerks, Kob Khun Krap.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-16 09:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 15 2009, 12:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm in LOS now. kicking.gif



I'm back in the United States for a job interview after having spent 15 months in LOS. I have to say I prefer the USA overall after my experience in Thailand, primarily because of how much cleaner it is here, but I wish I was till there with my Teerak. Well will be together again soon enough.


wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-15 13:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
If somehow it is possible I'm all for a Vegas meet up in July. Maybe set a Guinness record for most 's K1's wed in one day? Not that anyone but us would actually care about such a statistic.

Edited by wasabi, 12 June 2009 - 03:48 AM.

wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-12 03:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Got the interview date 7/08/09. Finally the countdown begins.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-10 21:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (magic girl @ Jun 9 2009, 08:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (NCThai @ Jun 9 2009, 05:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good news !
My visa got approved today. I will pick up visa on Friday at 3 pm.


good.gif Congratulations !!!

innocent.gif ** Update **

4 friends from thaiwebsite had the interview today
2 in the morning and other 2 in the afternoon
got report from 2 ladies in the morning both are approved and pick the visa 3 pm. Friday
everything went smoothly 8-10 simply Qs with the kind lady not HIM

star_smile.gif Good sign for all


I think the nice lady handles the English speaking interviews. Unfortunately my Fiance can only speak Thai and will probably have it with the mean guy if he handles the Thai interviews. I hope at least he is proficient in Thai.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-09 08:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (roi_aggie @ Jun 8 2009, 01:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And lets not forget the long flight over, especially if flying alone..


It's my understanding with a K1 visa the beneficiary must enter with the petitioner the first time they pass through customs so flying alone is impossible. Is this not true?
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-08 13:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (kh1982 @ Jun 8 2009, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HYENA @ Jun 8 2009, 04:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jun 8 2009, 04:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Today I went to the USA embassy. It was very difficult to get them to even let me in but when I finally did I explained I had emailed repeatedly without reply and simply wanted to know if they had my Fiance's packet 3 or not. A 2 minute check revealed they did and I was on my way. Now I just have to wait for her to get a date but at least I know the clock is ticking.


Home stretch! Must feel great after all this time! Congratulations to everyone who's moving along. To those who have snags. my heart goes out to you! This is a very strenuous process, indeed! I'm actually getting a bit nervous! After this long wait; difficult to believe it's coming to a close (all this insane waiting, hoping, waiting)....

Let me say one thing we did not Waite to receive packet 3 and if we did Waite we would still be waiting my lawyer MR. Bryan Wright had packet 3 all put together before she even did her medical so best advice I can give you


I received permission to send packet 3 on May 20th. I'd had it ready for weeks already and sent it the next day. However it was until now that the embassy acknowledged even receiving it and only after a personal visit from me. I'm looking forward to the next time they update their appointments on their website.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-08 12:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Today I went to the USA embassy. It was very difficult to get them to even let me in but when I finally did I explained I had emailed repeatedly without reply and simply wanted to know if they had my Fiance's packet 3 or not. A 2 minute check revealed they did and I was on my way. Now I just have to wait for her to get a date but at least I know the clock is ticking.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-08 03:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Thanks for the good wishes. It really means a lot when you feel like you are in this nameless bottomless pit just waiting for a sign that things are still on track. I emailed them yesterday to the visas2 address but still no response? For the life of me I can't figure out why they can't give me a simple response. Aside from the surreal feeling that I no longer exist I'm hoping to see my Fiance's case number whenever they get around to updating the upcoming appointments list.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-05 09:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 4 2009, 11:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jun 4 2009, 09:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 4 2009, 09:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Who is next in line for an interview?



I'd be happy for the embassy to simply acknowledge they got my packet 3. It's really depressing to be in this black hole and unable to get a response. I've given up on them responding to my emails and hoping the next posting of upcoming interviews on their website contains my Fiance's case number.


When you send them an email, do you get an automated reply immediately, or no?


I have sent 4 emails. The first one I did get a response from in which they indicated they hadn't gotten the package. I sent another a week later with no response, no reply at all. I then was wondering if maybe the person was Thai so I sent the letter again in Thai. I waited another week and sent a 4th letter, this time in Thai and English! No reply to the last 3, just straight into the abyss. I don't remember ever getting an automated reply. I've also tried sending from two different email addresses. I wish I knew what was going on. I do have a lawyer but he's out of the country for the week so I'll have him look into it when he comes back.

Also this might have gotten lost at this point in this thread. But I KNOW THEY received the package because I sent it registered mail. I just want the embassy to acknowledge that so I know my Fiance's interview date is approaching. If someone signed for it and tossed it on the floor somewhere then I want to know.

QUOTE (girarm @ Jun 4 2009, 12:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 4 2009, 09:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ Jun 4 2009, 05:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh and in a follow-up conversation she said there was no Fat Man. Just a small girl and small guy at the embassy and they were all nice. Maybe someone was "reassigned". Siberia would be a good place I think.



Just caught this now. I'll be very interested to see if future interviewees also report the absence of the bald guy. I suspect he was the sole source of most of the hell that went down during the interviews since January.



I would be happy to see him gone because there is no reason for someones first contact with the USA to be some rude A$$ who thinks they are God... I really see no reason to be mean or cruel to any of these girls no matter what the Govt official may think. All of this can be handled professionally, and guess what you still get the same outcome... Visa yes or Visa No, but people go away from the interview with a lot better feeling about the good ole USA wink.gif


I totally agree. I understand the need to weed out fraud and uphold the law, but some of the arrogance and condescending remarks these agents utter should result in their termination. However this is human nature for some people who are in a position of 'power'

Edited by wasabi, 04 June 2009 - 12:30 PM.

wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-04 12:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 4 2009, 09:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Who is next in line for an interview?



I'd be happy for the embassy to simply acknowledge they got my packet 3. It's really depressing to be in this black hole and unable to get a response. I've given up on them responding to my emails and hoping the next posting of upcoming interviews on their website contains my Fiance's case number.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-04 09:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (daboyz @ Jun 3 2009, 02:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (AaronLV @ Jun 3 2009, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You should still have time to get a tourist Visa. Mine took a total of 3 days to get, with FedEx each way. It will be no fun to be turned away.

Is there a difference between getting a tourist visa, and just getting the 30 day stamp?


Yes there is a difference. Any visa, tourist, ED, Non Im O, O-A, retirement allows you to board with a one way ticket. See the thing is not everyone is granted the visa on arrival if some problem pops up. While you can be refused with the various visas I mentioned, it gives the airline a very high measure of assurance you won't be forced to come back thus their acceptance of one way tickets with them.

I have been to Thailand many times and I was never questioned until I tried to board with a one-way ticket. Fortunately that was the one time I did have a visa. I have heard of some people who slide through and I'm sure most of the time you probably could but as others have mentioned I would personally prefer not to gamble. Buying a refundable ticket you never intend to use is a viable option. You could also use the return one-way but just pay the penalty to change the dates if you are not sure when you are coming back.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-03 14:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
I just want to say again. I was stopped by the airline like girarm. I did know about the potential for this to be enforced so I knew to show them my visa which was enough to allow me to board. Many people are saying they have never been asked. That is most likely because you had either a return ticket, two one way tickets or had bought an ongoing ticket with the same airline. They can see all this in their computer and this will prevent you from being flagged. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but it might just be the worst feeling in the world to think you are about to go meet your lovely Fiance in Thailand and have to make some split second decisions at 1 am at the airline counter.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-03 12:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 3 2009, 10:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jun 3 2009, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
rsn I have been told if you do not have a visa allowing you to enter Thailand than one-way flights are not permitted. I'm not talking about the visa on arrival for 30 days you will receive when you get here. I have been living in Thailand for a year and a have been studying Thai while here. I came here on a one-way ticket. At the airport in San Francisco they did ask why I had a one-way ticket I had to show them my ED visa to be allowed to board. I am not saying it's impossible to board with a one-way ticket but you may want to get a 60 day tourist visa from the Thai Consulate just to be safe. If you have questions about this thaivisa.com is probably the best place to ask.

Also for the board. I saw the posts about needing to follow up with booster shots for immunization vaccines. If my Fiance does so, does she need to bring the entire medical package with her or can they just give her a letter that she can attach to the package?


Hmm. I hope not! I doubt there is time to get a 60 day visa from the embassy over here. I did that once before and it took a while. Anyone else have experience w/ a one-way w/out a visa?


By the way it's the airline not Thai immigration that is likely to give you a hard time. Also this does not apply if you are coming from one of the ASEAN members into Thailand, it's if you are coming from some country like USA or somewhere in Europe to Thailand. If you can get on the plane you are probably in the clear. Here are a couple threads about it.

http://www.thaivisa....et-t198371.html
http://www.thaivisa.com/350.0.html
http://www.thaivisa....et-t260979.html

Edited by wasabi, 03 June 2009 - 10:18 AM.

wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-03 10:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 3 2009, 09:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (uscandual @ Jun 3 2009, 08:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am tempted to book a flight for July 7 on the theory that if she passes the interview on June 29, that's a week for them to issue the visa. Even if they issue her a 221g for more documentation, hopefully we could still submit it on the Wed July 1st and get the visa in time to fly on the 7th. My concerns are (1) the holiday weekend (2) if there are longer delays. So I don't want to book a flight unless I can make changes. I'm guessing that many of us are going through very similar mental calculations right now. I'm curious as to what everyone's thoughts are: wait till the visa is in the passport before booking a flight? Book now and hope for the best? How many days after interview to schedule the flight, allowing for possible 221g? What'up, all?


I was tempted to buy a round-trip as well, especially since they seem to be not much more expensive than a one-way. I ended up only getting a one-way. I paid $900 for a one-way leaving June 13th. I decided that there will be enough stress on this trip as it is, I didn't want to worry about changing the date on a round-trip and potentially losing it altogether if I couldn't get another seat later on for Kat. I opted for buying he ticket either after she is approved or after she has the visa in her hand. If I'm there and just in a holding pattern/waiting for visas and for Kat to pack her stuff, I can work over the internet.


rsn I have been told if you do not have a visa allowing you to enter Thailand than one-way flights are not permitted. I'm not talking about the visa on arrival for 30 days you will receive when you get here. I have been living in Thailand for a year and a have been studying Thai while here. I came here on a one-way ticket. At the airport in San Francisco they did ask why I had a one-way ticket I had to show them my ED visa to be allowed to board. I am not saying it's impossible to board with a one-way ticket but you may want to get a 60 day tourist visa from the Thai Consulate just to be safe. If you have questions about this thaivisa.com is probably the best place to ask.

Also for the board. I saw the posts about needing to follow up with booster shots for immunization vaccines depending on time frames. If my Fiance does so, does she need to bring the entire medical package with her to the hospital or can they just give her a letter that she can attach to the package?

Edited by wasabi, 03 June 2009 - 09:51 AM.

wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-03 09:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Jun 3 2009, 07:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jun 3 2009, 05:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For some reason they have been completely ignoring my emails. I'm just simply asking if they got my papers or not. I am in Bangkok but I don't know if I can go there and ask or not. I think they are a bunch of incompetent fools over there but me going there could make matters worse.


I did not include this in the former post, but of course I also recommend that all correspondence be concise and polite: I believe that was also part of my success. I refused to email the embassy until my fiancée changed her attitude. At first she was angry about the wait and others receiving dates before us. I told her "I am happy to email the embassy, but I will not do so from such an energy." I did not email them out of anger or indignation, rather from a place of willingness. Energy or intention behind our acts is the single most critical factor in all endeavors. I really like that guy, Cesar Milan who has the show "Dog Whisperer" because he recognizes this as well. He teaches the humans to come from an energy of acceptance, willingness, courage, and the dogs respond to that. In each episode he admonishes "It's not what you are saying or doing. It's that silent energy you are projecting."

With all due respect sir, your previous post underscores the energy you are presently projecting. There is much going on within the walls of the embassy that none of us are privy to. You may find a higher degree of success and happiness if you change the way you see the situation. I do wish you all the best.


I and many of us have every right to be angry given the way we are treated. If I just let customer files and emails sit for weeks I would lose my job. However Take a look at the content of my email shown below and if there is something I could have done better I'd be happy to make changes. I have done some venting on this board but at no point did I ever exercise anything but the utmost professionalism in trying to get a response. It's being ignored or being told false information that has me steamed.


From: me
Sent: Tuesday, May 25th, 2009 11:12 AM
To: 'Visasbkk@state.gov'
Subject: IV Unit Inquiry Case # BNK2009XXXXXX

Hello,

I received packet 3 on May 20th and returned it to the US Embassy on May 21st. Have you received my packet 3 and has my Fiance been scheduled for an interview? Her information is below.

My Fiance
Case # BNK2009XXXXXX
I-29f K1 petition

Thank you,

me

Edited by wasabi, 03 June 2009 - 07:46 AM.

wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-03 07:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (ThaitoUSA @ Jun 3 2009, 01:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations Will! Seems like whatever dark cloud hovered over the BNK embassy has now passed.

Less than 2 days after sending an email inquiring into how come others who returned paperwok after us were getting interviews before us, my fiancée got an email stating that her interview shall be on June 18th at 1 pm as well. Looks like our ladies shall be going in together Ron. They never did get back to me, but I don't mind in the least: it seems like they acted on my email and that's all that counts. Should be duly noted that emailing may assist the process and any future petitioners should be recommended to do so throughout the process.


For some reason they have been completely ignoring my emails. I'm just simply asking if they got my papers or not. I am in Bangkok but I don't know if I can go there and ask or not. I think they are a bunch of incompetent fools over there but me going there could make matters worse.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-03 04:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (rsn @ Jun 2 2009, 04:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jun 2 2009, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Still no response from the BKK embassy whether they got my package or not. This whole process has made me full of rage! I hate the feeling of being at the mercy of complete ineptitude.


Have you emailed them yourself, or have you been using a lawyer as a proxy?

The embassy seems to be very responsive at times, and other times emails go completely unanswered. No idea why this is. At one point, the visasbkk2 mailbox was full (within the last month or 2), so they probably don't have enough people to even respond to all the emails (even though this is their preferred method of communication).

Not sure there is much else you can do other than keep emailing them. I think of all the emails I have sent them over the past couple months, about 75% have been answered, and of those about 65% or so have been responses that were useful. I've actually found the people answering my emails at the embassy more competent than USCIS operators, but that isn't saying much.


Yes I have been sending them myself. I've sent 4. They only replied to the first one.


QUOTE (Joe&Noi @ Jun 2 2009, 10:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wasabi @ Jun 2 2009, 01:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is it possible to go to the embassy and ask if they received the documents or is only emailing permitted? I know they received mine on May 23rd due to sending it registered mail but they have chosen to lie that they haven't even though I have the tracking number and know who signed for it. I don't care about whatever stupid reason they have for lying, probably to mask their incompetence, I just want them to acknowledge they have it.



Keep in mind that just because the packet is inside embassy grounds doesn't mean it is where it needs to be. I think many work this way. At the NVC it can take up to two weeks for them to add things to your file, after they received it. Just remember you know it is there and soon enough they will get it in their system. It seems BNK is speeding up so hopefully you will soon get the confirmation and the interview assignment.

Take care.


I agree though I'll feel better when they say yes we have it. It's always possible something got lost. At least if they acknowledge reciept I know the countdown to interview has begun. Right now I might just be wasting time.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-02 21:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Still no response from the BKK embassy whether they got my package or not. This whole process has made me full of rage! I hate the feeling of being at the mercy of complete ineptitude.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-02 13:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Is it possible to go to the embassy and ask if they received the documents or is only emailing permitted? I know they received mine on May 23rd due to sending it registered mail but they have chosen to lie that they haven't even though I have the tracking number and know who signed for it. I don't care about whatever stupid reason they have for lying, probably to mask their incompetence, I just want them to acknowledge they have it.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-06-01 13:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
Congrats to all who have gotten interviews. It seems next to impossible I'll get an interview date in June so I might as well start setting my expectations to July. I sent my Packet 3 on May 21. As of yesterday they claimed they haven't gotten it. Well I just so happened to have sent it registered mail from within Thailand and had the tracking number and name of who signed for it. I replied with this information and suddenly they are very quiet. Maybe I shouldn't have pushed their lie in their face but it's annoying when you know something is true and they tell you otherwise. Right now I'm still waiting for them to acknowledge they even have the packet then I'll start thinking about interview dates.

I have been in Thailand the past year with my Fiance which has been wonderful rather than spending a year apart. I've been married twice and know what that's like. However if the interview won't be until June I may have to leave ahead of her and come back.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-05-29 00:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)
QUOTE (uscandual @ May 27 2009, 11:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (girarm @ May 27 2009, 11:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
crying.gif Oh $h!t, I am going to go throw up again... Last time I was only kidding but this is going to be a real mess. I promise blink.gif


all right there Mikey.... keep it together.... laughing.gif

QUOTE (Danny and Chada @ May 27 2009, 11:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I guess it was a bad week to stop the IV drugs...

On a serious note I wish they would amend the packet 3 instructions to include 1 jar of lube "For petitioner"


<grimace>


uscandual are you certain the embassy has received your packet 3? I asked my lawyer today what's the longest he's heard of anyone waiting after the embassy acknowledges receipt of packet 3 and he said 1 month. I asked if someone had been waiting 2 and a half months if that was normal and he said no it indicates something wrong. I'm not trying to scare you and he could be wrong but I do suggest following up if you haven't.
wasabiMaleThailand2009-05-28 02:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Hi everyone,
My wife and I are also planning to move back to Thailand in the next couple years or so. I've been doing lots of research on visas, dual citizenship and naturalization and might be able to help some of you trying to make decisions. I apologize for the long post, but I hope this helps!

Expedited Naturalization
If you want to live in Thailand with you spouse, there is a way to get your spouse U.S. citizenship while living in Thailand and it completely waves the 3 year waiting period. It's called "Section 319b" and there isn't much information about it, but here are some links below. I am yet to call USCIS to ask about it. They have almost nothing on their website archives.
http://www.state.gov...ation/79520.pdf
http://italy.usembas...vices/N-400.asp
http://www.ilw.com/a...0525-mehta.shtm

Visas to Thailand
I think the family visa "O" is best for many of our situations but I'm not positive. I'd be interested to hear other's experiences. I have a friend living in Chiang Mai that said he's been able to live there 5 years in a row without leaving the country every 3 months with the help of some 1 year extension for married couples. Not sure what that document is though. Also, I've heard that Honorary Thai Consulates in the U.S. tend to be more forgiving in handing out visa extensions before you leave. I had a good experience with the one in Denver before I was married. Links below.
http://www.thaichica...sul/filhead.htm
http://www.thaiembdc...vis...& purpose
http://thai-la.net/v...visa-non-im.htm
http://www.thai-la.n...sa-non-im-o.htm

Dual Citizenship
I talked to 11 different law firms that specialize in Thai/U.S. immigration and got about 5 different answers on whether or not it is legal to do this in Thailand. It is certainly not a problem in the U.S. Based on the web site below and answers from the lawyers, your spouse should be able to obtain U.S. citizenship without affecting his/her status in Thailand. From the lawyers and my own opinion, it makes more long term sense to go through the naturalization process and get U.S. citizenship for your spouse; especially if you plan to return to Thailand.
http://travel.state....s/cis_1753.html
http://www.richw.org/dualcit/faq.html
http://chanyakomol.c...ws/tlaw0173.htm

Thank you for all your helpful discussion! I'd be up to my neck in legal fees without it! cool.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2007-11-17 11:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Update on birth certificates FYI. My wife and her parents said they've never had a birth certificate, only the house registration book. Her father went to the Amphur city hall building in the region she was born and he was able to get a copy of a document that says she was born there, but they wouldn't give him an original copy. The only reason we did this is because we are going through the naturalization process in the future and it supposedly requires an original birth certificate. If you are getting your K1 visa, don't be confused by this post. All you need is your fiance's National ID Card and original House Registration book instead of birth certificate.
mnbinthMaleThailand2007-10-15 09:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Does Thailand have birth certificates? My fiance says there is no such thing, only the household registration. I know the household registration an ID card were fine when we got her visa, but I'm looking ahead to naturalization and we'll need an "original" birth certificate. Figure we better find what we need while we're still in Thailand. Anyone have experience with this?
mnbinthMaleThailand2007-10-09 21:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSAWASDEE 2
Hello everyone,
My fiance and I had a successful interview today! Yay! Just a heads up, there's a new interviewer named Jan. I'd guess she's around 30. The Japanese-American interviewer I've read about was standing over her shoulder and teaching her how to do everything. I honestly think she was more nervous than we were, but she was very friendly. I'll add more details into the Embassy Info page. http://www.visajourn...p?cnty=Thailand

If it clears anyone's worries, I made below the poverty line for income last year because I was in Thailand and I am currently, technically unemployed. I don't have much in the bank either, but they said they didn't have a problem with my I-134. All I had for supporting documents was a letter from my bank, 2 notarized letters from family members saying they'd help financially, a letter from a friend saying he'd give me a job, my tax return, and a W2 from my last job. Hope this helps. PM me if you need any help with anything.

kicking.gif
mnbinthMaleThailand2007-09-06 01:30:00