What are the best visa options for an American wanting to bring his Thai girlfriend to the USA?

Sep 18, 2024
2 months ago
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am an American with a Thia girlfriend. I am interested in getting her a tourest visa. I contacted an agency he told me it was hard to get and a fiancé / marriage visa would be easier..

He wants $600 to help fill out paperwork and tell her what to say durring the interview.

This feels a lot like a scam I would aprecate any advice on the best path to take with this.
9,744
views
16
likes
220
all likes
86
replies
0
images
65
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Navigating the visa process for a Thai girlfriend seeking to visit the USA can be challenging. Various comments suggest that obtaining a tourist visa often proves difficult, requiring substantial evidence of her intent to return to Thailand, such as employment, financial stability, and ties to her home country. Some community members recommend considering a fiancé or marriage visa as alternative options, arguing they may be easier to obtain in the long run. Others express concerns about expensive agents promising assistance, cautioning against potential scams, and emphasizing the importance of legitimacy in applications. Overall, a collaborative and genuine approach to the relationship and visa process is suggested.
David ********
You answered your own question.
Jock *****
Your opening line says it all sorry,

Our visa agent said only yesterday that only 20% of visas are approved to the USA 🇺🇸

Worth a try, if it's not too expensive

Good luck 👍
Paul *************
Sorry to say mate Not quite true I am a UK citizen after failing last year to get my girlfriend to come to the UK even though we were passing most of the stuff her agent had suggested to stronger the case by getting married It was a big ask considering I only spent 2 weeks with her And although we've been speaking everyday It was a big ask January the 29th I flow back over we had the blessings from the 8 monks The paperwork I had to prove I was a eligible bachelor thing get it translated It then cost me another $600 to purchase a delayed flight 3 days later because you have to give 14 days notice But after 4
***
hours in what I call there town hall we will giving a red book with the licencing although they give it in two sets both were all in Thai And it's gonna cost me again to get it translated into English But we sent it in and made no difference she still got denied on grounds that it will wrong did not read the case notes we sent in Ashley has a younger brother special needs to look after they said she had no dependence to come back for type of thing So think hard mate The only thing that come out of it was she could take my name So makes no difference I am see my wife since February with all the stress I end up having a heart attack because of the layout of money repaying for things make sure that you love her she loves you to go through with it wish you all the luck
Tommi ********
Dream
Vince *********
What's the name of the visa company
Andy **********
Ironic with millions of illegals crossing into America and supported.
Kent ***********
Easier if your destitute and cross the Rio Grand, lol
Troy *********
My girlfriend has a good job, a house, has traveled extensively, they didn't even look at the information provided. Five minute interview and denied.
Jennifer *********
May be of interest re changes next yr travelling for Canadians and Americans
*****************************************************************
David *********
they are correct a tourist visa is more involved versus a finance visa , both take time accuracy and effort ... whether or not they can do it is hard to prove unless they have recommendations ... from people who have been through the process , I have done both ...
Jim *********
They want you to make a commitment so your on the hook of anything goes wrong
Michael *******
Consular officials , assuming you get past the gatekeepers , will work on the assumption that she will do a runner once she is in the US. Your challenge will be to convince them that ain’t going to happen, lots of sound ideas in earlier threads that you need to package together. Good luck.
Terary **********
Years ago I looked into wife vs fiance visa. It seemed it was easier to get a fiance than wife visa. Someone once explained that the difference is with the wife visa they look at her background and with a fiance they look at your background. However, I have gotten neither and that was years ago.

From what I understand it's very difficult to get Thai girlfriends into the USA. So you should look forward to lengthy process that will likely end in disappointment. That being said, you do it yourself the first time, and if it works out you save $600... If it doesn't then you can spend $600 and see if that does it for you.

I get wanting to share the US with your girlfriend.. But when you consider expense and hassle, compared to other places, you may find going to other places is more appealing. Bali is Visa Free for your girlfriend and has much better beaches (as an example).
Jennifer *********
@Terary *********
Sound advice; that's a good example.
Randy ******
She speaks Mehicano??? Just fly to Mehico then comes from the south open borders… Kamala will greet her with open arms if she votes for her in November
Jennifer *********
@Randy *****
wtf nonsense is this. Not appropriate.
John *********
I am an American and I met my Thai wife in 1985. I did not have what it takes to navigate my wife into a fiancé visa to the US., but my Thai wife did it all on her own. My wife didn’t need my help and didn’t need an agent. We had no proof of her education and job. She’s just smarter than most people.

Because you don’t have my wife, try on your own and if you can’t do it, pay the agent. $600 is not too much if you can’t live without her.
Rob ******
Yes absolute money pit idea ...

Just fly first somewhere and return like singapore , so she has history .
Mitchell *******
Funny , just show up. They’re pouring across the border with no visa’s.
Kenneth *******
@Mitchell ******
Go to the US embassy and get the information.
Bob ******
@Kenneth ******
not needed the cartels will give you all the information you need
Bob ******
Nah just have her cross the border with Mexico and claim asylum and she will get anything she wants…the democrats only support illegal aliens now so it’s time for her to come here !
Louis **************
***********************************************************************************************************************************************
%20fiance%20visa&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9Km3BhDjARIsAGUb4nwQwotdZenqnJKjiBv3U4s2HJd7fhh5TynWCb4gO4sMXtHytuIXYycaAmVaEALw_wcB
Mike *******
It is extremely difficult for Thais to get a tourist visa to the United States. They are usually rejected. If they get the tourist visa. They usually have to prove they have a very good well paying job, funds etc. And a good reason they would return to Thailand. I know a 50 year old Thai woman that has a government job in Bangkok. She has been rejected for the tourist visa twice so far.

I’m guessing for the $600 the agent is going to get the tourist visa for her. Personally I don’t think you should waste your money. The agent can’t guarantee she will pass the interview. Most Thais are rejected for the tourist visa.
Jennifer *********
@Mi**
Canada same position.
David **********
The first visa is cheap and easy the next one is expensive
Kevin *******
Bear in mind that for the US, the consular officers are required by law to assume the applicant intends to skip out and live in the US illegally, however irrational that may be. It's not personal, it's a requirement of their job. Your girlfriend has to show them proof that this is not going to happen: a good middle-class job in Thailand, kids she would return to, money in the bank: good reasons to not stay in America. You, as her American boyfriend, work against this narrative: why would she not just stay there with you? There is no US equivalent of the European idea of "sponsorship."

None of this is impossible, but the fact that you're asking on Facebook implies that your GF doesn't have this set up. Plenty of Thais travel to America, with ease, even YouTubers! But you have to be able to honestly, legitimately prove you will come back. I don't see what value the agent adds here, other than making sure your paperwork is correct. Coaching someone on interview questions is a bad idea in my opinion: the person interviewing her will be trained to look for inconsistencies, and lying can get her blacklisted.
Jet ********
Are you personally willing to deposit US$5000 in a Thai bank account in her name only that would be your starting point
Michael *********
Fiancé visa is different then other visas she is coming to get married to you in the USA it’s not a immigration visa once you are married in the states you change her status and she cannot leave the USA until she has permanent residence status
Steven *******
The key is having a convincing story for US Immigration that will convince them that your girlfriend intends to leave the US before her visa expires. They will be concerned that she intends to stay illegally.
Mark ***********
It was impossible for us, we tried a tourist visa, and we tried a student visa, both were denied. We only got the visa once we were married, and then we got a 10-year multiple entry.

If she is wealthy, comes from a wealthy family, or owns many properties, that might help.
Sam *********
It is difficult and you know what, I think there is reason for that. Thais are notorious for coming to the United States on tourists visas and disappearing under the radar. Ten years later, you will find them working for some auntie or cousin at a restaurant in any town USA. Many of them have 0 respect for the system and make it hard for the ones that want to come for legitimate travel reasons. Best of luck to you all.
Rob ******
Make sure she dosnt say she has a boyfriend in the USA or she will get denied
Michael ********
Oh dear search through group many posts not many succesful stories
Carlos *********
A K1 visa, I'd recommend. I did it and it takes around a year but you chances are good you'll bring her back. Everyone told me it wouldn't happen and diligence will pay off.
Marcus ************
If her family is wealthy, she has money, a business, strong ties to Thailand…they might still deny her a tourist VISA. If she has traveled abroad before it helps.
Pertti *************
If she's working paying taxes and have money bank to travel visa is easy🙏
Jeffrey *******
@Greg ********
post your question in K1 ( fiancèe visa) Support group.
Doug *********
Tourist visas in the USA for Thais are very difficult. Fiance visa does work...if you are serious about marriage. Don't do it otherwise. Go visit her. It took my wife and I several years to complete the Fiance visa, marriage, and citizenship. Good luck.
Jason ********
If you visit Thailand, it will be easy after
กะลาสี *****
Very difficult to get a visa and if you are successful, it will literally take months. Easier to fly her to Mexico and pay a coyote to sneak her across! Of course I'm not suggesting that you do this but it would be easier.
Us *****
My Thai gf wanted to visit the US too. Then I realized that I would have to pay for 2x of everything at American prices. Imagine paying 10 baht every day for expenses. So I kept it real with her and told her that America is dangerous. You see homeless people everywhere and people are pretty racist. If she wants to visit Disneyland, I can take her to HK of Tokyo. Please keep it real with her unless you want to spend
*****
baht a day.
Garrett ***********
@Us ****
Orrrr, you find a girlfriend that has a job and can pay for things like food.
Us *****
@Garrett **********
how do you have the heart to ask a girl to pay for things when her job pays 1000-1500 usd a month? You can easily spend 200 dollars on food at Disneyland in a day.
David **********
@Garrett **********
you need a big time sugar momma to help you afford things in the States now. It's ridiculously expensive!
Leighton ********
@U*
smart man 🥂
Kool *******
Basically if she hasn't filed Thai income tax regularly she won't be approved.
Carsten ************
@Kool ******
Thais are paying income tax?
Mei *******
Gary ********
Looking at your spelling in this post I would say you definitely need help
Jeff ******
I'm a redneck that gets tired of people being better than others
Jeff ******
We'll than if your a teacher you would never treat people like shit not everybody has the ability you have and I can see you don't have the ability others have.
Morris *****
@Gary *******
I only joined this group for entertainment. From people asking "How do I move to Thailand with no money?" to "How can I stay in Thailand forever?" These are fully grown adults and most of them are at least twice my age 🤣
David **********
@Morris ****
And the majority of them are basically clueless. My favorite question: What will the weather be like in Thailand in (insert month here)? 🤦🤣
John ******************
@Gary *******
I agree . How can you trust the facts, or the legitimacy of the contributors if he/she can not spell . Just sayin’.
Mike ********
@John *****************
i will just get Chat GPT to do it for me if its that Impotant to you spelling police.
David **********
@Gary *******
the spelling and grammar, or lack thereof, in this forum is astounding. Sadly, some of the worst comes from people who use English as their first language. 🤦🤣
Andy **********
@David *********
Are you a "it's raining in Koh Samui" or "it's raining on Koh Samui" sort of chap?
Rich ************
@David *********
blame it on spell check and word populate. 😂
Jeff ******
@David *********
No one cares except pricks and disrespectful people like yourself David. Enjoy life find something Important to do like roll dung in balls thus spelling and grammar will become less important you.
David **********
@Jeff *****
oh man, your reply is a nightmare for a disrespectful prick like me. 😂
Jeff ******
@David *********
wasn't disrespect. It's a fact of leave people alone spend your energy and avaliable life helping people not making life negative. Good day
David **********
@Jeff *****
so actually I help people learn English. I've been teaching students from all over the world and my students love me.
Jeff ******
@Gary *******
Gary seems you are an asshole.
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm not particularly interested in old Gary Morgan or his thoughts on my grammar . It's a bit hard to take someone seriously if they look like mom and dad were brother and sister. I guess that his draw to Thailand 1000 B and they won't say no. You might need a bit more help than I do I can see your struggle is real. Gary I can give you a few thousand Baht if it would help you out.
Andy **********
@Jeff *****
I block people like this and move on
Nongnuch ********
I wonder if the agent gives you a guarantee, that if you pay 600 USD and she doesn't get the visa, the agent should pay at least 500 USD back to you
Andy **********
@Nongnuch *******
The agents won't give money back but it will be a free re-application. It's not a scam when agents say they will help with any interview. My wife has a poor immigration record, and a UK based immigration specialist told me to lie. No way, used a Thai agency, was up front about issue. The invitation letter I kept short and to the point, unlike some flowery examples from blokes basically begging to get a visa. Got a UK visa no problem. I think the US visa will be similar, but having a firm relationship will help. You're going to have to marry her.
Dana *******
Ate you trying to get a tourist visa for yourself in Thailand ? (You cannot!) Or are you trying to get a visa for USA for your girlfriend ? You can try with the USA Embass in Bangkok...
Sasi ************
Sad but true; Thai lady is hard to get visa to most countries not just the USA. But ; from my personal experience, I applied for my PR and citizenship for both myself and my children, I’ve found that the process is very transparent and straightforward.

Does she have a career? Strong tied to Thailand? Financially secured? No criminal records? These are the main factors.
John *******
I used Key Visa in Pattaya to get TGF to Ireland on holiday visa. Think I paid 30k overall. 10k deposit, 20k only if successful, so $600 sounds OK.
Erhan *******
Fiance visa takes 12 to 18 months…

Find an immigration lawyer in USA for tourist visa …
Pat ********
She needs to prove that she will return to Thailand. Not just family, but a business that she owns and the finances required to sustain herself and return back to Thailand. Put a significant amount of money in her bank account every month, even if you withdraw it. It is true that a fiancee visa is easier to get and $600 is not a lot for that. Most attorneys want $1,000. These are lawyers and they normally won't lift a finger for less than a few hundred dollars. A fiancee visa takes 6 months or longer and you need to supply pictures of the both of you together and the ability to finance her trip. It usually takes 6 months or longer but sometimes you can get it done in 3 to 4 months. Again, money talks.
Martin *********
It’s not true , you can get a 6 month ‘ holiday ‘ .visa

You need to show you’re financially secure, where she will stay , guarantee she won’t be participating in any work what so ever and that you’ve been in a relationship.. photos , correspondence etc .. you can do this at the American embassy in BKK ,, or via an agent ( easier with an agent ) but cost around £500 ( sterling ) .
Marcus ********
B1/b2 visa it’s not complicated. I do law in USA and this is straight forward. Make sure she has like 100k baht and ties back to here. She can get a 6 month tourist visa takes 2-5 days to clear
Terry *******
@Marcus *******
what is your American lawyer license. I will look you up with state enforcement agency
Ron ******
@Marcus *******
Tell me the world is flat😂😂😂
Ellen *************
@Marcus *******
you seem to have a lot of jobs 🤦🏻‍♀️
Brandon **********
@Marcus *******
this isn’t gonna work from experience
Tony **********
@Marcus *******
Good luck with that!
Adam ******
If the US is anything like the Brits you will need a bulletproof reason for her having to return to Thailand. They don't mind her coming they just don't want her to vanish and stay. Probably 20k baht ($600) is the going rate nowadays but I would be asking about his success rate. Good luck.
Sam *********
@Adam *****
Thais have a really bad reputation in the US of coming in on tourists visas and doing exactly that 'vanishing'...it ruins it for the rest of them that want to legit travel and not take advantage of the system. Apparently the rates for Thais that overstay their US visas are some of the highest rates of any nationality...it's really a shame.
Gary *******
@Adam *****
yes could be up to 1000 dollars I’ve heard but no guarantees. The interview would not be easy
Eric **********
I’ll tell you one thing. It will not be easy. She needs strong ties to Thailand. Great job, home or business ownership. Previous foreign travel would help.

Good luck!
Jet ********
@Eric *********
you are totally correct
Gary *******
@Eric *********
your absolutely correct
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else