Answered6 years ago

What are the current processing times and costs for a K-1 fiancé visa to the USA for my Thai fiancé?

K-1 Visa Fiancé Visa Visa Processing Times Visa Application Costs Thai Nationals Immigration to the USA

Andy **********

asked Aug 30, 2020

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Can anyone tell me what the current situation is on flying my fiance to the USA?

I know we would need to do the k1 but im curious about her getting in the us and processing time/costs for the visa.

Answer summary

The K-1 fiancé visa process has not changed significantly for Thai nationals despite recent global events, typically taking 12-18 months to complete, though it may be faster (around 3 months) if the applicant has previously visited the US. Costs for the K-1 visa are expected to rise from around $700 to approximately $1200 as of October 1. Applicants are advised to be meticulous with paperwork and prepared for an interview, where questions may include prior associations and intentions regarding visa compliance. Experiences can vary greatly; some applicants find the process smooth while others face challenges.

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Steve **********

I have done the K1 Fiancé visa. We applied in May and it was approved in August. Granted this was a few years ago but the timeline was extremely fast. We hired a lawyer because I am lazy and prefer someone else to do all the work.

I read last week that timelines have increased dramatically and as of 1 October fees are going up about 80%. It was about $700 when we did it. If I remember correctly it’s going up to about $1200.

Don’t get frustrated and don’t listen to the negative Nancy’s. We were meticulous with our paperwork and it was smooth sailing. The last step in country for her was an interview. We read online about how hard it is and how mean they are. My wife had a very pleasant experience with it. They asked her if she can answer in English and she said yes. If not they would ask in thai. They just reviewed a lot of the info we provided and lastly asked if she was ever a prostitute. When they were done the lady interviewing her hugged her. So don’t let her get to wrapped up in the bullshit online.

The day of her interview there was over 20 people there. Two were approved, both K1s all of the denied people were asking for tourist visas.

Feel free to DM if you have any questions and don’t want them in the thread.

6 years ago

Andy **********

@Steve *********

thanks man. Alot of stuff to think about right now. I wanted to return in october, do the legal marry, fly out to burma for the visa to stay with her, but it doesnt look like any close by countries are opening so we might as well be here and make $ til this thing is over... if its ever over

6 years ago

Steve **********

@An**

yup. Way to try to stay positive about it. Can’t do anything else so make lemonade out of the Covid lemons 😂.

I’ll give one last piece of advice to remember. If you do end up getting married in the states make sure you get your marriage certificate “validated”. I forget the term they used for it but basically it has to be stamped by the ministry of foreign affairs in DC, then stamped by the Thai Embassy in LA or NYC.

It’s harder doing shit over here with an American marriage certificate versus being married in Thailand. But having those stamps makes it much better.

6 years ago

Kool *******

If she is Thai, it will be the same requirements as before the virus, and takes about 12-18 months to be approved. It is not an easy process. If she has been to the US before, then it can take less time, down to around three months. The big thing they are looking at, and for, are her intentions. How likely is she going to violate her visa and just stay in the US. How much reason does she have to return the Thailand. And, not to be rude, or disrespectful, has she ever been associated with prostitution. This will make it a no, even if you are married. Like I said, it is not an easy process. I currently do not know the costs, as my three friends that did this successfully, and my relative that was not successful, we never talked cost.

6 years ago

Kool *******

@Andy *********

, it is all just a matter of time. It is a long process. They also check on you, and if you are able to take care of her financially while in the US.

What I would actually suggest, is going to the district office and actually get married legally, and registered. Then apply, and at the same time apply for her Green Card, to legally stay in the US. It can take longer, but it worth it, and currently why go anywhere else. Thailand is the safest country to be in right now concerning this virus. Age makes no difference. My good friend was 35 years older than his wife, and after 14 years they are still happily married. The big thing they look at is her reasons to return to Thailand, and not just stay in the US. How close is family? Does she own property. Those kind of things. That's why I recommend actually legally getting married. Lots of those concerns disappear, and then it just becomes a case of moral character, and your pictures together, in many different places, means more, in that it is not just a scam marriage so she can get into the US, then you both ho your separate ways. You have to remember, the US is still a very desirable country, and the dreams of lots and lots of people.

เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******

Good advice.

Andy **********

coming from the USA im not sure if i even can get in even of i was willing to fork out the 90k b to quarentine in phuket... we dont want to but rn we can work out here for a year, make $$ and go back when its easier. She isnt making shit out there rn with no tourists anyways(chef at anantara)

6 years ago

Kool *******

@Andy *********

, you are not in Thailand right now? I was assuming you are in Thailand. If that's the case, then K1 is only option. And yes, pictures over a few years means allot. Before this virus, the going rate for scam marriages, for a girl to get into the US, was US$5000-$20,000. This is the biggest concern with the US State department, and Home Land Security. Pictures over a few years can negate those fears by them. Oh, and the two places in Phuket that you could legally quarantine at are bt200k+...lolol.

6 years ago

Andy **********

We are also nearly the same age. Idk if that makes it better or not

6 years ago

Andy **********

@Kool ******

ive never been married, nor has she ever been a prostitute, and we have 2 years of dated pictures including our cultural wedding. Otherwise no to the rest.

6 years ago