What are the experiences and challenges faced when applying for a US visa from Canada for a Thai citizen?

Aug 24, 2024
3 months ago
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
You know, we all hear so many people complaining about Thai Immigration and Visas, however Thailand is excellent when compared to many countries. My wife and I live 50/50 in Vancouver, Canada and Udon Thani. I am on a Non-O Visa Retirement and on the yearly extension. Pretty easy, just some paperwork and a check in every 90 days. Today while in Vancouver we thought we would apply for a visa to the US to go to Alaska sometime. I contacted the US consulate in Vancouver and I was instructed to fill out two comprehensive forms, pay a fee (not sure how much) and they would then book a time for our interview. I asked when the interview would be and the US employee said they were averaging 700 days from today-that's right, 2 years waiting after you've filled out all the paperwork and paid a couple of hundred dollars just to get an interview!

And Schengen Visas in Vancouver from VFS Global? Don't get me started! A nightmare organization.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The author shares their experiences with visa processes, specifically comparing the Thai Non-O retirement visa to the US and Schengen visa procedures. They describe obtaining their Non-O visa in Thailand as straightforward, with just some paperwork and a 90-day check-in, while expressing frustration over the lengthy waiting period for US visa interviews, which can take up to 700 days. Additionally, they mention challenges with Schengen visas in Vancouver. Several commenters discuss related issues, including the experiences and complexities of applying for visas.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Matt *******
Just walk across the border or it would be cheaper to fly to MX and again..come on in! No vetting - America is falling so why not take advantage?
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Matt ******
Alaska is a long way to walk! My wife can fly to MX if direct flight, but to even transit in the US you need a US visa.
Sharron *******
Canadians spend winters here in Florida every year. No Visa..
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sharron ******
My wife and I spend all our winters in Thailand. She is Thai and I'd like to take her to Alaska in the summer. As a Canadian I don't need a US visa, but my wife, being Thai with a Thai passport and even with a Canadian Permanent Resident Card still needs a US visa to go there.
Sharron *******
I see, its for her.
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tim *****************
Guys stop being stupid just jump the border illegally. The legal process is impossible
Galenus ******
It's a helluva easier in Malaysia. No deposit, no 90 days, no minimum wages, easy vida.
Tim *****************
And then you get denied in the interview without even looking at your documents purely based on the general mood of the rude US immigration agent at the time
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim ****************
Let's hope not.
Tim *****************
@Mark ********
let's hope indeed
Peter **********
I have zero problems with either immigration or the rules. I booked the non-o evisa and they justifiably weren’t happy with my bank documentation. I received an email for better documentation, sent it and three days later had the evisa.

I visited immigration in Bangkok with questions and they had preprinted explanations to my questions. We didn’t have enough time to fulfill the requirements so we decided to do immigration stuff in Isan.

The immigration officer in Sakon Nakhon was more than helpful. When I didn’t have passport photos she simply used her mobile to create some. She filled out all the forms we needed and everything was done smoothly.

Later we visited immigration again and we had an enticing conversation about picking mushrooms and how tasty they were and my wife and her were making jokes and friendly conversations.

If they would have had a coffee machine we surely would have stayed longer to continue the conversations.

Zero waiting queues. No hassle at all.

PS VFS sucks. Had the same bad experience with them in Kiev.
Greg *********
And yet the U.S. lets people in illegally every day, no problem. Unreal.
Jo **********
@Greg ********
yes a shame
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I neglected to mention that Visa we are applying for is for my Thai wife. As a Canadian I don't need a visa to go to the US.
Jo **********
Canadians do not need a visa to go to the USA
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jo *********
Thanks. It is for my Thai wife.
Jo **********
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jo *********
No Jo. It was my mistake. I didn't make it clear in my original posting.
Stephen ********
Schengen visa you get online now
Andy ************
@Stephen *******
You apply online. Still have to attend VfS for interview and biometrics
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
I will take a look at it.
Stephen ********
@Mark ********
⁶ Euros
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Stephen ********
@Mark ********
$7. Valid for 3 years
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
Now that is a bargain!
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