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What is the best visa option for my Thai wife to visit the US for 60 days?
US Tourist VisaThai Marriage VisaImmigration AdviceVisa RejectionVisa ProcessCultural ChallengesTravel to the USExpat Life in ThailandVisa Application ProcessThai-US Marriage
Jul 20, 2022
4 years ago
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTERAny Americans here who are married to a Thai and took them to the US for a visit?
My wife needs a US visa to visit for 60 days in December. Any suggestions on the easiest visa for this?
My wife needs a US visa to visit for 60 days in December. Any suggestions on the easiest visa for this?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The best visa option for a Thai spouse of a US citizen visiting for a short period is a B2 tourist visa. Consistent advice emphasizes honesty in the application process, highlighting the importance of demonstrating strong ties to Thailand, such as assets and employment, to mitigate the risk of rejection. It's noted that, despite being married, applicants can face scrutiny, particularly in Bangkok. Applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for the in-person interview and to consider applying for a green card concurrently to streamline future visits.
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John ********
Ask the US embassy..
Duncanc **********
Southern border?
Matt *******
It’s much easier getting a TR visa since you’re already married. It’s only difficult for unmarried couples since immigration assumes the US citizen will bring her on a TR visa then marry her in the US which is visa fraud.
Edgar ************
The US embassy doesn't exist anymore and even before when it did, tourist visas were backlogged for 3 years due to covid or some garbage excuse. You would have an easier time getting a visa to Turkmenistan than the US right now. Also the US went from being the worst country in the world, to the most expensive worst country in the world.
George *********
@Roderick ************
Turkmenistan is also very very tough to visit I read about that.Ադամ ********
@George ********
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Ադամ ********
@George ********
Turkmenistan is open. Try getting to Japan unless you have a legitimte Japanese company sposored business trip or family. The only option now a guided tour "resembling a visit to North Korea" what has attracted 252 people since June 10!Reply to
Ադամ ********
Reply
Gary ********
I heard the US border was open for anyone crossing
Aaron ********
Just fly to the Mexico us border and walk across. They are letting everyone through
Robin *********
@Aaron *******
legally it takes for ever but the world is crossing over from our southern border illegally and are welcomed with both arms open and probably more benefits than law abiding hard working, tax paying citizens 🙏Robin *********
My utmost respect and salute to all our Veterans and all who currently serves our country in uniform.
Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robin ********
I watch documentaries about wanted murderers and international con artists who are found in other countries and they find out they traveled all over the world, running from the law. I saw a convicted felon from Iceland move to Colorado after he was released from prison. I am a navy veteran and never been arrested. Never broken a law. My wife is a military nurse who works herself to death. We have to jump through hoops to even be allowed to visit another country. She was denied a US visa. This system is so stupid.Robin *********
@Mark *******
It’s called Socialism with a progressive liberalism.Why you think our National deficit is nearly 30 Trillion (Yes Trillion with a big T)
Reply to
Robin *********
Reply
Edgar ************
@Aaron *******
No they aren't, the Mexico/US border (entering the US from Mexico) is one of the most secure crossings in the world.Aaron ********
@Roderick ************
Bullshit 275,000 illegal crossings last month and that’s just the ones they caughtPatrick ************
@Aaron *******
you are I’ll informed but keep spouting your hate!Edgar ************
@Aaron *******
I'm talking about at the actual checkpoint. Isn't that what you were talking about? You weren't seriously suggesting he and his gf cross illegally into the US were you?🤦🏻♂️Reply to
Edgar ************
Reply
Russell *******
I am not 100 percent sure but I thought I read something about US consulate service in Chang mai have been suspended . It may just be a temporary issue, but worth checking
Brandon ************
@Russell ******
they already reopenedRussell *******
@Brandon ***********
oh ok . GreatReply to
Russell *******
Reply
Ethel ********
There's almost a year wait for an appointment for a visa. Good luck
Dave **********
Yes, in 75 took my Thai Bride for a 25 year visit then we returned to Thailand.
AxMdob *******
Never do that man she can take bad habits in Mordor....
Jeff *******
@Frnc *******
oh look. A philosopher.Reply to
Jeff *******
Reply
Kool *******
Be aware that the process with getting her any visa to the US, even with you being married, can take about a year to get, and as such it is highly unlikely she will be able to go in December, especially if she has never been to any country that isn't next to Thailand before. What many do, and it makes it very easy in the future, is to apply for her green card at the same time as applying for the visa. It adds a few months to the process, but makes it real easy to enter the US in the future, if she is approved.
Joseph *********
@Kool ******
Tourist visa obtained immediately make an appointment onlineMark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Joseph ********
a B2 visa?Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
กะลาสี *****
Good luck cause sadly you're going to need it.
Nam **********
There are a few visa groups on facebook that Thai people share their processes, interviews, and queues. This one is the B1/B2 tourist visa queue in Chiang Mai posted yesterday. You can ask her to join the group. Most are in Thai, very useful and updated information.
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Nam *********
Thanks!Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Thomas ************
Years ago I applied on line paid fees and processed 10 year tourist visa in Chiangmai. I understand now it is harder to get for some reason but I would apply now for sure
Alan *********
@Wylie ******
9 if you can show her work history and present employer whom can vouch she will return you probably not get a visa, they automatically assum no work history she is a bar girl and they don't want them. It's for you to prove she's not.Wylie *******
@Alan ********
that's not enough at all in many cases. My wife, not at the time, showed all that plus taking care of 2 kids here and was rejected. We know and have seen many stories of people able to show strong ties here and still get rejected. As I said, we were able to get her approved in Chiang Mai after we were married and showed that I live here, although we know of others rejected with similar circumstances.Alan *********
@Wylie ******
was or has she ever been a bar girl ?Wylie *******
@Alan ********
no. She was a legit business owner. It's not uncommon at all for thai women to be rejected, even with strong ties and no history of bar work, especially if they have an American boyfriend. They simply refused and told her she should apply for a K1, despite us not being engaged at the time.Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTERPhil Jones Which is sad. So many idiots do this and ruin it for the real people.
Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alan ********
Good info. Thank you.Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Aaron ******
Don’t lie to the US to get a visa like suggested. It likely won’t work and will hurt chances for visas later.
The only visa she should apply for is a tourist visa since she is not planning to stay long term.
Sadly having a relationship with an American can sometimes make this harder to get. That issue is normally for people who are not married though.
Basically just have to show she has the means to get the visa and is not an overstay risk. The more money she has and the more ties to Thailand the more likely she is to get it.
The fact she is married to you shows (as long as you have the income/earning potential) that she could easily come and live in the US legally. So logically it would be silly to lie and come on a tourist visa with a plan to stay long term.
So she should be approved. But you never know.
The big deciding factor normally is the in person interview it seems. As long as she is truthful and confident she should be fine.
Also don’t let horror stories freak you out. The vast majority (think 80%+) of tourist visa from Thailand are approved.
The only visa she should apply for is a tourist visa since she is not planning to stay long term.
Sadly having a relationship with an American can sometimes make this harder to get. That issue is normally for people who are not married though.
Basically just have to show she has the means to get the visa and is not an overstay risk. The more money she has and the more ties to Thailand the more likely she is to get it.
The fact she is married to you shows (as long as you have the income/earning potential) that she could easily come and live in the US legally. So logically it would be silly to lie and come on a tourist visa with a plan to stay long term.
So she should be approved. But you never know.
The big deciding factor normally is the in person interview it seems. As long as she is truthful and confident she should be fine.
Also don’t let horror stories freak you out. The vast majority (think 80%+) of tourist visa from Thailand are approved.
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Aaron *****
Yes! My wife had a thai woman who does Visa applications work for a living helping her. But the woman made up things and I kept telling my wife to not lie to the US. They WILL know. And sure enough, she got denied.Kevin **********
@Mark *******
You can go online to the USCIS website and fill out the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) and request her erroneus application. Amend it when it arrives with explanation and resubmit it. Even if Imigratiom and Visa never sends it it will be on record of being requested on her file and could sway the interviewer.Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin *********
Thanks!Kevin **********
@Mark *******
Also on the application the agent who filled it out should have checked the box that the application was filled out by person other than the applicant.Reply to
Kevin **********
Reply
Aaron ******
@Mark *******
at this point she might be fucked for life. At least for tourist visas. She’s likely flagged in the system for lying.Really going to depend on the file notes and what the interviewer thinks. The notes will just create a bias for the interviewer which is going to make it harder.
But she better be super honest if she tries again.
I’ve heard of people who lied and tried again a few times with no luck. Never personally heard of anyone who lied and later got it but I am sure it has to happen. In general we hear more about the bad than the good.
Reply to
Aaron ******
Reply
Gavin ********
Does your wife have assets in her name, such as a car, house, land, etc.? She will want to show that she has ties to Thailand and has a good reason to return. They may also want to see your passport. I've heard that after you've been married for 2 years it gets a little easier, but they still reject people for seemingly no reason. My wife and I were married over a year, with a new baby, and they rejected her visa application. They looked at none of the stacks of copies and documents we spent months preparing. We're going to try again now that we've been married much longer, have more children, and assets in her name. I feel like it's
*****
if we get rejected again.Martin *********
@Gavin *******
... you're spot on with the 'a good reason to return' and the assets in her name stuff.That's why many girls get rejected.
No reason to come back.
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gavin *******
Good luck with your next application. You may want to try a different embassy. Bangkok required me to have a lot of requirements for a Non-O visa. I went to Laos and got the visa more easily.Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gavin *******
I feel like there have been so many scams that now they distrust most applications and marriages. Some people hear I married a Thai woman and they automatically think its a mail order bride thing or some sort of money relationship. But we met and fell in love like any normal couple. And I think the embassies have a difficult time seeing anyone as a real couple. Everyone is now paying for the stupidity of a few bad seeds.Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Jeremy ********
Fiancé visa is the easiest…the US govt doesn’t need to know you’re married
Wylie *******
@Jeremy *******
for one, a Thai women applying for a k1 visa when she is legally married in her home country. To even be eligible BOTH parties need to show they are free and legally able to marry. **********************************************************************
I was incorrect about the legally obligated to register part. "If you would like to register your marriage in the United States, you must contact the Attorney General in your state of residence to inquire about their specific documentary requirements." It does not say that you need to.
That does not mean it is not recognized. "Most states recognize the validity of legal marriages registered in Thailand."
**********************************************************************************************************
Also, when an American files their taxes and are legally married there are 3 filing statuses available. All of which require some declaration of marriage in some form. You cannot file single.
Unless you think it's legal to lie on taxes and government applications?
Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
only if you register the marriage…if you’re not registered then it never happenedMark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
At the end of the day, if you want something its best to just tell the truth.Wylie *******
@Jeremy *******
you honestly believe that makes it legal? 🤣🤣Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
I know people married in 4 different countries to 4 different women all of which are not registered…it’s your life you live it how you want toWylie *******
@Jeremy *******
once again I am only stating the rules and laws, not what people choose to do or get away with or how I live my life. But to claim it is legal because people get away with it is false. It's like saying it is legal to not claim income on your tax return because you were paid in cash or won it gambling in a casino and "they don't know about it". Sure many people don't and get away with it. That doesn't make it legal.Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
once again if you don’t register the marriage with the embassy it never happenedWylie *******
@Jeremy *******
you honestly believe the US dept of state won't confirm with the appropriate thai agencies that the applicant and/or sponsor isn't registered in Thailand? What do you think will happen when, not if they find out? Risk being blacklisted for what? What advantage is there vs simply applying for the appropriate visa? The fact you keep arguing this nonsense is hilarious. I'm sure your just trolling me because it's hard to believe you think that's great advice.Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
do you think all Thai marriages are notarized as well 😂😂😂Wylie *******
@Jeremy *******
of course not. But I'd be willing to bet most Americans married to a Thai are registered and am going on the assumption that the original poster is.Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
that’s a losing bet 😂😂😂…why did you even comment on my comment, then tell me to stop commenting ? I never wanted to converse with you in the first placeWylie *******
@Jeremy *******
I was pointing out how ignorant your advice was. Your just too stubborn to admit it. I also never told you to stop "connecting" either. Your free to keep making yourself look like an idiot if you want.🤣🤣Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
how was it ignorant? Many people have used the fiancée visa even if they are marriedWylie *******
@Jeremy *******
are you only referring to those that are not registered in Thailand, therefore not legally married? How do the numbers compare between those legally registered that were successful vs being caught and blacklisted? Also, what is this huge advantage you think one gets by not simply applying for the correct visa?
Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
still no links to your findings…you’re being a fraud nowJeremy ********
@Wylie ******
I don’t know know but obviously u know the numbers so go ahead and post them with a link to your findings so i and everyone else can dissect where you are getting your information from…I’ll wait patiently for you to produce your findingsWylie *******
@Jeremy *******
why? You've avoided at least half of the questions I've asked. Here's just a few. - What advantage is there to lying vs applying for the correct visa?
- do you honestly think the US dept of state will not check if the applicant or sponsor are registered in Thailand?
- what do you think will happen when they find out?
Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
let’s see no link, no data, no nothing…just a troll who is bored today so they want a conversation for some ungodly reason.Wylie *******
@Jeremy *******
so you refuse to answer any of my questions and I'm the troll?🤣🤣 Every time I point out your nonsense or ask a question you avoid it. Now the only thing you have to hang on is whether or not more marriages are not legally registered than are.The actual numbers of marriages registered in thailand or not doesn't even matter. If you are not registered then you are not legally married, therefore not lying. The question and topic is if you ARE married.
Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
yes you’re the troll and a spastic at that…Wylie *******
@Jeremy *******
now I'm definitely trolling🤣🤣Final question you likely won't answer. Do you honestly believe lying about being married is good advice if it's registered?
Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
this is a troll question once again…what did I do to you to make you want to troll me today or is this just your modus operandi?Wylie *******
@Jeremy *******
you gave crappy advice and I politely pointed out why lying was a bad idea. Go back and read my first reply and tell me how any part of that was trolling or incorrect? It would've stayed at that if you hadn't been so stubborn and defensive about it.Wylie *******
@Jeremy *******
🤣🤣 so can't find anything and refuse to admit it. Have a nice day troll.Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
out of all the comments on this post…why did you choose to troll me? Why not troll other peopleWylie *******
@Jeremy *******
haha. All I did was point out why lying was bad advice and you kept trying to defend it with even crappier justifications. I guess in your world that's trolling.Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
you’re the worst troll ever in all the creation of FB…leave me alone and go troll other people on this postReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Wylie *******
@Jeremy *******
the US considers that visa fraud if you apply for a k1 when you are already married. Even if you get married in the middle of the visa process you need to cancel the application and re-apply for the proper visa. I would absolutely NOT recommend doing that.Eric **********
@Wylie ******
Exactly..USCIS has zero sense of humor...Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
only if you are registered as married with the embassy if not it’s not recognized in the USAWylie *******
@Jeremy *******
besides, if you are already married then there is no benefit of lying to get a K1 when you can apply for the proper CR1 visa.Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
some people don’t want the govt in their life..:to each their ownWylie *******
@Jeremy *******
and that's ok. I'm simply stating what the actual rules and laws are. If one wants to break those, then that is their choice.Jeremy ********
@Wylie ******
how do you break a law if the other govt doesn’t know you are married? I’m completely lostBrandon ************
@Jeremy *******
because you're lying on a federal application which is breaking the lawWylie *******
@Jeremy *******
that's not true. If you are registered in Thailand it is recognized, whether they know about it or not. You are legally obligated to inform them of the marriage though.Reply to
Wylie *******
Reply
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
Thanks!Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Lucaca *******
Use a Thai marriage certificate to go to the US embassy to get a visa
Todd *********
@Ziwei *****
next visa appts at American embassy are May 2023Wylie *******
@Ziwei *****
it doesn't work that way. You have to apply online for all visas. The visa to apply for when already married is the CR1 and will require her to live in the US for 6 months while waiting for the green card. It is also taking up to 1 year for those visas to be approved.Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wylie ******
Thank youReply to
Mark ********
Reply
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ziwei *****
Do you know which visa to apply for?Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Wylie *******
If only to visit then I think a tourist visa may be the only option. Just be aware there is high chance she will be rejected, especially in Bangkok.
Giorgio ******
@Wylie ******
specialy in BKK ?? Where else would you ask for a visa ?🤔🤔Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Giorgio *****
Chiang Mai or any neighboring country.Giorgio ******
@Mark *******
ok thank you very much 🙏🏻Reply to
Giorgio ******
Reply
Donald ***********
@Wylie ******
my wife has been turned down twice, once in Bangkok, once in Chiang Mai a couple of weeks ago 2 days before they closedDonald ***********
Our situation is identical
Wylie *******
@Donald **********
that's unfortunate. It's my understanding they don't even really let you plead your case or look at any documents. Was that the case for her?Donald ***********
@Wylie ******
yes. She was asked 4 questions in a 45 second interview. That's it 🤬Wylie *******
@Donald **********
I'm not sure if my wife was just lucky or if the answers we put in the online application made a difference. There really is no good place during the application process to put any explanation or explain circumstances but we had read to just pick one of the fields that allows you to write whatever you want and explain. That's what we did. We explained I am retired, live here, and have no intentions of moving back soon. That we did not want to apply for the cr1 visa because we do not need it. Just a visa that allowed her to go with me 1-2 times a year to visit family. Not sure if they read it or if it made a difference, but at least it felt like we had an opportunity to explain the circumstances.Reply to
Wylie *******
Reply
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wylie ******
Which is weird, after seeing so many foreigners in America. It seems easy. To think they would keep the spouse of a native out is insane to me. But she is having difficulties so far.Wylie *******
@Mark *******
it depends on the country. Apparently for thai women there has been a history of them over staying, so I've been told, which is why they are very strict. My wife was refused a tourist visa before we were married, even with children and being a business owner here. After we were married we decided to try again in Chiang Mai before going the CR1 route, which we did not want to do. We were surprised she was approved. She follows thai Facebook pages and has friends that despite being married to a foreigner that has lived in Thailand for 10+ years was still rejected for a tourist visa.Ted ********
@Wylie ******
"CR1 route"...what is this?Wylie *******
@Ted *******
if you are already married, but less than 2 years you apply for a CR-1. If you've been married for more than 2 years then it's called an IR-1.Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ted *******
Marriage visa which takes a lot of wait timeMark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wylie ******
I told my wife we may have to go to Chiang Mai. We just got back from Laos getting a visa for me. Savannakhet has a very simple and fast process for Non-O visas. It was really easy. Bangkok required more documents.Karim ***************
@Mark *******
US consulate at Chiang Mai recently closed, I believe.Wylie *******
@Karim **************
that was temporary due to staff shortages and they are now back open.Wylie *******
@Mark *******
from what my wife reads on the Facebook pages dedicated to this for thai women it seems Bangkok is far more likely to reject applicants. If you have the option to choose where you apply it seems chaing mai is better.Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wylie ******
Hopefully there is a train that goes there. Been looking for an excuse to take a train ride. Thanks for the help!Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
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