What is the difference between an Immigrant visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen and a Nonimmigrant Spouse visa (K-3)?

Immigrant Visa Nonimmigrant Visa K-3 Visa Thai Marriage Registration Green Card Process Marital Visa Guidance Visa for Spouse of US Citizen Long-term Stay in Thailand

Mar 3, 2024

9 months ago

Boun ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

To my fellow Americans that married their Thai wives in Thailand.  I have to ask this dumb  question.  Have you ever submitted the following visas below?  What is the difference between the two?

- Immigrant visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen

- Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3)

Long term plan is to retire in Thailand.  For now, outside her visa to states which I believe it allows 6 months stay at a time.  I wanted something more concrete if I decide to go back and work there. 

It says the visa has to be issued here in Thailand since we got married here.  I'm open for feedback or suggestions.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The poster is seeking clarification on the difference between an Immigrant visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen and a Nonimmigrant Spouse visa (K-3), while expressing interest in retiring in Thailand. Responses include advice on the visa process, mentioning that the K-3 allows temporary entry while waiting for a green card, while the Immigrant visa is processed abroad after approval. Additionally, there's discussion about prior visas, marriage registration status, and helpful resources for navigating paperwork.

Cary ******

Does she already have a visa to the US?

Have you registered your marriage in Thailand and/or the US?

9 months ago

Cary ******

Boun Jannurak the US will recognize your Thai marriage but of course will need documentation. Probably best to get your Thai documents translated into English if you haven’t already. I’m almost positive that when visiting with her existing visa you can apply for her green card but best to check on visajourney.com which has a wealth of info. I brought my wife over on a fiance visa originally. Found that website to be a lot of help.

9 months ago

Boun ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Cary *****

Yes she has a ten year visa acquired last year when we were living in Korea. Our marriage is registered in Thailand. Hope I don't need to register in the states.

9 months ago

Reply to

Boun ***********

Frank **********

Are you trying to bring her into the US? If not those visas don't pertain to living in Thailand.

9 months ago

Boun ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank *********

True statement. Right now she has a ten year visa to the states. But that does not allow her to stay more than six months at a time. If I get job in HI, I wanted something more than six months. Us retiring in Thailand is phase two. Not part of this inquiry.

9 months ago

Frank **********

@Boun *********

oh okay. I understand now. Sorry old age makes me slow lolol.

9 months ago

Reply to

Frank **********

Both are part of the green card process. K3 allows your wife to go to the US while the green card processes, the CR1 is issued abroad when the green card application has been approved.

9 months ago

Boun ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank *********

Noted.

9 months ago

Reply to

Boun ***********

John *********

Are you saying you want the proper US visa for your wife and additionally you want to retire in Thailand?

It sounds like you’re asking 2 different questions.

We live in Thailand and the US, 6 months each location.

You can message me if you choose. My Thai wife is an expert on what you want.

We’re happy to help. We’re not an agent and don’t want money. We’ll guide you to the correct path.

9 months ago

Boun ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John ********

When you get a minute. I sent you a message via messenger.

9 months ago

Boun ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John ********

DM sent

9 months ago

Boun ***********