Answered2 years ago
What should my non-English speaking girlfriend expect during her USA B2 visa interview in Bangkok, and is there a service to help with translation?
My girlfriend is scheduled for a USA B2 VISA Appointment in Bangkok. She plans on being in the US about 2 weeks. She does not speak fluent English. I'm her travel partner who is a US Citizen and does not speak fluent Thai and at best minimal Thai.
It appears you cannot bring a smart phone into the interview room. That would eliminate both of us from using the smart phone to interpret the dialogue. And Eliminate me from the interview room to be of any value.
I read there are folks in Bangkok who are fluent in both English and Thai who will accompany a non English speaking person to the appointment.
Has anyone used or know of someone who has used that service and know the general cost?
We have a little over a month to get this together.
Last, are the a list of questions they ask that we could prepare for if we don't hire an interpreter? Maybe we can just do question practice testing.
It appears you cannot bring a smart phone into the interview room. That would eliminate both of us from using the smart phone to interpret the dialogue. And Eliminate me from the interview room to be of any value.
I read there are folks in Bangkok who are fluent in both English and Thai who will accompany a non English speaking person to the appointment.
Has anyone used or know of someone who has used that service and know the general cost?
We have a little over a month to get this together.
Last, are the a list of questions they ask that we could prepare for if we don't hire an interpreter? Maybe we can just do question practice testing.
Answer summary
The post discusses the challenges faced by a non-English speaking individual scheduled for a US B2 visa interview in Bangkok, especially when it comes to language barriers and interpretation during the interview. The author expresses concern about being unable to accompany their partner into the interview room due to embassy regulations, which typically do not allow outside support. They inquire about hiring an interpreter familiar with both English and Thai and ask for resources or recommendations, as well as what questions might typically be asked during the interview that they can prepare for in advance.
73 repliesnewest first
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Wayne ********
First off only your wife is allowed in the interview, you are not allowed to bring an interpreter unless your wife doesn’t speak either Thai or English, there are many people conducting the interview that speak fluent Thai so do not worry about interpretation. I got stuck with my wife went and paid for an interpreter at a Visa agency to accompany her any appointment and they knew damn well that they could not accompany her in the appointment but still took my money and when the three of us got to the Embassy gate the guy politely showed me the reregulation sayingonly people allowed an interpreter are people who do not speak Thai or English. So unfortunately, she’s on her own at the interview.
Chuck **********
@Wayne *******
true
Mark ***********
The best tip I was given was to have her bring my original passport as an American. I highly recommend it.
David **********
OP@Mark **********
Good tip.Mark ***********
@David *********
it's especially helpful if you travel back and forth and your passport demonstrates a history of multiple trips and consistent return to Thailand.David **********
OP@Mark **********
She has been to Malaysia and backDavid **********
OPBefore I asked this question of the group I had done some research. Websites were noting to have notarized statements of financial responsibility, a typed out itinerary having dates of stay with addresses etc. it sounds like they don’t ask for that.
My new thought after chatting in this group is to prepare my girlfriend, so when they say who is paying for it, she pulls out the notarized financial statement of responsibility - My boyfriend prepared this notarized statement of responsibility to pay.
Where you going? Here is the notarized travel itinerary.
As long as the last question isn’t from the Death Bridge scene in Monty Python. You know ……
KEEPER
What is your name?
ROBIN
Sir Robin of Camelot.
KEEPER
What is your quest?
ROBIN
To seek the Holy Grail.
KEEPER
What is the capital of Assyria?
ROBIN
I don't know that! Auuuuuuuugh!
My new thought after chatting in this group is to prepare my girlfriend, so when they say who is paying for it, she pulls out the notarized financial statement of responsibility - My boyfriend prepared this notarized statement of responsibility to pay.
Where you going? Here is the notarized travel itinerary.
As long as the last question isn’t from the Death Bridge scene in Monty Python. You know ……
KEEPER
What is your name?
ROBIN
Sir Robin of Camelot.
KEEPER
What is your quest?
ROBIN
To seek the Holy Grail.
KEEPER
What is the capital of Assyria?
ROBIN
I don't know that! Auuuuuuuugh!
Chuck **********
@David *********
boyfriend pet? What is that?David **********
OP@Chuck *********
I really dislike autocorrect. Updated the post.David **********
OPSeems like it’s a little unfair not to tell you why. If you knew why you could be more educated before you even apply.
Jim ************
:( Your chances probably haven't improved now the xenophobic president is back. Good luck.
Rod ********
Good luck with TRUMP in charge
Mark ********
If it the same as UK nobody but your girlfriend will be allowed in the interview.
Steve ***********
If you have time hire an agent who will coach your gf as to how to answer questions, including the purpose of her trip and temporarily adding the required funds needed in her bank account. The interview (in thai) itself is only 2 minutes. She can get up to a six month visa good for 10 years.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Roger ********
Nobody can go to these appointments except the person that has the appointment.
James *********
They turned my then G/F away, because the computers were down - cost me $300+. Second time, the IO told her she would NEVER set foot in the U.S. and didn't even look at her papers(Nice guy, huh?). We been married and living in the US for 9 years now - K1 visa did the trick.
Wayne ********
@James ********
after my wife got refused the first time I went to my congressman‘s office and reported the incident to him which he said he was gonna forward to the state department, and he wrote me a letter, encouraging the embassy to approve my wife’s visa, I attached the letter from the congressman‘s office to the folder that my wife presented at the interview. They read the letter and approved the visa. Exact same folder and paperwork that she presented the first time when she was denied.David **********
OPNice I do not see the letter
Robert **********
If your girlfriend is applying for a tourist visa and she mentions you, a US citizen, having relationship with her, she absolutely won’t get the visa. The reason is that you could go together with her as a tourist, and the two of you could happen to decide to get married, and she would have the right to adjust status and get a green card. They don’t want that, they want you to get the fiancé visa and do consular processing. If she doesn’t speak of the relationship with you and says she’s going to tourist places, they’re unlikely to believe her. If she has the history of travel to other places, such as Europe, a house, car, and a long-term corporate or government job, she may have a chance. As someone else said, it sometimes take a second or third attempt, and it can take a year to get the interview.
Nilo *********
Probably there si a Thai person who work in the embassy that can translate for her
Us *****
God have mercy for her. I believe they will ask her questions about stepping into a war zone and how she would handle a situation such as: How so you escape from a wildfire? What do you do when a waiter get angry at your for tipping 10%? Do you plan on slapping anyone with a MAGA hat when they tell you to go back to your own country? America is a bigger war zone than Myanmar. I hope she knows what she is doing.
Rob ********
@Us ****
lol yes, please direct yourself and those that believe your bs away from coming here. 🤣Us *****
@Rob *******
I don't need to come, I made my retirement money and left. Please enjoy the next four years.Donald ******
@Us ****
sure! try and enjoy your retirement instead of abusing it!Donald ******
@Us ****
stupid comment. Just got back from Euro tour, much more trouble then the U.S. Relate the truth and not media hype!Us *****
@Donald *****
I never said Europe is better than the US. In fact, I rip UK more than the US. The rest of thst continent is also facing crazy issues.Donald ******
@Us ****
are you living in a dreamworld? You are whacked. I am safe, fine, and other then some fires fine. YOU watch too much FOX! hahahaha You talk crazy and foolish. How can you be a top contributor? You only toss stupid insults and exaggerations!Us *****
@Donald *****
in CA, it is wokepified with smash and grab, lawlessness, and crazy homeless people harassing you every day. It is not safe.David **********
OP@Donald *****
I wish it could be fixed that fast. I’ll believe it when I see it.Donald ******
@Us ****
yes but you disparage where you live. The U.S. is just trumpified, but still safe!David **********
OP@Us ****
We are traveling together to see my daughters HS graduation and my 92 year old mother. We won’t be in the US even two weeks.Donald ******
@David *********
dont worry. Trump era! Flash bank accounts and return flight booked! Buy her a real noticeable diamond engagement ring, dress her in expensive, name brand fashion, and she will be fine. Most U.S. embassies have translation services available there! My wife came on a fiancee visa and they grilled her here, but they supplied the translator and kept me out!Us *****
@David *********
just be careful of the alphabet people. They are known to throw a tantrum if you don't identify them by their correct pronoun.
John **********
@Us ****
Some people should never be in a position of power.Chuck **********
2 weeks! It took my wife around 6 months to get green card and she speaks good english.
Wylie *******
@Chuck *********
the b2 is the tourist visa. Completely different process and timeline. You apply online and pick an interview date on the calendar. The visa is either approved or not at the interview.
Will ************
Interviews will be applicant and interviewer no one else in the room, so no prompting etc
Douglas *********
The interviewer will speak Thai. Your girlfriend needs to show a compelling reason for her return to Thailand. Does she own land? Have employment that she needs to return to? Have something that will show the interviewer she has a reason to exit the United States. Bring whatever supporting documents that she might have.
David **********
OP@Douglas ********
We can do that. Land, a business, children a grandchild she cares for.
Don *********
@David *********
, this is the only reason they care about. A good reason she is going to return. My GF got 10 year tourist visa in 2015. She had two houses and land but no job. I don’t think much has changed. I was living with her in Chiang Mai at the time. Two years later we were married and she got a green card. She and her daughter are now US citizens.Douglas *********
@David *********
, bring everything you can. You might even write a statement explaining that you will accompany her to the United States, provide financial support while there, and ensure her return to Thailand.Visas for Thais to visit the states are difficult to get. It's on her to prove she's not going immigrate to the US.
Douglas *********
@David *********
, my girlfriend (wife now) was denied a visa on her first application, and I was an embassy badge holder at the time (1996 or 1997). The next application, I brought supporting documents, signed statements, and a wedding invitation with her name on it for my sisters wedding. We were also travelling to the States for 2 weeks. The embassy gave her a 2 week visa, with my name stamped on it as accompanying her. If she gets a visa and returns to Thailand, subsequent visa will be incredibly easy.David **********
OP@Douglas ********
Okay I have a statement of purpose that she is traveling with me from Thailand to America and back. I’m working here in Thailand and we live in the same residence. Also a statement of financial responsibility for the trip excluding souvenirs. I thought that was a nice touch.
Steve *********
Not sure if this helps , my gf who got visa for Uk, she had interview in Bangkok . It’s an agency. And the interviewer and all of them are Thai nationals, not sure if this is same with USA ?
Wylie *******
Pretty sure they won't even allow you into the embassy unless you have an appointment also, let alone in the room for her interview. Chaing Mai wouldn't even let me accompany my wife past security outside the building. Also, be prepared that there is probably a 90% plus chance she will be denied the visa.
Nga **************
@Wylie ******
that's absolutely false. The rejection rate for Thais is only 15-30%. Most Thai applicants still get issued visas to the US.Wylie *******
@Nga *************
the rejection rate for all Thai nationals for a B2 visa is roughly 25%. The 90% I was estimating is not referring to all thai nationals, but specifically females who apply for a B2 visa and have an American boyfriend. It is just a guess but I'd be willing to bet 90% is far more accurate for that specific case, which is the situation the OP is in.Wylie *******
@Nga *************
I have the exact opposite experience based on people I actually know in that situation, who also speak fluent English. And those women watched several more women get rejected while they waited. They didn't see one single approval. Common sense says the rejection rate for a single thai female wanting a tourist visa because of an American boyfriend is likely to be quite a bit higher than the 25% average. It was an automatic rejection for my now wife despite having two kids here, owning a business, land, house, etc. They flat out told her she needed to apply for the k1 fiance visa instead, despite the fact we had only recently met and any thoughts of marriage were still far out.
Nga **************
@Wylie ******
I don't have the official data for those specific cases, but personally, 100% of those like that I know got their visas easily. The only rejection stories I hear of are from people online. I suppose people are more likely to share rejections online. If the only thing someone has going for them is an American bf, then sure, but my friends have many other things to show in their applications. All speak fluent English, maybe that helps too.David **********
OP@Wylie ******
What happened?Wylie *******
@David *********
not quite sure what you are asking? My wife got the visa, but was denied before we got married and I moved here. They told her she needed to apply for the fiance visa (k1) despite us only recently dating and not engaged. Also have other freinds plus many other stories on here that the denial rate for thai women is extremely high.
Michael ********
@David *********
to get their money.unless your married forget it.Good luck though and keep us posted .
Todd *********
@David *********
yes - it’s a big waste of time and money. That’s how the American embassy operatesWylie *******
@David *********
the story always told is because it's very common for thai women to overstay the visa, work on a B2, etc and not return to Thailand. As others have said the interview is pretty much a formality and they likely already have their mind made up.
Jay ****
David Gillette many times they deny 1st attempts and 2nd or 3rd get it. They don't make it easy or cheap. Just how it is. Don't give up hope. For my wife it took a year.
David **********
OP@Wylie ******
Why even set-up an appointment for women if they’re going to reject them. I’m traveling from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Bangkok. That would sure be a big waste of money if denied.
Garrett ***********
They already have their decision made before the interview, its just a formality.
David **********
OP@Garrett **********
We are traveling from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Bangkok. If they already decided why take an application.John **********
@David *********
Maybe because they like watching foreigners squirm🤣David **********
OPAnswer Me These Questions Three ...... What is your Name?, What is your Quest? To get a VISA, What .........
Garrett ***********
@David *********
That's how it works.Todd *********
@David *********
it’s absolutely ignorant of them. Why not just reject. But they make you come anyway for the charade. And you won’t be permitted to even enter the embassy grounds let alone accompany her to interview.Douglas *********
This is kind of true, in the old days if you were called to the dreaded "Window 11" with the Thai dragonlady your application was rejected and come get your passport back.
Jack ****************
They will ask :
When do you travel and what will you do
Who is paying
Do you have family there
And then give you an arbitrary answer that has no relationship to and of the questions. I hope you get lucky.
When do you travel and what will you do
Who is paying
Do you have family there
And then give you an arbitrary answer that has no relationship to and of the questions. I hope you get lucky.
David **********
OP@Jack ***************
I have travel itinerary typed out with places of stay, places of eating etc. I want to show it’s a short visit my family trip.
Ray *********
They want your money, but you could get lucky. I did this years ago to take my wife (girl friend at the time) to Australia, but I was allowed in the interview room with her, they interviewed both of us. I know this is no help to you as the US embassy has their own rules, wish you good luck.
Jack ****************
@Ray ********
they won't even let him inside.Jack ****************
@David *********
they won't look. I am 95% sure they arbitrarily limit the number of yesses and just let almost everyone waste their time. But, again, I hope you get lucky.Jack ****************
@David *********
word.David **********
OP@Jack ***************
If it’s a “No” before you even apply, why don’t they just tell you. I mean, don’t blow smoke up my butt making folks fill out all this stuff, create documents, get financials, schedule appointments, travel for hours to get there, etc. just to kick you to the curb.I can get that in America.
Brandon ************
I believe most of the interview staff in Bangkok speak Thai, at least well enough to conduct visa interviews.
Michael ********
@Brandon ***********
Friend of mine works at embassy he did 3 months intensive language training
Jordan *****
@Brandon ***********
you are rightActivity
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