@Jeremy *******

you honestly believe that makes it legal? 🤣🤣

@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 *******

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 *******

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 *******

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.

@Karim **************

that was temporary due to staff shortages and they are now back open.

@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.

@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.

@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.

@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.