SAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)

[rsn 135]

She cannot do the work and travel program again because she has already graduated college, and you are required to be in school for the program. It will cost around $2,500 for an agency in Thailand to set up an internship visa, which apparently only takes 2 months to get. She can then stay for 1 year and 1/2, which is plenty of time to marry and get an American nationality. It is then another $1,500 for the plane ticket. This is our plan unless there is a better, cheaper, and quicker way around this. I am curious if there is a way I can set up the internship visa myself to make it much cheaper, but I highly doubt that.

I assume by "internship visa" you are talking about a J1. If your intent is to get her a J1 for the purposes of marriage and to get around the normal wait time associated with a K1 or K3/CR1, then this is visa fraud and against the terms of service on this site. Forgive me if I am interpreting your post incorrectly. If I am, please explain a little more.

Edited August 1, 2009 by rsn

[sinkling 0]

She cannot do the work and travel program again because she has already graduated college, and you are required to be in school for the program. It will cost around $2,500 for an agency in Thailand to set up an internship visa, which apparently only takes 2 months to get. She can then stay for 1 year and 1/2, which is plenty of time to marry and get an American nationality. It is then another $1,500 for the plane ticket. This is our plan unless there is a better, cheaper, and quicker way around this. I am curious if there is a way I can set up the internship visa myself to make it much cheaper, but I highly doubt that.

I assume by "internship visa" you are talking about a J1. If your intent is to get her a J1 for the purposes of marriage and to get around the normal wait time associated with a K1 or K3/CR1, then this is visa fraud and against the terms of service on this site. Forgive me if I am interpreting your post incorrectly. If I am, please explain a little more.

I'm sorry, I don't know exactly how everything works, I am extremely new to immigrant laws. So the fiancee or marriage visas are my only options? I can easily fly to Thailand and get married there, but I plan on staying in the US to finish my studies. If I get married in Thailand, must I come back to the USA to file for the K3 and wait for it to be approved? I have read the FAQ's, I just wish to know which one is faster and/or easier, the K1 or K3? Thank you, and I apologize for any trouble. I just really love this woman and will do anything to be together once again.

[rsn 135]

She cannot do the work and travel program again because she has already graduated college, and you are required to be in school for the program. It will cost around $2,500 for an agency in Thailand to set up an internship visa, which apparently only takes 2 months to get. She can then stay for 1 year and 1/2, which is plenty of time to marry and get an American nationality. It is then another $1,500 for the plane ticket. This is our plan unless there is a better, cheaper, and quicker way around this. I am curious if there is a way I can set up the internship visa myself to make it much cheaper, but I highly doubt that.

I assume by "internship visa" you are talking about a J1. If your intent is to get her a J1 for the purposes of marriage and to get around the normal wait time associated with a K1 or K3/CR1, then this is visa fraud and against the terms of service on this site. Forgive me if I am interpreting your post incorrectly. If I am, please explain a little more.

I'm sorry, I don't know exactly how everything works, I am extremely new to immigrant laws. So the fiancee or marriage visas are my only options? I can easily fly to Thailand and get married there, but I plan on staying in the US to finish my studies. If I get married in Thailand, must I come back to the USA to file for the K3 and wait for it to be approved? I have read the FAQ's, I just wish to know which one is faster and/or easier, the K1 or K3? Thank you, and I apologize for any trouble. I just really love this woman and will do anything to be together once again.

I understand your anxiousness. Been there. But K1 and K3 or CR1 are your only legal options. It's hard to be patient during the process, but you don't have any other choice short of moving to Thailand. My K1 took only about 5 months from start to finish. I believe AaronLV said he had a similar experience. I know very little about K3/CR1 since I didn't go that route, but I seem to remember figuring that K1 would be faster. Don't take my word for it though, do some research (look at recent timelines for people in your situation and compare K1 and K3 or CR1). Also, it seems to be common advice these days that CR1 is a a much better choice than K3. I can't remember exactly why, but I guarantee if you post a question about K3 versus CR1 in one of the main forums you will get more than enough information from members. Best of luck.

Edited August 1, 2009 by rsn

[daboyz 36]

K-3 is an absolute waste of time these days. You have 2 options. K-1 or CR-1. The nice thing about CR-1 is that you don't have to deal with much when your SO arrives. She'll get a green card about a month after arrival. Saves you the $1010 for AOS. It will probably take 4-6 weeks longer. If you've been married less than 2 years, you will have to deal with lifting of conditions.

[sinkling 0]

K-3 is an absolute waste of time these days. You have 2 options. K-1 or CR-1. The nice thing about CR-1 is that you don't have to deal with much when your SO arrives. She'll get a green card about a month after arrival. Saves you the $1010 for AOS. It will probably take 4-6 weeks longer. If you've been married less than 2 years, you will have to deal with lifting of conditions.

With the CR-1 you have to already be married correct? So would getting married in Thailand and getting the CR-1 be the best route? Or would that just cost more money (plane tickets) for the same wait time (if not longer)?

[daboyz 36]

K-3 is an absolute waste of time these days. You have 2 options. K-1 or CR-1. The nice thing about CR-1 is that you don't have to deal with much when your SO arrives. She'll get a green card about a month after arrival. Saves you the $1010 for AOS. It will probably take 4-6 weeks longer. If you've been married less than 2 years, you will have to deal with lifting of conditions.

With the CR-1 you have to already be married correct? So would getting married in Thailand and getting the CR-1 be the best route? Or would that just cost more money (plane tickets) for the same wait time (if not longer)?

That choice is up to you. CR-1 you must be married. K-1 you can not be married. The benefits of the CR-1 are that it is an immigrant visa. You are done except for the I-751. K-1, you have AOS, AP, EAD. Getting married in Thailand is pretty simple legally. You might run into some issues with the family (sin sot etc.)

[sinkling 0]

K-3 is an absolute waste of time these days. You have 2 options. K-1 or CR-1. The nice thing about CR-1 is that you don't have to deal with much when your SO arrives. She'll get a green card about a month after arrival. Saves you the $1010 for AOS. It will probably take 4-6 weeks longer. If you've been married less than 2 years, you will have to deal with lifting of conditions.

With the CR-1 you have to already be married correct? So would getting married in Thailand and getting the CR-1 be the best route? Or would that just cost more money (plane tickets) for the same wait time (if not longer)?

That choice is up to you. CR-1 you must be married. K-1 you can not be married. The benefits of the CR-1 are that it is an immigrant visa. You are done except for the I-751. K-1, you have AOS, AP, EAD. Getting married in Thailand is pretty simple legally. You might run into some issues with the family (sin sot etc.)

My biggest question is do I need to be in the USA while I do all of the CR-1 and/or K-1 paperwork? Or can I be in Thailand?

[daboyz 36]

K-3 is an absolute waste of time these days. You have 2 options. K-1 or CR-1. The nice thing about CR-1 is that you don't have to deal with much when your SO arrives. She'll get a green card about a month after arrival. Saves you the $1010 for AOS. It will probably take 4-6 weeks longer. If you've been married less than 2 years, you will have to deal with lifting of conditions.

With the CR-1 you have to already be married correct? So would getting married in Thailand and getting the CR-1 be the best route? Or would that just cost more money (plane tickets) for the same wait time (if not longer)?

That choice is up to you. CR-1 you must be married. K-1 you can not be married. The benefits of the CR-1 are that it is an immigrant visa. You are done except for the I-751. K-1, you have AOS, AP, EAD. Getting married in Thailand is pretty simple legally. You might run into some issues with the family (sin sot etc.)

My biggest question is do I need to be in the USA while I do all of the CR-1 and/or K-1 paperwork? Or can I be in Thailand?

You will need to show a domicile in The US.

[AaronLV 12]

Well we just got another surprise. Our AOS app was approved last week, then on Wednesday this week we get the official notice from USCIS and at the bottom it says her card will expire 10 years from date of issue. So today we get the mail, the card has arrived, I didn't expect it for 4-6 weeks, definitely not a week later. Look at the card, expires 2019!! 10 year card!! No more USCIS until she applies for citizenship!!

[daboyz 36]

Well we just got another surprise. Our AOS app was approved last week, then on Wednesday this week we get the official notice from USCIS and at the bottom it says her card will expire 10 years from date of issue. So today we get the mail, the card has arrived, I didn't expect it for 4-6 weeks, definitely not a week later. Look at the card, expires 2019!! 10 year card!! No more USCIS until she applies for citizenship!!

Wow that's a trip. I figured it would be a 2 year card. Sounds like you lucked out. Congrats!

[Kang Lang 7]

Well we just got another surprise. Our AOS app was approved last week, then on Wednesday this week we get the official notice from USCIS and at the bottom it says her card will expire 10 years from date of issue. So today we get the mail, the card has arrived, I didn't expect it for 4-6 weeks, definitely not a week later. Look at the card, expires 2019!! 10 year card!! No more USCIS until she applies for citizenship!!

wow that's great...congrats

(just a little jealous i must admit )

[Dan and Pat! 0]

Hello everyone, thanks for your help. We received NOA 2 in July, but I'm having trouble putting together an I-134.

I've been living and working in Bangkok, Thailand for the last two years. I just finished a two year contract at an international school. Since then I've been freelancing via my website, and at other schools.

I don't have an employment letter from an employer that will state current income. I'm moving into self-employment, but I don't have a lot to show for that either. I do have tax returns for the last two years, showing $18,500 and $17,800 respectively.

I did not know at the time I applied for the K1 visa, that I wouldn't be able to use a co-sponsor at the Bangkok Embassy. have already asked my parents to joint sponsor an I-864 and they have agreed.

When we applied for our K1 we put down my fiance's minor child on our visa. We were afraid it would be too difficult to get him on later. We do not plan on taking him abroad until we have both settled in the U.S.

1st, Does applying for the minor child mean our household income has to be 3, even if we aren't planning on taking him? If so, can I just say 'self-employed' and send in my tax returns (which should be sufficient evidence)?

2nd, What can I do to show the embassy that I do have income?

3rd, Does the support of my parents mean anything in this instance? Should they write a letter? Fill out the I-864 now?

Any ideas on what I can do? Thanks so much for your help.

[Dan and Pat! 0]

sorry, double post

Edited August 4, 2009 by Dan and Tera

[rsn 135]

Hello everyone, thanks for your help. We received NOA 2 in July, but I'm having trouble putting together an I-134.

I've been living and working in Bangkok, Thailand for the last two years. I just finished a two year contract at an international school. Since then I've been freelancing via my website, and at other schools.

I don't have an employment letter from an employer that will state current income. I'm moving into self-employment, but I don't have a lot to show for that either. I do have tax returns for the last two years, showing $18,500 and $17,800 respectively.

I did not know at the time I applied for the K1 visa, that I wouldn't be able to use a co-sponsor at the Bangkok Embassy. have already asked my parents to joint sponsor an I-864 and they have agreed.

When we applied for our K1 we put down my fiance's minor child on our visa. We were afraid it would be too difficult to get him on later. We do not plan on taking him abroad until we have both settled in the U.S.

1st, Does applying for the minor child mean our household income has to be 3, even if we aren't planning on taking him? If so, can I just say 'self-employed' and send in my tax returns (which should be sufficient evidence)?

2nd, What can I do to show the embassy that I do have income?

3rd, Does the support of my parents mean anything in this instance? Should they write a letter? Fill out the I-864 now?

Any ideas on what I can do? Thanks so much for your help.

Hello Dan and Tera. Others in this thread might want to add to my post or invalidate some of my post with more specific personal experiences, but I will try to help with what I have noticed about dealing with the embassy in Bangkok.

1st, Does applying for the minor child mean our household income has to be 3, even if we aren't planning on taking him? If so, can I just say 'self-employed' and send in my tax returns (which should be sufficient evidence)?

I believe so, yes. It sounds like you will be below the required income level for 2009 even without the minor child.

2nd, What can I do to show the embassy that I do have income?

I'm not certain there is anything else you can do as far as income in concerned. You either have more money coming in or you don't. You could provide assets though, if you have any. I forget how assets are calculated to make up for deficient income though. Maybe someone else on here remembers the ratio.

3rd, Does the support of my parents mean anything in this instance? Should they write a letter? Fill out the I-864 now?

I've been wrong before, but I sincerely doubt any of that will help you. It might not hurt though.

It sounds like due to financial reasons, the K1 might not be a safe bet for you. However, I suspect there is hope with another path. Since you have been living and working in Thailand for the last 2 years, you are considered a resident, so you should be able to marry your SO and go the DCF route. DCF is usually much faster than K1 or K3/CR1 anyway. You should be able to use a co-sponsor for DCF. You might want to talk to BarryBBQ. He recently completed a successful DCF at the Bangkok embassy.

Edited August 4, 2009 by rsn

[Bonobo 0]

Hello everyone, thanks for your help. We received NOA 2 in July, but I'm having trouble putting together an I-134.

I've been living and working in Bangkok, Thailand for the last two years. I just finished a two year contract at an international school. Since then I've been freelancing via my website, and at other schools.

I don't have an employment letter from an employer that will state current income. I'm moving into self-employment, but I don't have a lot to show for that either. I do have tax returns for the last two years, showing $18,500 and $17,800 respectively.

I did not know at the time I applied for the K1 visa, that I wouldn't be able to use a co-sponsor at the Bangkok Embassy. have already asked my parents to joint sponsor an I-864 and they have agreed.

When we applied for our K1 we put down my fiance's minor child on our visa. We were afraid it would be too difficult to get him on later. We do not plan on taking him abroad until we have both settled in the U.S.

1st, Does applying for the minor child mean our household income has to be 3, even if we aren't planning on taking him? If so, can I just say 'self-employed' and send in my tax returns (which should be sufficient evidence)?

2nd, What can I do to show the embassy that I do have income?

3rd, Does the support of my parents mean anything in this instance? Should they write a letter? Fill out the I-864 now?

Any ideas on what I can do? Thanks so much for your help.

This page has some of the information you're looking for:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Scroll down to the figures on meeting 125% of the poverty line (The website is not updated for 2009, but you can find those numbers by searching on google). If you don't meet the income requirement, you can prove that you have assets in the amount of 3 times the difference between your income and the income level you are required to meet. The website says 5 times the difference, but I am pretty sure that in a fiance visa request, it is lowered to 3 times the difference.

As far as whether you are working with the numbers for a household of two or three, I have no idea, since your fiance's son will not be living with you. I would try to call the USCIS and ask. Set aside 4 to 6 hours for this phone call