SAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)

[afisher 0]

I went to the bank (Chase) and asked for an account summery. It had the date the acct. was opened, my current balance and the average amount deposited every month since the acct. was opened.

For the tax papers, I included my W2 and the 1040 return for 2008 only, but I have requested the transcript from the IRS just in case. I would have included 2007 but I didn't pay taxes that year and 2006 was barely anything so no point.

I also had my employer type a letter stating what I did for the company, my approximate gross pay every month, and my status (full time)

Oh and I also include the last 3 months of pay stubs.

Edited April 30, 2009 by afisher

[AaronLV 12]

I did print outs of my actual returns not tax transcripts. I included 2006 & 2007, a letter from my employer, and copy of a few months of bank statements. One of them was my primary account, and the other was the account I setup fro Nam to take money out of, so it showed the Thailand ATM withdrawals.

Now that 2008 taxes dues date has come and passed, the 2008 should be included also.

[afisher 0]

What does everyone think about showing Western Union/Moneygram receipts? Good or bad?

[HYENA 4]

What does everyone think about showing Western Union/Moneygram receipts? Good or bad?

They're evidence. Bring your side and make sure she has her side so they match. It's evidence of sending money-one of the items they want to see.

[birch- phuk_beer 0]

well, just an update regarding my wifes excursion to BKK to get the police report and

turn in the 6 221g docs on wednesday.

Although she had to just go in and pick up the completed police report, she got hung up there,

for whatever reason I'm still trying to determine, and wouldnt have made it to the Embassy before the 3pm deadline.

So, she returned to her hometown with her tail between her legs cause her husband wanst quite too pleasant to talk to 4 am with such news. A day trip and $100 bucks later to just go to BKK and get the friggin police report.

So, on that note, she is returning to BKK and going to the embassy at 1pm sharp as to keep her husband happy and in a calm state of mind. Her sister is also going with her, who is a godsend, to ensure that no BS errupts and Mr. Murphy doesnt throw any curve balls into the mix.

soooo, I'll let ya know monday.

(if youre good at reading between the lines, its been a fun 2 days)

Edited April 30, 2009 by Birch-Beer

[Danno2 0]

Birch-Beer I want to thank you for your post.

I have very minor issues with Chada. That said one of the things is she just doesn't get things done or make things a priority. Its that love / hate thing I have with the Thai culture. I love my girl for how laid back and calm she is but hate how difficult it is to get things done or done right the first time. It makes me feel so much better to hear I might have that in common with everyone else (I get frequent PM's from others telling the same story) So anyway I wish you the very best of luck!

If we could all get our girls to be a little like Magic Girl (USCANDAUL's) girl we would be in heaven. She needs to go in the visa consulting business. Chada and I got to meet her on my list visit and that girl has GOT IT TOGETHER!

[ThaitoUSA 15]

As specified in Packet 3

The I-134 Affidavit of Support should include the following:

1) The most recent year's (2008) complete tax return and/or transcript

2) A letter on company stationary stating the employee's status and annual salary

3) A copy of the Petitioner's passport (we sent just the photo and bio pages)

There is no mention of bank account or any other financial disclosure. If you are close to 125% of the poverty line (about $18,000 for a household of two) you may consider disclosing some other assets, otherwise it's unnecessary.

Edit: I would strongly advise against money transfers. It could always be misconstrued, regardless of any honest explanation. Paying for a green card, or something of the like could always be assumed with such evidence. I trust in the other forms of evidence more than this.

Edited April 30, 2009 by ThaitoUSA

[*Robert* 2]

If I can "figure him out" then it may be easier but I have a feeling his personality is one of conflict....not impressed until a conflict is won (I need to look into that more) or the undying need to be right regardless of a perfect file. WOuld groveling or bowing help? Given 2 equal cases, they're certainly not handled equally. I'll definitely tell her to dress nice but try to look ugly (since that assistant will more likely than not 1. be prejudice against Isaan, 2. Be catty as hell.

Not everyone in Bangkok is prejudice against Isaan, I would venture to even say the majority are not prejudice against Isaan. There have been a few people recently with fiancee's from Isaan, and were through on the 1st interview.

I would not spend anytime trying to figure out the consular, you will lose sleep and stress you out, over something you have no control of. Best you can hope for is put the packet together properly, have everything you need in it, and she goes in for the interview. After that you will either pass, or have to bring some other things back. This is a fact of life, it sucks, but in the end, I think the majority get approved, just have to jump through that extra hoop.

Well said Aaron!

I am so sick of hearing the "prejudice against Isaan" #######! Both my best friend, Daw, and my wife, Ooi, are from Isaan, though they both moved away from there in their teens. Neither one of them have ever experienced any kind of "prejudice" because they are Isaan. Both still speak Lao, still have family in Isaan. and Daw. They don't wear provocative clothes, wear any makeup, wear a bunch of gold, and they are always polite and respectful to other Thais, especially ones older than them. I specifically asked Daw if she ever felt any prejudice, due to the fact she has very dark skin because she is always out working in her garden or playing golf, and she said absolutely not. She pointed out she only wears simple clothes, no make-up, treats everyone with respect, and she gets the same respect in return. As a matter of fact, people seem to flock to her, because she has three Thai daughters that all speak English, and strangers love to talk to her and ask questions.So… if someone claims to be treated differently because of where they are from in Thailand, specifically Isaan, they are either fabricating the story, or they are bringing it on themselves for whatever reason, like a chip on their shoulder or bad attitude, and I think most everyone else on here with a SO from Isaan will agree.

[*Robert* 2]

As specified in Packet 3

The I-134 Affidavit of Support should include the following:

1) The most recent year's (2008) complete tax return and/or transcript

2) A letter on company stationary stating the employee's status and annual salary

3) A copy of the Petitioner's passport (we sent just the photo and bio pages)

There is no mention of bank account or any other financial disclosure. If you are close to 125% of the poverty line (about $18,000 for a household of two) you may consider disclosing some other assets, otherwise it's unnecessary.

Edit: I would strongly advise against money transfers. It could always be misconstrued, regardless of any honest explanation. Paying for a green card, or something of the like could always be assumed with such evidence. I trust in the other forms of evidence more than this.

Totally agree with Pete 100% on all counts.

[scandal 951]

Birch-Beer I want to thank you for your post.

I have very minor issues with Chada. That said one of the things is she just doesn't get things done or make things a priority. Its that love / hate thing I have with the Thai culture. I love my girl for how laid back and calm she is but hate how difficult it is to get things done or done right the first time. It makes me feel so much better to hear I might have that in common with everyone else (I get frequent PM's from others telling the same story) So anyway I wish you the very best of luck!

If we could all get our girls to be a little like Magic Girl (USCANDAUL's) girl we would be in heaven. She needs to go in the visa consulting business. Chada and I got to meet her on my list visit and that girl has GOT IT TOGETHER!

Thanti is organized I'll grant you that. She's truly magical in many other ways... she cast her spell on me at our first meeting two and a half years ago at the lobby of the Woraburi hotel on Soi 4, and I've been hooked ever since.

(if you keep posting that stuff here, it's gonna go to her head and you'll ruin it for me, bub)

Anyway, I don't know if it's a 'cultural' thing. Maybe it is to some extent. But I think there are plenty of type-A personality Thais who are super efficient and organized and run around with checklists and planning docs doing PM stuff, same as you and me. Just like there are laid back Americans who can't plan a peanut butter sandwich.

Don't be too hard on Chada regarding this stuff.... I think all of our gals in Thailand are doing an amazing thing, in simply agreeing to uproot themselves and start all over in the US. Dealing with all the ####### of the visa filing on their end, on their own is not easy.

Birchbeer: Sorry to hear about what happened. She's a real trooper, heart of gold! It'll be ok, just a few more days and you'll get your answer Monday.

[*Robert* 2]

Don't be too hard on Chada regarding this stuff.... I think all of our gals in Thailand are doing an amazing thing, in simply agreeing to uproot themselves and start all over in the US. Dealing with all the ####### of the visa filing on their end, on their own is not easy.

And again, totally agree with Ron 100%

[scandal 951]

As specified in Packet 3

The I-134 Affidavit of Support should include the following:

1) The most recent year's (2008) complete tax return and/or transcript

2) A letter on company stationary stating the employee's status and annual salary

3) A copy of the Petitioner's passport (we sent just the photo and bio pages)

There is no mention of bank account or any other financial disclosure. If you are close to 125% of the poverty line (about $18,000 for a household of two) you may consider disclosing some other assets, otherwise it's unnecessary.

Edit: I would strongly advise against money transfers. It could always be misconstrued, regardless of any honest explanation. Paying for a green card, or something of the like could always be assumed with such evidence. I trust in the other forms of evidence more than this.

Totally agree with Pete 100% on all counts.

I agree as well. Especially the last bit about money transfer evidence. I'm not transferring money to Thailand. But if I were, I don't think I'd be flaunting it at the interview.

I do have one question, open to the crowd for comment:

We had our Buddhist ceremony in Sept, and did NOT register at Amphur. I fully believe this to be 100% consistent with a K-1 fiance filing. We are NOT married. We will get married in the US within 90 days of POE.

However.

I've been telling Thanti that at the interview, she should not wear her ring (we got matching gold bands for the Buddhist ceremony). She should come with pictures of the ceremony as part of the Evidence of Relationship, but not present them. Keep them to herself. And not volunteer or offer any information about the ceremony. Only if asked about it ("Did you have a marriage ceremony in Thailand?") should she answer "Yes, a Buddhist ceremony but not registered at Amphur", and then present the pictures. Otherwise, don't even bring the subject up at all.

Am I being paranoid? Am I making too big a deal out of nothing? Should we just flaunt it, and proudly present our lovely ceremony pictures at the top of the stack we hand over?

[scandal 951]

I am so sick of hearing the "prejudice against Isaan" #######! Both my best friend, Daw, and my wife, Ooi, are from Isaan, though they both moved away from there in their teens. Neither one of them have ever experienced any kind of "prejudice" because they are Isaan. Both still speak Lao, still have family in Isaan. and Daw. They don't wear provocative clothes, wear any makeup, wear a bunch of gold, and they are always polite and respectful to other Thais, especially ones older than them. I specifically asked Daw if she ever felt any prejudice, due to the fact she has very dark skin because she is always out working in her garden or playing golf, and she said absolutely not. She pointed out she only wears simple clothes, no make-up, treats everyone with respect, and she gets the same respect in return. As a matter of fact, people seem to flock to her, because she has three Thai daughters that all speak English, and strangers love to talk to her and ask questions.So… if someone claims to be treated differently because of where they are from in Thailand, specifically Isaan, they are either fabricating the story, or they are bringing it on themselves for whatever reason, like a chip on their shoulder or bad attitude, and I think most everyone else on here with a SO from Isaan will agree.

I don't have much to say about Isaan. Thanti was born in Nong Khai but moved to Bangkok when she was a baby, so her whole life has been in BKK. She has family in the north and used to go up there to visit relatives, though not recently. I've personally been to Chiang Mai, but never to Isaan.

I do agree about the bold statement above. The deep wai that I see Thais do for elders is so amazing to me, I can't get over it. A few weeks ago when my parents were here visiting, I had a skype session with Thanti. My parents came in front of the webcam so they could see and speak to her. And of course she immediately did that deep reverential wai. It just floored me, the sense of respect and family values it conveys is just something we don't see in the states. I've tried to reproduce it for her mom and other elder family members, but can't quite get the hang of it

[*Robert* 2]

I agree as well. Especially the last bit about money transfer evidence. I'm not transferring money to Thailand. But if I were, I don't think I'd be flaunting it at the interview.

I do have one question, open to the crowd for comment:

We had our Buddhist ceremony in Sept, and did NOT register at Amphur. I fully believe this to be 100% consistent with a K-1 fiance filing. We are NOT married. We will get married in the US within 90 days of POE.

However.

I've been telling Thanti that at the interview, she should not wear her ring (we got matching gold bands for the Buddhist ceremony). She should come with pictures of the ceremony as part of the Evidence of Relationship, but not present them. Keep them to herself. And not volunteer or offer any information about the ceremony. Only if asked about it ("Did you have a marriage ceremony in Thailand?") should she answer "Yes, a Buddhist ceremony but not registered at Amphur", and then present the pictures. Otherwise, don't even bring the subject up at all.

Am I being paranoid? Am I making too big a deal out of nothing? Should we just flaunt it, and proudly present our lovely ceremony pictures at the top of the stack we hand over?

In terms of the Buddhist ceremony, it kind of goes hand in hand with the money issue. Both can be misconstrued.

I had wired money to Chutima for an apartment she got in Nontaburi, so we would have a place to stay when I traveled there, and we also had a ceremony at her sister's house. I didn't show any of the pictures from that ceremony, and didn't present copies of the Western Union money transfer at the interview. She did however, have both an engagement ring and a wedding band, and I too had a wedding band. At the time of her interview, I was allowed to attend and stand at the window with her. She only wore her engagement ring, and neither one of us wore our wedding bands. We also removed our wedding bands when we arrived at our POE of Honolulu, and once again, she left her engagement ring on.

There has been a lot of discussion on both of these issues, and the general consensus is not to present either as evidence. You should have plenty of other evidence to provide, that won't raise questions concerning either being married, or your fiancée just looking for a "sugar daddy" a.k.a. Green Card.

Edited April 30, 2009 by roi_aggie

[daboyz 36]

I always thought this was a really cool video of what this Filipina put together for her interview:

http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/o0pin...nt=e1c94bed.pbr