Sawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

[rsn 135]

In order to get a system like that with no fees from a local bank, they want direct deposit of my salary. Otherwise the local fees are crazy these days.

I guess the vast majority of local banks do require this. Luckily, I found a local one that I use only for depositing money before I e-transfer it to my online accounts that only requires I make a transaction every 90 days.

[rsn 135]

Hi, I want to know....how much evidence is needed for the K-1 visa? We want to get married now, but we're so young, so I'm afraid that will make it difficult. We talk for six hours on the phone everyday, and we plan out our future, but we are also just above the poverty line. Are we doomed?

Hmm, are you realated to Ning?

I'm not sure I can quantify the evidence required. You should collect it along the way, during your relationship, in the form of emails, chat logs, phone bills, boarding passes, etc. You say "we" are just above the poverty line. They only care about your financial situation, not your significant other's. If you are below the poverty line, you can pick up a 2nd job, or get a co-sponsor and hope for the best. Another option, as you mentioned, is to get married and then apply for a CR1 w/ a cosponsor.

[Nicoco 26]

Well, I would be just above the poverty line by myself, but do I really need a sponsor? Doesn't that mean they are responsible for my financial needs if I get in trouble?

[Kang Lang 7]

Well, I would be just above the poverty line by myself, but do I really need a sponsor? Doesn't that mean they are responsible for my financial needs if I get in trouble?

hi niing, you made it over here! if you are above the poverty line, then you are above it and it should present no problem and you will not need a co-sponsor. if you situation changes and you wind up needing a co-sponsor then they are responsible the same way you are, if the immigrant becomes a public charge "you" the sponsor and the co-sponsor could be responsible for those monies paid out to the immigrant. you have also mentioned your age a few times, it will not present a problem as you are both at the age of consent in both countries so you can stop worrying about that part.

best of luck!

[Kang Lang 7]

btw thanks to all again for the responses to getting money to my mil. the exchange rate was not the most favorable it was 29.86 with western union when i sent it but it was nice to know she had it in 15 minutes and she could get it right at her bank, bangkok bank whom i also believe is her mortgage holder. so now she can relax and focus on healing.

[rsn 135]

btw thanks to all again for the responses to getting money to my mil. the exchange rate was not the most favorable it was 29.86 with western union when i sent it but it was nice to know she had it in 15 minutes and she could get it right at her bank, bangkok bank whom i also believe is her mortgage holder. so now she can relax and focus on healing.

29.86 is a fantastic exchange rate, especially since the value of USD vs THB has been rising for a while and it's at almost exactly 30 now. Glad to hear all is well.

Edited November 17, 2010 by rsn

[rick313 5]

I just wanted to say to all the members in this forum. I've found this site to be an amazing resource so far. I recently sent in my I-129F for my Thai fiance and just received email notice of its receipt bu USCIS. I'm hoping this will be a smooth ride.

[rsn 135]

I'm hoping this will be a smooth ride.

Usually it is.

[ArizonaMike74 0]

Usually it is.

LOL. Yes your results may vary But that's what this thread is for.

On a separate note I now have a list of things that may ease the transition for your loved one when he/she arrives here:

1) Rice Cooker - this is a must. I bought one at Sears for $30 that is working great so far (Mekong Plaza, my closest Asian Grocery Store, wanted $100+).

2) "Thai Keyboard Stickers with White Lettering on Transparent Background" found on Amazon.com for $5.77 with shipping sold by 4KEYBOARD. This will turn any standard computer keyboard into a Thai keyboard

3) Download the free Thai language pack for Windows XP/Vista (this allows you to switch between Roman and Thai language on the computer by clicking on an arrow on the far right side of your Start Bar in Windows). Unfortunately, if you have Windows 7 you have to upgrade to Windows Ultimate in order to download/install any language packs.

4) Thai Satellite for Thai News/Soap Operas (I mentioned the specifics in an earlier thread and there are alternatives to a satellite dish).

5) "Bidet BB-50: Hand-held bidet with room temperature water and adjustable pressure" offered from Amazon for $45.50 with shipping. This is the popular "Bum Gun" found everywhere in Thailand. It comes with all the necessary hardware to go between the water hookup and your toilet's tank and mounts on the wall. This one has held up well so far for me.

6) Some kind of clothes drying rack or setup some clothes lines. Mimi is not a fan of clothes drying machines (I don't think they're popular in Thailand but someone can correct me if I'm wrong). My socks and underwear are OK in the dryer but for the more delicate stuff she prefers the old fashioned method.

I'm sure there is something I'm forgetting but I think that covers the important stuff. Obviously you don't HAVE to buy this stuff but I think it will make for a much easier transition for your significant other.

Mike

Edited November 18, 2010 by ArizonaMike74

[AaronLV 12]

3) Download the free Thai language pack for Windows XP/Vista (this allows you to switch between Roman and Thai language on the computer by clicking on an arrow on the far right side of your Start Bar in Windows). Unfortunately, if you have Windows 7 you have to upgrade to Windows Ultimate in order to download/install any language packs.

Not quite true. You can add the Thai Keyboard to any version of windows. You just cannot have a full Thai version (ie, where all text is changed to Thai).

[Kang Lang 7]

well boys and girls...we did it i just sent the ROC packet off via express mail 25 minutes ago...wish us luck!

and of course good luck to you all where ever in the journey you are currently!

[daboyz 36]

LOL. Yes your results may vary But that's what this thread is for.

On a separate note I now have a list of things that may ease the transition for your loved one when he/she arrives here:

1) Rice Cooker - this is a must. I bought one at Sears for $30 that is working great so far (Mekong Plaza, my closest Asian Grocery Store, wanted $100+).

DONE

2) "Thai Keyboard Stickers with White Lettering on Transparent Background" found on Amazon.com for $5.77 with shipping sold by 4KEYBOARD. This will turn any standard computer keyboard into a Thai keyboard

DONE

3) Download the free Thai language pack for Windows XP/Vista (this allows you to switch between Roman and Thai language on the computer by clicking on an arrow on the far right side of your Start Bar in Windows). Unfortunately, if you have Windows 7 you have to upgrade to Windows Ultimate in order to download/install any language packs.

I set this up in XP with a hotkey sequence. ALT-LEFT-SHIFT switches between Thai and English.

4) Thai Satellite for Thai News/Soap Operas (I mentioned the specifics in an earlier thread and there are alternatives to a satellite dish).

She doesn't want it. I guess reading Thairath on the internet is good enough for her.

5) "Bidet BB-50: Hand-held bidet with room temperature water and adjustable pressure" offered from Amazon for $45.50 with shipping. This is the popular "Bum Gun" found everywhere in Thailand. It comes with all the necessary hardware to go between the water hookup and your toilet's tank and mounts on the wall. This one has held up well so far for me.

Haven't asked her about this. Probably wont.

6) Some kind of clothes drying rack or setup some clothes lines. Mimi is not a fan of clothes drying machines (I don't think they're popular in Thailand but someone can correct me if I'm wrong). My socks and underwear are OK in the dryer but for the more delicate stuff she prefers the old fashioned method.

Same here on that one. Also, I showed her the dishwasher, and she said, "what do you think you're hiso?" So that thing hasn't been used in almost 2 years. Some times she uses it as a dish drying rack. Every so often I have to turn it on to drain the water.

I'm sure there is something I'm forgetting but I think that covers the important stuff. Obviously you don't HAVE to buy this stuff but I think it will make for a much easier transition for your significant other.

Mike

[toma1 10]

3) Download the free Thai language pack for Windows XP/Vista (this allows you to switch between Roman and Thai language on the computer by clicking on an arrow on the far right side of your Start Bar in Windows). Unfortunately, if you have Windows 7 you have to upgrade to Windows Ultimate in order to download/install any language packs.

Or buy a MacBook and it's ready to go.

Though I wouldn't recommend actually switching the OS to Thai language, if that's what you mean. In the long run, it's far better to get used to running things in English even if you write email in Thai. Even many Thais in Thailand use the English OS. Ann didn't want the OS to be in Thai, because she wasn't used to the terms they used.

5) "Bidet BB-50: Hand-held bidet with room temperature water and adjustable pressure" offered from Amazon for $45.50 with shipping. This is the popular "Bum Gun" found everywhere in Thailand. It comes with all the necessary hardware to go between the water hookup and your toilet's tank and mounts on the wall. This one has held up well so far for me.

You can build one from parts at Home Depot, but good to know this exists.

6) Some kind of clothes drying rack or setup some clothes lines. Mimi is not a fan of clothes drying machines (I don't think they're popular in Thailand but someone can correct me if I'm wrong). My socks and underwear are OK in the dryer but for the more delicate stuff she prefers the old fashioned method.

We have one there--in fact it is a washer/dryer combo. You put in dirty clothes and they come out clean and dry. I think dryers aren't popular due to the cost and because they require a lot of amperage which most people don't have at home. (So do ovens, btw, and most people don't have one of those either...)

[rick313 5]

LOL. Yes your results may vary But that's what this thread is for.

On a separate note I now have a list of things that may ease the transition for your loved one when he/she arrives here:

Thanks Mike. Those are some good suggestions, especially for the TV.

My fiance has been to the US before on a tourist visa to visit me and my parents, and she really enjoyed it. Still, the transition will be a big challenge. Having spent a few years living in Thailand myself, I know how hard it can be to adjust to a completely new environment. At times fun, but at times definitely challenging.

[rsn 135]

@dayboyz - my wife does the same thing w/ the dishwasher. It's a glorified drying rack to her.

I agree with the comments about Windows in Thai, probably not something you want to do. No real reason to pay for anything more than Win 7 Home Premium for 99% of home users anyway.