Thai Girl Friend Denied B2 Visitor Visa for 2nd Time

[Seed 0]

My 48 year old Thai girl friend was denied a B2 Visa the first time, back in June of this year. Reason for denial was because they said "You have not been able to demonstrate sufficiently strong family, social or economics ties to a country outside the US. that would compel you to leave the United States after a temporary stay".

She is divorced, with grown children and owns a legitimate business in Bangkok with documentation (Trade Registration Certificate) to prove it, but does not own a home or any real estate at this time. She previously had a 10 year visa (that expired about a year ago) that she obtained prior to her divorce and while her children were younger. During that time, she has been to the USA, Canada, Switzerland and Singapore. She has never overstayed her visit in any of these places and has always returned to Thailand.

I provided a letter of sponsorship, stating that I would be responsible for all her expenses, while here in the USA, but made no mention there was a relationship of such. I really just wanted her to come for a visit and see if she would like it here. If later we decided to marry, I would probably go back to Thailand and marry her there.

Anyway, after a brief wait period, we decided to apply for the B2 a 2nd time. This time she sought the advice of an agency in Bangkok first. They suggested that she request a shorter, 15 day visit and provide more details about her business and her involvement in it. They also suggested that I submit a letter of invitation stating that she is my girl friend and coming here to to see my home and how I live in the USA, and to also meet my family. I added that she will be staying with me during her visit and pay her expenses while here, but she will pay her own air fare to and from.

Her interview was on August 20th and she was denied again.

Looking back, I think it was a bad idea that I was even involved in this process to start with, but I thought I was helping her out. She probably would have been better off applying on her own, as a tourist. But now I'm afraid the waters have already been to "muddied up" to try again for the 3rd time.

I'm wondering now, should I bite the bullet and go ahead and apply for a K1 Fiancee Visa instead? Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

Where and how did you meet this wonderful woman? Have you met her in person?

[Ning 619]

My 48 year old Thai girl friend was denied a B2 Visa the first time, back in June of this year. Reason for denial was because they said "You have not been able to demonstrate sufficiently strong family, social or economics ties to a country outside the US. that would compel you to leave the United States after a temporary stay".

She is divorced, with grown children and owns a legitimate business in Bangkok with documentation (Trade Registration Certificate) to prove it, but does not own a home or any real estate at this time. She previously had a 10 year visa (that expired about a year ago) that she obtained prior to her divorce and while her children were younger. During that time, she has been to the USA, Canada, Switzerland and Singapore. She has never overstayed her visit in any of these places and has always returned to Thailand.

I provided a letter of sponsorship, stating that I would be responsible for all her expenses, while here in the USA, but made no mention there was a relationship of such. I really just wanted her to come for a visit and see if she would like it here. If later we decided to marry, I would probably go back to Thailand and marry her there.

Anyway, after a brief wait period, we decided to apply for the B2 a 2nd time. This time she sought the advice of an agency in Bangkok first. They suggested that she request a shorter, 15 day visit and provide more details about her business and her involvement in it. They also suggested that I submit a letter of invitation stating that she is my girl friend and coming here to to see my home and how I live in the USA, and to also meet my family. I added that she will be staying with me during her visit and pay her expenses while here, but she will pay her own air fare to and from.

Her interview was on August 20th and she was denied again.

Looking back, I think it was a bad idea that I was even involved in this process to start with, but I thought I was helping her out. She probably would have been better off applying on her own, as a tourist. But now I'm afraid the waters have already been to "muddied up" to try again for the 3rd time.

I'm wondering now, should I bite the bullet and go ahead and apply for a K1 Fiancee Visa instead? Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Your hindsight is correct. You having anything to do with her application is a huge mistake. Your relationship with her doesnt matter when it comes to a tourist visa.

The Thai agencys are terrible and as you can see from their advice have little to offer.

She now has zero chance to get a tourist visa. They will look back at the history of her applications and deny her again. Its very difficult for a Thai to get a tourist visa anyway.

K 1 ? Sure if you have met her in person during the last two years. If you are sure about marrige , do it there and get a C R 1 which is better in the end in many ways.

[Que Saudade 284]

Go visit her again and see how the relationship is progressing.

In the meantime, look at the guides and compare CR1 versus K1.

Read about each visa and understand the requirements.

K1

CR1

Then decide what is best for you guys.

Good Luck

Edited August 24, 2012 by Que Saudade

[Seed 0]

Where and how did you meet this wonderful woman? Have you met her in person?

I actually met her on Skype accidentally in February this year, while trying to add a contact there. She was understandably suspicious, but we started talking more and more, so in April I decided I would like to go there and meet her. I spent 2 weeks with her and we hit it off great! Maybe it was our destiny! LOL

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

I actually met her on Skype accidentally in February this year, while trying to add a contact there. She was understandably suspicious, but we started talking more and more, so in April I decided I would like to go there and meet her. I spent 2 weeks with her and we hit it off great! Maybe it was our destiny! LOL

Wow....I don't believe in fate....but if there is such a thing, that would definately have to qualify.

[Xanax 349]

It is sometimes very hard for unmarried women from countries like Thailand to get tourist visas to the US. Does she have to come to the US, could you go back to Thailand or could you meet in a third country?

[Seed 0]

It is sometimes very hard for unmarried women from countries like Thailand to get tourist visas to the US. Does she have to come to the US, could you go back to Thailand or could you meet in a third country?

I realize now, that it is difficult for an unmarried Thai woman to get a Visa, but my whole point in bringing her here, was to see if she would like it here, in case we decided to get married. I didn't want to marry someone and bring her here, and then end up in a divorce later because she didn't like it here.

[Seed 0]

Thanks everyone for your advice and comments!

Several suggestions were made that I consider the K1 or CR1 Visa. Regardless which one of these I choose, there will a certain amount of forms and documents to prepare. Is it advisable that I seek out a reputable, experienced agency to assist me with this? Has anyone had any experience with this and would you recommend it?

Edited August 24, 2012 by Seed

[Xanax 349]

K-1 and CR-1 are DIY. There is no need for any help unless you have trouble understanding basic instructions or you have an overly complicated case.

CR-1 is for married couples and K-1 implies you WILL marry within 90 days of your fiancee entering the US. So if you feel your fiancée and yourself need to spend more time together before you marry (as you said) that is advisable - to spend more continued time together before jumping into either one of these expensive and time consuming processes.

Edited August 25, 2012 by Xanax