K-1 Visa

[andrewsp96 0]

Hello All,

hopfully this is the only post i may need but here we go. Me and my girlfriend have been dating for little over a year now i been to thailand to see her during this time. I am a US citizen and she is a Thai citizen. Sh tried to apply for visitors visa but was denied. So we decided to get married once she finishes college next may. I am just curious the process of get her a visa to come here for us to get married and if i may need a lawyer or not?

[EandH0904 1,184]

I'm sure you will have many questions, which is fine. Here is the K1 guide: 

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

 

Here is a comparison chart of visa types in case you decide you get married there:http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

 

As you can see, it's not quick or easy or cheap. Right now start to finish, k1 is taking 8-10 months and cr1 12-14 months. 

 

[nightingalejules 678]

This seems (from what you've said) pretty straightforward, and as long as you read the guides carefully and ask questions here if you don't understand, you can probably do this without a lawyer. 

 

Read the above links and decide what's best for you, and then get started. Given the current wait times, if you decide to go for the K-1 visa, you might as well go ahead and file, since there is no reasonable probability that the visa will come through until after May.

[JE57 239]

To be clear the above advise comparing the K-1 and the CR-1 type visa is certainly reasonable, accurate and should be helpful.  K-1 is a fiancee visa which allows her to come to the USA and marry you within 90 days of her arrival in the USA.   The only other reasonable alternative is to go to Thailand and marry her there..  She does not apply for either of those Visa's you would apply for those from within the USA (or your place of residence if outside the USA although if you don't live in the USA but are US Citizen the process is significantly more complicated).   

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Note that a requirement for the K-1 is letters signed with intent to get married by both of you and there are financial requirements on you will need to meet or you'll need a co-sponsor.  As noted both are expensive ways to go but K-1 costs more with the significant advantages being that you can get married in the USA and that it's faster.   

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Good Luck

Edited November 13, 2017 by JE57
Clarification and accuracy