SAWASDEE 2

[Thai family 0]

Anyone have any suggestions for an inexpensive online translation service? The embassy took her translated copy of her birth certificate and she didn't make a backup copy, thinking the embassy would just use her Thai birth certificate. I'd like to be able to scan her Thai BC, and upload to a translation service who will email back the translated document for AOS.

The owner of our local Thai restaurant is someone we've thought about tapping if necessary. My son made friends with her long before he met his wife.

We just figured out today, when getting ready to go to the SS office that my DIL doesn't have her original/certified copy of her Thai birth certificate. Apparently it ended up in the brown envelope. Her family will have to get her another one, but that's okay, as she'll file for AOS closer to their second wedding anniversary.

While we were waiting she told me about her POE experience at LAX. She said the guy was very friendly and spent about ten minutes just talking with her casually and joking. He didn't even pay much attention to her papers.

Thai Mom

[mommymeow 0]

Hello

I have a question about DS-230 Form

21a. Person (s) named in 14 and 19 who will accompany you to the United States now.

My daughter (US Citizen with US passport) will accompany me to the US. Do I have to put her name there on 21a? And do i need to send a copy of her passport and birth certificate?

Since on Appointment NVC Processing, it states that each family member who will accompany the applicant to the United States will need to submit the following original documents or certified copies of the documents listed in this section from an appropriate authority (the issuing entity).

Please kindly help me on this.

Thank you.

[B74L 0]

Many Many thanks in advance for your most valued input. Happy Holidays to everyone and best wishes for the New Year.

My Thai Fiancee and I are tossing about some ideas on whether to apply for a K1 Fiancee Visa or a K3 Spouse Visa for the US. She is currently on contract as a manager on with a cruise company. Since the boat is at port in Florida all say every Saturday, I just fly down and we spend the day together, before she has to leave in the evening. We could easily take the time and get married one Saturday, when she is in port to satisfy the K3 visa application process.

Pro's and Con's about both?

I am not fully up to speed on the K3 (I am well informed about the K1 visa)--I have not been able to get a good, general consensus opinion about the K3 so far. Obviously, I want to take the process that is easier for my fiancee, and the shortest. But in the end, does it really matter which one to do? At first, I honestly thought that the K3 would be the way to go. But what little info I did read, that might not be the case at all, apparantly.

Here is what I have ascertained about K3--appreciate any input:

1) k-3 is a more expensive process?

2) gaining a social sec nmbr, the right to work in the US, and overall US citizenship takes longer in a K3? (it is important that she be able to work as

soon as possible, once she moves with me)

3) the k3 visa process actually takes longer than the K1 process?

The idea of getting married one day when she is in port is just an idea to help the visa process. She is on contract with the cruise until May, and we do have the K1 visa paperwork ready to go...but then the idea of the K3 came into mind.

Maybe it is best just to go with the K1 process? Thx again for your thoughts.

Lastly--since she is on the boat 24/7, relaying her accurate telephone contact for the K1 paperwork will most certainly be compromised. Has anyone ever placed an email contact? I want the BKK embassy to be able to contact her rapidly and reliably for the BKK interview process. Any suggestions for a good contact information for the paperwork? Email is by far the best--telephone contact on a remote boat location will not work. Could I give my phone contact information?

Regarding the BKK interview--when that comes--does the embassy call and tell you "this is the date of the interview", and is the notification time like onle a week? Reason I am asking--she is totally prepared to leave the ship and fly back to BKK for the interview. But she may need up to 2 weeks to be able to get back (in worst case the boat is in the middle of the ocean). I guess what I meant to ask, is how much lead time does the BKK embassy give to the interview-ee to set up a date for the interview?

Very best regards.

[daboyz 36]

Many Many thanks in advance for your most valued input. Happy Holidays to everyone and best wishes for the New Year.

My Thai Fiancee and I are tossing about some ideas on whether to apply for a K1 Fiancee Visa or a K3 Spouse Visa for the US. She is currently on contract as a manager on with a cruise company. Since the boat is at port in Florida all say every Saturday, I just fly down and we spend the day together, before she has to leave in the evening. We could easily take the time and get married one Saturday, when she is in port to satisfy the K3 visa application process.

Pro's and Con's about both?

I am not fully up to speed on the K3 (I am well informed about the K1 visa)--I have not been able to get a good, general consensus opinion about the K3 so far. Obviously, I want to take the process that is easier for my fiancee, and the shortest. But in the end, does it really matter which one to do? At first, I honestly thought that the K3 would be the way to go. But what little info I did read, that might not be the case at all, apparantly.

Here is what I have ascertained about K3--appreciate any input:

1) k-3 is a more expensive process?

2) gaining a social sec nmbr, the right to work in the US, and overall US citizenship takes longer in a K3? (it is important that she be able to work as

soon as possible, once she moves with me)

3) the k3 visa process actually takes longer than the K1 process?

The idea of getting married one day when she is in port is just an idea to help the visa process. She is on contract with the cruise until May, and we do have the K1 visa paperwork ready to go...but then the idea of the K3 came into mind.

Maybe it is best just to go with the K1 process? Thx again for your thoughts.

Lastly--since she is on the boat 24/7, relaying her accurate telephone contact for the K1 paperwork will most certainly be compromised. Has anyone ever placed an email contact? I want the BKK embassy to be able to contact her rapidly and reliably for the BKK interview process. Any suggestions for a good contact information for the paperwork? Email is by far the best--telephone contact on a remote boat location will not work. Could I give my phone contact information?

Regarding the BKK interview--when that comes--does the embassy call and tell you "this is the date of the interview", and is the notification time like onle a week? Reason I am asking--she is totally prepared to leave the ship and fly back to BKK for the interview. But she may need up to 2 weeks to be able to get back (in worst case the boat is in the middle of the ocean). I guess what I meant to ask, is how much lead time does the BKK embassy give to the interview-ee to set up a date for the interview?

Very best regards.

My personal feeling is if you are going to get married, go for the CR-1. The K-3 is a pain when she arrives. No working, no driver's license etc. CR-1 she will get a 2 year green card. After that all she has to do is lift conditions to get a 10 year green card. It takes a little longer, but if you follow the advice here on VJ, you can get through NVC fairly quickly. The embassy in BKK will notify by mail at the address you provide.

The K-1 fiance seems to be moving quicker, but then there are al kinds of other hoops you will have to jump through.

AOS (Adjustment of status to green card)

EAD (Employment Authorization)

AP (Advance Parole if she want's to leave the U.S. and return. Sounds like with her job that could be an issue)

[daboyz 36]

Does anyone know what the have been asking at the visa interviews lately in BKK?

[mnbinth 2]

Anyone have any suggestions for an inexpensive online translation service? The embassy took her translated copy of her birth certificate and she didn't make a backup copy, thinking the embassy would just use her Thai birth certificate. I'd like to be able to scan her Thai BC, and upload to a translation service who will email back the translated document for AOS.

www.thaienglish.com worked great for me. I was in the U.S. and needed documents translated. I sent them a PDF through e-mail, they translated and sent me a PDF back and also mailed a hard copy to a relative in Thailand. All this for $15 and the quality was great. E-mail Sam Fraser at sam@thaienglish.com This was several months back so I assume he's still working there.

Edited December 19, 2008 by mnbinth

[*Robert* 2]

Anyone have any suggestions for an inexpensive online translation service? The embassy took her translated copy of her birth certificate and she didn't make a backup copy, thinking the embassy would just use her Thai birth certificate. I'd like to be able to scan her Thai BC, and upload to a translation service who will email back the translated document for AOS.

www.thaienglish.com worked great for me. I was in the U.S. and needed documents translated. I sent them a PDF through e-mail, they translated and sent me a PDF back and also mailed a hard copy to a relative in Thailand. All this for $15 and the quality was great. E-mail Sam Fraser at sam@thaienglish.com This was several months back so I assume he's still working there.

I too used http://www.thaienglish.com/ and was very pleased with their service, and cost. The website is still there, so I'm sure they are still performing translations.

[symbiosis 0]

Does anyone know what the have been asking at the visa interviews lately in BKK?

Noi just had her visa interview today and got approved!

Questions

the usual ...

where/when did you meet?

also ...

where did you live together? (we lived together in BKK for 2 years)

can you spell your fiance's name (she misspelled my first name out of nervousness, but immediately corrected)

Noi says interviewer (a man) was very nice, complimented her English and said she had a great personality. Then said "Merry Christmas, your visa is approved"

[HYENA 4]

Does anyone know what the have been asking at the visa interviews lately in BKK?

Noi just had her visa interview today and got approved!

Questions

the usual ...

where/when did you meet?

also ...

where did you live together? (we lived together in BKK for 2 years)

can you spell your fiance's name (she misspelled my first name out of nervousness, but immediately corrected)

Noi says interviewer (a man) was very nice, complimented her English and said she had a great personality. Then said "Merry Christmas, your visa is approved"

Congratulations!!!

I need to tell my Tilac to email me more!

Any other questions you can think of? THere's an interview update page link on your timeline, I think

I'm sweating and waiting for NOA2 and as soon as that comes, I'll have a better idea when to buy my ticket and stay there for a month to 6 weeks then bring her back....

Meanwhile we'll do the Isaan wedding (ceremony only) so her family can do their sendoff (and get a little cash and gold, jingjing)! LOL!

It's nice to hear what exactly they ask.

I met her in April but went back stayed a long time twice, gonna see her a 3rd time...hope we won't have ANY problems at all!!! I'm worried...everything is good then it's up to one person to decide....

[HYENA 4]

FYI... Anna and I just finished up our last unreliable $&%*# Skype chat...

... she donated her computer to charity and will be leaving to go to the airport in just over 12 hours now.

That leaves you about 36 hours? At least it is warmer in Florida than here in Colorado right now, at least I hope so.

Thai Mom

Ya, about 38 + however long it takes her to clear immigration in JFK. The flight leaves in 14 hours...

WOW! just noticing when I peeked not too long ago you didn't have NOA2 now you're all done! Time flies after NOA2 in a big way! WOW!

I'm hoping on my NOA2 any minute here!

I'm in shock here! WOW! Congratulations! I'd love to see her expression when she arrives!

[daboyz 36]

Does anyone know what the have been asking at the visa interviews lately in BKK?

Noi just had her visa interview today and got approved!

Questions

the usual ...

where/when did you meet?

also ...

where did you live together? (we lived together in BKK for 2 years)

can you spell your fiance's name (she misspelled my first name out of nervousness, but immediately corrected)

Noi says interviewer (a man) was very nice, complimented her English and said she had a great personality. Then said "Merry Christmas, your visa is approved"

I guess I'm worried over nothing. I lived in BKK for 3 years. 1.5 of them with her. I have a Hutch bill with her name, and a UBC bill with my name at the same address. I hope that is good enough. I have 10 photos of her with me and my sister at Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, plus some boarding passes from my last trip in March. I sent phone bills as well. I would just hate to get tripped up and the last stage of this process.

[Thai family 0]

Does anyone know what the have been asking at the visa interviews lately in BKK?

Noi just had her visa interview today and got approved!

Questions

the usual ...

where/when did you meet?

also ...

where did you live together? (we lived together in BKK for 2 years)

can you spell your fiance's name (she misspelled my first name out of nervousness, but immediately corrected)

Noi says interviewer (a man) was very nice, complimented her English and said she had a great personality. Then said "Merry Christmas, your visa is approved"

Congratulations to both Noi and you! Does this mean you'll be together for Christmas?

Thai Mom

[symbiosis 0]

Does anyone know what the have been asking at the visa interviews lately in BKK?

Noi just had her visa interview today and got approved!

Questions

the usual ...

where/when did you meet?

also ...

where did you live together? (we lived together in BKK for 2 years)

can you spell your fiance's name (she misspelled my first name out of nervousness, but immediately corrected)

Noi says interviewer (a man) was very nice, complimented her English and said she had a great personality. Then said "Merry Christmas, your visa is approved"

I guess I'm worried over nothing. I lived in BKK for 3 years. 1.5 of them with her. I have a Hutch bill with her name, and a UBC bill with my name at the same address. I hope that is good enough. I have 10 photos of her with me and my sister at Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, plus some boarding passes from my last trip in March. I sent phone bills as well. I would just hate to get tripped up and the last stage of this process.

That sounds like good evidence to me. I bet you'll be fine!

[symbiosis 0]

Does anyone know what the have been asking at the visa interviews lately in BKK?

Noi just had her visa interview today and got approved!

Questions

the usual ...

where/when did you meet?

also ...

where did you live together? (we lived together in BKK for 2 years)

can you spell your fiance's name (she misspelled my first name out of nervousness, but immediately corrected)

Noi says interviewer (a man) was very nice, complimented her English and said she had a great personality. Then said "Merry Christmas, your visa is approved"

Congratulations!!!

I need to tell my Tilac to email me more!

Any other questions you can think of? THere's an interview update page link on your timeline, I think

I'm sweating and waiting for NOA2 and as soon as that comes, I'll have a better idea when to buy my ticket and stay there for a month to 6 weeks then bring her back....

Meanwhile we'll do the Isaan wedding (ceremony only) so her family can do their sendoff (and get a little cash and gold, jingjing)! LOL!

It's nice to hear what exactly they ask.

I met her in April but went back stayed a long time twice, gonna see her a 3rd time...hope we won't have ANY problems at all!!! I'm worried...everything is good then it's up to one person to decide....

Just be sure to keep the wedding ceremony completely hush hush. My attorney (a friend who just happens to be an immigration attorney who helped with paperwork) said they are very touchy about that -- even if it's unofficial. Make sure she gets her "single paper" from the district (I think). It's a paper that proves her marital status -- the consulate will want to see it.

Does anyone know what the have been asking at the visa interviews lately in BKK?

Noi just had her visa interview today and got approved!

Questions

the usual ...

where/when did you meet?

also ...

where did you live together? (we lived together in BKK for 2 years)

can you spell your fiance's name (she misspelled my first name out of nervousness, but immediately corrected)

Noi says interviewer (a man) was very nice, complimented her English and said she had a great personality. Then said "Merry Christmas, your visa is approved"

Congratulations to both Noi and you! Does this mean you'll be together for Christmas?

Thai Mom

No, she won't be here until next month. But that's OK ... just getting the visa is a BIG Christmas present!

[cheryl & jim 0]

Wow! Congratulations...what a very nice Christmas present to both of you.