Getting a Visitor Visas after filing a K3 in Thailand

[John & Nan 0]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

[baron555 934]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

From what I've read, probably very little chance.

[John & Nan 0]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

From what I've read, probably very little chance.

Well it is no impossible due to legal reasons. I guess I am looking for what would be the best path to take. All I have to loose is time doing it right ?

[rin and john 71]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

From what I've read, probably very little chance.

Well it is no impossible due to legal reasons. I guess I am looking for what would be the best path to take. All I have to loose is time doing it right ?

The chances they will issue a visa are very small. The consulate will evaluate her situation as to whether or not she is a risk to stay in the USA and attempt to immigrate by looking at "closer ties" to each country. Most Thais who receive a visitor visa do so by providing proof of land ownership, proof of family ties (i.e. a spouse or child in Thailand), employment, school enrollment, etc. The consulate will know that her husband is in the USA and will deem that as having "closer ties" to the USA and thus will deem her an immigration risk. Even if she were to receive the visa, you would run the risk of her being denied entry at her POE in the USA by Immigration here for the same reasons.

[John & Nan 0]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

From what I've read, probably very little chance.

Well it is no impossible due to legal reasons. I guess I am looking for what would be the best path to take. All I have to loose is time doing it right ?

The chances they will issue a visa are very small. The consulate will evaluate her situation as to whether or not she is a risk to stay in the USA and attempt to immigrate by looking at "closer ties" to each country. Most Thais who receive a visitor visa do so by providing proof of land ownership, proof of family ties (i.e. a spouse or child in Thailand), employment, school enrollment, etc. The consulate will know that her husband is in the USA and will deem that as having "closer ties" to the USA and thus will deem her an immigration risk. Even if she were to receive the visa, you would run the risk of her being denied entry at her POE in the USA by Immigration here for the same reasons.

Well ,She will bring our son and I made her stop working and move back home to take care of our son. She lived alone in Bangkok and I want her to care for our son and when we get her K3 she will be moving to the US. so I guess in there eyes she will be a risk. The question would be what can I do to lower the rise for them ? a letter from a congressman ? or some else. I dont think it is fair that other if my wife was from an other country she could get one. it like she is guilty with out doing anything wrong.

[Ning 619]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

From what I've read, probably very little chance.

Well it is no impossible due to legal reasons. I guess I am looking for what would be the best path to take. All I have to loose is time doing it right ?

The chances they will issue a visa are very small. The consulate will evaluate her situation as to whether or not she is a risk to stay in the USA and attempt to immigrate by looking at "closer ties" to each country. Most Thais who receive a visitor visa do so by providing proof of land ownership, proof of family ties (i.e. a spouse or child in Thailand), employment, school enrollment, etc. The consulate will know that her husband is in the USA and will deem that as having "closer ties" to the USA and thus will deem her an immigration risk. Even if she were to receive the visa, you would run the risk of her being denied entry at her POE in the USA by Immigration here for the same reasons.

Well ,She will bring our son and I made her stop working and move back home to take care of our son. She lived alone in Bangkok and I want her to care for our son and when we get her K3 she will be moving to the US. so I guess in there eyes she will be a risk. The question would be what can I do to lower the rise for them ? a letter from a congressman ? or some else. I dont think it is fair that other if my wife was from an other country she could get one. it like she is guilty with out doing anything wrong.

They will not issue the tourist visa. Read the " strongest ties" criteria . Those ties revert from her country to her husband after entry into the USA & they dont believe she will return to Thailand. That is what they told me in my three attempts to get one. Even if she did get one she would be turned away at the POE after they see that you have filed petition for visa.

It isnt a matter of fairness. Hundreds or thousands that preceded her have not returned & set the precedent for the denials today. If your wife was from another country she wouldnt be asking Thailand embassy for a tourist visa.

Your congressman wont write you a letter because they arent going to get involved.

It costs 131 dollars to find out for yourself. Spending the money is the only way to really satisfy yourself about what will happen. I spent $393 & was told " we will not issue tourist visas to anyone that has filed a petition for a visa even though we believe what you say". I realised it wasnt about what was right or fair. Its about understanding .

It about the liers that went before you & you cant change that fact.

[John & Nan 0]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

From what I've read, probably very little chance.

Well it is no impossible due to legal reasons. I guess I am looking for what would be the best path to take. All I have to loose is time doing it right ?

The chances they will issue a visa are very small. The consulate will evaluate her situation as to whether or not she is a risk to stay in the USA and attempt to immigrate by looking at "closer ties" to each country. Most Thais who receive a visitor visa do so by providing proof of land ownership, proof of family ties (i.e. a spouse or child in Thailand), employment, school enrollment, etc. The consulate will know that her husband is in the USA and will deem that as having "closer ties" to the USA and thus will deem her an immigration risk. Even if she were to receive the visa, you would run the risk of her being denied entry at her POE in the USA by Immigration here for the same reasons.

Well ,She will bring our son and I made her stop working and move back home to take care of our son. She lived alone in Bangkok and I want her to care for our son and when we get her K3 she will be moving to the US. so I guess in there eyes she will be a risk. The question would be what can I do to lower the rise for them ? a letter from a congressman ? or some else. I dont think it is fair that other if my wife was from an other country she could get one. it like she is guilty with out doing anything wrong.

They will not issue the tourist visa. Read the " strongest ties" criteria . Those ties revert from her country to her husband after entry into the USA & they dont believe she will return to Thailand. That is what they told me in my three attempts to get one. Even if she did get one she would be turned away at the POE after they see that you have filed petition for visa.

It isnt a matter of fairness. Hundreds or thousands that preceded her have not returned & set the precedent for the denials today. If your wife was from another country she wouldnt be asking Thailand embassy for a tourist visa.

Your congressman wont write you a letter because they arent going to get involved.

It costs 131 dollars to find out for yourself. Spending the money is the only way to really satisfy yourself about what will happen. I spent $393 & was told " we will not issue tourist visas to anyone that has filed a petition for a visa even though we believe what you say". I realised it wasnt about what was right or fair. Its about understanding .

It about the liers that went before you & you cant change that fact.

Oh I believe you. Just makes me mad that it is up the mood of some people and not the law.

I guess I look at it this way. It better then sitting around and waiting for the K3.

[John & Nan 0]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

From what I've read, probably very little chance.

Well it is no impossible due to legal reasons. I guess I am looking for what would be the best path to take. All I have to loose is time doing it right ?

The chances they will issue a visa are very small. The consulate will evaluate her situation as to whether or not she is a risk to stay in the USA and attempt to immigrate by looking at "closer ties" to each country. Most Thais who receive a visitor visa do so by providing proof of land ownership, proof of family ties (i.e. a spouse or child in Thailand), employment, school enrollment, etc. The consulate will know that her husband is in the USA and will deem that as having "closer ties" to the USA and thus will deem her an immigration risk. Even if she were to receive the visa, you would run the risk of her being denied entry at her POE in the USA by Immigration here for the same reasons.

Well ,She will bring our son and I made her stop working and move back home to take care of our son. She lived alone in Bangkok and I want her to care for our son and when we get her K3 she will be moving to the US. so I guess in there eyes she will be a risk. The question would be what can I do to lower the rise for them ? a letter from a congressman ? or some else. I dont think it is fair that other if my wife was from an other country she could get one. it like she is guilty with out doing anything wrong.

They will not issue the tourist visa. Read the " strongest ties" criteria . Those ties revert from her country to her husband after entry into the USA & they dont believe she will return to Thailand. That is what they told me in my three attempts to get one. Even if she did get one she would be turned away at the POE after they see that you have filed petition for visa.

It isnt a matter of fairness. Hundreds or thousands that preceded her have not returned & set the precedent for the denials today. If your wife was from another country she wouldnt be asking Thailand embassy for a tourist visa.

Your congressman wont write you a letter because they arent going to get involved.

It costs 131 dollars to find out for yourself. Spending the money is the only way to really satisfy yourself about what will happen. I spent $393 & was told " we will not issue tourist visas to anyone that has filed a petition for a visa even though we believe what you say". I realised it wasnt about what was right or fair. Its about understanding .

It about the liers that went before you & you cant change that fact.

Oh I believe you. Just makes me mad that it is up the mood of some people and not the law.

I guess I look at it this way. It better then sitting around and waiting for the K3.

What steps did you try to get your wife a visa and where is the Stongest ties criteria ? Just something they say there or is that law ?

[Ning 619]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

From what I've read, probably very little chance.

Well it is no impossible due to legal reasons. I guess I am looking for what would be the best path to take. All I have to loose is time doing it right ?

The chances they will issue a visa are very small. The consulate will evaluate her situation as to whether or not she is a risk to stay in the USA and attempt to immigrate by looking at "closer ties" to each country. Most Thais who receive a visitor visa do so by providing proof of land ownership, proof of family ties (i.e. a spouse or child in Thailand), employment, school enrollment, etc. The consulate will know that her husband is in the USA and will deem that as having "closer ties" to the USA and thus will deem her an immigration risk. Even if she were to receive the visa, you would run the risk of her being denied entry at her POE in the USA by Immigration here for the same reasons.

Well ,She will bring our son and I made her stop working and move back home to take care of our son. She lived alone in Bangkok and I want her to care for our son and when we get her K3 she will be moving to the US. so I guess in there eyes she will be a risk. The question would be what can I do to lower the rise for them ? a letter from a congressman ? or some else. I dont think it is fair that other if my wife was from an other country she could get one. it like she is guilty with out doing anything wrong.

They will not issue the tourist visa. Read the " strongest ties" criteria . Those ties revert from her country to her husband after entry into the USA & they dont believe she will return to Thailand. That is what they told me in my three attempts to get one. Even if she did get one she would be turned away at the POE after they see that you have filed petition for visa.

It isnt a matter of fairness. Hundreds or thousands that preceded her have not returned & set the precedent for the denials today. If your wife was from another country she wouldnt be asking Thailand embassy for a tourist visa.

Your congressman wont write you a letter because they arent going to get involved.

It costs 131 dollars to find out for yourself. Spending the money is the only way to really satisfy yourself about what will happen. I spent $393 & was told " we will not issue tourist visas to anyone that has filed a petition for a visa even though we believe what you say". I realised it wasnt about what was right or fair. Its about understanding .

It about the liers that went before you & you cant change that fact.

Oh I believe you. Just makes me mad that it is up the mood of some people and not the law.

I guess I look at it this way. It better then sitting around and waiting for the K3.

What steps did you try to get your wife a visa and where is the Stongest ties criteria ? Just something they say there or is that law ?

I filed the documents to apply for a tourist visa three times including paying thru the Thai postal system ect. The interview date was set, we went & were denied. Three times because I thought I could do a better job complying with the " strongest ties" rule. I could not because I did not understand what it took to comply. It is nearly impossible to comply & by the time I applied the second time we were married.

It is not about the mood of the officer. They are trained to look at the case & use thier own descresion in thier determinations as they apply the rules & law. Even though they denied me I thought they did a good job & took the time to explain it all to me so I could understand.

Anyone can apply for a tourist visa. Only a few that have a perfect case will be approved. None of those will be people that are married & have petitioned for K type visas.

If you mean that you want to apply for the tourist visa while you are sitting around waiting because you think you will succeed then that is what you should do. Its an expensive hobby after awhile but it will occupy your time.

You can find the field manual for immigration officers on line & review it. The " strongest ties " rule says that she must prove her strongest ties are to Thailand. No matter what she says, the view of the embassy is that her ties revert to her husband upon entry into the USA so she wont return. Again even if she got a tourist visa she would be turned away at the POE when they see you have petitioned for a K type visa. This means it isnt just the 131 bucks ; its the round trip ticket as well.

Its natural to be upset but like all of us you will have to endure the wait. Because of that you might want to look into the CR 1 visa. About same wait but eliminates the year long wait & 1,010.00 expense of the AOS later.

[John & Nan 0]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

From what I've read, probably very little chance.

Well it is no impossible due to legal reasons. I guess I am looking for what would be the best path to take. All I have to loose is time doing it right ?

The chances they will issue a visa are very small. The consulate will evaluate her situation as to whether or not she is a risk to stay in the USA and attempt to immigrate by looking at "closer ties" to each country. Most Thais who receive a visitor visa do so by providing proof of land ownership, proof of family ties (i.e. a spouse or child in Thailand), employment, school enrollment, etc. The consulate will know that her husband is in the USA and will deem that as having "closer ties" to the USA and thus will deem her an immigration risk. Even if she were to receive the visa, you would run the risk of her being denied entry at her POE in the USA by Immigration here for the same reasons.

Well ,She will bring our son and I made her stop working and move back home to take care of our son. She lived alone in Bangkok and I want her to care for our son and when we get her K3 she will be moving to the US. so I guess in there eyes she will be a risk. The question would be what can I do to lower the rise for them ? a letter from a congressman ? or some else. I dont think it is fair that other if my wife was from an other country she could get one. it like she is guilty with out doing anything wrong.

They will not issue the tourist visa. Read the " strongest ties" criteria . Those ties revert from her country to her husband after entry into the USA & they dont believe she will return to Thailand. That is what they told me in my three attempts to get one. Even if she did get one she would be turned away at the POE after they see that you have filed petition for visa.

It isnt a matter of fairness. Hundreds or thousands that preceded her have not returned & set the precedent for the denials today. If your wife was from another country she wouldnt be asking Thailand embassy for a tourist visa.

Your congressman wont write you a letter because they arent going to get involved.

It costs 131 dollars to find out for yourself. Spending the money is the only way to really satisfy yourself about what will happen. I spent $393 & was told " we will not issue tourist visas to anyone that has filed a petition for a visa even though we believe what you say". I realised it wasnt about what was right or fair. Its about understanding .

It about the liers that went before you & you cant change that fact.

Oh I believe you. Just makes me mad that it is up the mood of some people and not the law.

I guess I look at it this way. It better then sitting around and waiting for the K3.

What steps did you try to get your wife a visa and where is the Stongest ties criteria ? Just something they say there or is that law ?

I filed the documents to apply for a tourist visa three times including paying thru the Thai postal system ect. The interview date was set, we went & were denied. Three times because I thought I could do a better job complying with the " strongest ties" rule. I could not because I did not understand what it took to comply. It is nearly impossible to comply & by the time I applied the second time we were married.

It is not about the mood of the officer. They are trained to look at the case & use thier own descresion in thier determinations as they apply the rules & law. Even though they denied me I thought they did a good job & took the time to explain it all to me so I could understand.

Anyone can apply for a tourist visa. Only a few that have a perfect case will be approved. None of those will be people that are married & have petitioned for K type visas.

If you mean that you want to apply for the tourist visa while you are sitting around waiting because you think you will succeed then that is what you should do. Its an expensive hobby after awhile but it will occupy your time.

You can find the field manual for immigration officers on line & review it. The " strongest ties " rule says that she must prove her strongest ties are to Thailand. No matter what she says, the view of the embassy is that her ties revert to her husband upon entry into the USA so she wont return. Again even if she got a tourist visa she would be turned away at the POE when they see you have petitioned for a K type visa. This means it isnt just the 131 bucks ; its the round trip ticket as well.

Its natural to be upset but like all of us you will have to endure the wait. Because of that you might want to look into the CR 1 visa. About same wait but eliminates the year long wait & 1,010.00 expense of the AOS later.

I guess it the pain we suffer when we falling in love and marry a Thai Lady . So in the end it is our wife's fault for making us fall in love with them.

[John & Nan 0]

I be reading a lot about get my wife a Visitor Visas after we files a K3. From what I can tell she can get one, but what are the chances they will give her one ? The only real guarantee you can give that she will go back to Thailand it our word. We have a 3 month old son that has his passport already. I email the Embassy the question but they will not answer it. so, I have start to contact my Congressman for help on the matter.

Thanks

From what I've read, probably very little chance.

Well it is no impossible due to legal reasons. I guess I am looking for what would be the best path to take. All I have to loose is time doing it right ?

The chances they will issue a visa are very small. The consulate will evaluate her situation as to whether or not she is a risk to stay in the USA and attempt to immigrate by looking at "closer ties" to each country. Most Thais who receive a visitor visa do so by providing proof of land ownership, proof of family ties (i.e. a spouse or child in Thailand), employment, school enrollment, etc. The consulate will know that her husband is in the USA and will deem that as having "closer ties" to the USA and thus will deem her an immigration risk. Even if she were to receive the visa, you would run the risk of her being denied entry at her POE in the USA by Immigration here for the same reasons.

Well ,She will bring our son and I made her stop working and move back home to take care of our son. She lived alone in Bangkok and I want her to care for our son and when we get her K3 she will be moving to the US. so I guess in there eyes she will be a risk. The question would be what can I do to lower the rise for them ? a letter from a congressman ? or some else. I dont think it is fair that other if my wife was from an other country she could get one. it like she is guilty with out doing anything wrong.

They will not issue the tourist visa. Read the " strongest ties" criteria . Those ties revert from her country to her husband after entry into the USA & they dont believe she will return to Thailand. That is what they told me in my three attempts to get one. Even if she did get one she would be turned away at the POE after they see that you have filed petition for visa.

It isnt a matter of fairness. Hundreds or thousands that preceded her have not returned & set the precedent for the denials today. If your wife was from another country she wouldnt be asking Thailand embassy for a tourist visa.

Your congressman wont write you a letter because they arent going to get involved.

It costs 131 dollars to find out for yourself. Spending the money is the only way to really satisfy yourself about what will happen. I spent $393 & was told " we will not issue tourist visas to anyone that has filed a petition for a visa even though we believe what you say". I realised it wasnt about what was right or fair. Its about understanding .

It about the liers that went before you & you cant change that fact.

Oh I believe you. Just makes me mad that it is up the mood of some people and not the law.

I guess I look at it this way. It better then sitting around and waiting for the K3.

What steps did you try to get your wife a visa and where is the Stongest ties criteria ? Just something they say there or is that law ?

I filed the documents to apply for a tourist visa three times including paying thru the Thai postal system ect. The interview date was set, we went & were denied. Three times because I thought I could do a better job complying with the " strongest ties" rule. I could not because I did not understand what it took to comply. It is nearly impossible to comply & by the time I applied the second time we were married.

It is not about the mood of the officer. They are trained to look at the case & use thier own descresion in thier determinations as they apply the rules & law. Even though they denied me I thought they did a good job & took the time to explain it all to me so I could understand.

Anyone can apply for a tourist visa. Only a few that have a perfect case will be approved. None of those will be people that are married & have petitioned for K type visas.

If you mean that you want to apply for the tourist visa while you are sitting around waiting because you think you will succeed then that is what you should do. Its an expensive hobby after awhile but it will occupy your time.

You can find the field manual for immigration officers on line & review it. The " strongest ties " rule says that she must prove her strongest ties are to Thailand. No matter what she says, the view of the embassy is that her ties revert to her husband upon entry into the USA so she wont return. Again even if she got a tourist visa she would be turned away at the POE when they see you have petitioned for a K type visa. This means it isnt just the 131 bucks ; its the round trip ticket as well.

Its natural to be upset but like all of us you will have to endure the wait. Because of that you might want to look into the CR 1 visa. About same wait but eliminates the year long wait & 1,010.00 expense of the AOS later.

I guess it the pain we suffer when we falling in love and marry a Thai Lady . So in the end it is our wife's fault for making us fall in love with them.

OK after reading the Embassy Web site the one condition is EVIDENCE OF TIES: Applicants for most types of visas must demonstrate they have strong ties outside the United States. Advice on meeting this requirement may be found below. I cannot see any married thai lady meeting that condition. But I have hear people that are married have got B2 Visa's. There must me some way

[daboyz 36]

As was stated before, you can try. It's going to cost $131, and more than likely will be denied. For your own sanity you should be prepared for the fact you SO will not step foot in the U.S. until her K-3 is issued. If you can figure out another way around that, Chok Dee.

[John & Nan 0]

As was stated before, you can try. It's going to cost $131, and more than likely will be denied. For your own sanity you should be prepared for the fact you SO will not step foot in the U.S. until her K-3 is issued. If you can figure out another way around that, Chok Dee.

Oh I believe everyone when the say it will be denied. I am just think it is unfair and think instead of just doing nothing. why not work on getting the rules change by everyone calling there congress man. Maybe I will not benafit from it, but maybe someone down the road someone will. If you read what the meeting this requirement they are BS. you tell me if someone has a job in Thailand they will always come back ? I think the reason for her to come back to complete the K3 is a reason, it as goo as any other one they have.

[rin and john 71]

As was stated before, you can try. It's going to cost $131, and more than likely will be denied. For your own sanity you should be prepared for the fact you SO will not step foot in the U.S. until her K-3 is issued. If you can figure out another way around that, Chok Dee.

Oh I believe everyone when the say it will be denied. I am just think it is unfair and think instead of just doing nothing. why not work on getting the rules change by everyone calling there congress man. Maybe I will not benafit from it, but maybe someone down the road someone will. If you read what the meeting this requirement they are BS. you tell me if someone has a job in Thailand they will always come back ? I think the reason for her to come back to complete the K3 is a reason, it as goo as any other one they have.

And you were expecting "fair"?

We allow a visitor to file at the embassy, receive the visa (if not an immigration risk), and enter the USA. So a non-immigrant risk terrorist with the means can get the visa, enter, and attack the USA. But a spouse or family member must wait in line for 6 to 12 months. Makes no sense and is not "fair". So congress passed the LIFE act about 9 years ago to help expedite the reunion of families (that is where K-3's started as a faster way to re-unite families instead of the CR-1/IR-1). But the implementation method (decided by the executive branch) was to parallel the route of the K-1. Why not allow spouses to go thru the same process as visitors to receive a visa (in a few weeks or less), enter the USA for reunion with their spouses, and then await I-130 approval here? Would be much more "family friendly" as the LIFE act intended. The issue would be the DHS would lose some authority to the State Department. It's a power/control issue.

Oh, and take what I say with a grain of salt as Rin and I just finished a bottle of good wine (pre-celebration for our birthdays - both this weekend!).

[ThaitoUSA 15]

Strong ties to Thailand could include:

Primary

1) Six months+ of bank statements in the name of the applicant showing over 500,000 Baht .

2) Land titles in Thailand in the name of the applicant.

3) Documentation of business owned by applicant.

Secondary

1) Letters from local or national government officials petitioning on behalf of the applicant.

2) Letter from current employer/university stating the applicant's status there.

3) Titles on cars and/or motorcycles.

4) Any other proof of ties, such as dependent family members, etc.

A good friend's girlfriend, who had a Master's degree, spoke fluent English and held a good job and whose father sits on the board of directors for RCA Thailand, was originally denied. She retained an American attorney in Bangkok, reapplied 2 weeks later and was granted the tourist visa. When I asked my friend "How could he help her get it?" he replied "The guy knew exactly what the embassy was looking for, told her to do 'this and that,' and she got it without any problems."