Issues and insights regarding the K1 Fiancee Visa from Thailand written by a US immigration Attorney.
When people begin researching US Visas for Thai wives and fiancées one of the first Visas they learn about is the K1 Fiancée Visa. The K1 Visa was designed to allow an American Citizen to bring a Thai Fiancée to the USA for the sole purpose of marriage.
Once married the couple can file for adjustment of status and thereby obtain a US Green Card for a Thai loved one. Americans seeking a K-1 Visa for a Thai often become frustrated because the process can be complicated. Hopefully this piece will shed some light on the subject.
The I-129f petition for a Thai Fiancée
The I-129f petition is the petition used to apply for a K1 Visa with USCIS (formerly known as US Immigration). This application demands routine information about both the American and Thai Fiancee Visa beneficiary. Under a law called the International Marriage Brokers Regulation Act, a US Citizen who has applied for multiple K-1 Visas in the past is ineligible to petition for another K-1 Visa. It is possible for this restriction to be surmounted, but the counsel of a trained Immigration Lawyer is recommended for those seeking a waiver.
The Fiancée Visa Interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok
A major hurdle when applying for a US Fiancée Visa is the visa interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok. Although consular officers are not looking to confound a Thai visa applicant, they are required to perform due diligence in order to ascertain if a visa seeker is truly in a bona fide relationship with a US Citizen. Evidence of a bona fide relationship between a Thai fiancé and a US Citizen includes: photos, telephone documentation, airplane ticket stubs establishing that the betrothed have met within the previous two years, emails, as well as any other evidence establishing a bona fide relationship. Thai Fiancée enters the US at an Immigration port of entry
The final step for bringing a Thai fiancée to the US is the Immigration check point in America. Generally this is a formality and the Thai fiancée will be stamped into the country without incident. However, it should be remembered that US Immigration officials have the authority to turn anyone away at the border, so a Thai fiancée ought to be mannerly and provide any information asked for by the consular officers.
For any questions or concerns regarding the K1 Visa process or other Immigration Issues it is always advisable to seek advice from a competent licensed attorney.
Obtaining a US K-1 Travel Visa for a Thai Fiancee
Article discussing the US Immigration process for Thai Nationals seeking a K1 Fiancee Visa to the USA.
The Interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok: How to help your Thai Fiancée Prepare
This Article explains Consular Processing and why it may be advisable to hire a competent attorney to help assist in the process
Inadmissibility and I-601 Waiver for Thai Fiancees and Spouses
This article gives information about inadmissibility and waiver in the context of US Immigration. It specifically looks at these issues from the perspective of one looking to bring a Thai national to the USA.
