Matthew

Good point. I had that feeling when it was all said and done. Doh! Still, going over on this one now, and playing by the rules and being good boys and girls, I assume, will make the next one, maybe the 10 year deal (we'll probably be married by then as well) easier to get.

You guuuys.

Right. That's a fact.

jimbo

Damn! You guys had a much easier go then we did! PRE-911 days in Bkk we applied twice...once for a tourist and once for a fiancee' if I recall correctly. We followed to steps to the 'T' as Charlie, but (unlike Charlie) she was turned down FLAT...both times. No refunds on those damn app. fees...
Only reason given, "She owns nothing here in Thai."

I was so pissed.

Married her, took her to Saudi and got the ten year there with smiles all around.

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aging one

One point I just thought of. You can in no way help her to get the visa. You can help her fill out the forms but the burden of proof is on her. Good luck.

__________________
Too long in Exile, too long not singing my song.
Too long like a rolling stone, Too long in exile
Too long in Exile, baby you just arent my friend.
Too long in Exile my friend, Baby you can never go home again.

champagne charlie

Not to be contrary, AO, but in terms of helping and easing the burden of proof, that's simply not true.

I can't speak for other types of visas (yet), but if you intend to travel/visit with your SO on a tourist visa, your help is essential IMO. Invitation Letters from your family and friends regarding where you're going to stay are very helpful - as a matter of fact, I think they're mentioned in the visa prep instructions. Might be required, I can't remember. But we had those items on hand for sure.

And if you're contributing financially to the trip, putting this in writing is also a good idea (an affidavit is required for other visas I believe, but not for the tourist visa).

During the interview, I was also summoned to counter to answer the officer's questions. He asked some questions about our relationship, travel plans and my status in Thailand. Wanted to see my passport and WP...good thing I was there to help with these items on hand eh?

In summary, they want to see if the combined story rings true, and if the applicant has proof of invitation, sufficient funds or offers of support, and in these regards your help is critical IME.

aging one

Wow we have never even been interviewed. I posted that as I am unclear if the OP is in Thailand or not. The way he has worded the post it seems he feels that he will be the one securing the visa for her. As if he might get it in the USA.

It just hit me that way on re reading it. Hell criticize me all ya want CC.

I have seen and experienced this getting my kids passports, and birth records. We waited in a small room with lots of other people. Most were getting visas for dodgy women. Lots of talk going on about what to say and what to do. When we were called up to speak to the consular official it was,here are your passports. I asked why it was so easy. The reply was you have been on camera and you conversations are being recorded. You werehere to register cute kids but turn around and look what I have to deal with next. I knew just what he was talking about as all the other people in the room were getting their stories straight.

__________________
Too long in Exile, too long not singing my song.
Too long like a rolling stone, Too long in exile
Too long in Exile, baby you just arent my friend.
Too long in Exile my friend, Baby you can never go home again.

latm

My wife got a ten year visa also, before we were married. This was almost ten years ago, pre 9/11, but last year we got my mother-in-law a visa to visit America, and she also got a ten year visa. She's in her mid 80s now, so we didn't need a visa for ten years, but it reduces the hastles if she wants to go back in April.

I didn't go to the interview, but my wife said that the person who interviewed them didn't seem too interested in all of the forms and documents that we had. However, somehow he seemed to know that we were married, and that I was a teacher in Bangkok, before the interview, perhaps from the online application, but you never know.

point studio

Thanks for all the info. My gf has good job and has land that I buy in Chang Rai. I want her to meet my parents in Michigon before we marry in Thailand next year. I'm planning to teach english in Chang Rai I hope........

jimbo

Good luck mate...I'm guessing it'll work out then

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Matthew

Yep. The officer read my father's entire letter regarding Apple and our plans to be there in front of us. It was written on company letterhead with a Harvard Square address. Then that became the topic of conversation for 3 minutes and I know we were in...at least for our measly little single entry tourist visa anyway. Sheesh. This thread's put me and my 'proud to have snagged this visa' self in check. 10 years...hrmph

ScienceGuy

It's easy and cheap. Mostly you should go in with her to apply. It's when she goes in alone that they aren't sure if you're real, if she has money, etc.

If you go for an Immigrant visa, expect to pay $2000 for fees and wait a year.

aging one

Not the experience my friends have gone through.

__________________
Too long in Exile, too long not singing my song.
Too long like a rolling stone, Too long in exile
Too long in Exile, baby you just arent my friend.
Too long in Exile my friend, Baby you can never go home again.

Aquaman

We didnt have this experience.

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aging one

The guy has contributed shit all day today aq. Just talked to keeshou about a different matter. Actually you can relate Majestic travel. 335 buck I do believe today, plus no one year wait at all.

__________________
Too long in Exile, too long not singing my song.
Too long like a rolling stone, Too long in exile
Too long in Exile, baby you just arent my friend.
Too long in Exile my friend, Baby you can never go home again.

Aquaman

I didnt use an agency or anything. did it all on my own. its not too difficult.

__________________
I've got to pick myself up Dust myself off And start all over again.
-Peter Tosh