How to Get a US Visa in Thailand

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If you are a Thai citizen considering a trip to the United States or planning to live there permanently, you will need a US visa. The type of visa you'll need depends on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, or moving to live with your American partner. Each visa category has specific requirements that you must meet to be eligible.

Before starting the application process, you should ensure that you understand these visa requirements and restrictions. While the application forms may seem simple, even small mistakes or missing documents can cause significant delays or even result in your application being rejected. This can be both time-consuming and costly and could potentially impact your ability to obtain future US visas.

A qualified US immigration attorney guarantees that your visa application is prepared accurately and efficiently to give your case the best chance of success.

Siam Legal International is a Thailand-based law firm with over 20 years of experience helping Thai citizens obtain US visas. If you partner with us, our dedicated US visa team will provide you with an honest assessment of your application’s prospects, so you can make informed decisions about pursuing the visa process. We will also suggest alternative visas if necessary.

Siam Legal offers expert assistance for a wide range of US visa types. Please select a visa category below to learn more about our services.

US Visas for Thai Citizens

B-1 and B-2 Visitor Visas

There are two primary types of US tourist visa: the B1 business visitor visa and the B2 tourist visitor visa. Both are a nonimmigrant visa that allows for Thai nationals to enter the US for short-term, temporary stays.

The B1 visa allows business visitors to stay in the US for up to six months (extendable up to one year) for specific business purposes, such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or settling estates.

The B2 visa, also called the US tourist visa, is for tourism, visiting friends or family, or seeking medical treatment. The tourist visa may be valid for up to 10 years but only permits stays of up to six months per visit.

K1 Fiancé(e) Visa

The K1 visa, or 90-day fiancé(e) visa, allows you to travel to the United States to marry your American citizen partner. The visa is valid for 90 days, during which time you must marry your fiancé(e). After your wedding, you can begin the process of applying for a green card and becoming a US lawful permanent resident (LPR).

K2 Dependent Visa

If you apply for the K1 visa and have dependent children, they may be eligible for dependent K2 visa. They must be unmarried and under the age of 21 when you apply for the visa. After you and your fiancé(e) marry, your child(ren) may be able to apply for US permanent residency.

K3 Spouse Visa

The K3 visa is a two-year multiple-entry spousal visa. Similar to the K1 visa, this visa allows you to enter the US and apply for an Adjustment of Status (AOS) to become a permanent resident. Once you have submitted your AOS application, you can live in the US while awaiting your green card.

In many cases, applying directly for a green card through the CR1 or IR1 visa process (see below) might be a more efficient path to reunite with your spouse. However, if your green card application is experiencing significant delays, you might consider applying for a K3 visa to shorten your wait time.

K4 Dependent Visa

The K4 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to the children of K3 visa applicants. It allows your child(ren) to enter the US and, if eligible, apply for permanent residency. To qualify for the K4 visa, your biological or adopted children should be under the age of 21 and unmarried.

CR1 Spouse Visa

The CR1 visa is an immigrant visa issued to Thai national spouses of US citizens who have been married for less than two years. The visa allows you to enter the US to live and stay with your US citizen or LPR spouse permanently.

"CR" stands for "conditional resident" because spouses who have been married for less than two years receive conditional green cards valid for two years. After two years, you can apply for a full 10-year green card.

IR1 Spouse Visa

Like the CR1 visa, the IR1 visa is an immigrant visa issued to Thai spouses of US citizens and LPRs. The visa allows you to gain a green card and live in the US indefinitely.

IR1, immediate relative, visas are issued to immigrant visa applicants who have been married more than two years at the time of applying. Therefore, you will automatically be issued a full 10-year green card after entering the US.

Additional US Immigration Services

Adjustment of Status (AOS)

Adjustment of Status (AOS) is the process of changing from a temporary visa to a US lawful permanent resident from within the United States. To be eligible, you must have entered the country legally. If your AOS application is successful, you will be issued a green card.

If you enter the US on a K1 or K3 visa, you must go through the AOS process to obtain your green card.

Visa Ineligibility: Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility

If you are seeking a green card or K visa and you are deemed inadmissible to the US, you may be able to file a Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. If the waiver is approved, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review your application as normal and make a decision.

The Form I-601 is complex, so applicants are strongly advised to consult with a US immigration attorney before applying.

US Visa Requirements

The requirements for each US visa type largely depend on your purpose of travel. In general, however, you will need to produce a valid passport, attend a visa interview, and provide strong documentary evidence to support your application. If you are applying for a visa based on your American LPR or citizen spouse, you should also provide a valid marriage certificate.

Why Choose Siam Legal for Your US Visa Application

If you choose to proceed with your US visa application, our team of immigration experts at Siam Legal will guide you through the application process from preparing your documents to attending a visa interview so the process is as stress-free as possible. Our services include:

• An assessment of your personal, financial, travel, and employment history to determine your eligibility for the chosen visa under US immigration law. If necessary, we will recommend alternative visas or pre-application steps to take to strengthen your application.
• A detailed checklist of the documents for your visa application
• Professional and comprehensive preparation of your visa application
• Assistance with visa fee payment, the police clearance report, and medical examinations
• Careful preparation of all correspondence with US immigration authorities, including the US Embassy in Bangkok and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Preparation and guidance on how to answer questions during your consular interview
• Unlimited, direct communication with a specialized US visa consultant in either Thai or English languages

Please reach out to Siam Legal today to learn how we can help you start your US visa journey.

US Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Is the K1 visa a single-entry or multiple-entry visa?

The US K1 visa is a single-entry visa, meaning you cannot leave and re-enter the country on the same visa.

Can I bring my child to the US on a K1 visa too?

As a K1 visa applicant, your children may be eligible for dependent K2 visas. Any applicant children will also likely need to attend the visa interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok. Your children should be under the age of 21 and unmarried to apply.

When does the 90-day validity period for the K1 visa begin?

The 90-day validity period starts when you arrive in the US. Within the 90 days, you and your fiancé(e) must get married. If you plan to stay in the US beyond the authorized period, you should also submit an AOS (see above) to apply for your green card before your K1 visa expires.

Do my fiancé(e) and I need to meet in person before applying for a visa?

Yes, to apply for the K1 visa, you and your fiancé(e) must have met in person within the last 2 years. You will be expected to provide evidence of this during the application process.

Can I still apply for a K1 visa if my spouse and I are already married?

If you are already legally married, you cannot apply for the K1 fiancé(e) visa. Instead, you can apply for spousal visas including IR1, CR1, and K3.

My spouse and I have been married for over 2 years. Which visa should I apply for?

If you have been married for over two years and live outside of the US, you should apply for the IR1 spousal visa. This visa allows you to obtain your green card upon arrival in the US. If processing times for the CR1 visa are particularly delayed, you may consider submitting a supplementary K3 visa application to reunite with your spouse sooner.

If you already reside in the US, you can apply for an Adjustment of Status to become a lawful permanent resident.

How long does it take to get a US visa?

The tourist visa application (B2) normally takes between one to three months to receive a visa decision. Fiancé(e) and spouse visas can take anywhere from 6 months to several years for approval from the time you submit the initial visa petition until you receive a visa stamp.

The K1 visa is typically processed faster than spousal IR1 and CR-1 visas, but K1 visa holders must apply for an Adjustment of Status after entering the US.

How much does it cost to get a US visa?

The visa application fee varies based on your chosen visa, its purpose, and its validity period. Applications for B2 tourist visas might only cost several hundred US dollars (excluding legal fees), while applying for immigrant visas that provide a green card may cost a few thousand dollars.

How do I schedule my nonimmigrant visa interview?

After you have completed the visa application online Form DS-160, you must pay the application fee. Then, you can schedule your visa appointment date. You will need your passport number, the receipt number from your visa fee receipt, and the ten-digit barcode number from your Form DS-160 confirmation page.

What happens at the visa interview?

Once you are issued a visa interview date at the US Embassy in Bangkok, you should prepare your required documents, and all applicants must undergo medical examinations. At the visa interview, the consular officer will review your documents and spend around 20 minutes asking you questions to determine if your application is truthful and accurate. If you meet all the requirements for your chosen visa, the immigration officer will issue the visa stamp in your passport within several weeks of the appointment.

For more information about the US visa interview process, visit the website of the US Embassy and Consulate in Thailand and consult with a qualified US immigration attorney.

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