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Thailand's Oldest & Largest
U.S. Immigration Law Firm

  • 20 years of experience
  • Over 1,000 approved US Visa applications
  • Offices in main cities of Thailand
K1 Visa Application for Thai Citizens

K1 Visa from Thailand

As part of our service, we handle a variety of U.S. non-immigrant and immigrant cases including family immigration, non-immigrant business visas, and investment visas. Set your appointment today!

K1 visa and its benefits

K1 Visa enables a Thai fiancee of a bonafide American citizen to travel to the United States with the intention to get married within the span of 90 days once already in the country. This is by far the best option in getting a Thai fiancee to the United States because of the following benefits:

  • K1 Visa is easier to obtain.
  • K1 visa holder can bring his/her child (If any) with him/her under a K2 derivative visa. However, the child must be unmarried and under the age of 21.
  • K1 visa holder can apply for work permit to engage in a lawful employment.

If you wish to apply for a U.S. visa for your Thai partner or fiancee, it is required to meet all eligibilities in order to receive the appropriate category of visa for which you are applying. To successfully secure a visa for your Thai fiancee, you might want to consider getting an expert advice to know when is the best time to start your application.

K1 Visa Requirements

Here are the basic requirements for the K1 visa application for Thai citizens:

  • A valid Thai passport
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • Birth certificate
  • Police clearance
  • Evidence of relationship (photos, letters, communications, etc.)
  • Medical examination results
  • Divorce or death certificates of previous spouses (if applicable)
  • Evidence of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support may be required)

The financial requirement for a K1 visa application primarily concerns the ability of the U.S. petitioner (the U.S. citizen sponsoring the Thai fiancé(e)) to financially support their intending immigrant fiancé(e). This is to ensure that the Thai fiancé(e) will not become a "public charge" or rely on U.S. government financial assistance after arriving in the U.S.

  • Minimum Income Requirement: The U.S. petitioner's income must be at least 100% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. This amount may change yearly, so it's important to check with our immigration attorney for the most current guidelines.
  • Proof of Income: The petitioner must provide evidence of their income. This can include:
    • Recent tax returns (often the most recent year is sufficient, but it might be helpful to provide the last three years)
    • W-2s or 1099 forms
    • Pay stubs or a letter from the employer detailing the current salary
    • Any other evidence of income or assets
  • Assets: If the petitioner's income doesn't meet the required threshold, they can use assets to supplement their income. Please consult our immigration attorney and get invaluable assistance when it comes to utilizing your assets to meet the financial requirements of the K1 visa application.

K1 Visa Application Process

  • First, in applying for a K-1 fiance visa, you as a US citizen sponsor or petitioner will file the I-129F form and pay the filing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. In 2 to 3 weeks after filing, you will receive a Notice of Receipt. You will need to wait for the application to be approved between 4 to 8 months. Once approved, you will receive a Notice of Approval.
  • Second, the Department of Homeland Security will forward your case to the Department of State or National Visa Center for further processing. The National Visa Center will process your case in an estimated 2 to 4 weeks. After approval from the National Visa Center, you will receive a unique case number and confirm your case will be transferred to the US Embassy.
  • Third, after the US Embassy receives your case from the National Visa Center, the US Embassy will send the Packet 3 Instructions to your fiance. Your fiance will need to follow the instructions and submit the necessary documents and pay the fees to request a visa interview.
  • Lastly, your fiance will need to attend the visa interview and bring all the required documents on the Packet 4 instructions. Your fiance will know if the visa is approved or rejected on the same day. If approved, the US Embassy will mail the passport and visa package in 1 to 2 weeks. Your fiancee can travel to the US, get married within 90 days and apply for Adjustment Status.

Why Choose Our K1 Visa Service?

When applying for a K1 visa for your Thai girlfriend, the process can be intricate, necessitating a deep understanding of both U.S. immigration law and Thai specifics. Consulting with a U.S. visa attorney in Thailand can greatly increase the chances of successfully navigating this process. Here is why:

Expert Consultation: Our immigration specialists provide comprehensive, step-by-step guidance throughout the process. From the initial consultation to the final visa stamping, we're there with you every step of the way.

Expertise in Local and U.S. Procedures: Attorneys familiar with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai are well-versed in local procedures, ensuring that the unique documentation and cultural nuances relevant to Thai applicants are appropriately addressed.

Comprehensive Document Review: The K1 visa process requires various documents, including evidence of a bona fide relationship. Our U.S. attorney can help ensure that you gather compelling evidence, prepare affidavits, and address potential red flags that might be of concern to consular officers.

Anticipating and Avoiding Delays: Mistakes or omissions can lead to substantial delays. Our U.S. attorney will preemptively identify and mitigate any potential issues in the application, preventing unnecessary hold-ups.

Navigating Past Complications: If your Thai girlfriend has previously been denied a U.S. visa, overstayed on a prior U.S. visit, or has other potential inadmissibility issues, it's essential to have expert guidance from our U.S. attorney to navigate these challenges.

Preparation for the Consular Interview: The visa interview is a pivotal moment in the K1 visa process. Our U.S. attorney can help your fiancée prepare for potential questions, understand what to expect, and ensure that she approaches the interview with confidence.

Assistance with Post-Visa Steps: After entering the U.S. on a K1 visa, there are time-sensitive actions to be taken, such as getting married and applying for an adjustment of status. We can guide you through these crucial next steps to ensure smooth transitions and compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Liaising with U.S. Authorities: Should any complications arise, having an attorney can be invaluable. We can communicate directly with U.S. immigration authorities, ensuring that issues are resolved promptly.

Unmatched Customer Support: Our dedicated support team is always just a click or call away, providing real-time updates and answers to all your questions. The peace of mind that comes with our professional support is immeasurable.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is the K1 visa for married couples?
No, the K1 Visa is for a US citizen and Thai fiancée who are free to marry. Married couples are recommended to apply for a US Spouse Visa.
  1. Do we need to meet face to face before we can apply for a K1 Fiancée Visa?
Yes. You and your Thai fiancée must have met in person within the last 2 years. It is highly recommended that you have kept photos together and other evidence of the relationship such as records of ongoing communication when applying for the K1 visa.
  1. How long is the process of applying for a K1 Fiancée Visa?
The processing time is between 12-18 months due to pandemic. This involves the processing of your petition at the USCIS, National Visa Center and the application and interview at the US Embassy in Thailand.
  1. I am divorced can I petition for a K1 visa from Thailand?
Yes, you can obtain a K1 Visa if you are legally divorced and free to marry.
  1. Where is the visa interview held for my fiancee to obtain the K1 visa in Thailand?
Your fiancée will undergo a visa interview at the Consular Section of the US Embassy in Bangkok. The interview process may last between 20-30 minutes.
  1. Is K1 visa a single entry or multiple entry visa?
The US K1 Visa is a single entry visa only and there is a timeframe when you must use the visa and enter the US.
  1. If we did not get married in the US on a K1 Visa, can my fiancée extend her visa so she can stay long?
As a requirement in applying for a K1 Visa, you need to get married within 90 days. If you did not get married within this timeframe, your fiancée needs to leave the country before the K1 Visa expires.
  1. Can a K1 visa holder from Thailand allowed to work in the United States?
Your fiancée, the K1 visa holder, may be allowed to work in the United States once she has applied for and issued a work permit.
  1. Can my fiancee bring her child on a K1 Visa? If yes, what type of visa does she needs to apply for her child?
Yes, she needs to apply for a K-2 visa which is a derivative of the K1 Visa. Both the K1 Visa and K-2 visa applicants will proceed to the visa interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok. The child must not be older than 21 years old.

What can we do for you

We provide services which may include (but not limited to) the following:

  • Consultation with our Immigration Specialist to provide you with sound and legal advice on the process of application.
  • Filing of application to the respective agencies.
  • Contact with U.S. embassy
  • Embassy interview preparation
  • Preparation of primary and other supporting documents required on the visa category.
  • Assistance with the police clearance report and medical examination, when appropriate.
  • Lawyer Accessibility

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Chris A.

"It has been a pleasure dealing with Siam Legal, very professional and polite. Keeping you up to date and informing you on the progress being made."
 

Clinton R.

"An extremely prompt, professional and helpful company, I will not look any further should I require assistance in the future."
 

Andy E.

"Their Senior Immigration Consultant efficiently and effectively managed the creation and processing of all the required applications and documents."
 

Meet Our US Visa Team

Siam Legal is an American-managed immigration law firm in Thailand with lawyers and attorneys practicing international law and Thai law. Our law firm has 20 years of experience in handling challenging US immigration cases providing you with peace of mind that your case has been appropriately packaged and submitted.

Ken Graham

Ken Graham

US Licensed Attorney

Ken heads the US Immigration and Property teams at Siam Legal International where he assists American citizens with bringing their Thai fiances, spouses, and family members to the US, as well as helps foreigners navigate the complex real estate market in Thailand.

Natdaphon Luengsawang

Natdaphon Luengsawang

Immigration Specialist

Ms. Natdaphon worked in a fast-paced environments with demanding objectives for sales, service and quality for 8 years in New York City, USA. She is one of our top immigration specialists delivering friendly and prompt immigration services to all clients.

Mintra Maraphoom

Mintra Maraphoom

US Visa Consultant

Ms. Mintra (Mint) has worked for Sweden embassy, VFS global, and various traveling companies. She is highly experienced when it comes to immigration matters and has brought her extensive experience in handling marriage visas for clients who wish to bring their partners to the US.

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Our Offices in Thailand

Siam Legal Bangkok

Bangkok Office

18th Floor, Unit 1806 Two Pacific Place, 142 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand

Siam Legal Phuket

Phuket Office

123 / 27-28 Moo 5, Bangtao Place T. Cherngtalay, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110

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Chiang Mai Office

Curve Mall 2nd floor Room C219-C220, 215/2 Chang Klan Road, Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand

Siam Legal

Get in touch with us

18th Floor, Unit 1806 Two Pacific Place,
142 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110,
Thailand

We are open: Monday – Friday
9 AM – 6 PM (Bangkok Time)

Related Services

  • US Tourist Visa
  • US CR-1 Visa
  • Adjustment of Status

Other Services

  • US Visa Consultation
  • Notary Public
  • Police Clearance

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