How Can a Thai Apply for a U.S. Business Visa?
If you want to go to the U.S. for a business meeting, conference or trade show, a B1 visa is the best choice. B1 visas are available for Thais who wish to travel to the U.S. temporarily for business. While a B1 visa does not allow you to work in the U.S., you can conduct business related to your work in Thailand. B1 visas are usually valid for a short period, three months or less. You can apply for expedited visa processing if you have urgent business.
Gather Supporting Evidence
Embassy officials presume that Thai B1 visa applicants plan to permanently settle in the U.S. To convince the visa officer that you plan on returning to Thailand, you will need to show that you have strong economic and social ties in your community.
To successfully apply for a B1 visa you need to produce documentation that shows you have enough money to finance your trip to the U.S. and enough community ties in Thailand to suggest you will return. There are no specific financial requirements. The amount of money you need depends on how long you plan to stay and what you plan to do.
To show that you are likely to return to Thailand, you can bring deeds to land or a title to a car to your interview. If you are in school or have a steady job this will help. The longer you have had the job, the better. If you are leaving your spouse or children in Thailand, this is also evidence that you will come back. You can also show company records such as VAT receipts, business bank accounts, loan information or website to prove that your company is legitimate.
Complete Form I-160 Online
The B1 visa application, Form I-160, can only be completed on the internet. Paper application forms are not accepted. Completing the form usually takes more than an hour. Be sure to write down your Application ID so you can continue your application if you are disconnected or need to take a break. After you submit your application, you will get a receipt which you will need to bring to your interview.
Pay the Fees and Schedule the Interview
Once you submit Form I-160, you can schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai. There is a non-refundable $140 USD application fee which can be paid at a Thailand Post office. While you are at the post office, you can buy a pin number which you will need to schedule your visa appointment. The U.S. State Department maintains a website with average wait times in Bangkok and Chiang Mai at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html
The Interview
Arrive for your interview at least 30 minutes early, so you have time to pass through security When you arrive at your interview, submit your passport and supporting documents. An embassy employee will fingerprint you. Then a visa officer will go over your application with you and ask questions to determine whether you will leave the U.S. before your visa expires. Be sure to answer honestly and openly. If you seem to be hiding something or lying, the visa officer can deny your application even if you produce lots of evidence.
If your visa application is approved, buy an envelope at the Embassy’s Thai Post counter so that your passport can be return to you with your new U.S. visa inside!
Category: US Immigration
About the Author (Author Profile)
Siam Legal is a full service law firm but it has an extensive range of immigration, corporate, and real estate experience accessible to clients both domestically and internationally. It has offices strategically located throughout the major cities in Thailand including Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Samui and Phuket along with international representative offices in Australia, London and Las Vegas.
