Obtaining a US K-1 Travel Visa for a Thai Fiancee

Each year, many couples meet and fall in love in the Kingdom of Thailand. After meeting, many American Citizens try to bring their Thai girlfriend or fiancée back to the United States. Much frustration surrounds the US Immigration process from Thailand and this article is intended to help clear up any confusion.

THE K1 VISA FOR A THAI FIANCEE

The K1 Visa was designed to allow an American Citizen to bring a fiancee to the US for the purpose of marriage. Once granted, the Thai fiancée will have six months to travel to the US. After entering the USA the Thai fiancée should marry within ninety days and file for adjustment of status or depart the US. In order to obtain a K1 Visa the US Citizen must file an I-129(f) petition with the USCIS Service Center in either Vermont or California. Following USCIS authorization the packet will be sent to the NVC or National Visa Center and then eventually to the US Embassy in Thailand. The US Embassy in Bangkok will issue instructions to the Thai fiancée about what documentation will be needed and what to do to prepare for the visa interview. The Embassy will also give the Thai fiancée an interview date and time. The Thai fiancée should be prepared to spend most of the morning or afternoon at the Embassy depending upon when the appointment is scheduled.

THE DECISION TO HIRE AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY TO EXPEDITE THE K1 PROCESS

Many couples decide to hire an immigration law firm to help with the K1 process. Others would argue that this is not necessary. An Immigration lawyer can assist with the USCIS application and could significantly improve the likelihood of approval. An immigration attorney with an office in Thailand, particularly near the US Embassy, can be a major advantage for the couple seeking a K1 Visa. If the Immigration Law Firm has a licensed US Immigration Attorney along with Thai attorneys and staff, then the US Attorney can expedite the USCIS petition and deal with the US Embassy while the Thai staff can help prepare the Thai fiancée and explain the immigration process in Thai. The Thai staff can also prepare the fiancée by conducting simulated interview questioning in both Thai and English which will be advantageous when it is time for the genuine interview.

Although the US Immigration process may seem daunting at first blush, most obstacles can be overcome with time, patience, and perseverance.

Thanks for Reading,

Benjamin W. Hart, Esq.

The information imparted herein is intended for informational use only and should not be used as a replacement for competent legal advice from a professional. Nothing written in this article should be used in lieu of professional legal advice for specific situations

Article Source: http://www.articlegoldmine.com

Benjamin W. Hart, Esq. is an American Immigration Lawyer living in Bangkok, Thailand. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He is the founder of Integrity Legal, an Immigration Law Firm with offices in Thailand and the USA. For more information please see US Immigration from Thailand or K1 Visas from Thailand.

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