Many Americans traveling o the Kingdom of Thailand land find themselves falling in love not only with their surroundings, but also a special someone from Thailand. When this happens many Americans wish to bring their Thai loved one back to the United States. Many times the best way of going about this is by obtaining a K-1 Fiancee Visa. This article explains how that can be accomplished.

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. After approval by USCIS the petition will be forwarded to the National Visa Center and ultimately to the US Embassy in Bangkok, 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. Depending upon your situation an Immigration attorney can help submit the petition with USCIS and can greatly increase the chances 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


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Benjamin W. Hart is an American Attorney who lives in Bangkok, Thailand. He is the Managing Director of Integrity Legal, a law ofice with locations in the US and Thailand. Please see US Immigration for Thais or K1 Fiancee Visas in Thailand for more details.