Consular Processing at USA Embassy in Thailand
CTR & Associates offers Consular Processing Services to U.S. Law Firms and to individuals. CTR & Associates is managed and owned by a licensed American attorney who is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which is a member only organization for American Lawyers and Representatives specializing in the practice of U.S. Immigration Law.
CTR & Associates Consular Processing Services can provide U.S. Law Firms with “on the ground” representation and investigation about the status of the visa application at the USA Embassy in Bangkok. Our American attorneys and Thai staff are there to meet and interview cases in at the client’s location. This on the ground service means less delays in your green card processing time and green card approval.
An Immigration Law Firm Offering Competitive and Quality Services
With CTR & Associates Consular Processing Service you can provide your clients more options and a higher quality of service knowing that they will be represented by an American Immigration lawyer and will be guided through the final stages of their green card process by a qualified American attorney and staff.
Our firm can provide certified Thai-English translations where needed and inquire with the US Embassy post in matters involving 221g denials, administrative processing, or appointment scheduling. For firms with clients facing foreseeable 221g denial issues, our attorneys can assist in preparing the applicants for managing these issues to avoid green card denials. We provide applicants with the knowledge they need to be prepared to deal with the US Embassy in an honest and concise manner so they are prepared to present their case with the best foot forward.
Be aware that No One can guarantee an outcome of a visa application as the ultimate adjudication are evaluated and based on the evidence provided and the unique set of facts of each case. If anyone promises a 100% guaranteed or money back policy then it’s best to inquire into the integrity of that statement. The Immigrant Visa Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok review each case based on the quality and quantity of evidence presented at the interview and prior.
CTR & Associates provides clients with the knowledge and peace of mind of knowing that the applicant is being advised by an licensed American attorney who is trained in assisting the applicant to prepare for the most important interview in the final stages of their Visa Application.
On The Ground US Attorney to Provide Assurance That Your Client Will Receive a Higher Quality of Service
In the final stages of your client’s green card process, you will have the peace of mind that a licensed American Immigration Lawyer will assist the applicant in preparing for the interview,and locating and submitting required documents to the US Embassy. Our American Attorneys will be on hand to correspond with clients and applicants and will facilitate a smoother transition thereby avoiding any delays in the process.
CTR & Associates can add an international aspect to your law practice with our office and staff in Bangkok, Thailand. Email us at Info@CtrLegal.com now for more details. While CTR & Associates is owned and managed by an American attorney, we do not have any special relationship or influence at the US Embassy in Bangkok and we strive to provide our clients with the utmost professionalism in our interaction with the US Consular staff. We strive to conform to all US guidelines regarding attorney client representation and communication when assisting clients at the US Embassy.
Fiance(e) K1 Visa Eligibility
If your fiancé(e) is not a citizen of the United States and you plan to get married in the United States, then you must file a petition with USCIS on behalf of your fiancé(e). After the petition is approved, your fiancé(e) must obtain a visa issued at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad. The marriage must take place within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the United States.
If the marriage does not take place within 90 days or your fiancé(e) marries someone other than you (the U.S. citizen filing USCIS Form I-129F – Petition for Alien Fiancé), your fiancé(e) will be required to leave the United States. Until the marriage takes place, your fiancé(e) is considered a nonimmigrant. A nonimmigrant is a foreign national seeking to temporarily enter the United States for a specific purpose. A fiancé(e) may not obtain an extension of the 90-day original nonimmigrant admission.
If your fiancé(e) intends to live and work permanently in the United States, your fiancé(e) should apply to become a permanent resident after your marriage. (If your fiancé(e) does not intend to become a permanent resident after your marriage, your fiancé(e)/new spouse must leave the country within the 90-day original nonimmigrant admission.) Please note, your fiancé(e) will initially receive conditional permanent residence status for two years. Conditional permanent residency is granted when the marriage creating the relationship is less than two years old at the time of adjustment to permanent residence status.
Please note: Your fiancé(e) may enter the United States only one time with a fiancé(e) visa. If your fiancé(e) leaves the country before you are married, your fiancé(e) may not be allowed back into the United States without a new visa.
Who is Eligible
U.S. citizens who will be getting married to a foreign national in the United States may petition for a fiancé(e) classification (K-1) for their fiancé(e). You and your fiancé(e) must be free to marry. This means that both of you are unmarried, or that any previous marriages have ended through divorce, annulment or death. You must also have met with your fiancé(e) in person within the last two years before filing for the fiancé(e) visa. This requirement can be waived only if meeting your fiancé(e) in person would violate long-established customs, or if meeting your fiancé(e) would create extreme hardship for you. You and your fiancé(e) must marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the United States.
You may also apply to bring your fiancé(e)’s unmarried children, who are under age 21, to the United States.
Will I Get a Work Permit?
After arriving in the United States, your fiancé(e) will be eligible to apply for a work permit. (You should note that USCIS might not be able to process the work permit within the 90-day time limit for your marriage to take place.) If your fiancé(e) applies for adjustment to permanent resident status, your fiancé(e) must re-apply for a new work permit after the marriage.
How Can I Appeal?
If your petition for a fiancé(e) visa is denied, the denial letter will tell you how to appeal. Generally, you may appeal within 33 days of receiving the denial by mail. The appeal must be filed with the office that made the original decision. After your appeal form and a required fee are processed, the appeal will be referred to the Administrative Appeals Unit (AAU) in Washington, DC.
Can Anyone Help Me?
If legal advice is needed, contact Frontier Legal as we will assist you in applying for immigration benefits incidental to your petition. Our advice is free and we can review your case and provide an assessment of your options.
Contact us in Bangkok!
Bangkok, Thailand +66 (0)8 4724 3192
Skype: FrontierLegal
Health Based Ineligibility For Entry to the USA
The following communicable diseases of public health significance render a person inadmissible:
Chancroid
Gonorrhea
Granuloma inguinale
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
Hansen’s disease (infectious leprosy)
Lymphogranuloma venereum
Infectious state syphilis
Infectious tuberculosis (TB) (clinically active)
In addition, the following physical or mental disorders can render a person inadmissible. Current physical or mental disorders, with harmful behavior associated with the disorder. Past physical or mental disorders with associated harmful behavior that is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior.
Harmful behavior is behavior that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property, safety or welfare of the applicant or others.
A record of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI or DWI) can lead to an investigation by the government to determine whether an immigrant has a “mental disorder associated with harmful behavior.”
For certain treatable illnesses (tuberculosis, for example), an arrangement with the overseas consulate may be possible whereby the applicant returns home to undergo a treatment regime for a specified length of time and then returns to the “panel physician” for re-examination, and if the illness is in complete remission, the visa is issued without the need for a waiver.
Waivers are possible for most of the health grounds of inadmissibility except for drug abuse or addiction. In evaluating all such waivers, the government adjudicator is obligated to ensure that the immigrant will not pose a threat to the health or welfare of the U.S. public, and that there will be no financial cost incurred by any level of government agency or by U.S. taxpayers due to the admission of the immigrant (except in such cases where an authorized U.S. agency has given its prior consent).
HIV applicants will also have to show the following:
Medical treatment has been arranged in the United States;
The applicant is aware of the nature and severity of his or her medical condition;
The applicant has provided evidence of counseling; and
The applicant has demonstrated a knowledge of the modes of transmission of the virus.
In addition, HIV applicants have a particularly high burden with regard to the “public charge” aspect of the waiver. The applicant’s U.S. sponsoring relative must demonstrate financial resources and/or health insurance to absorb the estimated $500,000 plus lifetime cost of health care for an AIDS sufferer before the waiver will be further be considered.
A person with a physical or mental disorder which threatens the safety of the applicant or others may receive a waiver if they submit documentation that convinces the government that they are fully recovered.
Contact us in Bangkok!
Bangkok, Thailand +66 (0)8 4724 3192
Skype: FrontierLegal
Email: Info@Frontierlegal.com
Student Visas
The U.S. attracts many foreign nationals to its diverse and strong institutions of learning. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows one to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at an accredited (U.S. government- approved) college or university. The student must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) is issued to students who want to pursue non-academic programs (health care technician, machinist, dental hygienist, etc) in an established institution. The J-1 Visa (Exchange Student) is for students pursuing graduate / post-graduate studies, visiting scholars, medical doctors undergoing training, etc.
How We Can Help with US Student Visas
Our office in Bangkok, Thailand, can assist both first-time student visa applicants and returning students and their dependent family members with the visa application process at consulates in Thailand.
We can analyze your background and advise you on how best to provide the required evidence of ties to your home country and your ability to bear the cost of your U.S. education, as well as discuss all viable options and paperwork required in each particular circumstance. We are also available to advise students already in the United States and to discuss matters with the International Student Advisor at the college or school on behalf of the foreign student, if necessary. As appropriate, we will submit the petitions and documents for your visa at the consulate or with the USCIS for change of status or extension of stay.
Contact Us for F-1 Student Visa Application
We can put you in contact with world-class institutions within your specific criteria. We can ease the complexities of international travel and communication barriers by vetting our sources to ensure professional integrity and quality care.
Contact us for your personal consultation.
Overview of F-1 Student Visa Denied
The F-1 student status is for the primary purpose of full-time study at a school or college in the United States. (For trade and vocational schools, there is another type of student visa, known as an M-1; however, a student in language school is generally F-1.) Full-time study, in most cases, means at least 12 credit hours per semester. An F-1 must have nonimmigrant intent, meaning that s/he should not be planning to permanently remain in the U.S. upon entry in F-1 status.
Limits under the 1996 law, state that an F-1 student in elementary or secondary public school, or the family of such a student, has to reimburse the government for the cost of the education.
The F-1 student status does not entitle a student to work in the United States without prior authorization. Generally, a student must demonstrate sufficient financial support to pursue studies without the need for employment. During the first academic year, employment is restricted to on-campus work. After the first year, permission may be granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), based on the recommendations of the Designated School Official (DSO), for off-campus work, under certain narrow circumstances. For example, a student who suddenly loses his or her source of financial support may request the school’s foreign student advisor to approve employment. Should the school official concur, the student would file for a work permit with the USCIS. There is also a work program for internships with international organizations.
A student is admitted for “duration of status,” which is the period of time needed to complete the school program. The school official enters an estimate of the time needed on the Form I-20 that the school completes. This form is submitted to the USCIS or the consulate when the student applies for a change of status from within the U.S. or for a visa from a consulate abroad, respectively. In most cases a student does not need to apply for an extension of stay. Generally, a student does not need to apply to stay in the United States as long as s/he is maintaining student status and making normal progress toward completion of the course of academic study.
If the coursework will not be completed by the estimated date on the Form I-21, the student and DSO should complete the Form I-538 to submit to the USCIS at least 30 days before the end date on the Form I-20. This submission should include compelling academic or medical reasons for needing the extension. DSOs must help students ensure that their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) data is up to date at all times.
A student may work in the United States using the practical training option. There are two types of practical training: curricular practical training (CPT), which is required by the course of study, and optional practical training (OPT), which is work that is related to the subject studied.
Practical Training can be used either during the academic program or after completion of the program. Students who have been granted permission for CPT may work up to 20 hours during the school year, and full time during vacations and holidays. Full-time OPT, after completion of the academic program, enables the recent graduate to work for up to a year in a job related to the field of study.
Overview of J-1 Visa Denied
The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant status for an exchange visitor wishing to stay temporarily in the U.S. Within the J-1 category, there are a number of different programs. These include: Trainee, student, professor or research scholar, short-term scholar, non-academic specialist, foreign physician, international visitor, teacher, government visitor, camp counselor, au pair, and summer student in travel / work program.
The foreign visitor must be entering the U.S. to take part in an exchange visitor program that has been designated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
There is a requirement that the ‘J-1’ applicant be fluent in English and maintain sufficient funds and adequate medical insurance.
Student Visa Duration of Status
The applicant needs to obtain the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor, Form IAP-66, from the program sponsor. On admission to the U.S., the applicant will receive a Form I-94 that is marked for ‘Duration of Status’ (D/S). The program sponsor, not the INS, has the responsibility to ensure that the ‘J-1’ holder maintains a valid Form IAP-66.
‘Duration of Status’ is defined as the completion of the J program plus 30 days. The total length of time that a ‘J-1’ holder is permitted to stay in the U.S. depends on the exchange visitor program. These duration requirements are set forth below:
- Post-Secondary Student : length of stay is time needed to complete the degree plus 18 months practical training
- Post-Doctoral Degree : length of stay is the degree plus 36 months practical training
- Business / Industrial Trainees : length of stay is 18 months
- Professors / Scholars : length of stay is 3 years maximum. Extension of 3 years only in exceptional or unusual circumstances
- Short-term Scholars : length of stay is 4 months
- Flight School Trainees : length of stay is 24 months
- Summer Work / Travel : length of stay is 4 months
- A ‘J-1’ holder must extend status by completing Form IAP-66 through a responsible representative of the program. INS Form I-539 is not required.
Certain J-1 holders are subject to the two-year home residency requirement (HRR), and if one is subject to the HRR, s/he must return to the home country for two years before being eligible to return to the U.S. The exception to this would be a case in which one is eligible for and obtains approval of a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement. A person in J-1 status, if subject to the two-year HRR, is not eligible to change or adjust his/her status from within the U.S. (other than to A or G status) until the two-year requirement is met or waived.Included in the category of individuals who are subject to the home-residency requirements are medical doctors. If you do not go home or intend to return home for the residency then most likely they will deny your student visa application.
What We Can Do For You: Waiver of J-1 Visa
If a J-1 exchange visitor subject to the HRR finds that a waiver is needed, there are many options available. There is no guarantee, however, that any waiver will be approved. Some waiver applications require that no other waiver applications be filed for the applicant. Most waivers have additional requirements that must be met to avoid cancellation of the waiver. It is important that a person seeking a waiver carefully choose the option/s right for her/him in order to maximize the likelihood of success.
Our office can assess waiver applicants and submit the appropriate waivers for the applicants’ particular situation. We will analyze your background and advise you on how best to provide the required evidence of hardship to your US citizen or lawful permanent residence status spouse or child. We will assess and discuss all viable options and paperwork required in each particular circumstance.
We are available to advise students wanting to return to the US on a different educational curriculum discuss matters with the International Student Advisor at the college or school on behalf of the foreign student, if necessary. As appropriate, attorneys at our firm can help with submitting the waiver forms and documents for your visa at the consulate or with the USCIS for change of status or extension of stay.
Attorney Services
We welcome inquiries from attorneys with clients requesting US Embassy Consular Processing Services or Department of Homeland Security in Bangkok . In the past, we have referred Law Firms, provided legal inquiries at the US Embassy in Bangkok and in Ho Chi Minh City, and associated with International Law Firms on Business and Mergers & Acquisitions Law. Our versatile and technologically modern Law Offices in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City are well equipped with the latest telecommunication equipment required to service for our international clients.
We provide direct US immigration services at the US Embassy and with DHS in Bangkok, ranging from Administrative Processing inquiries to complex 221(g) visa denials and 214b refusals. Delays in processing green cards or issuing I-90, or to Abandon Residence. CTR & Associates Ltd. have the resources to provide expeditious, reliable, and professional legal services for attorneys requiring an “on the ground” lawyer who can meet and interview the applicants for their Fiance Visas, Student Visas, IR1, and any US Citizenship or Consular Reports. Here’s a sample list of the services we provide.
- Certified translation from Thai to English
- Certified translation from Vietnamese to English
- Vietnamese Speaking American Attorney to Speak to Clients and Meet them for Interview Preparation
- Thai and English Speaking Staff
- Supported by L & N Law Firm in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- 221(g) Visa Denial Review
- I-601 Inadmissibility Waiver for Extreme Hardship
- Consultations regarding visa eligibility at the consulate
- Procurement of support documents in Thai or Vietnamese
- Filing of applications with US Consulates worldwide and with USCIS in the United States
- Scheduling visa appointments and requesting expedited processing
- Preparation and guidance for interviews and travel
- Processing of requests for Waiver of Inadmissibility
- Assistance with US citizenship and passport applications
- Liaison with local posts to ensure compliance with processes, procedures and documentary requirements
- Academic Student Visas (F-1)
- Tourist Visas
- IMBRA Waivers for Multiple Filings of Fiance(e) Petition
US Visas and Immigration Services
CTR & Associates represents clients in Immigration Law by providing them a more efficient, reliable, and professional way to achieve their success at the US Embassy. Whether it is a family based immigration law matters at the US Embassy in Bangkok to the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, we meet with clients to assess the facts of the case and develop a legal and practical business plan suitable to their individual needs.
As a leading American Law Firm, our U.S. Attorneys can make Administrative Processing inquiries with the local U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or in Ho Chi Minh City, provide personal immigration consultations, research local immigration laws, request a legal opinion for Thailand or Vietnam, draft/review and negotiate Prenuptial Agreements, and provide legal advice with our local Thai and Vietnamese Lawyers. Our most popular requests are Tourist Visas B1/B2, Fiance(e) K1, and Spousal Visa K3 for Immediate Relatives.
U.S. Passport & Citizenship
U.S. Citizenship is one step beyond permanent residence (Green Card). It provides the maximum immigration rights and is normally the final stage or goal for most immigrants. We can provide information on the following issues on citizenship:
- Citizenship Application N-400
- Citizenship Test Reading and Writing Requirements
- Citizenship Package Naturalization Questions
- Dual Citizenship for Yourself of Your Children
- Certificate of Citizenship, Replacement or New
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Passport Application
U.S. Visas
A visa grants the holder the right to apply for entry into the United States. 
- B-1 Business Visa
- B-2 Tourist Visa
- C-1 Transit Visa
- F-1 Student Visa
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
- H-1B Work Visa
- K-1 Fiancée/Fiancé Visa
- Tourist Visa Extension
Tourist Visas for Business or Pleasure B1/B2
Visitors traveling to the United States temporarily for business and pleasure, usually come as tourists or to visit family and friends. Others come for specific purposes, such as medical treatment, a conference, business meeting, or certain types of training.
Some tourists from certain countries, traveling for visitor visa purposes for 90 days or less, and who meet all the requirements, can travel to the United States for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program. Additionally, certain citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa to visit the U.S.
Many of these temporary visitors, traveling for the business and pleasure purposes explained above, need visitor visas to enter the United States. The type of visa you must have is defined by immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. Please note: If you want to travel to the United States to study or to work, you will need a different kind of visa.
K1 Visas
For many American who have met their girlfriends during their holiday tour of Thailand or who have met online through various dating websites, the most confounding problem is what to do if you want to pursue your relationship in the US. The most common questions I get from prospective client are: How can I bring my Thai fiancee to the US to get married? Do I have to marry her in Thailand or can we marry in the US? What are the financial and procedural issues I’d have to substantiate to the US Embassy?
Read more about K1 Visas here.
Visa Denials 214(b) and 221(g)
Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:
Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status…
To qualify for a non-immigrant Tourist Visa or Student Visa, an applicant must meet certain requirements, particularly that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the U.S. at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant, that’s YOU.
Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents, and consulate officers only spend a minimal amount of time reviewing the file before the interview, and in some instances, none at all.
