Tourist Visa for Thai Girlfriend
In Thailand, the most common visa requested and applied for at the US Embassy is the tourist visa. This visa is generally highly sought after as it is the fastest way for an applicant to bring a loved one, either a boyfriend or girlfriend, to the United States for a short, temporary visit.
Under the provisions of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act Section 214(b): an applicant for a non-immigrant US visa (such as a tourist visa) must overcome the legal presumption that they are an intending immigrant. The burden is on the applicant to prove that they have no intention of abandoning their residence in Thailand, therefore they must have “strong ties” to compel them to return home after their visit.
Chris and Ning: K Visa for Thai Fiancee
In the case of a Thai girlfriend, if the primary reason to come to America is linked to a relationship with a US citizen, then it is imperative for the applicant to show the US citizen’s strong ties to Thailand as well. For instance, if the US citizen is living and legally working in Thailand, and he is going abroad for a brief business trip or visit, and he has steady, continuous employment and income from his job in Thailand, then the likelihood of the Thai girlfriend staying in the US is relatively diminished. Vicariously showing through the US citizen’s strong ties to Thailand the girlfriend can overcome the presupposition of immigrant intent. Whatever relevant factors compelling the US citizen to return to Thailand may be used jointly for her. Saying that though, it is not always the case that this type of scenario would prove positive for all tourist visa applicants because the US consular officers will evaluate the Thai girlfriend’s background and employment status as well, so barring any glaring discrepancies, the case has a significantly better chance of approval.
In the event that the tourist visa is refused pursuant to Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the underlying language of the statute is that if the consular officer’s determination that an applicant is ineligible for this visa, then based on this factual finding the case is not appealable. The reality of the situation is that tourist visas are rarely worth appealing because it is time consuming, costly, and rarely successful. The practical option is to reapply with more meaningful and relevant evidence to overcome the legal presumption of immigrant intent.
Essentially, for an average US citizen who lives abroad and wants to bring a Thai girlfriend or boyfriend to the US for a temporary visit, the tourist visa is the first option, however, it is sometimes a futile effort due to the legal standard required from the visa applicant. Applicants with strong ties to the US, such as a boyfriend, and weak ties to Thailand, such as unemployment, are unlikely to be issued a tourist visa.
Additionally, the tourist visa application fee, whether the visa is issued or not, is non-refundable. Whether one believes the case was wrongfully and unjustifiably denied, there is no provision in the law or policy to allow for a refund. Therefore, Thai applicants have to be overly prepared at the interview and be realistic about the odds of getting a tourist visa. On the bright side, the tourist visa is just one category of visas, as K1 fiance visa is available for eligible candidates.
Testimonial from Chris and Ning
“I researched the internet for a U.S. immigration lawyer to help us. We found Cathy Tran Reck and contacted her.Cathy immediately gave us sound advice and we retained her services. Cathy was instrumental in overcoming the obstacles we previously encountered, and had access to the embassy and the visa section, where she was personally able to contact the visa officers directly. The end result is that our daughter is now in the U.S.A. and is happily married.” (Chris and Ning) Read more..
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.
EB-5 Investor Green Card Benefits
EB-5 Investor Green Card Program is a fast track path to getting your U.S. green card within 18 months. It has the highest U.S. Immigration approval, more than the Tourist Visa, Student Visa, and Employment based green cards, and Marriage Visa. U.S. Congress designated 10,000 visas to individuals in the EB-5 Category and each year thousands go unused. With a secure investment of $500,000 into a State certified project in the U.S. you and your family will be able to qualify for a U.S. green card with all the benefits of a resident.
You Can Live Anywhere in the U.S.
If you have always dreamt of living next to the beach in Hawaii or the coast of California, you can do so. If you prefer the lights and sounds of Las Vegas or New York, then the option is available. No matter where you want to live in the U.S., the EB-5 Green Card gives you the ability to choose where you can set up your business in a completely different state than where you live.
Travel to U.S. Hassle Free Anytime
The freedom to travel back home when you please. Once you have a Green Card in the U.S., you can return to your home country and then back to your new home anytime you wish. If you have an emergency in your home country or need to return to the U.S. immediately, just board a plane and leave without having to apply for a visa.
U.S. Education at Citizen Rates
Access to education at resident prices. As a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. you can afford to get higher education while paying the same money citizens pay. The same can be said for family that moves here with you, which includes any children under age 21. If you have always wanted the best education for you and your children, you can have it now with the EB-5 Green Card.
Be An American Citizen in 5 years
Fast track to becoming a U.S. citizen. You might think you will never become an American citizen, but it is possible to obtain your U.S. citizenship 5 years after your Green Card is approved. You need an experienced immigration attorney to process the file smoothly, however, the INA clearly allows citizenship application if you meet all the requirements. Once you have your citizenship, you can never lose it and do not even have to travel back to the U.S. to maintain it.
Own A Business
Owning your own business. Many people will never have the satisfaction of working for themselves, but with one initial investment, you can achieve that dream. The investment does not require you to be involved in daily operations if you apply at a Regional Center. You can be as involved in the business as you want, and you get to choose what you do with your time and money. This is a luxury many people in most countries do not have.
Secure Investment Earning Interest
Investment with a projected return on investment. By working with our EB-5 Investor Green Card Program, your investment money is secure and will earn interest higher than at a traditional U.S. bank.
High Immigration Approval Rate Than Any Other Visa
High U.S. immigration approval rate. In 2009, 85% of EB-5 Investor Green Card petitions were approved by U.S. immigration. This is a much higher rate than student visas, tourist visas, and marriage visas.
EB-5 Investor Green Card Program
EB-5 Investor Green Card Program is a fast track path to getting your U.S. green card within 18 months. It has the highest U.S. Immigration approval, more than the Tourist Visa, Student Visa, and Employment based green cards, and Marriage Visa. U.S. Congress designated 10,000 visas to individuals in the EB-5 Category and each year thousands go unused. With a secure investment of $500,000 into a State certified project in the U.S. you and your family will be able to qualify for a U.S. green card with all the benefits of a resident.
If you are a foreign investor from any country looking to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident, then the EB5 investor Green Card Program is the way to go. High net worth individuals are able to make an investment which creates 10 jobs and obtain their Green Cards as fast as one who marries a U.S. citizen. Other relative petitions take 5-15 years and employment based Green Cards 3-8 years.
Consider the following advantages this program has over other visa programs. The EB-5 Investor Green Card process takes approximately 18 months before you have your Green Card, and qualifying family members are approved at the same time. Here are the five top reasons the EB-5 Investor Green Card Program is ideal for foreign investors.
- Live and work anywhere in the U.S. that you choose
- Work or conduct any type of legitimate business in the U.S. that you choose
- Your children can attend school as a U.S. premanent resident and with lower tuition
- You can travel in and out of the U.S. as many times as you wih
- You can apply for U.S. Citizenship within five (5) years of getting your EB-5 Investor Green Card.
To learn more about this, please contact us or click here.
Who Qualifies for an EB-5 Investor Green Card?
There are no limits as to who can qualify for an EB-5 Investor Green Card as long as they can meet the three requirements. Some examples are student visa holders who want to get a green card without having to marry, retirees who want to be able to live and receive some benefits in the U.S., entrepreneurs who do not qualify for E visas, and families with young children who want the benefits of a U.S. school system.
To learn more about this, please contact us or click here.
Our Full Service EB-5 Investor Green Card Program
For one fee, we will provide you with experienced, professional law office to prepare and submit all necessary papers to the U.S. Immigration and the U.S. Consulate. We have American attorneys on the ground at the U.S. Consulate to assist you with your case, assistance and consultation for the U.S. Consulate interview. All translation and notary services in your country and in the U.S. Setting up all business documents, bank accounts, tax identification numbers. Upon arrival to the U.S., we will provide you with airport pick up, assistance with housing (purchase or rental), consultations for school for children, drivers’ license and identification applications. Additionally, we can provide assistance in applying for social security numbers, and insurance.
The EB-5 Green Card law firm of CTR & Associates Ltd. is available to help you pursue your goal of becoming a U.S. permanent resident through an EB-5 Investor Green Card Program.
There are two EB-5 programs, the Regular Program and the Regional Center Program, and CTR & Associates offer legal assistance with both.
To find out more about the services we provide, please contact us or click here.
Tourist Visas B1/B2
Visitors traveling to the United States temporarily for business or pleasure typically arrive on a tourist visa. For specific purposes that are legitimate, such as for medical treatment, attend a business conference, an expo or fair, or certain types of training.
Visitors can request a notation on their tourist visa indicating the purpose of their trip in the event that a visa extension or visa change is required later on.
Tourists from certain countries and who meet certain visa requirements may not have to apply for a visa in advance if they are a national from a country that is party to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP.) The VWP enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business (visitor B visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established to eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas.
For individuals who are from countries not participating in the VWP, they will have to apply for a tourist visa at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country and request an interview appointment. Prospective visitor has to show strong ties, and a steady employment history, consistent income, and a valid and legitimate purpose for the trip.
The consular officer has a very short time to decide on whether the tourist applicant is qualified for the visa. The visa applicant will be questioned as to the intent and purpose of the trip, whether the applicant has violated any laws or visa violation in the past, and most importantly, the consular officer will determine based on the evidence submitted whether the applicant has strong ties to their home country.
The most frequent basis for refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor 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 US at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.
Tourist Visa Application Now Electronically Submitted on DS-160
Please note: If you want to travel to the United States to study or to work, you will need a different kind of visa.
Please note: If you are in Thailand, please read here about applying for a tourist visa for your Thai girlfriend.
UPDATE: DS-160 Form is now required by the US Embassy in Bangkok, other forms will not be accepted. DS-160 Tourist Visa Application is submitted electronically and the photo is also electronically submitted. Email or call us to find out how this may affect you.
Before heading to the US Embassy with your application in hand, be prepared and review your documents. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have proof that I have strong ties to my home country, such as a business, dependents, employment, or family to substantiate my desire to return to my home country after my visit to the US?
- Do I have enough financial proof that I will be able to support myself during my stay wtihout having to resort to public funds or public assistance?
- Do I have a letter from the friend, company, or person sponsoring my trip to the US so to demonstrate that that person or organization would be responsible for me while I’m there?
- Do I have the time and patient to sit through an interview and respond honestly to the questions the interviewing officer will pose?
Testimonial
“Cathy Tran Reck helped my Thai girlfriend, Pam, obtain a B-2 Tourist Visa to the US. Despite the fact that Pam does not have strong financial ties to Thailand, Cathy encouraged us to focus on my background of having worked and lived in Thailand for several years. Cathy provided extremely valuable advice to Pam and I regarding the DS-160 application, the interview process and how to provide user friendly supporting documents to the US Embassy personnel.” (William Rowley) Read more..
Cathy Tran Reck & Associates Ltd. can assist you in navigating through this tourist visa process with little hassle. We review your strong ties evidence, assist you in obtaining meaningful supplementary evidence, and prepare the visa applicant to respond to each question with confidence, honesty, and in a clear and concise manner.
Call us today to book an appointment. Email: info@ctrlegal.com Tel: 02 302 1448
Thailand Tourist Visa Free Again
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports have asked the government to extend the tourism stimulus measures for another year and yesterday deputy government spokesman Watchara Kannika confirmed that the measures will be extended from April 1, 2010 and go through to March 31, 2011.
The free tourist visa measure was set to expire on March 5, 2010 and it looks like it still will and there will be a period of 3 weeks where the tourist visa will again be charged for before the April 1st stimulus measures start.The good news is that coupled with the free tourist visa initiative each foreign tourist will also be granted $10,000 of free riot insurance which will cover their trip in the event that things get dicey on the political front. The insurance policy provides for payments of up to $10,000 in the event of death, injury, and/or trip inconvenience, and will only cover people in possession of a 60-day tourist visa.
The Riot insurance was first instituted last year between the months of May and October when many foreign tourists complained that they couldn’t buy trip insurance due to Thailand’s ongoing political instability. The trip insurance will cost the Thai government $1.00 per tourist or about 15 million dollars over the next year.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports noted that tourism was down by 3% from 2008-2009 and they feel that continuing the stimulus measures will help bring tourism numbers back up to where they are expected to be for 2010. It’s estimated by the Ministry that 15.3 to 15.5 million foreign tourists will visit Thailand in 2010.
