American Citizen Services
American Citizen Services (ACS) section provides assistance to American citizens in Thailand. Passports, birth of a US citizen baby, and notarial services are common processes that the ACS maintains for US citizens only.
Passport
Full and limited validity passports are issued by the American Citizen Services section. In Thailand, all persons seeking a U.S. passport must appear in person at the Embassy to apply. Passport renewals, expired passports, extra pages, and if your passport was stolen may all be processed here.
Birth of a U.S. Citizen in Thailand
A new US citizen baby to report.
The American Citizen Services section accepts applications for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad by appointment only.
The Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (CRBA) documents the birth of a United States citizen in a foreign country. It is accepted by all U.S. Government agencies as proof of a child’s U.S. citizenship. Although not technically a birth certificate (which can only be issued by the local jurisdiction), the CRBA can be used in the U.S. in the same way as a birth certificate issued by a city or county registrar’s office.
Most, but not all, children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, are eligible to be documented as U.S. citizens through issuance of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad and U.S. passport.
Please note that Embassy Bangkok can approve or deny CRBA applications only for children born in Thailand. If a child was born in another country, then they can only collect the application and supporting documents and forward them to the U.S. Embassy in that country for adjudication.
When departing Thailand for the first time after the child’s birth, Thai Immigration authorities may wish to see the child’s local (Thai) birth certificate. You should carry the Thai birth certificate when departing Thailand.
Notarial Services
The ACS unit performs notarial services during normal working hours. You need an appointment for notarial services.
Notarial services provided by the Embassy are primarily for the benefit of American citizens and legal permanent residents. Foreign nationals may also have documents notarized, but only if the documents will be used in the United States.
US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand
In Thailand, the United States maintains its presence at the US Embassy in Bangkok and US Consulate in Chiang Mai.
The US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand is the third largest American embassy in the world. As such, it provides a wide range of services primarily focusing on the advancement of the American economic and commercial interests and the protection of US citizens not only in Thailand but in the South East Asian region as a whole.
To carry out its multifarious functions, the embassy has several sections and offices working together towards the achievement of its goals and objectives in the region. These include the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok is bifurcated into American Citizen Services and the Visa Section.
US Embassy in Bangkok Thailand
The American Citizen Services unit is tasked to assist American expatriates and visitors to Thailand and neighboring countries by providing assistance in passport application including the issuance of emergency passports and other related travel documents, reports of birth and death in Thailand, legalizations, facilitating applications for federal benefits and providing emergency assistance to distressed Americans.
The Visa Section, on the other hand, services foreigners who would like to enter the the US for temporary visit or for indefinite or permanent stay. In particular, the embassy in Bangkok processes all types of visa applications i.e. non-immigrant and immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas include tourist visas and business visas while immigrant visas can be in the form of K1 Fiancé Visa, K3 Marriage Visa, CR-1, IR-1, and Work Visa among others. Meanwhile, the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai can only process nonimmigrant visas in the north-western 16 provinces and assists Americans living in or visiting the province.
The US embassy in Bangkok is located at 120/22 Wireless Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10330. It operates Monday-Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM. It is closed on official holidays. The embassy can be reached via Tel: +66-2-205-4000. For further information about the US embassy in Bangkok, you can log into http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/
The US Consulate in Chiang Mai is found on Wichayanond Road. You may contact the consulate via Tel: +66-53-107-700. You can also log in to the consulate’s official website at http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/ for more information.
Attorney at US Visa Interview in Thailand
Visa applicants sometime believe they have a right to attorney representation at a visa appointment interview, and while this may be true before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), this is prohibited for the US Consulates and Embassies abroad. The general rule for most US Consulates and Embassies is that only the visa applicant may appear for the interview, although in cases where the applicant is a minor then a legal guardian or attorney may appear on the child’s behalf.
The State Department follow the United States Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) which gives guidance to State employers and attorneys on correspondence with client’s representatives. Each consulate has the discretion to establish its own policies regarding attorney representation, and generally consular officers will correspond with the attorney directly so long the attorney has submitted a properly executed G-28 Notice of Representation. If so then the officers will notify the attorney of records regarding issues with their client’s case.
The advantage to this direct communication is invaluable when the attorney is “on the ground.” This expedites and removes any unnecessary delays via mail or phone, merely by the attorney being able to appear before the consular officer to make a direct inquiry. This being said, the State employees are required to provide the same communication to American lawyers in the US and abroad.
While American attorneys are not accompanying visa applicants to interviews, there’s an infinite amount of information from websites promising legal representation at the US Embassy. These visa agents are not permitted to enter as the attorney of record and thereby prohibited from submitted a G-28 form. Without this executed g-28 form in place, the US consular officers will not communicate with anyone except the alien applicant regarding the status. Therefore, while American attorneys are not at the interview, they are able to investigate and facilitate the case to adjudication.
Contact us to find out how we can serve you with our team of experienced staff and American attorney for either Consular Processing Services or American Citizen Services.
Exchange Tower 42nd Floor
388 Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok, 10110 Thailand
(+66) 02 302 1448
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 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
Visa Denials 214(b) and 221(g)
US Visa Denied under INA Section 214(b)
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.
What constitutes “strong ties”
Strong ties differ from country to country, city to city, individual to individual. Some examples of ties can be a job, a house, a family, a bank account. “Ties” are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your country of residence: your possessions, employment, social and family relationships.
As each person’s situation is different, consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors. In cases of younger applicants who may not have had an opportunity to form many ties, consular officers may look at the applicants specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence.
Visa denial under Section 214(b)
Applicants refused visas under section 214(b) may reapply for a visa. When they do, they will have to show further evidence of their ties or how their circumstances have changed since the time of the original application. It may help to answer the following questions before reapplying: (1) Did I explain my situation accurately? (2) Did the consular officer overlook something? (3) Is there any additional information I can present to establish my residence and strong ties abroad?
Visa fee refund
The visa processing fee is nonrefundable regardless of whether a visa is issued. You are not barred from reapplying as often as you like, just be aware that the application fee applies each time and there’s no guarantee that it will be approved.
US Visa Denied under Section 221(g)
221(g) is a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act and it simply means the consular officer is not satisfied with the quality or quantity of the documents you have submitted to prove your relationship to the US citizen petitioner. The officer might consider your evidence to be lacking in substance or honesty to prove that you have a bona fide relationship. This may happen at the interview where the officer discovers an issue or red flag that the applicant was unable to satisfactorily overcome. Cases issued 221(g) or blue sheet have a limited amount of time to submit additional evidence before the case is sent to USCIS with the recommendation for revocation of the I-129F approval.
In some instances, we will be able to prove up your case to the consular officer and ultimately get the visa. This will depend on the facts of your case.
If you were given a 221(g) denial with this verbiage: “Your petition has been returned to the USCIS Service Center for review and possible revocation,” then your case may no longer be at the consulate and possibly on its way back to USCIS for revocation.
The consulates are not supposed to deny a case based on evidence that USCIS considered when it approved the I-129F petition, as the consulate is not empowered to deny or revoke the approved I-129F. However, they may recommend to USCIS that the evidence submited and the personal interview illustrated strong discrepancy to indicate a possible sham marriage or fraud entered into to circumvent US Immigration Law. If USCIS is convinced then it will revoke the fiance petition I-129F, otherwise it might return it to the consulate for a second interview. Please note that USCIS will not return the case to the consulate without compelling evidence from the American petitioner requesting this reconsideration.
