Phuket Thailand

bullwinkls · #1 14-08-2007, 10:12

[b]I've used the search engine but found nothing to answer my questions.
I've been trying to talk to someone at the embassy to get some basic information, but to no avail. I've read all the websites and they are very conflicting. So hopefully someone out there has had a similar experience and can help.
So here's my situation:
I've been living in Thailand for several years with a Thai woman. In some circles that's the same as being married. To get a visa for her I went ahead and made the marriage legal.
I submitted the I-130 form to homeland security in Bangkok. I also had the I-129F (fiance visa) ready and the lady at homeland security told me I didn't need it and passed it back to me. I said "are you sure?" and she smiled and said I'm sure.
I got a letter back from the homeland security stating I had been approved and my case had been forwarded to the Embassy across the street. It's been over a month now and I was starting to worry that maybe the thai lady at homeland security was wrong and I should have submitted the I-129F. The form that allows a fiance visa to go to the U.S. with her and wait for the Visa there.
I bought the pin code for the internet at the post office, logged on and sent a message asking a question. I got a response back telling me to read all the websites and if they didn't answer my question, contact them again. I tried to send them another message but had log-in problems. Frustrated with the internet I bought the more expensive telephone contact pin code. I called and the Thai lady told me she only dealt with Non-immigrant visas. She told me I could get information on-line using my case number. I asked her where do I get the case number. She didn't know.
The embassy seems to be more interested in finding ways for people not to be able to contact them than providing a way to get information.
So.... Does anyone know where I get the case number? and should I have filed the fiance visa I-129F form.
I'm pulling my hair out in frustration, or what little their is left, and I'm stuck with no way forward.

K2 · #2 14-08-2007, 10:22

If you have got legally marrieed in Thailand and have Thai marriage Certificate from Amphur then why would you need a fiance visa application?

Your Thai marriage would presumably be sufficient as you have been co-habiting for 'several years'.

One month while they process your application seems normal enough - did they not give you a case reference number when you submitted the application.

Too many unknowns to really help and you might be better off asking the same question on ThaiVisa.

bullwinkls · #3 14-08-2007, 10:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by K2

If you have got legally marrieed in Thailand and have Thai marriage Certificate from Amphur then why would you need a fiance visa application?

Your Thai marriage would presumably be sufficient as you have been co-habiting for 'several years'.

One month while they process your application seems normal enough - did they not give you a case reference number when you submitted the application.

Too many unknowns to really help and you might be better off asking the same question on ThaiVisa.

The fiance visa is quicker than getting the full blown visa according to everything I've read on the government websites. The full blown visa takes several months and the fiance visa takes only 2 to 3 months.
No case number when the application submitted.
Thai Visa won't help. I need a U.S. visa.

K2 · #4 14-08-2007, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by bullwinkls

The fiance visa is quicker than getting the full blown visa according to everything I've read on the government websites. The full blown visa takes several months and the fiance visa takes only 2 to 3 months.
No case number when the application submitted.
Thai Visa won't help. I need a U.S. visa.

I would gather you told them you were legally married in Thailand - so hence they would process a marriage visa application - no embassy would allow parallel application just because one was quicker to issue than the other !!

I was referring to the website ...

Thailand Forum -> Visas and migration to other countries

(Faulty/Crusty I bet you know what song in my head now

)

bullwinkls · #5 14-08-2007, 11:11

Yes, this is all stated on the form the marriage, dates and times. The fiance visa is given so that you can take your spouse to the U.S. and wait for the marriage visa there. This was put in place because it sometimes takes 10 months to get the immigrant visa. The U.S. government realized this and then allowed for the fiance visa, even though you are married, to be submitted so there is not such a long separation of husband and wife.

MrDK · #6 14-08-2007, 11:34

It would seem to me that if you are granted a Fiance Visa that you would then use that for entry, then apply for permanent residency or a marriage for her in the US.

As Kevin mentioned, it is doubtful that the embassy will allow parallel applications. A question for the embassy would be if you can withdraw the current application, then file the fiance visa application. Maybe the Thai Visa forum is a convenient place to ask that question. Lots of knowledgeable people on that site by the way.

PS. This statement gave me a little chuckle: "Thai Visa won't help. I need a U.S. visa."

bullwinkls · #7 14-08-2007, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDK

It would seem to me that if you are granted a Fiance Visa that you would then use that for entry, then apply for permanent residency or a marriage for her in the US.

As Kevin mentioned, it is doubtful that the embassy will allow parallel applications. A question for the embassy would be if you can withdraw the current application, then file the fiance visa application. Maybe the Thai Visa forum is a convenient place to ask that question. Lots of knowledgeable people on that site by the way.

PS. This statement gave me a little chuckle: "Thai Visa won't help. I need a U.S. visa."

The U.S. embassy does allow dual applications. This is the way most married couples enter the U.S.