Hi everyone! My name's Caroline and my fiancee's name is Joey. We've been living and dating in Bangkok for the past two years... and I've got the sudden itch to return home to the U.S.A.

So, now we're going through the whole visa process. Actually, I've yet to truly begin because I'm still sifting through loads of internet sites that explain exactly what I have to do. So this site is a godsend!

I'm still not sure if we're going back married or engaged, as I've yet to figure out what's the quickest road to ensure that he can work also. I'm going back as a teacher, and although I'm self-sufficient in Thailand, I'm a little worried it won't be quite as easy in the U.S.! Woohoo!

Anyways, I'm thrilled to find this site, and it looks like those "FAQ" and "Guides" are probably a good idea to read before I start moaning my confusion.

Happy to meet everyone! Bye!

Welcome to VJ, and good luck on your journey

Welcome to VJ, glad you decided to join us

Caroline,
The usual path for a USC living abroad is to petition locally for a *spouse*--this is the method I used and it is normally quite quick. It's known online as DCF or Direct Consular Filing, and I recommend taht you read the Guide here at VJ (blue tabs, top of the page).
There are some considerations--how long you've been in Thailand and what visa/status you have there. Also, depending on how long you've been away, there may be some things you'll want to do in the US first--have a read at the Guide and give us a post in the DCF Forum if you have more questions!

Thanks for the Direct Consular tip... I didn't even know about that one yet! Is that different than the K-3? It's getting kind of late here, so I'll do my homework (as in read the guides tomorrow)! Thank you so much!
Goodluck for yourself!

The DCF results in a CR-1 visa---it eliminates the need for the K-3. Our case was completed in 33 days, to give you an example.
When the foreign spouse moves to the US, they get Green Card status immediately.

A Bangkok filing would take place in the USCIS Field Office, then the visa interview at the Consulate.

We're all done, but thanks for the good wishes. UK spouse just became a USC.

Caroline,

meauxna has given you some good things to think about. If you've been in Thailand for 2 years you may well be in a position to do DCF of an I-130 petition.

After you've read some of the information available here on VJ I recommend that you pay a visit to Bill White
White & White Ltd
U.S. Immigration Consultancy
New ITF Tower, 17th Floor, #3
140/36 Silom Road, Bangrak
Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Telephone 66 (0) 2231-6466
wfwlaw@aol.com

Bill can give you excellent advise based on your particular circumstances, well worth the small cost.

Yodrak

Welcome to VJ

Welcome to VJ and Good Luck with your journey!

Be sure to check out the SAWASDEE 2 thread in the K-1 forum!

Chok Dee

Welcome to VJ and Good Luck on your Journey!

Welcome to VJ - definitely check the guides and find the filing method that fits your needs -- whether it be K-3, DCF etc etc

Good luck@