Some clarification please

[jyates 1]

First let me give you the back ground story and set up the ultimate question.

I met a Thai girl on line in early Dec. In early Jan I took a month long TEFL certification course in her town, so we got to know one other. Now I would love to show her my town here in the states. This girl is 33 years old, two kids, owns her own property (house and some land) and has a healthy amount of baht in her bank account (over 100K but less than $4500 USD). She is going to school right now so she is not bringing in any income other than a monthly check of the $650 US dollar from her ex (as she has the kids full time).

I like this girl but I am not the type of guy who marries a girl with two kids unless I am totally sure she is the right girl for me. I just want to spend more time with her and see how life unfolds

I recently helped her fill out the DS-160 and noticed the question, who will be paying for this trip. Now she could technically buy the airplane ticket, and stay at a cheap motel for 3 weeks but honestly I am more than willing to pay the airfare and have her stay in my extra bedroom.

The question is if I pay for her to visit is that a huge red flag? Is the fact that she owns property and has two kids enough reason in the govs eyes that she will return home after her 3 week vacation? Also she paid for her year long beauty school tuition all up front and she is only half way done with her classes (another reason for her to return)

If I am missing any info that is needed please say the word, we are simply wondering if there is a snow ball's chance that she gets a travel visa if she is not game fully employed and I assist financially in getting her on the plane?

Thanks in advance for any enlightenment on the subject.

[Boiler 45,659]

You will not know until you apply, normally I would say that leaving 2 presumably small children behind would be a good tie, but I have noticed that for this part of the world it does not seem to be.

I have property in the UK, I have been in the US for 8 years.

[slider100 8]

I agree with Boiler, the consular officers are pretty stringent with Tourist visas. They can deny anyone as they don't owe you any explanation.

"Not sufficient ties to home country" always works for them.

However, she does have 2 children behind plus some property so that would work.

But they will ask her: "Where will you be staying during your trip?" - With my friend? He has an extra bedroom?

"Who will be paying for your trip?" - My friend?

You are right, that will set up a flag!

Good luck,

KnR aka slider100

[Boiler 45,659]

I agree with Boiler, the consular officers are pretty stringent with Tourist visas. They can deny anyone as they don't owe you any explanation.

"Not sufficient ties to home country" always works for them.

However, she does have 2 children behind plus some property so that would work.

But they will ask her: "Where will you be staying during your trip?" - With my friend? He has an extra bedroom?

"Who will be paying for your trip?" - My friend?

You are right, that will set up a flag!

Good luck,

KnR aka slider100

I see no mention of the need for an extra bedroom

[jyates 1]

Thanks for the input. What about the affidavit for support form I-134 is that a more for bringing relatives to visit or can it be used for friends as well?

[Boiler 45,659]

Not usually an issue, some Consulates seem to like it, but they are the exception, always better if she pays her own way.

[jyates 1]

So it is not that she has her own money as much as she has to use it and not even mention me for fear they think we will run off together?

[Boiler 45,659]

Put yourself in her position with her finances and responsibilities, would a expensive holiday to the US be on your must do list?

[Andy and Pui 16]

The only way you will ever know is if you apply for the visa and see what they say. The important thing to do is showing ties back to Thailand and that she will return and sending in those documents when applying if you can. I know 2 people personally who applied for toursit visas in Bangkok and one was denied and the other was approved. The one that was approved was a single late 20's woman with no kids but she had previously been here on another visa and never overstayed. Good luck.

[jyates 1]

Yes it seems like the first one is the hardest one.

For sure we will apply but I just want to cover all bases the first time around

So your friend that was approved, was her bank account huge? Great paying job?

In my mind 2 kids, property and wanting to finish school that is already paid for are advantages on our side. As steady income of 20000 baht is not much but it is steady, and if they accept my I-134 form for supporting her vacation I feel good able our chances but when I hear its all about her wealth and her job status I get a little deflated.

Thanks everyone for the input.

I will continue to welcome ideas and stories for a few more days then we will simple apply with whatever info we have gathered.

Be Well

[Boiler 45,659]

It is all about evidencing that she will leave, many forget to do so.

[Andy and Pui 16]

My friend lived at home with her parents and had a decent job. I have no idea if her bank account was large or not. I think the I-134 would be a bad idea, it has to be on her merits not someone elses.

It is all about evidencing that she will leave, many forget to do so.

Exactly.

[jyates 1]

OK no form I-134 what about a letter of support? Are you saying I should not necessarily even be mentioned in the process, like she is coming to the states to trip around by herself?

[Boiler 45,659]

Did she give you a letter of invitation?

Did she offer to support your trip?

What do you think is normal in this situation?

If she was American and you lived in different cities would you think that you would be expected to pick up her airfare if she wanted to visit you?

[jyates 1]

I had in mind that a letter of support meant that she was coming to visit, I welcomed said visit and could lend a hand with a place to sleep. Or something along the lines of yes she is my friend, I will be happy to see her and I will be a watchful eye to make sure she is safe during he visit. You saying that is not necessary or helpful? This is my first go around with this type of thing so I am simply looking for guidelines.

Thanks for your time