A B2 Tourist Visa for a Thai GF

[ChiFlyer 0]

Hello - I am a site newbie. I realize that there is most likely a lot of info on this topic that I can find via search and I have started to do so. I also see that there are specialty groups and that is probably where I should be doing future posting.

 

as my starting point - My/our situation.

 

I live most of the year in Thailand and have not left the Kingdom since September 2019. At the same time I am a legal resident of the state of IL in the US. I have a medical reason to return to the US for treatment. This need is not imminent and my plan is to travel Summer of 2021. Yes, medical treatment in Thailand is very good, but for insurance coverage and doctor continuous reasons, I would prefer to undergo this particular medical treatment in the US. My Thai partner (GF, best friend, whatever you prefer) wants to accompany me to the US in order to keep an eye on my ornery (removed) while I recover from the treatment. We have lived together for the last 3 years.

 

I am investigating what it would take to get her a Tourist Visa (B2). She is 45, owns a condo and a small farm, a car, 2 motorbikes, operates a small business, and has the requisite 200K THB in the bank. She has also had a short term visa to Norway that was executed without incident. My understanding is that the prior visa along with the proof of return reasons make her a very good candidate to be approved for a B2 on her own merit.

 

I am looking for any tips on how to pursue this to best ensure the probability that the visa will be granted.

 

Thank you,

CF 

Edited October 14, 2020 by Unlockable

[Crazy Cat 39,217]

She applies for herself.  She needs strong ties to her country.  The Consulate Officer will make a decision.  That is all.  You can do nothing to help.

[Boiler 43,429]

I would imagine it is not dissimilar to the Norwegian process, she applies at the local Consulate.

[Chancy 6,233]

8 hours ago, Boiler said:

I would imagine it is not dissimilar to the Norwegian process, she applies at the local Consulate.

 

The visa application processes are quite different actually.  For the Norwegian (Schengen) process, the visa applicant needs to submit a booked ticket, paid travel insurance, sponsorship letter (yes, they want one for tourist visa application if visiting a Norwegian resident), and lots of documents showing proof of ties to home country.  If not visiting a resident, they want to see proof of sufficient funds and hotel booking.  Also, no visit to the consulate, no interview.

 

US tourist visa application relies mainly on the information in the visa application form and the consulate's own background checks.  No proof of funds, no documents showing proof of ties, although (rarely) the consul officer may ask at the interview.  They tell you not to book flights and accommodations prior to visa issuance.  They don't care much about who you're visiting in the US.

 

Edited October 14, 2020 by Chancy
clarification

[Boiler 43,429]

21 minutes ago, Chancy said:

 

The visa application processes are quite different actually.  For the Norwegian (Schengen) process, the visa applicant needs to submit a booked ticket, paid travel insurance, sponsorship letter (yes, they want one for tourist visa application if visiting a Norwegian resident), and lots of documents showing proof of ties to home country.  If not visiting a resident, they want to see proof of sufficient funds and hotel booking.  Also, no visit to the consulate, no interview.

 

US tourist visa application relies mainly on the information in the visa application form and the consulate's own background checks.  No proof of funds, no documents showing proof of ties, although (rarely) the consul officer may ask at the interview.  They tell you not to book flights and accommodations prior to visa issuance.  They don't care much about who you're visiting in the US.

 

A lot more than the US requires yet somehow she managed it.

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

21 minutes ago, Boiler said:

A lot more than the US requires yet somehow she managed it.

See, this is the catch-22 with the US visa applications vs other countries. Schengen and especially the UK require a huge amount of paperwork, so they have a lot of evidence to work with. In many ways that makes it easier to get a visa. With the US, you answer a few questions on the form, usually are not able to present evidence, have the issue of presumed immigrant intent, and hope that the CO sees things your way. 

[Unlockable 7,306]

*** Friendly reminder to never use foul language on this site.

 

VJ Moderation

[Unlockable 7,306]

Based on what you posted about her she seems like a good candidate on paper. But that does not mean she will get a visa. We have seen people that was sure to get one, but were denied. All she can do is apply and see. Nothing more.

 

For a visitor visa, you don't do anything with the process. Only she applies under her own merits.

[Boiler 43,429]

48 minutes ago, SusieQQQ said:

See, this is the catch-22 with the US visa applications vs other countries. Schengen and especially the UK require a huge amount of paperwork, so they have a lot of evidence to work with. In many ways that makes it easier to get a visa. With the US, you answer a few questions on the form, usually are not able to present evidence, have the issue of presumed immigrant intent, and hope that the CO sees things your way. 

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/norway-visa/

 

Not an official site but I assume the list of required info is in the ball park.

 

Main difference is they actually want some paperwork, as we know on VJ sadly false paperwork is not uncommon, we even have people posting on VJ offering to provide whatever you want. Accommodation reservation, flight reservation, can all be made at no cost. I used to be on AirBnB forum and remember this coming up, people making bookings to get a visa and then cancelling within the full refund period or not realising that they were going to lose some money and getting upset.

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

2 hours ago, Boiler said:

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/norway-visa/

 

Not an official site but I assume the list of required info is in the ball park.

 

Main difference is they actually want some paperwork, as we know on VJ sadly false paperwork is not uncommon, we even have people posting on VJ offering to provide whatever you want. Accommodation reservation, flight reservation, can all be made at no cost. I used to be on AirBnB forum and remember this coming up, people making bookings to get a visa and then cancelling within the full refund period or not realising that they were going to lose some money and getting upset.

Look - you’re from the UK, you‘ve had it really easy traveling around.  I’ve wasted countless hours over the years getting paperwork ready for visas. You can accuse people of falsifying things if you want, and I’m sure some do, but I’m also  sure European COs also have a modicum of brains (the people you refer to being denied support that), bottom line from someone with a lot of actual experience in this is is that it is a lot easier to make your argument than with the US. And it’s irrelevant for the OP’s gf anyway other than she has traveled and returned.
 

@OP, the fact that you are normally resident in Thailand and will presumably return may help your GF’s case. In addition to showing the other stuff, if they look at it which is not guaranteed, she should make sure they understand you will both be returning here so that they do not think she wants to marry you and adjust status while in the US. 

[MaleAlpha 314]

3 hours ago, Boiler said:

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/norway-visa/

 

Not an official site but I assume the list of required info is in the ball park.

 

Main difference is they actually want some paperwork, as we know on VJ sadly false paperwork is not uncommon, we even have people posting on VJ offering to provide whatever you want. Accommodation reservation, flight reservation, can all be made at no cost. I used to be on AirBnB forum and remember this coming up, people making bookings to get a visa and then cancelling within the full refund period or not realising that they were going to lose some money and getting upset.

Most I have seen you write on a post.

 

[Boiler 43,429]

1 hour ago, MaleAlpha said:

Most I have seen you write on a post.

 

and no like!

 

This is quite interesting:

 

 

 

[Loren Y 2,731]

Usually pretty tough to get a tourist visa from them. My wife had all the same evidence you had, and was denied. The issue is going to be when they ask the reason why she wants the visa, and she says to travel with my Boyfriend to assist with his medical condition, and they are going to assume she isn't coming back. I hope not, but once she has a direct tie to the US thru you, odds are not very good. But I wish you the best of luck. It's only 160 bucks, so worth a shot.