Thailand K1 and Tom and Yui

[tomgndallas1 10]

Good evening all, 

 

Yui and I met in 2017 before I transited to South Asia for work. We met at a christmas party and became friends though we lost contact until 2021 when my ex wife and I reconnected with old friends. I was divorced in Oct, Nov 2022 and after that Yui and I casually dated and became serious after my divorce out of respect for my ex wife family who I still hold in regard. She lived with me on most days after that in my home and we traveled together and eventually lived together full time in her apartment until May 27 2024. So we have many years of history. I am now filing K1 and have tons of pictures, chat photos, visa stamps, pictures of her house book and her previous addresses and work history. The only thing I am worried about is Thailand, like most places, if she is a sales and guest services person who makes her money bringing people into restaurants and bar or pool hall locations to get tourists to enjoy without having a contract, is this a problem? I would think not, as this is common for women who are living in the city who are from outside of town, like from Isaan and Korat and Supan or other places. She has no criminal record, never been married. I have all my divorce decrees from previous marriages, I am gainfully employed and have copies of my record of employment, visa stamps and my work permit which will establish why I was there and prove that I was in a normal relationship with her. I have a lawyer locally in Bangkok who could help us navigate any sticky points, but I am essentially following the guide for K1 here and will have nearly a 50 page document with tons of evidence of the fact that we are truly a couple now and seeking marriage in the USA. 

 

Just curious if there are others who have married other ...I hate to say this, women who work the bar circuit for short term contracts, as she speaks english and a bit of Japanese and is very suitable in this role as a guest services agent. She is not a working girl, never has been but I am worried about any stigma, as she has not worked for a proper company, like we do in the states, and she has been doing her best to make ends meet while taking care of her family. she actually owns a home in Korat and I have her Blue book for that as well which should demonstrate competency and history. 

 

Just looking for advice here. I think we are good to go and are very well documented, but if there is a snag that I need to be aware of before I submit the application, please let me know. 

 

Thank you all and good luck in your Visa Journey. BTW, I immigrated my ex wife from Philippines in a similar fashion, but at the time we only had a few weeks over a few months together and she had little work history as well. 

 

We were approved with no problem, were married and she became a citizen. After 8.5 years when I needed to go to Asia to build my international business resume (CV) she "set me free" and filed a no contest divorce and I left the country. 

 

Have all the proof

 

Is it worth adding that to the narrative or keep it simple?

 

We are honest people just trying to find love and support like many of you. the process seems much more complex now but I am confident we will be successful. 

 

Some of the places she worked have now closed, which again is common, especially considering Covid 19 destroyed many businesses and frankly Bangkok is still recovering. 

 

Thoughts??

 

I plan to file everything next week. My divorce from Thailand as well as our intention to meet letter from her which is signed is on its way with passport photos, etc. 

 

I think we are good to go...

[Boiler 47,057]

Quote

Just curious if there are others who have married other ...I hate to say this, women who work the bar circuit for short term contracts

 

I have not been to Thailand but a few years ago came across a channel on YT so I think the issue will be how the Consulate look at that description.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMBaoBn9Q1k

 

I think you need to be prepared to address the inevitable assumptions.

 

[powerpuff 6,752]

*** Thread moved to Thailand Regional forum ***

[tomgndallas1 10]

I just received the notification that our application was approved and is being tranferred to DOS, NVC. Hooray. For those on this journey, bless you all and be patient. We are so happy. 

 

I also have been using this service to track statistics and get real time information, it is 13 USD per month to use but is quite useful. 

 

https://app.***removed due to spam***/

 

 

 

Edited February 28 by Crazy Cat
Contained ** images.

[tomgndallas1 10]

a few updates as well. the old place she worked closed, and I had a friend who was able to help us and give her part time work back in November. She is now full time and gets a pay stub for proof of work, and pays taxes so we have proof of legitimate work for the interview which is great. Hard to do sometimes with workers in Bangkok as many places hire part time and pay cash and then will not give a letter of employment. She also traveled home and already has the letter of single status. So now, it is the affidavit of support, which will be no problem, the police background and medical. Also, I spent two weeks in January there and we have plenty of new pictures and I have proof of travel there. Interestingly enough, when I arrived the agent stamped me in for 60 days, which was new. Usually 30 day exemption so things are changing. 

 

I am hoping that the remainder of the process is smooth and we will be together later in the year. 

 

I work on contract, so that is the only other obstable, we will know if we win the new contract soon, I am hopeful. I have plenty of savings (more than 250K) that I can use for the affidavit, so worst case, we are still good to go I think. 

 

Blessings to everyone else going through this process. It is long and sometimes painful when your loved one is so far away. Do not give up hope.

 

 

[Crazy Cat 43,859]

***One comment edited by VJ Moderation to remove a prohibited site image***

[tomgndallas1 10]

To the Mod, sorry about that. Thanks for helping us and others. 

 

I did not spam; it was a resource to others only to have statistics on processing. The information was helpful, and I am happy to be on this forum. The information on VJ on how to prepare a proper case has been the reason why we were successful. The information and experience here on VJ is why we were approved. The guides, the wealth of knowledge—you all helped me build the perfect case and the paperwork required to achieve a goal that gets more difficult as time passes

 

 I have spent the last 5.5 months worrying; and  i need this forum and the experience. If I did something wrong, I am sorry and will not do again. I am a testament to the information and guidance that is given here. I followed your guidance and prepared everything  per the instructions and recommendations  here and now I am approved and we will move to DOS and NVC.I will continue to update and I am always grateful. 

 

Many more steps. I want to be a help and inspiration to others to hang on, it will happen. Trust this site. trust the experience here. 

 

Let me say this, to others in the process and this journey, read what is here. Follow the guides, follow the advice and i will share my experience. 

 

Yui and I need this community and we are thankful and blessed. 

 

Today was a great day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TBoneTX 47,113]

5 hours ago, tomgndallas1 said:

Today was a great day.

You can feel rightly proud and exuberant!  Thank you for posting your happy tale with so many details.  Keep us all updated on further developments.

[tomgndallas1 10]

Thanks TBone, will definitely do that and appreciate the words of support. 

[tomgndallas1 10]

So looking for some wisdom again here. The official NOA2 came in the mail already and stated that the case had been transferred to NVC. I see that it can take 2 to 4 weeks and read in another post from a user that it can take as long as 6 weeks to get the Welcome letter from NVC that will contain your case number so that you can go onto CEAC and pay the fees for interview. 

I know I have to submit affidavit of support, any new photos, proof of income (pay stubs, previous years taxes, offer letter from company, and official bank statement/account summary). This is all easy to do. I guess my question is, should I go and get those statements pulled say...next week ? I guess my question is how close to the date that the case file is entered and case requested and welcome letter do the documents need to be generated? 

 

This could obviously go into early April, so right now I can get current as of today, and for things like 401K, I can generally get the current day, last month and previous quarter or year end statement. 

 

I guess I am just eager to start building the package and I am under the impression that NVC via CEAC will request the files be uploaded electronically, and then I would mail the originals or copies to Yui in Thailand?

 

The process is nearly clear, but still a little muddy. 

 

On and I did see where CEAC posts timelines on what they are processing each week and how to submit a request for information on case number to login to the system. Some folks have said they have received their case numbers this way as it took longer for their letters to be generated and mailed. to their address. 

 

Edited March 13 by tomgndallas1

[Crazy Cat 43,859]

5 minutes ago, tomgndallas1 said:

So looking for some wisdom again here. The official NOA2 came in the mail already and stated that the case had been transferred to NVC. I see that it can take 2 to 4 weeks and read in another post from a user that it can take as long as 6 weeks to get the Welcome letter from NVC that will contain your case number so that you can go onto CEAC and pay the fees for interview. 

I know I have to submit affidavit of support, any new photos, proof of income (pay stubs, previous years taxes, offer letter from company, and official bank statement/account summary). This is all easy to do. I guess my question is, should I go and get those statements pulled say...next week ? I guess my question is how close to the date that the case file is entered and case requested and welcome letter do the documents need to be generated? 

 

This could obviously go into early April, so right now I can get current as of today, and for things like 401K, I can generally get the current day, last month and previous quarter or year end statement. 

 

I guess I am just eager to start building the package and I am under the impression that NVC via CEAC will request the files be uploaded electronically, and then I would mail the originals or copies to Yui in Thailand?

 

The process is nearly clear, but still a little muddy. 

 

 

There will be no files to upload at CEAC for a K-1.  NVC assigns a case number, then sends the case to the appropriate consulate when requested.  I-134, evidence of continued relationship, civil documents,  etc. will be submitted at the interview.  Hope you have a smooth journey.

Edited March 13 by Crazy Cat

[tomgndallas1 10]

Recieved notification that case has been sent to NVC/DOS on April - a bit different that what the NO2 letter said, which was Feb 27 and NOA2 was recieved a month ago. I am hoping that I can get the case number in the next week. However, current CEAC timelines are:

 

Current case creation time frame: As of 7-Apr-25, we are working on cases that were received from USCIS on 23-Mar-25.

Once USCIS sends your I-797 approval notice, they will send your approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. At NVC, we will create your visa case and enter the data from your petition into the system.

After creating your case, we will send you instructions for processing, as well as a Welcome Letter that includes your Case Number and Invoice ID. You will use these numbers to log into our Consular Electronic Application Center (https://ceac.state.gov).

 

Also, the website states that:

Current case review time: As of 7-Apr-25, we are reviewing documents submitted to us on 29-Mar-25.

Before the National Visa Center reviews your case, you must pay all fees and submit all required documents, such as:

Petitioner’s Affidavit of Support;
Supporting financial documents;
Applicant’s DS-260, and
Applicant’s civil documents.
Required documents vary based on petition type

 

@crazy cat  - this is likely regarding another petition type, like for marriage instead of K1? I surely hope so as this can feel confusing and I want to be able to start getting things ready soon so that I can send documentation to my fiance' and begin prepping for interview. 

 

Also, with all these changes and things going on with immigration in the news, we are getting nervous. I am sure others are feeling the same way. 

[TBoneTX 47,113]

6 hours ago, tomgndallas1 said:

this is likely regarding another petition type, like for marriage instead of K1?

Yes -- DS-260 is for marriage petitions.

The wait is frustrating, but your time will come.  We're all pulling for you and staying with you.

[tomgndallas1 10]

Well I sent another request to NVC Research to see if they had my approved petition. The good news is that they have confirmed receipt of the documents and are now just waiting to enter the data into the system and issue the case and invoice number. 

I will wait about another week and then send them another inquiry, though I am a little worried about being harassing...lol.

So far their response has been good. It usually takes only a couple of days to respond. 

Also, since some of the next items on my mind are getting Yui's vaccinations in order, I received this on another thread and found it to be very useful. 

I have asked her to get in touch with her Mom tomorrow to see if she still has her "pink book" of childhood vaccinations, and to call and make an appointment with the clinic so she can get ahead of the required vaccinations. 

Appointment slots appear to fill up quickly and she only gets one day off a week. 

Here was the link that was posted by another member, again thought these were both very useful.

 

table for the vaccine requirements.  Pay attention to the age ranges because that's what determines what is required and what is not.  https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-health/media/pdfs/Vaccine-Requirements-According-to-Applicant-Age-panel-physicians-p.pdf

 

We used the Thai Travel Clinic https://www.thaitravelclinic.com/cost.html

 

Good luck to everyone, another step closer. 

[tomgndallas1 10]

Well not great news, Yui's mother did not retain her pink book and vaccination records from when she was a child, so she will have to go and get all of her vaccinations redone. Most are pretty straight forward, the only one that I am worried about is the Tdap, as it appears to be a series of shots. I am not sure if I am reading the chart right, but it looks like there are 3 or 4 doses, initial, 4 weeks, 4weeks and 6 months? Does anyone else have experience with this? She has made an appointment to go to the thai travel clinic to speak witht the Doctor and start her vaccinations. I am hoping if there is a series, she can get the first few and possibly get the final dose here in the USA as a final booster.

 

One other questiont that has popped up in my mind is that since this process takes forever, her passport was about to expire. She now has a new passport, a 10 year passport, and of course it has a new number and format as compared to the document we used to start the process. Is this something that I should notify NVC of, perhaps next week once they enter my case into the system so that they can have a picture of the new passport and update her passport number in the system? It probably would not hurt and might prevent issues down the line as I am not sure when filing the DS160 it would ask for that. She has the old passport and can present both documents at any time. 

 

Cheers and happy Thursday