Bangkok embassy asking for DS160 payment receipt

[BrandonJT 4]

My fiance had an interview in Bangkok last week, and was sent away for a few additional documents. No problem for most of them. Have a new appointment next week already. But there is one thing they said that I'm still confused about.

 

They wrote down the things that were needed, and one of the things they wrote was that they needed a receipt for payment of the DS160. Underneath this they wrote "ustraveldocs."

 

That doesn't make sense to me, because my fiance had the appointment confirmation printed that includes the MRV fee payments section and the barcodes. In the MRV fee payment section is the Receipt Number. I logged into USTravelDocs again to reschedule the appointment which redirects to usvisascheduling when you login, but there's nothing about anywhere to get a receipt. I even sent an inquiry through their system on the usvisascheduling saying what the embassy officer said and wrote, and the response they gave makes it seem like we already have what we need for that.

 

Quote

 

Thank you for writing to the U.S. Visa Service Desk.

 

We understand that you wish to retrieve a copy of the Consular fee receipt for your interview.

When you have scheduled your appointment with the Consular fee receipt number for the visa fee you have paid, please print a copy of the Appointment Confirmation letter and bring it with you together with DS-160 form, passports and other supporting documents when you attend your interview. You will note that the receipt number is annotated/registered in the said Appointment Confirmation letter for your scheduled appointment. You may not need to bring a copy of the Consular fee receipt.

 

We hope this information is helpful to you.

 

 

 

Based on that, we already had that in the documents when we went to the appointment. I can print the e-mail receipt I got when I made a credit card payment, but that doesn't have any of my fiance's information on it, it just shows my information since it was my credit card.

 

The embassy instructions don't show the credit card option in the packet and only talk about paying in person at a bank, but I know the packet is outdated (June 2022) as it also mentions mailing in documents which is no longer done.  There are other places on the embassy website that talk about paying your DS160 fee by ETF payment, but nowhere can I find mention of credit card payment.  Would the system have given me an option to pay by credit card if the embassy doesn't accept that payment method?

 

I've attached the receipt I received in my e-mail, as well as the appointment confirmation which shows the same receipt number that was attached as part of the registration for the appointment in the usvisascheduling website. 

 

Anyone have any ideas on what they are asking for? 

I know my fiance has to bring the appointment confirmation, but I will send the e-mail receipt as well I guess.

[TBoneTX 47,504]

Country-specific thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the Thailand regional forum.

[tomgndallas1 21]

Hey Brandon, I see that you were approved in your interview. So any more information to offer on this process for Bangkok Thailand?

We are still waiting for the NVC case number so I can pay the fees online. I plan to do the same as you and print out everything during the time of payment. 

Any other advice? For example, I see it took about 2 months to get your interview scheduled. How was the process of getting the Police Report and Medical?

 

I will also DM you and we can chat there...just really curious about your journey and any lessons learned that will help us avoid potholes. 

 

Cheers. 

[BrandonJT 4]

Yes, everything worked out.  The payment receipt on the appointment confirmation was all that was needed.  We're still not sure why the embassy person wrote down that they needed the payment receipt, because that already was the payment receipt.

 

The police report was a little complicated because my beneficiary is male and not yet done the military draft, so we had to get paperwork from the military exempting him from the draft before the police would allow a background check.  That took a couple of wasted trips to Bangkok, but I don't think it will be relevant for you.  The medical was pretty straightforward.  My beneficiary was missing a few childhood vaccinations so we made sure we got those done at a clinic before the medical, so he didn't need any additional ones and got through that easily.  He did have to spend a few extra days in Bangkok because they asked him to return 3 days after the medical to pickup the results envelope.

[tomgndallas1 21]

Thanks for the response, it is helpful. So my understanding is that before you get your police report, you have to recieve a letter or packet from the embassy, is that correct? Also, this packet will also tell you what vaccinations your beneficiary will need or did you get that from another resource? Yui only gets one day off a week and it would be good to have those done while we are waiting and get the documents and shots done, possibly spaced out a little. She does not remember what she has had and I do not think the hospital in Korat would have a record either. She lives in Bangkok so finding a clinic near her home should be easy or i will just send her to Sukhumvit hospital where I usually go. Did you need to translate the birth certificate? I have heard yes and no on this one, and I have a lawyer service that can do this. Lastly, there is a section on the affidavit where you can indicate that you prepared the document.  You did not need a translation back to Thai or an interpreter or anything? Just trying to think of all the snags and to use this waiting time wisely. Nothing else to do and DOS is taking their sweet time. 

Edited April 16 by tomgndallas1

[BrandonJT 4]

I used this 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

 

The "packet" is just what you receive in the e-mail that basically tells you that you can proceed to fill out the DS160.  You need the case number from the embassy in order apply for the criminal background check. My fiance's mom had his pink book which listed what vaccines he received, but a hospital record would be acceptable as well.  They would need to bring all vaccination records to the medical exam appointment.  We used the Thai Travel Clinic https://www.thaitravelclinic.com/cost.html

 

Have her go to her amphur and get her birth certificate in English.  Almost all Thai official documents can be requested in English, so you will want the English version both for this purpose and for her to bring to the US.

 

Anything not in English will need a certified translation. There is a section of the application asking if you used a preparer, but that's someone outside of you and your fiance, like if you used a company.  We did it all ourselves so did not fill that part out.  The embassy staff speak enough Thai for the interviews so there isn't a question about needing a translator.

 

Make sure you print out the full I-129f they send you back in your e-mail because that's the proof of approved I-129f.  That's one of the documents we were missing on the first trip to the embassy.

Edited April 16 by BrandonJT

[tomgndallas1 21]

This is super helpful and thanks for sharing. Yes, I was worried about what to do about that translator part, she understands English ok, but her reading comprehension is not that great. I can walk her through the document enough to where she will understand it. 

Cheers and continued good luck...

 

[tomgndallas1 21]

On 4/15/2025 at 11:31 AM, BrandonJT said:

Yes, everything worked out.  The payment receipt on the appointment confirmation was all that was needed.  We're still not sure why the embassy person wrote down that they needed the payment receipt, because that already was the payment receipt.

 

The police report was a little complicated because my beneficiary is male and not yet done the military draft, so we had to get paperwork from the military exempting him from the draft before the police would allow a background check.  That took a couple of wasted trips to Bangkok, but I don't think it will be relevant for you.  The medical was pretty straightforward.  My beneficiary was missing a few childhood vaccinations so we made sure we got those done at a clinic before the medical, so he didn't need any additional ones and got through that easily.  He did have to spend a few extra days in Bangkok because they asked him to return 3 days after the medical to pickup the results envelope.

 

Was having a think on the police report background check. You have to wait until you get your embassy packet or letter before you can do this, right?

Also, this is another document that you would have in both Thai and English?

Lastly, were they able to issue it that day, or did you have to come back?

 

Since she is working full time 6 days a week, I am trying to think of all of the go and come back or wait for something to be sent. Her boss is pretty cool, but I have a feeling that she may have to go to part time or give notice for days off. She is usually only off on Thursdays and works a late shift so does not get to bed until around 5am.

[tomgndallas1 21]

Sorry, I see you answered the question above....

 

The "packet" is just what you receive in the e-mail that basically tells you that you can proceed to fill out the DS160.  You need the case number from the embassy in order apply for the criminal background check.

 

Is the case number from the Embassy the same as the case number from NVC/DOS?

[BrandonJT 4]

2 hours ago, tomgndallas1 said:

Sorry, I see you answered the question above....

 

The "packet" is just what you receive in the e-mail that basically tells you that you can proceed to fill out the DS160.  You need the case number from the embassy in order apply for the criminal background check.

 

Is the case number from the Embassy the same as the case number from NVC/DOS?

I believe it's the case number that starts with BKK.  I don't know for sure since I wasn't with my fiance when they did it.

 

And they will mail the criminal records check to your fiance, they don't have to pick it up.

[tomgndallas1 21]

Not sure if you saw on my other thread, we got our case number, it is a BNK number. I was able to get the DS160 done, get my AA number and confirmation page. Then go into US Travel Docs and create a profile for Yui, enter her information, pay the fee and I was able to schedule the interview for June 24 so she has enough time to get everything ready. We are using the thai clinic you recommeded and she will be able to go in and get 3 out of 4 rounds of vaccines before her medical exam and interview. 

 

About the police report, I am looking at what you need to bring, passports, 2 photos, the confirmation of appointment with embassy and case information paper work. What I am not sure of is the copy, just a copy of the information page with photo, or does it need to have pages with stamps? I pictures of her old and new passport information page so i can print that in color for her and send, else she will need to go and make copies before her appointment with the Royal Thai police.

 

Any experience on the forum?

 

 

[SandP_USA_CR1 16]

Hi Tomgndallas1 -- We are working through the IR1 process in Thailand -- while a bit different some of the tasks are the same. A couple of thoughts: (1) Yui will need to make an appointments at the Police HQ near Siam BTS and bring the required documents. They have plenty of appointments each day. The problem is the time it takes to get back the Police Certificate. They list 15 working days before sending out the certificate -- we are at 10 days now and they accept up to 1,000 applications per day. (2) When you go for the medical exam, they will do a blood test and confirms/identifies the vaccinations still required. The Red Cross is a good place to get your vaccinations and tend to be a bit cheaper than the local hospitals and clinics. (3) You may want to have all of Yui's civil documents (based on what you have written previously, it appears it is only her birth certificate that might need this process) translated and certified by the Consular Affairs (advice from our lawyers) and that each translation has a letter from the person doing the translations affirms they are fluent in Thai and English -- this process requires an appointment and takes about 3 days (recommend using an agency). Yui will also need to have in her possession at the interview original or certified original documents of both of your civil documents -- birth certificates, prior marriage certificates and divorces. Don't forget to have her bring your IRS transcripts the prior 3 years, along with any 1099s/W2s. The Bangkok Embassy has a checklist for what she will need to bring. (4) I would not worry about her work history (other than providing the info required in the DS160). The key will be your ability to support her -- found in the Affidavit of Support and your IRS transcripts.

I would be interested in your experience with scheduling an appointment (wait time) and at the interview. Thanks.
Phil

[tomgndallas1 21]

i was told that she can go to any district amphur, like the one in Asoke (i think) and they can provide an english translation of her birth certificate. Her single status, she already has the thai and english versions. worse case, I retain a lawyer service in Thailand and can have her go there and get it done the same day she takes her updated passport photos. Thanks for the update on getting the police report back, we will adjust when she goes to give her more time to receive it. For passport copies, is this just simply a scan of the first page of the passport? I can do this, or does she need to have all pages or pages wtih stamps. 

 

will keep you posted. 

 

[tomgndallas1 21]

oh and I grew up in Montgomery AL...went to Lanier High School, haha. They closed it recently. 

 

[SandP_USA_CR1 16]

Not having any prior marriages makes the civil documents much easier for Yui. She will need your original marriage and divorce degrees (usually a certified copy). Do make sure she has a signed copy of your Affidavit of Support. While the IRS transcripts for the prior 3 years would indicate your income sources, my lawyer advised including the W2s/1099s. I also collected all sources of income for my wife to carry. We had my wife's birth certificate and translation certified at the Consular Affairs Office at MBK -- our lawyer told us the Consular Affairs certification was a requirement (even if provided by the Amphur). Since you have the time before your scheduled interview, I would go through the extra trouble (but rely on your lawyer's advice). We applied for my wife's birth certificate on 21 April and were told they would send out the report on 15 May. Regarding your questions about your passport -- I don't see anywhere that you are required to have your's certified. Just a copy for her to have with her (I also copied all my visa entries which adds to the evidence of the relationship) -- FYI: the embassy can see your worldwide travel history. You should not be surprised at all the information the consular officer knows about you. I know you have seen the list: https://th.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/Bangkok-K-Visa-Instructions-English-June-2022.pdf

 

I was in the military for 28 years and bought a house in Pensacola back in 1997.

Question: What was the wait time for scheduling your appointment?