Mogambi

I have had two people now ask me how to obtain Thai Police clearance. I've decided to post here how we did it in case it's useful for others. Note that this assumes you are in Manila, and can access the DFA and the Thai Embassy there.
Procedure for obtaining Thai Police Clearance if you areliving in Manila.
Here is a brief outline of how we got our Thai PoliceClearance:
1) Get NBI Clearance from NBI Service Center
2) Get THREE full sets of fingerprints from a local policestation or NBI.
3) Take the above documents to the DFA to have themauthenticated.
4) Take them, along with other required documentation., tothe Thai Embassy.
5) The Thai embassy will keep your documents for about aweek.
6) Pick up your documents from the Thai Embassy.
7) Mail all the documents along with a self-addressedenvelope to Thailand.
8) The Royal Thai Police will send your police clearance inabout 3 to 4 weeks.
OK, so here's the detailed procedure:
Before you can apply for police clearance from the ThaiRoyal Police, you will need to have received the letter from the US Embassythat states you are now ready for an interview. Once you have this, you maybegin.
The first step is to get one NBI clearance, if you don'thave it already it, and three sets of fingerprint cards made. Really you shouldrequest at least three copies of your NBI, you will be needing them throughoutthe K1 process. You can get the fingerprint cards made at your local policestation, and possibly at the NBI as well.
Make sure that each card contains fingerprints of all ten ofyour fingers. Also it's very important that the police officer who takes yourfingerprints signs and prints his name on EACH card, and that it has the sealof either the police deparment or the NBI, wherever you had them made. Sobasically they have to be OFFICIAL fingerprint cards.
Now, you will have to take the NBI and fingerprint cards tothe Department of Foreign Affairs to get authenticated. The DFA is a terriblybusy place, and you should expect to spend some time there. You will need toleave the NBI and fingerprint cards at least overnight there to getauthenticated. You need to show ID, so bring your passport or other ID. Youwill pay a fee and get a receipt. The next day, or whenever they tell you theyare ready. The DFA is location at:
Department of Foreign Affairs
2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines.
Their website is:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php
Next, in addition to the authenticated documents from theDFA, you will need to gather the following paperwork to bring with you to theThai Embassy in Makati. Begin to gather the following paperwork:
1) Your authenticated documents from the DFA from the abovesteps.
2) You must write a letter, addressed to the Thai Embassy, explainingwhy you are requesting police clearance. State that it is for a visa to theUnited States (K1, etc.) This letter should also explain the dates that youwere residing in Thailand, and what your business there was (studying orworking). Sign and date.
3) You will need a current resume. On it should list youraddress, phone number, email address, and biographical data such as the namesand birthdates of your parents and siblings. Sign and date. If you worked inThailand it should list your employer and the dates you worked there. If youstudied, then list the school you attended and the course(s) you studied.
4) A photocopy of the letter that you received from the USEmbassy stating that you are entitled to schedule an interview. (You shouldnote that this process will take between 4 to 6 weeks, so you should figurethat time into your scheduling an interview).
5) You will need a photocopy of all pages of your passport.And you will bring the original to the Embassy as well.
6) You will need a photocopy specifically of your student orwork visa, if applicable. The one you used in Thailand.
7) Four visa photographs, we used the same ones for the USVisa and had no problems. Those are 2 inches by 2 inches.
8) If you studied, bring a copy of either a diploma, degree,or receipt from the school.
Basically, bring whatever documentation will help show youresided, worked or studied in Thailand.
Once you have all of the above, bring them to the ThaiEmbassy in Makati:
Royal Thai Embassy - 107 Rada Street
Legaspi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila
(632) 815-4219
Their website is:
http://www.thaiembassymnl.ph/
If you arrive when they open at 9:30 am you shouldn't haveto wait too long. Arrive at 9 is even better. Tell them you need to havedocuments authenticated so you can send them to The Royal Thai Police, explainthat you're trying to get police clearance.
They will charge you, it could be several thousand pesos. Youwill leave all the documents with them for several working days.
Return on the date that they will tell you when you drop offyour documents. Now it's possible that they will not return all the documentsto you. You might be careful to ask. They didn't return to us the fingerprintcards, so we sent our police clearance request without them (sending in the NBIinstead). But the next step is to send the following to the Royal Thai PoliceHeadquarters in Bangkok. If the Thai Embassy didn't return any of the itemslisted below, you will need another copy.
You will need to send them the following, and this documentcan also be used to help you:
http://bangkok.usemb...policeapr09.pdf
But you will need to mail the following to the Royal Thai Police Headquarters:
1) Copy of your passport. If not all pages, at least thepages showing your biographical data, the page that shows your signature, andany pages that relate to Thailand (pages that show visas, entry or exit stamps,etc.)
2) A letter addressed to The Royal Thai Police Headquarters,explaining that you are requesting police clearance. Just use the same letteryou used for the embassy, and change the 'TO' area from the Thai Embassy to theRoyal Thai Police headquarters. Again it needs to list the dates you resided,worked or studied in Thailand.
3) Two visa photos (it's possible that the Thai Embassydidn't return yours, so be prepared with two more to go to Thailand.)
4) The three sets of fingerprint cards that should have beenreturned to you from the Thai Embassy. Note that the Thai Embassy didn't giveus back the fingerprint cards, and my fiancé didn't ask. So instead, we sent inthe authenticated NBI, and it seemed to work. But try and get back yourfingerprint cards, as that is what the Thai Police request.
5) An envelope with prepaid stamps. Here I got confused atfirst because how could you get Thai postage from the Philippines. What youactually have to do is to buy FIVE International Reply Coupons (also calledIRCs). You have to get these at the main Manila post office, the smaller postoffices won't have them, and won't know what they are. They cost about p200each. You send these five IRCs along with an envelope made out to you. InThailand, they will exchange the IRCs for the proper Thai postage.
You should probably use DHL or FedEx to send this package,so you have a tracking number and can verify it was received. DHL to Thailandmight cost you p2000 or more.
Mail this set of paperwork to :
The Police Clearance Service Center
Building 24, Royal Thai Police Headquarters
Rama I, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Thailand
Then sit back and wait. In 3 to 4 weeks, you should receiveback your police clearance. Luckily it will be in English, so you will not needto have it translated.
There is one thing to note. On the link I posted, to the PDFof the US Embassy in Thailand, it doesn't say anything about 1) having yourfingerprint cards or NBI authenticated at the DFA, and 2) it doesn't sayanything about having these documents 'blessed' by the Thai Embassy first.
So it's possible that you could simply gather the documentslisted from the link and send it off. All I know is when we talked to the ThaiEmbassy they assured us that we need to follow the procedure I've listed above.
We did get our Police Clearance, so I'm pretty sure at leastif you follow these instructions, it should work for you. But if you're feelingadventurous, you might try and just sending the listed documents to the RoyalThai Police Headquarters.
If you do, and it works, please post here so we know!

First, you do not need anything other than your Passport and I-94 to apply for a SSN, so do that right away. You have to do it at least a month before your I-94 expires. If you go two weeks before it expires, they probably won't do it.
Second, you cannot work PERIOD until you have either your Green Card or EAD card. Don't listen to anyone telling you you can work 'under the table'. While they might not catch you, if they did, it's a very bad thing. It's not worth it. File ASAP for your AOS, EAD and AP, and within a couple to a few months, you'll have your SSN and EAD card, and then you can work.
Your wife should have certainly known about the $1070 fee to apply status, and I know as a man it might be hard, but it's the right way to go, get those filed as soon as you can. You want that GC in hand as soon as possible since it will also determine who quickly you can apply for citizenship.
So I agree, find the money, get the application in and done, and do NOT work until you have EAD is my suggestion, not even under the table. Not worth the risk.

I think what Vonage says is that it 'may' cut you off after 3000 minutes. I'm not sure we have ever hit 3000 minutes, I mean, honestly, that's an hour and a half every day. If you were talking to your fiancé I can see hitting that. But for your wife or fiancé who is here, that's a lot of time to call back home. There are certainly days when my wife calls for more than an hour or two. But other days she doesn't call at all. 3000 minutes is a lot of time. And I suspect that clause is mainly in there to keep people from trying to run businesses using the line.

Alright, I won't tolerate any more Jolibee Bashing here!
I'm not surprised at all that they have 20 stores. Don't forget the power of 'comfort' food, even if it's not 'good' comfort food!

You know, just be 100% honest in everything you do with the USCIS. If you met and fell in love on a completely different path than her trying to get a job here (something that a LOT of Filipinos would like to do), they aren't red flags. Yes she'll have to withdraw her other petition probably. But the fact that she's been here, not overstayed, and hasn't done anything wrong is a great plus. If it's legit, there is no reason to be afraid.
We had several things we were worried about in out petition. Everything went smoothly and our AOS interview is in a couple of weeks.
The system is long and hard, but I have to believe it's also 'fair' and they don't have any interested in denying anyone legitimate.

Forget the doubters, only you know if it's true or not. But nothing you posted would be a red flag. As to if you point them out, I wouldn't. Why even draw attention to something that isn't an issue.

Look while I have no actual care if you wanted to do it. But you're saying it's purely hypothetical, which if course it is NOT, since you are here asking all of us, and you admit talking to your significant other about doing this exact thing.
Be aware that you may well be turned away at the border, even with the evidence you claim to have of returning to Canada.
Again, I'm could care less if you do it. And yes of course people do it. But it might cause problems, and it's probably safer to just play by the rules.

Vonage does have unlimited now, has for a few months. It's only unlimited to Globe and TM numbers, but since a sim card for either one in the country costs less than a dollar, anyone who doesn't already have one of them (rare) can get one.
If you search Vonage Unlimited Philippines, it works. Also, any other calls to non Globe and TM numbers are only .09 a minute, far cheaper than even most calling cards I've found.
Just FYI, Vonage has no contract either on the Unlimited Philippines plan, you can cancel at any time without penalty.
It's maybe a better plan for fiancés and wives that are already here, as it allows them to call nearly anyone in the Philippines. It has certainly been a huge hit here, just to help my wife acclimate here, being able to call home to all her relatives, even in the provinces and talk as long as she wants to.
With taxes and fees, it turns out to be about $37 or $38 a month. But has replaced our home phone line, so about the same cost.
Also, fairly clever they have a mobile iPhone app, and can register one 'mobile' phone for free, and then use it to make calls through your home vonage plan. Haven't really used it much, but neat idea.
So here's the link in case anyone is interested:
http://philippines.vonage.com/vonage_unlimited_to_globe_philippines/

First, as others have said, getting a tourist visa in this case will be impossible. She's already married, you have a pending petition to bring her over, you'll never be able to convince them that she's going to go home.
As to this whole Dream Act / Hispanic Illegal thread. Wow. The amount of complete BS being thrown around here is astounding. The same criteria that allows a Hispanic Baby born in this country to stay is the same that would allow YOUR Baby to be an automatic US Citizen, just for being born here. This is the general rule of law in most countries. It's not designed to help Hispanics any more than it's designed to help you, or people from any country.
There is no Dream Act. An ACT, as in an act of congress, was never passed. So it doesn't exist as law. What Obama said he's doing to do is not the same as the Dream Act.
Immigration is a problem in this country. But it's not because of illegal Hispanics. It's because like most government it's become too complicated in red tape, too many agencies, forms, understaffed offices, and apathetic customs and consular officers. I don't disagree that it should be easier. It should be.
But if you think that the US just has an open door for any Mexican to wander across the border, you're not paying attention. Hundreds of thousands are still stopped at the border, caught here and deported or held in detention.
And I'm sorry, but the notion that some kid, who was brought here by his parents when he had no choice, who's going to college or wants to serve in the mIlitary, the idea of extending to that person citizenship is a great idea. These are the people we WANT in this country.

First, as others have said, getting a tourist visa in this case will be impossible. She's already married, you have a pending petition to bring her over, you'll never be able to convince them that she's going to go home.
As to this whole Dream Act / Hispanic Illegal thread. Wow. The amount of complete BS being thrown around here is astounding. The same criteria that allows a Hispanic Baby born in this country to stay is the same that would allow YOUR Baby to be an automatic US Citizen, just for being born here. This is the general rule of law in most countries. It's not designed to help Hispanics any more than it's designed to help you, or people from any country.
There is no Dream Act. An ACT, as in an act of congress, was never passed. So it doesn't exist as law. What Obama said he's doing to do is not the same as the Dream Act.
Immigration is a problem in this country. But it's not because of illegal Hispanics. It's because like most government it's become too complicated in red tape, too many agencies, forms, understaffed offices, and apathetic customs and consular officers. I don't disagree that it should be easier. It should be.
But if you think that the US just has an open door for any Mexican to wander across the border, you're not paying attention. Hundreds of thousands are still stopped at the border, caught here and deported or held in detention.
And I'm sorry, but the notion that some kid, who was brought here by his parents when he had no choice, who's going to college or wants to serve in the mIlitary, the idea of extending to that person citizenship is a great idea. These are the people we WANT in this country.

First, as others have said, getting a tourist visa in this case will be impossible. She's already married, you have a pending petition to bring her over, you'll never be able to convince them that she's going to go home.
As to this whole Dream Act / Hispanic Illegal thread. Wow. The amount of complete BS being thrown around here is astounding. The same criteria that allows a Hispanic Baby born in this country to stay is the same that would allow YOUR Baby to be an automatic US Citizen, just for being born here. This is the general rule of law in most countries. It's not designed to help Hispanics any more than it's designed to help you, or people from any country.
There is no Dream Act. An ACT, as in an act of congress, was never passed. So it doesn't exist as law. What Obama said he's doing to do is not the same as the Dream Act.
Immigration is a problem in this country. But it's not because of illegal Hispanics. It's because like most government it's become too complicated in red tape, too many agencies, forms, understaffed offices, and apathetic customs and consular officers. I don't disagree that it should be easier. It should be.
But if you think that the US just has an open door for any Mexican to wander across the border, you're not paying attention. Hundreds of thousands are still stopped at the border, caught here and deported or held in detention.
And I'm sorry, but the notion that some kid, who was brought here by his parents when he had no choice, who's going to college or wants to serve in the mIlitary, the idea of extending to that person citizenship is a great idea. These are the people we WANT in this country.

First, as others have said, getting a tourist visa in this case will be impossible. She's already married, you have a pending petition to bring her over, you'll never be able to convince them that she's going to go home.
As to this whole Dream Act / Hispanic Illegal thread. Wow. The amount of complete BS being thrown around here is astounding. The same criteria that allows a Hispanic Baby born in this country to stay is the same that would allow YOUR Baby to be an automatic US Citizen, just for being born here. This is the general rule of law in most countries. It's not designed to help Hispanics any more than it's designed to help you, or people from any country.
There is no Dream Act. An ACT, as in an act of congress, was never passed. So it doesn't exist as law. What Obama said he's doing to do is not the same as the Dream Act.
Immigration is a problem in this country. But it's not because of illegal Hispanics. It's because like most government it's become too complicated in red tape, too many agencies, forms, understaffed offices, and apathetic customs and consular officers. I don't disagree that it should be easier. It should be.
But if you think that the US just has an open door for any Mexican to wander across the border, you're not paying attention. Hundreds of thousands are still stopped at the border, caught here and deported or held in detention.
And I'm sorry, but the notion that some kid, who was brought here by his parents when he had no choice, who's going to college or wants to serve in the mIlitary, the idea of extending to that person citizenship is a great idea. These are the people we WANT in this country.

THe whole CFO thing is by far the worst part of the visa process. Worse than the medical, worse than the US Embassy. They are an organization of the worst kind, set up solely to collect revenue, and staffed with power hungry morons.

They don't 'deny' visas bases on age, but those with larger age gaps, most CERTAINLY come under more scrutiny. And when THAT happens, it's possible that even a genuine relationship can be denied with the wrong CO, who for whatever reason doesn't buy it. This isn't math. There is no formula. There are human beings involved, and human judgement. And if you don't think a 44 year old man marrying a 19 year old girl is going raise at least a LITTLE suspicion, you're delusional.
None of this is to say age will cause a denial. But if I was in that situation, I'd make DAMN sure every bit of my case was air tight, and I'd recognize that I'd likely be under more scrutiny.
Luckily the Philippines is probably one of the easier countries to deal with, if you have an age gap like. But even here, I think it makes the case a tiny bit harder is all.

Remember regarding sweatshirts and hoodies, you're going somewhere the average yearly temperature is in the 90s
American branded things, T-Shirts are very popular, except they can buy them there (counterfeit, but they don't care) for a dollar.
Chocolate a big hit. Except they are going to melt everywhere, so be careful.
They will appreciate the gesture whatever you bring. Bring cheap things for the kids. I brought a bunch of cheap glow bracelets, they were a big hit. But mostly you'll win the hearts of the kids with a few pesos for them to go buy some candy.

We signed up for Vonage Philippines about six weeks ago. It has been brilliant. $30 a month and my wife can call ANY Globe or T M line in the Philippines, land or cell. Unlimited minutes, anytime. Also comes with unlimited calls to over 60 countries, and we just use it as our main phone line. Call quality has been good. A few disconnects, and she just calls back.
I had Ooma, and this is working much better, and I love having to never track minutes anymore.
Obi and MJ are fine, as are Viber and Tango. But once your fiancé or wife is here, something like Vonage trumps them all by FAR in that she'll (or he) will be able to call nearly anyone in the Ph. And if they don't have a Globe or T M sim card, they can get one for like 30 pesos.
And no contract, so you can always cancel it if you're unhappy. But so far, we are loving it. Makes my wife feel so much better to know she can call her friends and family there anytime, and never have to worry about the bill.

THe whole CFO thing is by far the worst part of the visa process. Worse than the medical, worse than the US Embassy. They are an organization of the worst kind, set up solely to collect revenue, and staffed with power hungry morons.

Why on earth did you send in a check for something so important if you didn't even have the funds in the account to cover the check?

Why on earth did you send in a check for something so important if you didn't even have the funds in the account to cover the check?

Why on earth did you send in a check for something so important if you didn't even have the funds in the account to cover the check?

OK, forgive my frankness here. But, you've never even MET this person and you KNOW you want to marry her? Not doubting you, but be careful.
Also, having your divorce finalized last month is likely to raise some suspicion about how quickly you're engaged or marrying this person. Just be aware of that.
Now, my experience. My fiance arrived August 8th and we were just married Oct. 10th. From start to finish, our K1 visa took about 8 months, but it could have been done sooner had we not had to wait a month for Thai Police Clearance.
The general consensus is this. At the moment, a K1 FIancé visa, or a CR1 Marriage Visa, take more or less the same time.
There are several reasons, that I think if I was to do it over again, I would have gone the CR1 route, and gotten married there.
First and foremost, with the CR1 route, once your wife is in the US, her green card is automatic. I'm about to pay out another $1,000 and lots more paperwork to apply for my wife's green card, and it's going to take another 6 to 9 months. Had we married there, none of this would be necessary. That in and of itself for ME is enough reason to pursue the CR1 route.
Also be aware, if money is at all tight, a K1 visa using a co-sponser has a HIGH degree of denial at the Manila embassy. But a CR1 'has' to accept a co-sponsor, they can't deny you for that.
I think even if the CR1 is taking 3 to 4 months longer than the K1, it might still be worth it, for getting to avoid the whole Adjustment of Status #######!
Also, where is the child's father in all of this? I'm not sure how complicated it will be to get her child here, the father might have to approve it? Be aware you might be in for a legal headache!

OK, forgive my frankness here. But, you've never even MET this person and you KNOW you want to marry her? Not doubting you, but be careful.
Also, having your divorce finalized last month is likely to raise some suspicion about how quickly you're engaged or marrying this person. Just be aware of that.
Now, my experience. My fiance arrived August 8th and we were just married Oct. 10th. From start to finish, our K1 visa took about 8 months, but it could have been done sooner had we not had to wait a month for Thai Police Clearance.
The general consensus is this. At the moment, a K1 FIancé visa, or a CR1 Marriage Visa, take more or less the same time.
There are several reasons, that I think if I was to do it over again, I would have gone the CR1 route, and gotten married there.
First and foremost, with the CR1 route, once your wife is in the US, her green card is automatic. I'm about to pay out another $1,000 and lots more paperwork to apply for my wife's green card, and it's going to take another 6 to 9 months. Had we married there, none of this would be necessary. That in and of itself for ME is enough reason to pursue the CR1 route.
Also be aware, if money is at all tight, a K1 visa using a co-sponser has a HIGH degree of denial at the Manila embassy. But a CR1 'has' to accept a co-sponsor, they can't deny you for that.
I think even if the CR1 is taking 3 to 4 months longer than the K1, it might still be worth it, for getting to avoid the whole Adjustment of Status #######!
Also, where is the child's father in all of this? I'm not sure how complicated it will be to get her child here, the father might have to approve it? Be aware you might be in for a legal headache!

Thanks, no worries, that's how my wife has changed her name anyway, so that won't be a problem! She changed her maiden name to become her new middle name.

Well here are my thoughts.
First, it would be a shame to throw away all the work you've done now, only to have to start all over with a CR1 Marriage visa. I think if you get one more extension, you should consider it.
Second, while I understand that it might be a 'train ride away', if your fiancé isn't willing even to invest some of HER time into this process, might that mean something else? I mean, this is not an easy process, but if she's not even willing to get a birth certificate.... She's going to need that no matter WHAT visa route you attempt, so she's better off just DOING it. And also obviously getting her passport as well. While I'm sure there is paperwork and stuff in getting those, neither is THAT hard to get.
As far as I know, there is no english proficiency test for a K1 or CR1 visa. There might be for a Citizenship application down the line, I don't know. Certainly my fiancé in the Philippines had the choice to have her interview in English or Tagalog, so had she not spoken a word of English, she would have still gotten her visa (she took it in English though).
But if you decide to get married in China, there is no problem for having filed the I-129F. It's just wasted time and money. And you'll have to start all over, and will have a 6 to 9 month wait AFTER the wedding, so you're just looking at a long time.
But again, the bigger question might be why doesn't your fiancé seem willing to invest any time on her end to make this all happen?

Well here are my thoughts.
First, it would be a shame to throw away all the work you've done now, only to have to start all over with a CR1 Marriage visa. I think if you get one more extension, you should consider it.
Second, while I understand that it might be a 'train ride away', if your fiancé isn't willing even to invest some of HER time into this process, might that mean something else? I mean, this is not an easy process, but if she's not even willing to get a birth certificate.... She's going to need that no matter WHAT visa route you attempt, so she's better off just DOING it. And also obviously getting her passport as well. While I'm sure there is paperwork and stuff in getting those, neither is THAT hard to get.
As far as I know, there is no english proficiency test for a K1 or CR1 visa. There might be for a Citizenship application down the line, I don't know. Certainly my fiancé in the Philippines had the choice to have her interview in English or Tagalog, so had she not spoken a word of English, she would have still gotten her visa (she took it in English though).
But if you decide to get married in China, there is no problem for having filed the I-129F. It's just wasted time and money. And you'll have to start all over, and will have a 6 to 9 month wait AFTER the wedding, so you're just looking at a long time.
But again, the bigger question might be why doesn't your fiancé seem willing to invest any time on her end to make this all happen?