TaKane

Hi @magicmooly you can check the required document list from the NVC/DOS web site specific to the US Embassy in Thailand.
 
Assuming the interview will take place at the US Embassy Bangkok - here is the link to see the Pre-Interview Checklist
 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/BNK-Bangkok.html
Pre-Interview Checklist
 
Please use the list below to determine the items that EACH applicant must bring to the immigrant visa interview:
A copy of your NVC interview letter (does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).
Unexpired passport valid for eight (8) months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States and a photocopy of the biographic page (where your name and photo are located). Your immigrant visa will be issued in the name which appears on your passport, not on your immigrant petition. Discrepancies should be corrected prior to your interview.
Two (2) color passport-size photographs of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm). Please see photo requirements.
Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv.
Confirmation page from your online registration of a delivery address for returning your passport and documents after the interview (see Step 1).
Your original birth certificate, English translation, and a photocopy.
If an official birth certificate is not obtainable, applicants should submit a Certificate of Birthplace, their Household Registration, and their Thai National ID card as secondary evidence. Individuals born outside of Thailand should refer to their country of birthplace in the Reciprocity Schedule to determine acceptable secondary identity evidence. If your name does not match your birth certificate, submit a Name Change Certificate(s), English translation, and photocopy. Medical examination results in a sealed envelope (if the physician gives you these results).
Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).
 
 
Applicants who fall into any category listed in italics below should bring these additional documents:
For family-based visa applications:
The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript or most recent U.S. federal income tax return, and any relevant W-2s. Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card). Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and visa applicant (such as photographs, letters, or emails). If you are married: Your original marriage certificate, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you were previously married: Your original divorce or spouse’s death certificate, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you are applying for a visa in the F11 or F24 categories (unmarried child 21 years or older): An original marital status certificate, also known as the Single Status Certificate.
If you are older than 16 years of age: The original police certificate from your country of current residence and countries of previous residence. If these three items are all true, you must bring a more recent police certificate to the interview:
You are older than 16 years; You obtained a police certificate and submitted it to NVC more than one year ago; and You still live in the country that issued the police certificate. For employment-based visa applications: Letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.
If you have ever been convicted of a crime: Court and criminal records, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you have served in any country’s military: Military records, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you are adopted: Adoption papers or custody documents, English translation, and a photocopy.
If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, English translation, and a photocopy along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent.
For all minor children traveling with a parent applicant or following later: Official grant of permanent custody for minor children is required for all children under 18 years old.

For our case, we waited about 2 months from DQ to interview date notice. We didn't request expedition though.
 

Haha...it is always better to over-prepared! Good luck with you interview! 

Yes, that is correct. 

Wife finally made it to Boston. Said there were quite a few people finalizing their visa process. No issues and no questions at customs. Took about an hour to make it through immigration. Best of luck to everyone out there. I'll do my best to stay in touch and assist where I can.

Back together now. Feeling good. 

Yes, very smooth.
There were many international students and they seemed getting lots of questions.
My POE was DFW.

Awesome! Reunited! That's good news indeed.

Awesome! Reunited! That's good news indeed.

That is fantastic news! Congratulations! The long hard wait is over and it's downhill from here.
 
I've got some news as well. Just one hour and forty minutes ago my wife and youngest boarded a plane at NRT for Boston Logan. We'll be back together in just under twelve hours!

Just a quick update - visa issued after submitting additional insurance document. Finally!!!! 

Thought pubic charge issue is on hold but apparently it could be asked.
For those who are to be interviewed, prepare the insurance info just in case.

Thank you TaKane!
 
I repatriated back in February of this year and felt like I made the worst mistake ever. COVID was just becoming a reality in the US and I was still in a hotel while the fam was back in Japan. Found a home and then everything stopped! USCIS/NVC/embassies. Quite the emotional rollercoaster!
 
Tried to secure airline tickets for the weekend but the non-stop flight from NRT to BOS was sold out. The next available wasn't until next Wednesday and that one looks to be filling up fast. 
 
Your interview is later this week?

Priority date: 5 September 2019.
Issued: 18 August 2020.

Time will tell. Will be glad to put all of this behind us. 

Thanks!
 
She said it was incredibly easy. They just asked simple questions like where did you meet your husband, what's his name, date of birth, do you have any kids together. 
 
She brought a ton of supplemental evidence but they never asked for anything.

Got it. It will take some time for them to review and process. Should be all good. 👍

Wife had her interview this morning. Approved! Finally!

Sharing my wife’s experience from this past Friday’s interview. 
 
Got there at 9:15am. Appointment was at 9:30am. Was told that she could enter the embassy at 9:25am. 
 
Phone was allowed inside the building, bluetooth off. We were able to chat with each other while waiting. 
 
Received an instruction sheet for the order of documents 
1. 2 color photographs
2. Current passport
3. I-864 Affidavit of Support
4. Police certificate(s)
5. Court and prison records, military record (if applicable)
6. LetterPack Plus envelope
 
Went up to the first window to turn in documents. CO also asked for original marriage certificate and birth certificate with English translations (because from Vietnam). At this point CO gave back the I-864 and photographs, since they were already uploaded on NVC. CO gave her a paper about domestic violence to read while waiting. Sit down for a few minutes and then take fingerprints. 
 
Waiting time was long because there were others interviewing before her. 3 consular officers were working and only 1 was doing the interview. Each interview was around 10mins long with about a 15mins gap between each interview.
 
At 11:10am, interview time:
What is your husband’s full name?
How did you meet?
Did you meet in Japan or Vietnam?
Where is your husband now?
What does your husband do?
What other countries has your husband worked in?  
What island (in Hawaii) is your husband from?
Where are his parents from?
What language do they speak at home?
Does your husband have any siblings?
What will your husband do in Hawaii?
When did you move to Japan?
Why wait until now to move to the US?
 
Then the interviewing CO said that she was approved. Received original marriage certificate and birth certificate back. Would be receiving passport back with visa in the mail in about a week.  
 
Wife said that everyone there was very professional and kind. From the security guards, receptionists, and COs, everyone had a friendly demeanor. Be prepared and everything will go smoothly. That’s it for now, good luck to everyone!

Hi! I just had an interview (Aug 6) and the same-sex marriage was not an issue at all.  The officer was pretty friendly and kind.
 
One of the questions was.... "Did you have a big wedding party?  Or...?"  I don't think they would ask this kind of question to straight couples.

They did not even ask how I am accepted/perceived by my spouse's parents/family.

Hi there!  I met my husband while we were both doing an internship! At the time, we were working in Florida, and our families were pretty far away (Mexico and Pennsylvania).  We decided to get married in a very private ceremony (just us and two friends), with the intention of having a larger ceremony/reception within a few years when we could actually afford it.  As such, our families were not present.  
 
I can 100% tell you that your situation will not be an issue at your interview! Our interview was fairly straightforward, and our officer simply asked how we met.  Besides, that, we just went over the biographical information on the applications.  
 
Unfortunately, lack of family acceptance is a fairly common situation in gay relationships, and you won't be penalized for the opinions of others :) Best of luck to you!

Finally DOS made an announcement in regards to Public Charge injunction on August 7, 2020.
 
DA-5540 is not required at least for the interim.
 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/update-on-public-charge.html
 
Update on Public Charge
Last Updated: August 7, 2020  
On Wednesday, July 29, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York enjoined the Department of State from “enforcing, applying, implementing, or treating as effective” the Department’s October 2019 interim final rule and accompanying Foreign Affairs Manual guidance related to the public charge ground of visa ineligibility.  The Department is complying with the court’s order and is in the process of updating its guidance to consular officers on how to proceed under the preliminary injunction. In the interim, visa applications that appear to be ineligible under INA 212(a)(4) will be refused for administrative processing to allow for consultation with the Department, including legal review to ensure compliance with applicable court orders.  Visa applicants are not requested to take any additional steps at this time and should attend their visa interviews as scheduled.  Applicants are not required to complete nor should they present the DS-5540, Public Charge Questionnaire.

Quick heads up. Wife was rejected under Section 221 (g) for noncompliance with the INA's requirements:
"PCS orders indicating transfer to US or letter from company confirming position in JPN"
 
Embassy kept my wife's passport and said once I sent in a company letter indication transition back to the US she would be approved. 
 
I was in Japan under SOFA on a Letter of Authorization (LOA) as a MDA government contractor. We don't receive PCS orders. So, I sent the embassy my most recent LOA (confirming position in Japan) and a copy of my signed offer letter (confirming my transition to the US) for my current position. Apparently another lady there was having a similar problem. 
 
If your spouse has an upcoming interview please be sure to include any documents you have indicating either a transition to the US or employment in Japan. Just in case. 

Embassy just sent the email and rescheduled as they said they would. 
 
"Thank you for accepting new immigrant visa interview appointment date/time.
As we explained over the phone, due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to ask you to come in at different date/time.    Please find the new appointment notice below.  If you are unable to come in at the specified time, please let us know by replying to this email.  
We are sorry for inconvenience this may/may have caused you but we truly appreciate your cooperation.
 
Immigrant Visa Section
U.S. Embassy Tokyo"
 
must have been a case of Corona.

Best of luck to you and yours! Very excited!