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Many thanks for yr valued input. We are about to file I-485 AOS. Subsequently, I hv just been advised of a job offer overseas, and that will require permanent residence at the overseas location of the potential new job for me and spouse. Should we file I-485 AOS, but then relocate overseas after filing I-485, any thoughts on what sort of situation would result? Initial thoughts are to hold off on filing, but due to uncertainties and other issues, we may have to file before being offered the job overseas.

Many thanks for your input. As required, we are filing the I-485 AOS before my spouse's I-94 expiration date. Any advice on how long prior to the I-94 expiration date should the forms be submitted? For example, I-94 expires 10 June and we overnight the package to arrive 09 June--is that acceptable? Or is it recommended to leave a week buffer? Is the main determinant the date received by the USCIS? Does it matter if the forms are subsequently returned after USCIS receipt, say, due to small error in filling out the form? Thx

Many thanks in advance for valued input. Late last year, my spouse and I (I am US citzn) applied for I-130 and I-129F. (although we were married before we filed, my attorney advzd to file I-129F anyways). Long story short--came to find out the I-129F has since been revised and my attorney never filed the I-129F..only the I-130. (attorney said she "tried" to contact me to fill out the new form..doubt that!!). At any rate, we hv rcvd confirmation that our I-130 has been officially approved. My spouse is in the US under B-2, which xpires in AUG. (again we were married well before we filed anything). I called the NVC and they advzd me that I can now actually apply for I-485 AOS, since the I-130 is approvd and spouse is in US legally on B-2.

In filing the I-485, under part 2 "application type", any thoughts to check (a) or (h)-other, and mention I-130 approved? NVC advzd to concurrently file I-131/693/765/864. Any other overall thoughts/comments appreciated ..

Thanks .. SP

Thx in advance for the valuable input. Applying for a CR-1 visa for my Thai wife. Will I need to submit a certified copy of the marriage certificate or an apostille of the marriage certificate when I submit the initial I-130 CR-1 visa paperwork to the US, and also for the follow-up paperwork for the Thai US Embassy? As a courtesy, I was asked this at the court house the other day, when we applied for the marriage license.

Thanks for your time and feedback. Just to clarify--she only has a US work visa, and must maintain residence on the ship only. However, every weekend, while the ship is docked at shore, she is legally able to come ashore and spend the day in the US (Florida in this case). And thx for the heads-up on unable to change her status as a ship crew member.

There are some items that I am not fully clear on--for example, lets say we go the CR-1 visa route, will she HAVE to legally adjust her status BEFORE we apply for the CR-1? Is that a "set in stone" requirement for her to do before we go the CR-1 route? Or can that be done at any time? Or does SHE have to do that when she returns to Thailand? Or is that someting I should do? Does her name on the CR-1 visa application paperwork have to reflect my last name? Wasnt sure what impact that had on the process. It may have a huge impact? I was thinking that, in the visa application, just the marriage certificate alone, was really what counted most.

Unfortunately, we only have one weekend day every weekend..so no go on going to the court house, unfortunately (closed on weekends). However, I do see that one can get the Florida marriage license by mail (at a high cost)--take a few days max to mail it to me. Then I would guess arrange a civil ceremony the next possible weekend.

Would you recommend discuss this with the local county clerk's office? Would this topic be a bit over their head?

In any event--greatly value your kind input. I certainly have alot to learn about this process--but clearly, I do not want to go thru this process, only to discover that it is a dead end from the start (the CR-1 visa route that is). Bottom line--assuming that we get the marriage license, and go thru a civil ceremony, obtain the legal marriage certificate---is that all that should be initially required to apply for the CR1 visa? Do we HAVE to have her status legally changed before we apply for CR-1?

Many thx again ..

Thx a lot in advance for the feedback, and valuable input..the past feedback has been tremendous ..

K1, K3, CR-1 visa ..

My Thai Fiancee is able to spend every Saturday in the US (Florida--she is a manager on cruise boat)--we are so ready to pave the way for the CR-1 visa---it really sounds like the way to go. I would greatly appreciate your feedback on the following:

-since we are able to meet every weekend in Florida (albeit only for a day)..we do have the option to get married here in the US, and obtain a US marriage certificate. So, in applying for her US visa, we are able to apply for: K1, K3, or CR-1. I understand the CR-1 takes a bit longer---but given all 3 choices (we dont mind waiting a bit longer for the CR-1, since it does provide the best options once she is here)--does the route via CR1 visa seem the best? the CR-1 route is really what I am considering. I tend to feel that, given the advantage, it is best to go the CR1 route.

-are we really in a favorable position that we can get a US marriage certificate, and go ahead for the CR-1? If it matters--we have been in a relation strong since 2005. Do you see that, since we can get married here in the US, that it is a unique position, considering applying for her visa?

Does anyone see any pro's/con's in the application process, when applying for the CR-1... versus the K1 K3? I am not at all about short cuts -- but I see a clear advantage here we have..in that we can get married here, in the US, and thus apply for the CR-1.

If we are married, and obviously provide the certificate...are we/she, subject to the same stringent interview process as a K1 (or k3?) visa, in Bangkok?

When she does have the interview in BKK--is it recommended that I also be there? Does that matter?

Many many thanks for your most valuable feedback ... regards ... !!

Thx a lot in advance for the feedback, and valuable input..the past feedback has been tremendous ..

K1, K3, CR-1 visa ..

My Thai Fiancee is able to spend every Saturday in the US (Florida--she is a manager on cruise boat)--we are so ready to pave the way for the CR-1 visa---it really sounds like the way to go. I would greatly appreciate your feedback on the following:

-since we are able to meet every weekend in Florida (albeit only for a day)..we do have the option to get married here in the US, and obtain a US marriage certificate. So, in applying for her US visa, we are able to apply for: K1, K3, or CR-1. I understand the CR-1 takes a bit longer---but given all 3 choices (we dont mind waiting a bit longer for the CR-1, since it does provide the best options once she is here)--does the route via CR1 visa seem the best? the CR-1 route is really what I am considering. I tend to feel that, given the advantage, it is best to go the CR1 route.

-are we really in a favorable position that we can get a US marriage certificate, and go ahead for the CR-1? If it matters--we have been in a relation strong since 2005. Do you see that, since we can get married here in the US, that it is a unique position, considering applying for her visa?

Does anyone see any pro's/con's in the application process, when applying for the CR-1... versus the K1 K3? I am not at all about short cuts -- but I see a clear advantage here we have..in that we can get married here, in the US, and thus apply for the CR-1.

If we are married, and obviously provide the certificate...are we/she, subject to the same stringent interview process as a K1 (or k3?) visa, in Bangkok?

When she does have the interview in BKK--is it recommended that I also be there? Does that matter?

Many many thanks for your most valuable feedback ... regards ... !!

Many Many thanks in advance for your most valued input. Happy Holidays to everyone and best wishes for the New Year.

My Thai Fiancee and I are tossing about some ideas on whether to apply for a K1 Fiancee Visa or a K3 Spouse Visa for the US. She is currently on contract as a manager on with a cruise company. Since the boat is at port in Florida all say every Saturday, I just fly down and we spend the day together, before she has to leave in the evening. We could easily take the time and get married one Saturday, when she is in port to satisfy the K3 visa application process.

Pro's and Con's about both?

I am not fully up to speed on the K3 (I am well informed about the K1 visa)--I have not been able to get a good, general consensus opinion about the K3 so far. Obviously, I want to take the process that is easier for my fiancee, and the shortest. But in the end, does it really matter which one to do? At first, I honestly thought that the K3 would be the way to go. But what little info I did read, that might not be the case at all, apparantly.

Here is what I have ascertained about K3--appreciate any input:

1) k-3 is a more expensive process?

2) gaining a social sec nmbr, the right to work in the US, and overall US citizenship takes longer in a K3? (it is important that she be able to work as

soon as possible, once she moves with me)

3) the k3 visa process actually takes longer than the K1 process?

The idea of getting married one day when she is in port is just an idea to help the visa process. She is on contract with the cruise until May, and we do have the K1 visa paperwork ready to go...but then the idea of the K3 came into mind.

Maybe it is best just to go with the K1 process? Thx again for your thoughts.

Lastly--since she is on the boat 24/7, relaying her accurate telephone contact for the K1 paperwork will most certainly be compromised. Has anyone ever placed an email contact? I want the BKK embassy to be able to contact her rapidly and reliably for the BKK interview process. Any suggestions for a good contact information for the paperwork? Email is by far the best--telephone contact on a remote boat location will not work. Could I give my phone contact information?

Regarding the BKK interview--when that comes--does the embassy call and tell you "this is the date of the interview", and is the notification time like onle a week? Reason I am asking--she is totally prepared to leave the ship and fly back to BKK for the interview. But she may need up to 2 weeks to be able to get back (in worst case the boat is in the middle of the ocean). I guess what I meant to ask, is how much lead time does the BKK embassy give to the interview-ee to set up a date for the interview?

Very best regards.

Many Many thanks in advance for your most valued input. Happy Holidays to everyone and best wishes for the New Year.

My Thai Fiancee and I are tossing about some ideas on whether to apply for a K1 Fiancee Visa or a K3 Spouse Visa for the US. She is currently on contract as a manager on with a cruise company. Since the boat is at port in Florida all say every Saturday, I just fly down and we spend the day together, before she has to leave in the evening. We could easily take the time and get married one Saturday, when she is in port to satisfy the K3 visa application process.

Pro's and Con's about both?

I am not fully up to speed on the K3 (I am well informed about the K1 visa)--I have not been able to get a good, general consensus opinion about the K3 so far. Obviously, I want to take the process that is easier for my fiancee, and the shortest. But in the end, does it really matter which one to do? At first, I honestly thought that the K3 would be the way to go. But what little info I did read, that might not be the case at all, apparantly.

Here is what I have ascertained about K3--appreciate any input:

1) k-3 is a more expensive process?

2) gaining a social sec nmbr, the right to work in the US, and overall US citizenship takes longer in a K3? (it is important that she be able to work as

soon as possible, once she moves with me)

3) the k3 visa process actually takes longer than the K1 process?

The idea of getting married one day when she is in port is just an idea to help the visa process. She is on contract with the cruise until May, and we do have the K1 visa paperwork ready to go...but then the idea of the K3 came into mind.

Maybe it is best just to go with the K1 process? Thx again for your thoughts.

Lastly--since she is on the boat 24/7, relaying her accurate telephone contact for the K1 paperwork will most certainly be compromised. Has anyone ever placed an email contact? I want the BKK embassy to be able to contact her rapidly and reliably for the BKK interview process. Any suggestions for a good contact information for the paperwork? Email is by far the best--telephone contact on a remote boat location will not work. Could I give my phone contact information?

Regarding the BKK interview--when that comes--does the embassy call and tell you "this is the date of the interview", and is the notification time like onle a week? Reason I am asking--she is totally prepared to leave the ship and fly back to BKK for the interview. But she may need up to 2 weeks to be able to get back (in worst case the boat is in the middle of the ocean). I guess what I meant to ask, is how much lead time does the BKK embassy give to the interview-ee to set up a date for the interview?

Very best regards.

Simply, the most incredible and friendly forum I have seen..from having read extensively thru the Sawasdee forum here--cant help but feel like its a group of good, long-time friends here..

At any rate--thx in advance for your time and input..seeking some thoughts on some approach options relative to my situation..

Basic background..me (35) and my Thai g/f (29) have known each other very very well for 3 years (I work for the airlines and travel to Asia and BKK 4-6 times a year)--we have decided to marry. My g/f spend 8 months this past year working as a staff member on a major cruise line, based in the US at first, then transfered to Europe for the remainder of the contract. Working on that jail barge 7 days/week, 12 hours a day throughout. She has the option of doing another contract starting end of November. I dont want her to at all..but of course, her decision/thoughts are equally important.

We would like to get started with the US K1 visa ASAP..but before that, I put some thought into her applying for the B2 tourist visa. I think I am pretty well versed on the ins/outs on that routine--and she must show strong reason to return to Thailand, and must not reveal her relation to me, etc. While she is currently in a transitions of sort in BKK, having just returned to BKK from the last contract, and possibly starting another one--proving fully her intent to return to BKK is going to be most difficult. Why do I feel the B2 vsa is important?--well, I want HER to have the choice and decision as well that she wants to live and stay with me here, in USA. the tourist visa will give her that exposure without the "pressure" of the K1 visa and get marry in 3 months. Not to worry, we know beyond the shadow of the doubt that we get marry---and of course, as soon as possible---that is not the issue at all.

I feel she stand at least some chance at B2 tourist visa---and rather than hide info, that she knows me, fm tourist visa interview--I was actually just thinking of having her tell the interviewer at the BKK embassy the truthful reason for her need for tourist visa, with letter from me. I know this is totally the wrong approach---but I dont want to just do nothing. The tourist visa, should we get it, will allow her to come here ASAP, and spend 30 days periods here--at least she can see everything I see and do her---to allow her the equal choice and decision.

I am just concern that, during her B2 tourist visa interview, if she not mention about me, and if rejected, and when we apply for K1 visa and she get the interview, what impact would applying for the tourist visa have on the K1 approval, if any? bad or no impact? Going the path of her telling them about me in the tourist visa interview I know sounds outlandish, I know that.

As for the K1 visa interview for her in BKK -- I can see that it seems to take 6-8 months for her to get the call about the interview. Her family is somewhat pressuring her to take the cruise contract again---Of course, I can offer my dislike for that idea--but she also has to be happy and do what she thinks is the right thing--especially of K1 interview can take 6-8 months. But I have the concern---what happen if K1 visa phone call for interview come earlier, and she on the boat, with no way to get to BKK quickly?

How does the contact process go, for Thai fiancee, with notification of K1 interview in BKK? Her contract goes from DEC thru June, I think. Do they contact her via email, phone? How much lead time? Do you recommend she take the cruise job? Please note, she can leave the cruise at any time, even mid contract, once the boat get back to port (every 12-18 days)--or do you recommend that she remain in BKK, and wait for the K1 interview contact there?

Thank you for your thoughts and input on the tourist visa application we are thinking of (I really dont care of the embassy blows that outta the water, to be honest, but I want to ensure that it wont have any negative impact on K1 visa chances--and why lie to them about why she want to come here anyways?) And for what you recommend she do--take the contact and the K1 interview contact will give her enought time to return to BKK for interview? I thought I read that the lead time for the K1 interview is one month? That should be ok, and take the cruise and return to BKK even on short notice....

Best regards....thanks again