US Visa

Many Americans who travel to Thailand meet someone special and opt to obtain a US visa so that their Thai loved one can travel with them back to the United States. Integrity Legal is owned and operated by a licensed American attorney. Integrity Legal handles a large number of US visa applications on behalf of those seeking US visas from the US Embassy Thailand. The following is a brief overview of the types of visas that can be obtained for Thai loved ones.

The K1 Fiance Visa

The K1 visa is a travel document issued to the unmarried fiance of a United States Citizen. The fiance visa is issued with a validity of 90 days. It is a single entry visa, but it is a dual intent travel document which means that the bearer can have immigrant intent upon arrival in the United States. After marriage on a K1 visa, the Thai visa holder needs to obtain lawful permanent residence in order to remain in the US indefinitely. This is accomplished by submitting an application for adjustment of status with a local USCIS office.

The Immigrant Visa

An Immigrant Visa is the classic method of acquiring Immigration benefits for a Thai fiancee or wife. The American Citizen petitioner must submit an I-130 application and act as financial sponsor for the Thai beneficiary. There are basically two types of Immigrant visas: CR-1 or IR-1. The CR1 visa stands for “Conditional Resident.” If in Conditional Resident Status, then one’s residence is conditioned upon the underlying marriage. After 2 years, it is possible to have the conditionality of this visa lifted by filing a request with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). An IR visa is the same as a CR1 visa except for the fact that Permanent Residence is unconditional upon entry. However, the couple must have been married for a minimum of two years at the time of their entrance in the United States.

The K3 Marriage Visa

The K3 visa is a supplemental marriage visa meaning that it is issued subsequent to a supplemental visa application filed in connection with another underlying application. In the case of the K3 an I-130 application must be initially filed before the subsequent filing of an I-129f application. The reason for two petitions is due to the fact that an immigrant visa application usually takes more time to process an I-130 application and many people wish to be reunited with their Thai loved one as quickly as possible.

There are some other Immigration benefits for Thai Nationals under the US-Thai Treaty of Amity. For more information regarding these benefits or US Immigration generally please contact Integrity Legal.

Why Do I need a Thai Visa?