The Interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok: How to help your Thai Fiancée Prepare

A lot of articles that talk about immigration from Thailand fail to cover what happens with the US Embassy in Bangkok. This article's aim is to better inform those seeking to immigrate about their options and what needs to happen in order to successfully obtain a visa.

Consular Processing Attorneys: what can they do for my Thai fiancee?

A Consular Processing Attorney is a licensed Attorney in the US who maintains an office near a US Embassy abroad. While an Immigration Lawyer in the US has the ability to file a petition with USCIS it is unlikely that they will have an office in Thailand to help expedite the process. Also, an Attorney with an office in Thailand can better deal the Thai Fiancée herself due to the fact that a lawyer in Thailand will probably have Thai personnel to assist is describing the procedure and what documents need to be acquired. At the same time, an on-sight lawyer can communicate with the Embassy. Among the things an Immigration Attorney in Thailand can assist with: preparing your Thai Fiancée for the visa interview (by reviewing possible questions and translating them into Thai), organizing all documentation filed with the Embassy (with translation if necessary), getting a police report for the Thai Fiancee, obtaining medical exams for your Thai Fiancée, and responding to 221(g) requests for more information (often the Embassy, in their discretion will require some other documentation).

As well as these advantages, merely having an Attorney on the scene to consult with can add a great deal to one's peace of mind regarding the Immigration process particularly where the US Citizen is back in the US waiting for the Thai Fiancée to come to the US. In cases such as this it can be a godsend to have someone on the scene dealing with the Embassy to take the burden off of the Thai loved one. Where a language barrier exists, even a small one, the Immigration process can be exacerbated. However, by having an Attorney on hand the frustration and confusion can be reduced because the burden does not fall upon the Thai to deal with the Embassy. As an alternative, a trained legal professional can communicate with the Embassy and convey their interpretation to the Thai fiancee exactly what needs to be done in order to expedite the process.

Packet 3 and your Thai Fiancee: how a Consular Processing Attorney Can Help

Packet 3 is the Packet the US Embassy will send to your Thai Fiancee explaining what documentation needs to be obtained before the Visa Interview. A Consular Processing Attorney will not only assist in obtaining the documentation, but can also provide guidance on what is required and tips to expedite the process. Many couples get frustrated and confused when dealing with Packet 3. However, with proper guidance the Packet 3 endeavor can proceed smoothly.

Thanks for Reading,

Benjamin W. Hart, Esq.

The above article should not be taken as a replacement for competent legal advice from a duly licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. No Attorney/Client Relationship (either express or implied) shall be inferred from this publication.