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Bringing Your Thai Partner to the US to Get Married: Which Visa is Best?
If you are a US citizen planning to marry your Thai partner back in America, you have two main options for getting them into the country: the US K-1 Fiancé Visa and the US Tourist Visa. Choosing the right visa for your significant other to enter the US can be the foundation of your future happiness together, but a mistake here could lead to a deportation or even a ban on future entry. While more difficult to acquire, the K-1 Visa comes with far less risk compared to the US Tourist Visa. Let’s dive into why the K-1 Visa is often the better choice for couples intending to marry and live in the US, and how you can get your partner one without any risk of delays or legal issues. What are the differences between the US K-1 Fiancé Visa and the US Tourist Visa? You must know the differences between the US K-1 Fiancé Visa and the US Tourist Visa as they serve vastly different purposes. Misusing these visas not only jeopardizes your chances of staying in the US but can also impact future immigration applications. Here, we will outline these distinctions to ensure you use the appropriate visa for your circumstances. K-1 Fiancé Visa The K-1 Fiancé Visa is an immigrant visa intended for foreign fiancés of US citizens who plan to marry within 90 days of entering the US. It allows your partner to come to America, marry you, and then apply to change their status to a permanent resident. Unlike other visas, the K-1 is specifically suited for couples ready to commit and start their married life in the US. Note, however, that if the marriage does not take place within 90 days of arrival, the Thai partner must leave the US and Adjustment of Status will not be possible unless they go through the process again. US Tourist Visa On the other hand, the US Tourist Visa (B-2) is a nonimmigrant visa strictly intended for tourism only and allows your partner to visit for up to six months. It’s important to note that this visa is not for those who plan to marry and settle in the US. Using a tourist visa to marry and then applying for an Adjustment of Status can lead to severe consequences, as it might be considered visa fraud. This misuse can jeopardize both the Thai partner’s ability to remain in the US and their future visa applications. Only use this visa if you do not intend to marry in the US, and are just visiting with concrete plans to return to Thailand or otherwise leave the country. You can always apply for a K-1 Visa upon your return to Thailand. Why pick a K-1 Visa over a US Tourist Visa? Choosing the right visa for your Thai partner not only reduces your risk of legal trouble but also increases your chances of approval for both the visa and securing permanent resident status. These are awarded largely at the discretion of immigration officials, so a willingness to follow the rules closely demonstrates the seriousness and legitimacy of your intent. Potential Refusal for Tourist Visas American immigration officials are trained to assume that foreign partners of US citizens applying for a tourist visa are coming to America for illegal immigration purposes. This is why the embassy interview is required and demands evidence of ties to Thailand to prove intent to return. So, even if you do not intend to marry your Thai partner after bringing them to the US on a tourist visa, US immigration may still believe you are, and deny your partner’s visa. This in turn will make getting any US visa in the future difficult for them. Purpose Alignment The K-1 visa is tailored for couples planning to marry, making it the appropriate legal route for bringing your Thai fiancé to the US. It aligns with the intention of marriage, unlike a tourist visa. By using the K-1 visa, you both comply with US immigration laws from the beginning and can later demonstrate that you did everything properly, increasing the chances of approval and leniency with any issues. Legal Considerations Applying for the K-1 Visa shows a clear intention to marry and live in the US, which is crucial for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Entering the US on a tourist visa with the hidden agenda of marrying and seeking to adjust status to a permanent resident can be perceived as deceptive. This misrepresentation can lead to serious legal troubles, including allegations of visa fraud. The repercussions for misrepresenting your intent in this way are severe and could lead to permanent restrictions on your and your partner’s travels to the US. What are the consequences of misusing the US Tourist Visa?  Much like with the approval of your visas, the penalties for misuse are based on the judgment of USCIS, and can be quite severe depending on both your actions and if either of you have any past negative history with US Immigration. Visa Fraud Allegations  Misrepresenting your purpose of entry can lead to allegations of fraud, which is a serious violation that can affect future visa applications and lead to prosecution and subsequent jail time and/or fines. Deportation If discovered, your Thai partner could face deportation, a process that not only separates you but also marks your partner’s immigration record forever. Entry Bans Perhaps the most daunting consequence is the possibility of a permanent ban from entering the US, forever preventing both visits and immigration possibilities. Even if you are successful in bringing your Thai partner to America on a tourist visa, marrying them, and applying for Adjustment of Status, they will still have to leave the US after 6 months as per the visa’s maximum length of stay requirements. Then, once you try to bring them back to America, the border officials will have many questions for your Thai partner, and you will not have the appropriate answers. The resulting penalties will be much more severe than if you were caught before using the tourist visa to enter. Using the K-1 visa mitigates these risks, providing a secure, straightforward path to marriage and permanent residency in the US for your Thai fiancé.  Apply for a US Visa with Siam Legal At Siam Legal, a full-service law firm with over 20 years of experience in US immigration law, we know that applying for a US K-1 Visa can seem daunting. That’s why our team of dedicated US visa consultants is dedicated to providing a hassle-free experience, confidently guiding you through each step of the visa application process. Not only are we well-versed in all the minor details and the back-and-forth procedures required with multiple US agencies, but our bilingual team is also able to keep both you and your Thai partner well-informed of your application process, status, and options. Our team’s deep knowledge and attention to detail will ensure your application is arranged correctly, and your partner is well-prepared for the embassy interview, maximizing your chances of visa approval. Contact Siam Legal to start this important step in your life together, and we’ll make it easier for you to focus on what truly matters — your future with your loved one. Siam Legal International (Bangkok Office) Address: 18th Floor, Unit 1806 Two Pacific Place, 142 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Phone: +66 2 254 8900 Email: info@siam-legal.com   Siam Legal (Phuket) Address: 123, Cherngtalay, Thalang, 27-28 BangTao Place Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand Phone: +66 76 326 322 Email: info@siam-legal.com   Siam Legal (Chiang Mai) Address: Curve Mall 2nd floor Room C219-C220, 215/2 Chang Klan Road, Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand Phone: +66 53 818 306 Email: info@siam-legal.com    



Applying for a Thailand Elite Visa with Your Family
Joining Thailand Privilege and acquiring a Thailand Elite Visa opens up a whole new world of benefits to take advantage of, but what’s even better is you can easily provide the same benefits for your family. One of the central perks of being a Thailand Privilege member is having the opportunity to add your family members to your membership plan at a reduced rate, ensuring you don’t have to make multiple visa arrangements to keep your family together in Thailand.  Three of the four Thailand Privilege membership packages provide this option: Platinum Membership Membership cost (primary applicant): 1,500,000 THB Membership cost (additional applicants): 1,000,000 THB Membership term: 10 years Shared Privilege points: 35 points per year Thailand Elite Visa Platinum Membership Diamond Membership Membership cost (primary applicant): 2,500,000 THB Membership cost (additional applicants): 1,500,000 THB Membership term: 15 years Shared Privilege points: 55 points per year Thailand Elite Visa Diamond Membership Reserve Membership  Membership cost (primary applicant): 5,000,000 THB Membership cost (additional applicants): 2,000,000 THB Membership term: 20 years (with the option to apply for another 5-year visa after the end of this membership term) Privilege points: 120 points per year Thailand Elite Visa Reserve Membership https://www.siam-legal.com/thai-elite-visa/the-best-thailand-privilege-membership-for-families/ If they want, your family member(s) can also choose to apply for a Thailand Privilege Visa Gold Membership. However, they will need to submit an entirely separate application for it. For convenience, it’s best to consider either a Platinum, Diamond, or Reserve package.  Benefits  As a luxurious, long-stay tourist visa program, a Thailand Privilege membership delivers a convenient Thai Elite Visa as well as a wide selection of perks and benefits not found anywhere else. Both you and any family members that you include on your membership plan will be entitled to: A 5-year multiple-entry visa, renewable depending on the membership duration The right to reside uninterrupted in Thailand cumulatively for up to 1 year, resettable with every re-entry into the country Ability to fly into and out of Thailand without needing a re-entry permit Better flexibility in choosing which perks to leverage by using a points redemption system Swifter and more streamlined application experience Opportunity to upgrade memberships to higher tiers No annual fees Access to the premium lane when arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Phuket International Airport for immigration fast-tracking Elite Personal Assistant (EPA) services upon arrival at either Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chiang Mai or Phuket International Airport Complimentary annual health checkups at top-tier hospitals across Thailand once per membership validity. Personal accident insurance during the first membership year (the number of usable days on it depends on the membership package) Discounts at leading shopping centers and high-end restaurant chains across the country Exclusive incentives such as seasonal gifts, movie tickets, and buy-1-get-1-free promotions Additional applicants will also share the same allotment of Thailand Privilege points you receive. For instance, if you apply for a Platinum membership, you will earn 35 privilege points distributed amongst yourself and any extra members. However, there are many redeemable privileges to enhance family outings such as yacht rentals, private river cruises, and special trips to movie theaters and boxing rings, so you’ll still be getting a good value.  Thailand Privilege Eligibility Requirements Before applying for a Thailand Privilege Family Membership, you should consult all the conditions you and your family members will need to fulfill. Understanding that you have met all the mandatory requirements prevents any ensuing complications or possible rejections.  Each applicant must meet the following requirements: Must possess a valid foreign passport with no less than 12 months remaining on it Must be considered of sound mind Must not be a current or previous holder of a volunteer visa Must not showcase any bankruptcy history Must have a clean criminal record with no signs of criminal activity or imprisonment Must not have any lengthy overstays or pending overstay penalties on record Current or previous holders of an education visa are eligible but will need to submit additional documentation alongside the application There are no age, financial, income, employment, or education requirements The foreign passport used for the application must not originate from the following UN-sanctioned countries: Asia: Afghanistan, North Korea, Pakistan Africa: Central Africa, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan Middle East: Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Yemen Once you have all met the eligibility conditions, you can proceed to the next step.  Reaching out to a Thailand Privilege Visa GSSA If you’re applying for an elite visa membership, you should contact a Thailand Privilege General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) first. GSSAs are government-authorized organizations tasked with guiding applicants like yourself through the Thailand Privilege application. They act as knowledgeable consultants, assist with application preparation, and most importantly, provide their services for free. Using a GSSA is of utmost importance if you want to ensure that your family’s application process is smooth and stress-free with minimal chance of rejection.  A GSSA can perform the following services for you: Arrange private meetings to explore your interest in the Thailand Privilege program Address any urgent concerns surrounding the Thailand Privilege memberships Provide a detailed overview of the program and all the benefits Perform liaison duties with relevant government organizations Carefully review your applications to ensure everything is in order Submit your application packets to the government on your behalf Thailand Elite Family Visa Required Documentation Your family’s Thailand Privilege membership applications will require several key documents. These compulsory items include: Membership Application Form (Core Member) for the membership of your choice Membership Application Form (Next Members) for your family members to complete Membership Application Fee Payment Form Photocopy of each applicant’s passport biopage (in color)* Passport-sized photo of each applicant (in color, taken against a white background)** Proof of relationship documents (such as a birth or marriage certificate) Supplementary documentation (if applicable)*** *NOTE: The biopage must display your passport’s signature. If your signature is not visible on the biopage, then you must provide a photocopy of the signature page. The same applies when submitting photocopies of your family member’s passport. **NOTE: You can take your and your family member(s)’s photo by standing against a white background and putting your camera into portrait mode. Consult your GSSA for details regarding the photo dimensions. ***NOTE: This is circumstantial and you should ask your GSSA if there are any additional documents required. Current and past holders of an education visa would need to complete an Education Visa Holder Acknowledgement Form.  You will also need to pay an application fee of 50,000 THB before starting the background check. This step can be accomplished once you have filled out the Membership Application Fee Payment Form and followed all the instructions to complete your payment. The application fee is deducted from your total membership fee if your background check is successful, so you only need to pay the remainder. Thailand Elite Visa Application Process After consulting a GSSA, you can request for them to submit your application directly to Thailand Privilege. The application journey, while a lot faster compared to other visas, is still lengthy with an estimated timeline of 1 to 3 months to get a Thailand Elite Visa issued.  As an applicant, you will need to proceed through these stages: Gather and send all necessary documents to your GSSA, which will review them and let you know if there are any inaccuracies, errors, or missing items.  When everything is ready, your GSSA will submit your packet to the Thai government. Upon submission, they will also share with you your login details for the Thailand Privilege online portal, enabling you to track the status of your application. A Thai immigration officer will be assigned to examine your background history, as well as those of any additional applicants. This takes between 4 to 6 weeks on average but may last longer if any delays arise.  If the background check is successful, you will receive an approval letter and payment instructions. You will then have 30 days to follow the payment instructions for the remaining membership fee to Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd.  After completing your payment, wait between 5 to 10 business days to receive a welcome package, consisting of a welcome letter and your membership ID.  With your membership ID* ready, you can book an appointment via the member contact center to affix the Thailand Elite Visa to your passport. Successfully progressing through all these steps enrolls you into a Thailand Privilege membership and grants you a Thailand Elite Visa. You can now reside in Thailand until your membership expires and utilize all the benefits available.  *NOTE: Additionally, you can apply for a physical Thailand Privilege card for yourself and any family members you’ve added. While optional, if you or a family are spending privilege points, some organizations issuing certain privileges may ask for a card to be presented.   Contact Siam Legal to Start Your Elite Application Applying for Thailand Privilege Visas for your family can seem like an arduous task given the strict eligibility criteria, a myriad of required documents, and a lengthy application journey it demands. A GSSA can help with this, but you want the best in the business if you want your application to be as quick and smooth as possible. If you’re interested in applying for a Thailand Privilege membership, then reach out to Siam Legal to begin. We are a top-performing, leading GSSA in Thailand that’s been helping people from all over the globe obtain Thai visas for over 20 years. Our multicultural and multilingual Thailand Privilege team is highly experienced and will provide personalized guidance throughout your application journey, mitigating possible delays and complications.  Once you have contacted our Thailand Privilege team, we will host an introductory consultation with you. Here, we will answer any questions and discuss what your expectations and needs are to get a good grasp of which membership package is suitable for your family.  If your family would like to complete the application at this first meeting, bring all required documents and we will issue you the required forms to complete. We will also photocopy your passport and take your photograph for you, adhering to all the guidelines specified by the Thailand Privilege authority. After the meeting, we will submit the application to the Thai government and provide you with the login details for the Thailand Privilege online portal. This saves you time and provides peace of mind knowing your application is in the hands of professional experts who know the ins and outs of the Thailand Privilege program.  So, if you’re looking for the fastest, most rewarding, and most reliable way of bringing your family with you to the Land of Smiles, then contact a representative from Siam Legal Thailand Privilege Visa team today to get started on your Thailand Privilege membership application. CALL NOW +66 80 005 9642 Siam Legal International (Bangkok Office) Address: Two Pacific Place 18th Floor Unit 1806, 142 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Phone: +66 80 005 9642 Email: thailandelite@siam-legal.com Contact us: https://www.siam-legal.com/elite/ Siam Legal (Phuket) Address: 123, Cherngtalay, Thalang, 27-28 BangTao Place Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand Phone: +66 76 326 322 Email: thailandelite@siam-legal.com Contact us: https://www.siam-legal.com/elite/   Siam Legal (Chiang Mai) Address: Curve Mall 2nd floor Room C219-C220, 215/2 Chang Klan Road, Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand Phone: +66 53 818 306 Email: thailandelite@siam-legal.com Contact us: https://www.siam-legal.com/elite/  

Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
A Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa provides a straightforward way for you to legally live and work in Thailand for up to 10 years. The Thai government introduced the LTR visa to appeal to affluent global citizens and international experts with specific skills, aiming to boost the country’s economic growth.  Thailand, a major player in the ASEAN region, seeks to enhance its position by encouraging more talented foreign professionals to live, work, and/or invest within its borders, so if you fit this description then this visa could be for you. Unlike with other long-term Thai visas, holding an LTR Visa allows you to reside in Thailand for multiple years without the need for regular border crossings or immigration check-ins, and grants the opportunity to obtain employment legally with a work permit. Why apply for an LTR Visa?   While an LTR visa may have more stringent prerequisites than a Thailand retirement visa, it also provides more benefits and advantages for those who qualify. The benefits include: A 10-year, multiple-entry visa (which can be extended) Free access to immigration fast-tracking services upon arrival at Thai international airports Need only report to Thai Immigration once a year instead of every 90 days as with other visas Rewards certain tax incentives Holders of an LTR Visa in the Highly-Skilled Professionals category are given a flat 17% tax rate on their personal income tax rate earned in Thailand Facilitated work permit and immigration services at the One Stop Service Center The opportunity to legally work in Thailand for a Thai company Not only do LTR visa holders have fewer immigration hassles to deal with, but they also benefit from several financial perks as well, making this a great fit for working professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, wealthy retirees, and digital nomads. Who Is Eligible? There are four different LTR visa categories depending on what you plan to do in Thailand, each with its own set of requirements. The four distinct visa categories are: LTR Visa for Wealthy Global Citizens  LTR Visa for Wealthy Pensioners (retirees)  LTR Visa for Work-From-Thailand Professionals LTR Visa for Highly-Skilled Professionals You will have to meet all of them to apply, or your application can be rejected, wasting your time and money. Besides the category-specific criteria, all categories have the basic requirement of health insurance with coverage of at least $50,000 OR a minimum deposit of $100,000 in a Thai bank account. Additionally, up to four immediate family members are eligible to be included on your Thailand LTR Visa, provided they meet basic requirements. This option is available for children under 20 years old and spouses, provided they are legally connected through marriage, birth, or adoption. You will need to provide proof of these relationships, including birth and marriage certificates. Also, each family member you add to your LTR visa must have health insurance coverage of at least $25,000. Applying for an LTR Visa The processing times for LTR visa applications vary, typically taking between 1 to 2 months. The time frame depends on your circumstances, the visa category applied for, and the accuracy of your application. An application that is not properly prepared or has errors will experience delays, and perhaps even an outright rejection. To begin the application process, you first must gather several documents. Required Documents: Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa application form (TM94) Criteria and Conditions Acknowledgement Form (STM.8) Color photocopy of your passport, valid for at least 6 months after the date of application A recent, passport-size photo in color against a white background Proof of income, such as recent tax returns, bank statements, and pay slips from your employer Additional documents if applicable, like employment contracts and education certificates Contact Siam Legal For swift, stress-free, and successful Thai LTR Visa applications, Siam Legal International is your go-to international law firm in Thailand. With over 20 years of expertise, our immigration attorneys and visa consultants provide you with exceptional personalized support and application preparation services. From the initial consultation to document review and submission to dealing with the Thailand Board of Investment, we handle everything to minimize the risk of rejection. Once approved, we assist in collecting your visa, ensuring you can start enjoying the benefits as soon as possible.  By choosing Siam Legal, you secure a streamlined visa application journey, saving time and maximizing your chances of approval. Contact Siam Legal today to start your LTR Visa application process. Siam Legal International (Bangkok Office) Address: 18th Floor, Unit 1806 Two Pacific Place, 142 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Phone: +66 2 254 8900 Email: info@siam-legal.com Siam Legal (Phuket) Address: 123 / 27-28 Moo 5, Bangtao Place, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket, 83110, Thailand Phone: +66 76 326 322 Email: info@siam-legal.com Siam Legal (Chiang Mai) Address: Curve Mall 2nd floor Room C219-C220, 215/2 Chang Klan Road, Mueang, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand Phone: +66 53 818 306 Email: info@siam-legal.com