Popular Types of US Visa In Thailand

Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, houses the third largest diplomatic mission of the United States. It is also a favorite tourist destination of adventurous backpackers. The country likewise serves as the second home of many US expatriates.

Similarly, a large number of Thais flock to the United States each year. With the current migration rate, it is no longer a surprise why the third biggest US embassy is in Thailand.

Types of US Visa in Thailand
Thais desiring to go the United States are familiar faces in the embassy. With high hopes, they patiently wait for the results of their visa applications. Visas are evidences of a permission to enter the US. Entry is not guaranteed though since such lies within the discretion of immigration officials at the port of entry.

Several US visas are commonly applied for by Thais. These visa applications usually stem from the strong need to be with their immediate relatives as well as tourism purposes. Concrete examples of these popular visas are the following: K1, K3 and tourist visas.

K1 visa
The K1 visa is a popular US visa in Thailand. This is granted to Thai fiancés of US citizens hoping to enter and be united with their partner in the US. It is a non-immigrant and single-entry visa and cannot be used for permanent residency. The K1 visa also has a derivative, the K2 visa, which if granted, allows the fiancé's child to join his mother in the US.

Thai K1 visa holders are expected to marry their partners within 90 days from arrival in the US. While staying in the country, the former fiancé who now becomes a spouse may file for an adjustment of status to permanent residency. In case the applicant for this Adjustment of Status desires to leave the US during the course of the application, an advanced parole must be obtained. Otherwise, the application may be considered abandoned. Applicants must take note that the advance parole must be submitted before leaving the US, not after exiting the country.

K3 visa
K3 is another sought-after US Visa in Thailand. Granted to Thai spouses, the latter may enter the US and apply for permanent residency there. The creation of the K3 visa is a product of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE) act which aims to make immigration application much easier.

Further, K3 also has a derivative visa---the K4 visa.

Tourist visa
Lastly, the tourist visa is another popular US visa in Thailand. It is divided into two categories, B-1 and B-2. B-1 is issued to Thais who travel to the US for short business trips and related activities. The B-2 visa, on the other hand, is granted to Thai visitors who visit the country for either medical treatment or leisure purposes.