U.S. Visas for Thai Citizens | Baan Thai - Immigration Lawyer Thailand

US Visas for Thai Citizens

Free U.S. Visa Consultation

Reunite with your Thai companion in America.

Free US Visa Consultation

Free US Visa Consultation

An easier way to obtain a US visa

You’re ready to take the next step in your relationship and you want to bring your Thai companion to America. Perhaps this will be a permanent move or simply an introduction to your friends, family, and hometown. Regardless, Baan Thai can help.

We offer specialized visa and immigration services to help you reunite with your Thai companion in America. In fact, our founder, Mark Friedman, was once in your shoes. He first met his now wife in Thailand and eventually brought her to the US. We can help you navigate the process and improve your chances of success – all while minimizing stress. We’ve helped hundreds of Thai nationals come to America, and we’re ready to help you.

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Which US visa option is best for you?

Learn about costs, timeline, and get your questions answered

Why Choose Us?

Baan Thai Is:

A US-quality law firm, practicing in your Thai companion’s home country

Baan Thai practices with the same quality and benefits of a US law firm. The organization was founded by Mark Friedman, who practiced as a member of the California Bar for more than 35 years leading global legal departments. Mark brings those same American professional standards, processes, practices, and technology solutions to you. The firm licenses the cloud-based client portal – Docketwise – used by 80% of US based immigration firms so you can safely provide your information and documents. We are your American counselors in Bangkok.

Specialized in US visas for Thai citizens

While there are many legal firms in Bangkok, there are few that specialize in US visas for Thai citizens. We stay abreast of developments and best practices in US immigration law as active members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. And our training, technology, and systems are all designed to make the visa process as efficient as possible. We can also assist your spouse, fiancee or companion prepare for their US Embassy interview in their native, Thai language. You’ll find few, if any, other firms who provide this same specialized support.

Experienced in challenging matters

We understand not every US visa case will be easy. If your matter presents challenges, we can help present your case in the best possible light. When our clients have believed their case was hopeless, we’ve successfully advocated and secured their US visas. We understand the factors US Immigration Officers are assessing and how best to present your information with clarity.

Meet your new legal advisor

One of these experienced immigration lawyers or counselors will guide you through the US visa journey

MARK FRIEDMAN

Managing Director & US licensed lawyer of 35+ years

Mark is a member of the California bar and graduated with honors (Order of the Coif) from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 1987. Mark started his personal journey in immigration many years ago when he brought his wife from Thailand to the US. You read that correctly – Mark has been in your shoes. Because of this experience, he understands your aspirations, concerns, and desires in succeeding in your visa journey.

Laddawan Hanchanameechai “Noina”

Partner & US immigration specialist

Noina is one of Baan Thai’s co-founders (along with Mark) and directors. She has helped hundreds of Thai spouses and fiance(e)s secure visas abroad over the past 18 years, including her partner at Baan Thai. The couples she’s successfully served come from all over the US. Noina is fluent in Thai and English and can help your Thai spouse collect required information from Thai authorities and prepare for the US Embassy interview so that critical last step is faced with confidence.

WANWISA KANLAYASAI “PREOW”

Immigration consultant

As an immigration consultant at Baan Thai, Preow specializes in helping Thai nationals secure US visas – particularly B-1/B-2 Tourist visas. A graduate of Thailand’s Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Preow is fluent in Thai and English and has spent extensive time abroad. She lived in Queensland, Australia for a year and a half, performing volunteer work for her church.

Affiliations and Recognition

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Being Bangkok-based means we take special care of your Thai companion

When you choose Baan Thai, we provide in-person support for your Thai companion from our Bangkok offices. Here, we’ll help them prepare for critical steps in the visa process: completing the application and preparing for the US Embassy interview. Our bilingual lawyers will guide your companion in collecting supporting documentation for your case and coach them in preparation for their one-on-one interview with a US immigration officer.

Your companion will be working with Noina and her team, who has helped hundreds of Thais navigate the US visa process – all in their native language. Simply put, your companion will be well taken care of. An added benefit is that our offices are located a short 5-minute walk to the US Embassy, and we’ll ensure that your companion gets to the right place on time on interview day.

What our clients say

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Enter the next chapter of your relationship in America

Your free 20-minute consultation will:

Frequently Asked Questions

The application fee is $185. Our legal fee at Baan Thai is $550 (20,000 THB).  

The timeline depends on the visa type you’re interested in. Here are some estimates of timelines for the three most common US visa types for Thai citizens: 

  • B-1/B-2 Tourist visa: 2-3 months
  • K-1 Fiancée visa: 18-22 months 
  • US Spouse visa: 18-24 months

 

Unfortunately, no. The US Embassy doesn’t provide applicants a reason for denying a visa. 

No, the interview will be conducted in their native language by a Thai-speaking American staff member. However, while your companion isn’t expected to speak English fluently, some English will be required. In case of a misunderstanding, the interviewer may get assistance from a native Thai speaker on staff at the Embassy.

No, US petitioners or friends are not permitted to attend the interview. Applicants need to be familiar with all the documents they present at the interview and capable of independently providing the Consular Officer with all requested information.

Yes, your companion will need to interview at the US embassy and collect supporting documentation, which will vary depending on the visa you apply for. For example, documents could include a marriage certificate if you’re applying for a Spouse visa, or a property deed for the B-1/B-2 Tourist visa. Baan Thai’s counselors will guide your Thai companion through the entire process, as well as prepare them for the interview in their native language. 

For K-1 Fiancée visas and US Spouse visas, your income must be equal to or greater than 125% of the US poverty line. For most petitioners, that equates to a minimum yearly income of $24,650. If you don’t meet this qualification, your Thai partner can still get the visa if you have sufficient assets outside of your income. Another option is to get a co-sponsor (usually a close family member) who is willing to undertake the legal responsibility to support you and your partner.

 

For B-1/B-2 Tourist visas, your Thai friend must prove they have the financial ability to pay for the trip, including a return plane ticket and enough money to cover their expenses while in the US. 

It depends on the visa. For K-1 Fiancée visas and US Spouse visas, approval depends on three things: your ability to financially support your Thai partner in America, the good character of your Thai companion, and establishing the legitimacy of your relationship. In other words, your chance of approval depends on the background of you and your partner. Some of the major issues that can affect your case are your income level, how you met each other, how many times you’ve filed a petition for the visa, and whether either of you have a criminal record.

 

For B-1/B-2 Tourist visas, your Thai friend’s chances of approval depend on their background. Your friend will need to overcome the presumption that they will overstay or work in the US. If your friend has a history of lawfully traveling overseas and returning, a career or property in Thailand, and other compelling reasons not to violate the visa terms, then your chances will improve. While this is not an easy visa to obtain, the right presentation of your Thai friend’s case can improve your likelihood of success. 

For B-1/B-2 Tourist visas, your Thai friend must prove they have the financial ability to pay for the trip, including a return plane ticket and enough money to cover their expenses while in the US.

What our clients say

We are ready to help and to answer every question you may have.

Our dedicated and experienced team is here and ready to help you as we have for so many others. Contact us today for a free consultation.