US Tourist Visa for Thai Citizens
BRING YOUR THAI FRIEND TO AMERICA.
Speak to a
immigration expert
An easier way to get a 10-year visitor visa
You’ve met someone. You’re excited about the possibilities of the relationship. And now you’re ready to introduce your Thai friend to your family, show them around your home country, or just have a fun vacation sightseeing. However, you may have discovered not all passports are created equal. While it’s easy for Americans to visit most countries, it’s far more difficult for someone from Thailand. Rejections are more common than you’d think, especially for Thais who wish to visit America.
Perhaps the most frustrating part is no one knows exactly why B-1/B-2 visa applications are accepted or rejected. Baan Thai can demystify the process. We’ve helped many Thais obtain US visitor visas, and we understand the criteria used by US Embassy Officers when they assess an application. If you’d like to improve your chances of success, leverage the knowledge of Baan Thai’s experienced immigration lawyers and counselors.
Application process overview
The most challenging part of the application process is overcoming the presumption that your Thai friend intends to violate the terms of the visitor visa by overstaying or working. While this presumption may seem unfair, the reason behind it is simple. Visa fraud is common. Obtaining a B-1/B-2 Tourist visa is a 4-stage process, and the most challenging steps are 2 and 3 below, where your Thai friend must overcome this presumption.
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Make an appointment at the US Embassy in Bangkok
Your Thai friend must first schedule an appointment at the US Embassy in Bangkok, which can be done online or through a call center. Current wait times for an appointment are two to three months. -
Complete the application and collect supporting documentation
Once the appointment is scheduled, your Thai friend will need to complete the B-1/B-2 Tourist visa application. He or she will also need to gather supporting documentation that shows strong ties to Thailand, such as owning property, having a career, or anything that provides a compelling reason to return, and why they will not work in the US. -
Interview at the US Embassy in Bangkok
The interview itself typically only lasts a few minutes. It’s important to be prepared and provide direct, clear, and relevant answers to the US Immigration Officer’s questions. The Officer sees anywhere from 50-100 applicants a day. Your Thai friend will have only a short amount of time to best present their case. -
Obtain the B-1/B-2 visa
Your Thai friend receives their visa two to seven business days after successfully passing the interview and is then free to travel to America.
What to expect when you schedule your free consultation with a legal professional
What to expect
- Complete the form so we can learn more about your situation.
- One of our counselors will reach out within 48 hours to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
- If you decide we're a good fit, we'll begin our partnership and start working on your case.
Let's start a conversation
Why Choose Us?
Baan Thai Is:
A US-quality law firm, practicing in your Thai friend’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 in the US 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 B-1/B-2 Tourist visas
While there are many legal firms in Bangkok, there are few that predominantly focus on 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. You’ll find few, if any, other firms in Bangkok who provide this same specialized support. We’ve helped many Thai nationals obtain B-1/B-2 Tourist Visas, and we’re ready to help you.
Experienced in challenging matters
We understand that most B-1/B-2 visitor visa cases are not easy. If your matter presents challenges, we can help present your case in the best possible light. We understand what 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 B-1/B-2 Tourist 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
Being Bangkok-based means we take special care of your Thai friend
When you choose Baan Thai, we provide in-person support for your Thai friend from our Bangkok offices. Here, we’ll help your friend prepare for the two most critical steps in obtaining a B-1/B-2 Tourist visa: completing the application and preparing for the interview. We’ll guide them in collecting documentation that supports the claim that they will return to Thailand and not work in the US, and we’ll coach them on how best to respond in the interview.
Your friend will be instructed on details such as proper attire, body language, and the most likely interview questions that will be asked. And they will receive guidance on key information to include in the application – so that their case is presented in the best possible light. As we have bilingual lawyers, your friend will receive all support in Thai. An added benefit is that our offices are located a short 5-minute walk to the US Embassy, and we’ll ensure that your friend gets to the right place on time.
What our clients say
"She was able to get her visitor visa for 10 years"
Doug
"We are very, very happy to have been introduced to the team"
Ben and Siriporn
"Within just a couple of months, Kratai was here in America."
Gary and Kratai
Reunite with your Thai friend in America
Your free 15-minute consultation will:
- Answer your questions
- Explain in detail the visa process and timing
- Breakdown all the costs
Frequently Asked Questions
The application fee is $185. Our legal fee at Baan Thai is $550 (20,000 THB).
Currently 2-3 months.
Unfortunately, no. The US Embassy doesn’t provide applicants a reason for denying a visa.
It depends on your Thai friend’s background. As mentioned above, your friend will need to overcome the presumption that he or she 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.
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.
