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  1. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by OhOh
    What were your legal costs in the end?
    No legal costs as such mate as I done it all myself ,, if your talking about what you pay to the government via the various visa stages it would be around £4k -£5k mate plus your time off work + expenses to and fro to Croydon 3 times .

  2. #27
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    Quote Originally Posted by JPPR2
    my employment opportunity here,
    Is duration of employment critical? Seems you have covered that issue with 2 previous years of IT data for the IRS check. Must be a minimum amount held in accounts as well required?

    I was considering doing something similar, but I've procrastinated due to the endless sagas reported at the embassy visa processing department. I really don't plan on any trip back so I've pretty much stopped thought along those lines altogether now.

  3. #28
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    Quote Originally Posted by nigelandjan View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by OhOh
    What were your legal costs in the end?
    No legal costs as such mate as I done it all myself ,, if your talking about what you pay to the government via the various visa stages it would be around £4k -£5k mate plus your time off work + expenses to and fro to Croydon 3 times .
    Not exactly "chump change," Nigel. I'm afraid to ask what it would have cost using a solicitor?

  4. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt
    Is duration of employment critical?
    No actually duration of employment is not critical but it serves 2 purposes. 1) I need to show the reason why I am staying here and not returning to Thailand as we had planned and that I have the means to honor my guarantee that I will financially support her.

    While I have other assets to support the guarantee, having viable employment with medical benefits for which I added her shows my capability to honor it. Interestingly on many forms it has "Domestic Partner" options which is perfect being we are not married but I can support her. All of this just makes the case stronger for her to stay. One of the forms does specifically ask about my current employment.

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    ^I would think that financials would be a deal breaker if not sufficient in their eyes.
    Domestic Partner of course refers to Gay and Lesbians in this case, but for sure you can feel included if that's how you look at it. Kinda like when someone wants to state they're black or Indian these days on federal or state, business have no right to challenge the status declared by individuals in America. What a great world we live in. Good luck.

  6. #31
    CCBW Stumpy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt
    I would think that financials would be a deal breaker if not sufficient in their eyes.
    Actually it would be. If the individual applying had no means from either themselves or the support person then I suspect you would be denied almost instantly. You cannot come here (Legally) and be a burden to the system(we have enough of those here now illegally). Fortunately that is not the case with me guaranteeing her financial well being.

    Believe it or not "domestic partner" is no longer a category exclusively for the gay community. Kind of like Aids is not longer a gay disease. It applies for people that are not married but living together. I am glad it exists. If not, I would not have been able to add her to medical insurance benefits.

    I

  7. #32
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    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt
    Not exactly "chump change," Nigel. I'm afraid to ask what it would have cost using a solicitor?
    One of our UK / Thai friends here has just used one of those poxy agencies just to get her next 2 year further leave to remain and its cost them over £3.5k so far and they have another 2 visas to get through before she can remain indefinitely ,, albeit he is a business man and in a better financial situation than me
    I'm proud of my 38" waist , also proud I have never done drugs

  8. #33
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    Quote Originally Posted by nigelandjan View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt
    Not exactly "chump change," Nigel. I'm afraid to ask what it would have cost using a solicitor?
    One of our UK / Thai friends here has just used one of those poxy agencies just to get her next 2 year further leave to remain and its cost them over £3.5k so far and they have another 2 visas to get through before she can remain indefinitely ,, albeit he is a business man and in a better financial situation than me
    Nigel,
    That does not sound all that bad. It is less then here for a "Good" immigration Attorney. Specialized ones want $10K or more. It appears it just depends on how easy you want it all to be. I find though in the end that they are just "Packaging agents" and i guarantee some paralegal is doing all the packaging. I mean you have to supply them all the info and they put in a nice package.

    I am not sure the process in the UK but here it is really not very complicated if your situation is on the up and up. It is does take a few hours of time to get all the forms required figured out but after that it is a breeze to fill them out and print. I bet we have no more then 10 hours total wrapped in it including the medical part up to this point. It has been a fun project being we are doing it together.

  9. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by nigelandjan View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt
    Not exactly "chump change," Nigel. I'm afraid to ask what it would have cost using a solicitor?
    One of our UK / Thai friends here has just used one of those poxy agencies just to get her next 2 year further leave to remain and its cost them over £3.5k so far and they have another 2 visas to get through before she can remain indefinitely ,, albeit he is a business man and in a better financial situation than me
    Almost seems like, "black mail." Pay to stay, no pay, go. You must have had a very difficult time wading through the Immigration morass in the UK? I can't think of any institution I'd rather not visit. JPPPR is essentially following in your footsteps in the USA.

    Just think what it would be like for a foreigner without a Natural citizen, (US or UK) partner to assist them through all the legal bureaucratic tangles of the Immigration departments. It has to be hell on earth. No doubt the lawyers are swimming like sharks waiting for these people to ask for assistance. A lot like Thailand in that respect.

    I've handled all my own Immigration here in Thailand by myself, but I've known many foreigners who go to Thai lawyers to sort out all their Immigration matters. I'm always shocked by this, but I remain closed mouthed.

  10. #35
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    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt
    Almost seems like, "black mail." Pay to stay, no pay, go. You must have had a very difficult time wading through the Immigration morass in the UK? I can't think of any institution I'd rather not visit. JPPPR is essentially following in your footsteps in the USA.
    Your quite correct mate ,, its almost disgusting and certainly humiliating having to fill in so many poxy forms and go over and over identifying yourselves again and again,, just to keep your legally married wife to allow her to live with you,, especially in the UK where they rely so heavily on people like my wife to work 12 hours per day in care homes looking after they're own folk .

    Sorry JP I,ll get off your thread ,, rant over

  11. #36
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    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by nigelandjan View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt
    Not exactly "chump change," Nigel. I'm afraid to ask what it would have cost using a solicitor?
    One of our UK / Thai friends here has just used one of those poxy agencies just to get her next 2 year further leave to remain and its cost them over £3.5k so far and they have another 2 visas to get through before she can remain indefinitely ,, albeit he is a business man and in a better financial situation than me
    Almost seems like, "black mail." Pay to stay, no pay, go. You must have had a very difficult time wading through the Immigration morass in the UK? I can't think of any institution I'd rather not visit. JPPPR is essentially following in your footsteps in the USA.
    Its really not all that difficult, if you have basic comprehension skills. I have no problems with the government asking us to provide evidence of our relationship. The problem I have, is the rip off fees to process such an application, especially when so many illegals end up getting it for free, including some poor bugger doing their forms for them too. Fortunately we didnt end up having to pay as much as Nigel, which was nice.
    I aint superstitious, but I know when somethings wrong
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    Let the undercurrent drag me along.

  12. #37
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    You will also find these days Asta its a lot more involved mate

  13. #38
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    I didnt think it had changed all that much Nige. So long as one keeps all relevant evidence from day 1, and presents it properly, nobody should have any real issues. From what I understand, all that has changed, is the price (which really is a complete rip off), and the introduction of a minimum income for the sponsor. We got caught out with the life in the UK test that good old Tony brought in, without telling anyone else.

  14. #39
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    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt
    I've handled all my own Immigration here in Thailand by myself, but I've known many foreigners who go to Thai lawyers to sort out all their Immigration matters. I'm always shocked by this, but I remain closed mouthed.
    I did all my own retirement Thailand immigration as well. Was about the same as it has been for my GF. A few less forms but same hoops. It really just takes patience and a reasonable level of common sense. Of course not being a douchebag and carrying a ton of legal baggage with you makes it that much easier. I know a few that used Siam lawyers. Paid $1300 for what took about a week to do. Like you, I just kept my mouth shut.

  15. #40
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    Quote Originally Posted by nigelandjan
    Sorry JP I,ll get off your thread ,, rant over
    Noo Problem Nigel, its all good info for everybody. Rants are good.

  16. #41
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    Today went well. Met with Doctor and she signed and released the medical acceptance forms to us. Now we can package up all the forms and send off. I will try and take a pictures of the packet we are sending in and post it.

    While it is an odd feeling having to justify yourself in all this I am glad we are doing it the legal way. This will avoid us ever having to look over our shoulders. One paramount thing is to be truthful and factual. The truth stands alone. If you get caught with mixed info this will most definitely end up being delayed or even denied.

  17. #42
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    The one good thing is JP you seem to be allowed to convert what was originally I believe a visitor visa , whereas in the UK you cannot convert a visitor visa , the only conversion is from a fiancee visa to married the further leave to remain followed by indefinite leave to remain , the first 6 months on a fiancee visa can be boring for them as they are not allowed to work on that one

  18. #43
    CCBW Stumpy's Avatar
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    Nigel,
    Being able to convert is nice but you know it all boils down to intent. So we have a huge burden to prove this is not why we came here nor was this a back door attempt. As you know there is a huge number of scams where people are paid $$$ to lie and bring someone over here falsifying everything. So we will be scrutinized carefully. But with her being almost 40 and her parents having passed away who is paying me to bring her here.....

  19. #44
    CCBW Stumpy's Avatar
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    Update and filed forms

    Wanted to update the thread

    Here are the forms and various information we are submitting

    Forms

    G-325A Biographic information (Both of us)
    I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (Her only)
    I-485 Application to register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Her only)
    I-693 Medical acceptance form(Her only and includes all immunizations and was sealed by the doctor and cannot be opened)
    I-854 Contract between sponsor or household member(Me only)
    I-94 copy
    US Tax returns for previous 2 years(Me only)
    2 months of current pay stubs to verify employment (Me only)
    Birth certificates (Both of us)
    Copy of Drivers licenses( Both of us)
    Copy of passports (Both of us)
    2 passport size pictures (Both of us)

    Various information

    Bank statement showing her name active on the acct
    Receipts of our stays and travels around SE Asia
    3 compressed pages of various pictures of us on travel, with family and friends
    Copy of auto insurance showing she is insured to drive
    Copy of medical insurance showing she is medically insured

    Make absolutely sure you mail in Certified or Registered mail so you have a confirmation of receipt

    On the various information supplied above, Based on input from passages I read and input from the 1 hr free consultation with an immigration attorney it is in your best interest to supply anything supporting your relationship and your ability to support her. Sadly you need to prove this is not a paid or arranged relationship to make her a citizen. If you do not supply the information it may not get denied, however they will most likely send you a letter requiring more information which only delays the process.

    Next step

    They will review the data and then schedule an interview. This will basically confirme and validate the information we supplied and that there was no intent to fraud getting here using a Tourist Visa. Of course I am certain in the interview the questions will arise about what she will do with all the items she noted on her original visa to come here that would guarantee her return in the specified time. She has all of that covered as well being she has it all at her home and her house is being watched by her Aunt and Uncle and they have graciously offered to watch it until we return being they own a home of their own very close to hers.

    As I stated in my OP, please keep in mind that once approved she cannot leave the US to return home for at least 2 years( i am working to confirm the time frame). The only way she can leave is a death in the family or an emergency and this has to be proved with a lot of data. coupled with this you have to fill out yet another form and have it approved before departure. If she leaves without approval she forfeits her application and all is lost.

    More to come

  20. #45
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    I married a filipia in the 80's did all the paperwork myself the oz immigration had me jumping through hoops looks like nothing has changed.
    You are right about making sure it's all above board any bullshit and they can stuff you around for ever.
    Good luck mate.

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    So if you get married in the USA after and if you get the new visa does the 2 year stay in the USA still apply? Just asking like....

  22. #47
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    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt View Post
    So if you get married in the USA after and if you get the new visa does the 2 year stay in the USA still apply? Just asking like....
    Let me correct my information as I dug a bit deeper for clarification. She cannot, shall I say should not unless an absolute emergency, leave the US during the application approval process. From what I have gathered the app process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on how well you package your app, if it is a complicated mess, you submitted incomplete or inaccurate information or it includes many family members. Once the application is approved she can then freely travel back and forth. However the traveling party still must submit a form stating the purpose of the travel and pay ~$350. Once her greencard status is changed from "conditional" to "completed" then she can travel anywhere anytime with no notification.

    If you are to marry in the US after your application is submitted and the conditional greencard has been issued it will change very little other then you are married. You would update your status, as any one would, as a recently married couple.

    If you were to marry during your visit here then apply for greencard the process remains the same. You do not need to change your status to a K1 Fiance Visa, marry, then apply for a greencard. You submit the I-485 "Change Status" form depicting married and check the appropriate boxes on the I-130 to spouse rather then sponsor. All other info I listed above (plus your legal marriage certificate) will need to be submitted regardless if sponsoring or married.

    The applications fees are;

    I-485 $1080
    I-130 $420
    Last edited by Stumpy; 19-09-2012 at 08:49 PM.

  23. #48
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    Not bad. Seems pretty straight forward. All fee charges are really quite reasonable when looking at what fee's are in the UK or especially here in Thailand for citizenship/permanent resident.

    So in 6 months to a couple years we can find a conclusion to this thread? Good Luck.

  24. #49
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    Quote Originally Posted by ltnt
    So in 6 months to a couple years we can find a conclusion to this thread? Good Luck.
    Well I hope not that long. The timing I have read is all over the place. I suspect that is based on each applicants situation and a host of other variables.

  25. #50
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    An additional note to the above form update

    It is best you submit form I-785 "Application to seek employment" with the packet. They wave the fees($420) if you do. If you apply afterwards the fee is applied. Additionally if for some reason you believe there is an eminent reason to travel while the app is in process I suggest you also apply for 1-131 Travel form. There does not appear to be a fee for it. From the US Gov website it is not advisable to travel during the app review process but if you must then you will need this form.

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