If you are a US citizen and have a long-term relationship with a Thai citizen or have close family members in Thailand, there are various immigration pathways available to allow them to live permanently with you in the USA.

The most suitable visa option for the USA from Thailand depends on your relationship status with your partner or relative. For a long-term stay in the USA, they will need an immigrant visa. This entitles them to reside in the USA, apply for permanent residency (LPR), obtain a Green Card, and enjoy many of the rights of US citizens.

Here are the best ways to bring your Thai fiancé or family member to the USA and start a new life together.

US K1 Visa

If you are engaged and planning to marry your Thai fiancé and settle in the US, the US K-1 visa is the right first step. This visa allows your partner to enter the US and stay for up to 90 days. The marriage must take place within these 90 days. If the marriage does not take place within this period, your fiancé(e) must leave the country and repeat the application process.

After marriage, your spouse can apply for a Green Card through the so-called Status Adjustment Procedure, which grants them conditional permanent resident status in the USA for two years. Within 90 days before this status expires, you and your spouse must jointly submit an application to revoke the conditional status. Upon approval, your spouse will receive permanent resident status (LPR) and a renewable Green Card valid for ten years.

US K2 Visa

If your Thai fiancé has unmarried children under 21, they may be eligible for a US K-2 visa. This visa allows the children to travel to the US with their parents and, after marriage and legal status adjustment, apply for permanent residency.

The application for a K2 visa can be submitted together with the application for a K1 visa in a single application. If approved, the children can travel to the USA at the same time as their parents.

US K3 Visa

If you are already legally married and your Thai spouse is to join you in the US while their permanent residency application is being processed, the US K-3 visa might be a more suitable option. This visa allows your spouse to enter the US and apply for a change of status to obtain conditional permanent residency for two years.

Within 90 days before the expiration of your conditional residency status, you and your spouse must submit a joint application to revoke it. Upon approval, your spouse will receive permanent resident status (LPR) and a renewable Green Card valid for 10 years.

The approval of a K3 visa is extremely unlikely. Only a small number of visas are issued each year.

US K4 Visa

If your Thai spouse has unmarried children under the age of 21, they may be able to apply for a US K-4 visa, which is similar to a K-2 visa. This visa allows the children to travel to the US with their spouse and, after their status is adjusted, apply for permanent residency.

US CR1 Visa

If you have been married to your Thai spouse for less than two years at the time of application, your spouse may be able to apply for a US CR1 visa. This visa grants your spouse conditional permanent resident status for two years from the date of entry into the US.

However, you both need to submit a joint application to revoke the conditional status within 90 days before it expires, in order for your spouse to be granted a renewable 10-year Green Card.

US IR1 Visa

Unlike the US CR1 visa, your Thai spouse may be eligible for a US IR1 visa if you have been legally married to them for more than two years at the time of application. IR stands for "immediate relative," so this visa is not only for spouses but for all immediate family members.

The IR1 visa grants a renewable Green Card valid for 10 years upon entry into the USA, thus eliminating the need to apply for a status adjustment and remain in the country as a conditional permanent resident.

Once your Thai spouse has a Green Card or becomes a US citizen, they can apply for IR visas for their immediate relatives, including their parents and children.

Alternatively, if you are a US citizen and have Thai parents, you can use the IR1 visa to bring them to the USA.

Professional support with your US visa application

If you wish to bring your Thai partner or other Thai family members to the USA, contact Siam Legal International, a full-service law firm and visa consultancy in Thailand that has helped more than 10,000 clients obtain US visas quickly and easily in its over 22 years of operation.

Siam Legal's US immigration team assists you in compiling, preparing, and submitting all required documents to the relevant authorities. Furthermore, the team offers coaching for you and your family members to optimally prepare you for the embassy interview required for all US visa applications.

With Siam Legal by your side, you can avoid unnecessary delays and maximize your chances of visa approval.

To start your US visa application and take the first step towards building a shared future as a family in the USA, don't hesitate to contact Siam Legal and schedule a consultation!

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