If you plan to immigrate to the USA from Thailand, you can do so through various procedures or, better said, types of visas. Each of them has different requirements, even if the process is similar and must be completed with the same authorities.
Below, our immigration lawyers in the United States explain the main ways through which you can relocate here from Thailand.
Are there any US entry visa requirements for a Thai citizen?
Any Thai national wishing to enter the United States, even for a short time, must have both a valid Thai passport and a US visa. In terms of long-term immigration, they can apply for:
- immigrant visas;
- non-immigrant visas.
They need immigrant visas if they plan to remain in the country permanently, but for those coming to the USA to visit for business, pleasure, or research, the non-immigrant visa can be a suitable option.
Our immigration lawyers in Miami are at your service, no matter the type of immigration visa you are interested in.
Is it difficult for Thai citizens to move to the United States?
The procedure itself is not difficult; however, it is lengthy. Apart from this aspect, there are important things to consider, such as:
- the type of visa you want to apply for;
- if you have relatives who are established there or not;
- if you relocate based on employment.
The simplest way to put it is that each case is different, so the same procedures do not apply to all Thai citizens from a certain point onwards. The visa interview is similar for all Thai citizens.
What does the immigration procedure for Thai citizens look like?
To immigrate to the USA from Thailand, you need to follow a 2-step procedure:
- the entry visa application, which was described above;
- the visa processing step, which implies gathering the documents you will use to prove the reason for relocation to the USA from Thailand and the verifications carried out by the USCIS.
The second step is one of the most important, as your successful immigration depends on it.
What are the visa documents that I need to prepare, and where do I file them?
Here are the papers you need to apply for a visa for the USA:
- the valid passport: please ensure a minimum validity of 6 months when applying;
- the application form: the document depends on the type of visa you file for;
- the application payment receipt: again, the fee depends on the visa;
- a recent photo: passport-sized photograph;
- the interview appointment paper: it can be obtained online.
Once you have them and schedule the meeting, you will attend it at the American Embassy in Thailand.
The United States has an Embassy and Consulate in Thailand, located at 120-122 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Bangkok, 10330.
What is the purpose of non-immigrant visas?
Considering the US green card is not available to everyone, and the application process can be time-consuming, many Thai citizens choose to apply for temporary visas in order to:
- travel;
- work;
- study.
These visas, which are also known as non-immigrant visas, are frequently renewed and valid for numerous visits, enabling one to stay in the country for several years.
It is also useful to note that a lot of people first obtain temporary visas before obtaining permanent residency. You can address our US immigration lawyer if you want to apply for a non-immigrant visa and move to the United States from Thailand.
What are the requirements to obtain a family visa for the USA?
You can qualify for a family visa if you have a family member who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, such as:
- a husband/wife;
- a sibling;
- fiancé;
- parent or stepparent.
Most people who decide to emigrate from Thailand choose the US spouse visa, which is simpler to obtain. Our immigration lawyer in Miami can help if you choose to relocate to the State of Florida.
Green cards based on employment are also a popular way for Thai citizens to relocate to the USA. They fall into five categories and are granted one of the available types of visas depending on their abilities and other requirements. These are:
- the EB-1 visa;
- the EB-2 visa;
- the EB-3 visa;
- and the EB-4 visa.
In certain situations, such as the EB-4 visa, the application must be sponsored by a US employer. In the other situations (visas EB-1 to EB-3), applicants may need to provide proof of exceptional talent or specialized training.
What are the documents I need to prepare when immigrating to the USA from Thailand on a long-term basis?
Here is a comprehensive list of the documents you need to gather:
- the valid passport;
- the standard application form;
- the medical examination results (for this purpose, you need to book an appointment with a medical facility approved by the US Embassy in Thailand);
- proof of sponsorship from the relative or employer (if it is the case);
- proof of visa processing fee;
- other supporting documentation that attests to the reason for relocation (diplomas, certificates);
- the background check, which consists of a clearance certificate issued by the Royal Police in Thailand;
Please note that if you have also lived in other countries for more than 6 months, you must also obtain police certificates from the respective states as well.
Visa processing times range from 6 weeks for tourism visas and up to 12 months for employment or family reunion visas.
How many Thai citizens live in the United States?
According to various data, the Thai community is an important one among Asian nations living in the United States, as follows:
- at the level of 2020, the number of Thai people living in the USA was 204,150;
- at the level of 2023, their number was 237,639;
- the largest community of Thai citizens lives in Southern California (about 100,000 people).
If you need assistance in immigrating to the USA from Thailand, do not hesitate to contact our Miami-based lawyers.