Thai Immigration Scrutiny Intensifies As Thais See More Visa-Free Options For Travel Abroad

admin — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 09:02:12 +0000

In prior postings on this blog the issues of Thai immigration law and immigration enforcement have been discussed. In a rather recent posting it was noted that Thai immigration is placing increased scrutiny upon those seeking marriage visas (officially referred to as Thai O visas) in the Kingdom. It appears that after discovery of a spate of sham marriages perpetuated in order to obtain Thai immigration benefits, Thai immigration authorities began to subject Thai marriage visa applications to more intense scrutiny. This matter apparently remains a top priority of immigration officials in Thailand as a recent article in the Bangkok Post points out that high ranking officials with the Royal Thai Immigration Police have issued new directives with respect to this issue:

Pol Lt Gen Nathathorn warned officers against dishonest acts as he listed the bureau’s action plans to screen foreigners in the country illegally…He ordered immigration officers to investigate if authorities colluded with foreigners to help enable sham marriages.

This news comes amidst the recent revelation that the so-called “border run” method of maintaining lawful immigration status in Thailand is coming to an end. In a recent posting on the Love Pattaya Thailand website it has been noted that as of August 13th 2016 the days of visa running to obtain a 15, 30, or even 60 day stamp is coming to an end. To quote directly from the aforementioned website:

The Immigration Bureau have already told the officials to refuse entry to foreigners on visa runs as a measure to stop the exploitation of tourist visas and visa exemptions to live or work here. Tourists wishing to extend their stay in Thailand must now need to exit the country and apply for a proper tourist visa

In the past, one could hope to obtain a new thirty day stamp at the airport in Thailand so long one was willing to fly out of the country and immediately get on a plane and fly back in. It appears that this is no longer feasible as so-called “fly-out/fly-in” visa runs will be discouraged following August 13th to the point where presumably such travelers will be turned away and not permitted to reenter the country without a duly issued visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Meanwhile, Japan just recently solidified her position as the number one tourist destination of people from Southeast Asia. Japan tops the list of most favored tourist destinations among Thai nationals. It appears that Thai tourism numbers in Japan has been on the upswing since the easing of visa rules for Thai nationals including 15 day visa free travel.

This news comes at the same time as news that Taiwan is allowing Thai tourists to travel visa free to that country starting August 1st. It will be interesting to see if this move has a positive impact upon the tourism sector in Taiwan.

Updated USCIS Processing Times

admin — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 08:32:13 +0000

The administration of this blog routinely posts the updated processing time estimates for the Service Centers of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The following was quoted directly from the official website of USCIS:

Field Office Processing Dates for **California Service Center** as of: **August 31, 2013**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	2.5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Blanket L	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	E – Treaty traders and investors	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S.	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Extension of stay in the U.S.	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-2A – Temporary workers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-2B – Other temporary workers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-3 – Temporary trainees	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	L – Intracompany transfers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	O – Extraordinary ability	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Q – Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	R – Religious occupation	5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	TN – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional	2 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	March 11, 2010
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	November 3, 2010
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21	June 21, 2010
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister	February 11, 2010
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	5 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	Religious workers	5 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	May 30, 2012
I-526	Immigrant Petition By Alien Entrepreneur	For use by an entrepreneur who wishes to immigrate to the United States	March 16, 2012
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change status to the F or M academic or vocational student categories	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change of status to H or L dependents	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change Status to the J exchange visitor category	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other change of status applications	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for F or M academic or vocational students	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of stay for H and L dependents	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for J exchange visitors	2.5 Months
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other extension applications	2.5 Months
I-601	Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	4 Months
I-612	Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement	Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution	4 Months
I-751	Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents	6 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	July 2, 2013
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (c)(33).	90 Days
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	3 Months
I-817	Application for Family Unity Benefits	Voluntary departure under the family unity program	May 25, 2011
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua extension	3 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing	3 Months
I-821D	Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals	Request for Deferred Action	6 Months
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	3 Months
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors)	May 16, 2012
I-829	Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) based on PL107-273	September 12, 1997

Field Office Processing Dates for **Nebraska Service Center** as of: **August 31, 2013**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	June 16, 2013
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Refugee or asylee applying for a refugee travel document	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Permanent resident applying for a re-entry permit	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) dependent applying for advance parole	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) principal applying for advance parole	3 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Extraordinary ability	March 2, 2013
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Outstanding professor or researcher	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Multinational executive or manager	April 2, 2013
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Advanced degree or exceptional ability	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Skilled worker or professional	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Unskilled worker	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Schedule A Nurses	4 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	5 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA)	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Indochinese Adjustment Act	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Based on refugee admission more than 1 year ago	4 Months
I-601	Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	April 2, 2013
I-730	Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition	Petition for accompanying family members of a refugee or an asylee	5 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	3 Weeks
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (c)(33).	90 Days
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	3 Months
I-817	Application for Family Unity Benefits	Voluntary departure under the family unity program	May 30, 2011
I-821D	Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals	Request for Deferred Action	6 Months
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	April 15, 2013
N-565	Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document	U.S. citizen applying for a replacement of naturalization or citizenship certificate	6 Months

Field Office Processing Dates for **Texas Service Center** as of: **August 31, 2013**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	2.5 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Extraordinary ability	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Outstanding professor or researcher	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Multinational executive or manager	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Advanced degree or exceptional ability	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Skilled worker or professional	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Unskilled worker	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver	4 Months
I-140	Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker	Schedule A Nurses	4 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	June 2, 2010
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	4 Months
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago	May 2, 2013
I-601	Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility	4 Months
I-730	Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition	Petition for accompanying family members of a refugee or an asylee	March 16, 2013
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	3 Weeks
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (c)(33).	90 Days
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	3 Months
I-817	Application for Family Unity Benefits	Voluntary departure under the family unity program	6 Months
I-821D	Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals	Request for Deferred Action	6 Months
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	March 17, 2013
N-565	Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document	U.S. citizen applying for a replacement of naturalization or citizenship certificate	6 Months

Field Office Processing Dates for **Vermont Service Center** as of: **August 31, 2013**
Form	Title	Classification or Basis for Filing:	Processing Timeframe:
I-102	Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record	Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94	2.5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Blanket L	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad	April 17, 2013
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S.	April 17, 2013
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-1B – Specialty occupation – Extension of stay in the U.S.	April 10, 2013
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-2B – Other temporary workers	1 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	H-3 – Temporary trainees	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	L – Intracompany transfers	July 3, 2013
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	O – Extraordinary ability	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers	2 Weeks
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	Q – Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process	2 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	R – Religious occupation	5 Months
I-129	Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker	TN – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional	2 Months
I-129F	Petition for Alien Fiance(e)	K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child	5 Months
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21	March 27, 2013
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21	October 22, 2012
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	April 30, 2012
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21	April 30, 2012
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21	April 9, 2012
I-130	Petition for Alien Relative	U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister	March 27, 2011
I-131	Application for Travel Document	All other applicants for advance parole	3 Months
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	All other special immigrants	February 20, 2013
I-360	Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant	Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)	October 8, 2012
I-485	Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status	Employment-based adjustment applications	November 19, 2012
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change status to the F or M academic or vocational student categories	April 17, 2013
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change of status to H or L dependents	April 17, 2013
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Change Status to the J exchange visitor category	April 17, 2013
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other change of status applications	April 17, 2013
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for F or M academic or vocational students	April 17, 2013
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of stay for H and L dependents	April 17, 2013
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Extension of Stay for J exchange visitors	April 17, 2013
I-539	Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	All other extension applications	April 17, 2013
I-751	Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence	Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents	6 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)]	3 Weeks
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)]	3 Months
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)]	April 24, 2013
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)]	April 24, 2013
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	Based on an approved, concurrently filed, I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (c)(33).	90 Days
I-765	Application for Employment Authorization	All other applications for employment authorization	3 Months
I-817	Application for Family Unity Benefits	Voluntary departure under the family unity program	6 Months
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador extension	April 24, 2013
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	El Salvador initial or late filing	April 24, 2013
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua extension	April 24, 2013
I-821	Application for Temporary Protected Status	Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing	April 24, 2013
I-821D	Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals	Request for Deferred Action	February 28, 2013
I-824	Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition	To request further action on an approved application or petition	3 Months
I-90	Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card	Initial issuance or replacement	3.5 Months
I-90A	Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card	Initial issuance or replacement for Special Agricultral Workers (SAW)	3.5 Months
I-914	Application for T Non-immigrant Status	Provide temporary immigration benefits to an alien who is a victim of trafficking in persons, and immediate family	4 Months
I-918	Petition for U Non-immigrant Status	Provide temporary immigration benefits to an alien who is a victim of qualifying criminal activity, and their qualifying family	June 25, 2012

It should be noted that these processing time estimates do not reflect the time it takes to obtain a US visa as the US visa application process can be time consuming even after an initial immigration petition receives approval since processing at the National Visa Center and/or a US Consulate or US Embassy abroad may also be required.

Integrity Legal Blog » Marriage Visa

Thai Immigration Scrutiny Intensifies As Thais See More Visa-Free Options For Travel Abroad

Updated USCIS Processing Times