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Posts Tagged ‘Marriage Visa’
1st August 2016
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.
21st October 2013
Updated USCIS Processing Times
Posted by : admin
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:
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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