| The K1 visa is a highly sought United States travel | | | | for the Thai fiancee who attempts to enter the United |
| document. This article briefly summarizes the process | | | | States on a B2 tourist visa with undisclosed immigrant |
| and requirements involved in obtaining a K1 visa from | | | | intent. One who is placed in expedited removal |
| the Kingdom of Thailand. | | | | proceedings is not entitled to request readmission to |
| In recent years, the Consular staff at the United States | | | | the United States for at least 5 years. Thus, a K-1 |
| Embassy in Bangkok has been issuing more and more | | | | fiancee visa ought to be used by those fiancees |
| B2 Tourist visa denials based upon section 214(b) of | | | | traveling to the USA because this travel document is |
| the United States Immigration and Nationality Act. This | | | | unlikely to give rise to expedited removal proceedings. |
| is likely due to the fact that increasing numbers of | | | | We can grasp the advantages of the K-1 visa, but |
| applicants seek this visa when in reality a K1 visa | | | | what are the requirements for submitting an |
| would be more appropriate because the applicant has | | | | application? K1 visa applicants and petitioners should |
| a fiance who is a United States Citizen. Also, in recent | | | | have met at least once in person. They should have a |
| months there has been a noticeable increase of | | | | bona fide intention to marry. For optimal processing |
| expedited removals from the United States. Customs | | | | neither party should have a criminal record, but if either |
| and Border Patrol Officers conduct expedited removal | | | | party has criminal convictions, then an Immigration |
| proceedings when a Thai national entering the US on a | | | | attorney may be able to assist in procuring a K1 visa |
| tourist visa appears to be an intending immigrant rather | | | | notwithstanding this impediment. K1 visa applicants and |
| than a true tourist. Many couples believe that obtaining | | | | petitioners should be legally free to marry and able to |
| the visa is the only obstacle that must be overcome. In | | | | prove the same. |
| reality, expedited removal proceedings could be waiting | | | | |