This is the IR1 Visa from Thailand. The process for the IR1 visa from Thailand is almost the same as the CR1 visa. There is only one main difference and that is that for the Immediate Relative visa. You have to be married for more than two years. The Conditional Resident visa applies if you are married for less than two years. This is counted from the date of your marriage registration.
IR1 Visa from Thailand
The IR1 visa process starts with the completing and filing of the Form I-130 which is an application for an Alien Relative. The USCIS takes in this form, which is forwarded to the National Visa Center and then ends with the US embassy and visa interview in Thailand. Again you have to count from the date that you registered your marriage in Thailand. Also note that the IR1 visa does not allow for polygamist marriages. You must have only one wife with the CR1 visa as polygamy is not recognized by US immigration.
The IR1 visa is similar in process to the CR1 and K3 visas, however, it does take a bit faster or longer, so speak to an immigration lawyer and consider what you would prefer.
Much like other US Family visa options, you will need to be older than 18 years of age. The Affidavit of Support would need to be completed. You can search this website for the forms which will be needed to start the process from the Form I-130 as well as the Form I-864 or the Form O-864EZ. Note that any mistakes will create a delay as they will stop the process if you have received a Request for Evidence. It will only restart once you have provided what they have requested. Take proper legal advice when it comes to US immigration services. You can also see more on the US visa here.
IR1 Visa Process
With the visa interview in Bangkok you will also need all the forms again as well as supporting documents for the procedure. Normally your lawyer in Bangkok will have all of these during the interview process.
The fees would normally be the USCIS Filing fee for the Form I-130, Form DS-260 fee, and Medical examination in Thailand as well as the vaccinations fees if there had been any while in Thailand. Note that like everything else, there will also be fees for translations and photocopying charges. They will be looking for the US Immigration fees mainly and not the sundries.
Finally when back in the United States. The process will change with regards to the CR1 visa and the IR1 visa. The Conditional Residency which you need to remove the condition before the two years expire on the visa. While the Immediate Relative does not have this condition.
The timelines are different on all these visa options. Most prefer to have as little to do with immigration once back in the US so they prefer the IR1 visa over the CR1 visa or the K3 visa. Yes, it does take a bit longer however there is less to do when back in the United States.
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