Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by 28 Immigration
A) Core Application Requirements (Mandatory for Everyone)
- DS-160 Form (Online Application)
- Fill out at ceac.state.gov.
- Upload a digital photo (must meet U.S. standards).
- Print the DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
- Visa Appointment Registration (USTravelDocs)
- Create an account at ustraveldocs.com/th.
- Pay the MRV visa fee (~USD 185, in Thai Baht).
- Book appointment at U.S. Embassy Bangkok or U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai.
- Print appointment confirmation page.
- Passport (Original + Copies)
- Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay in the U.S.
- At least 2 blank pages.
- Include old passports showing travel history.
- Photograph
- 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), color, white background, no glasses.
- Upload electronically + bring 1 printed photo.
- Visa Fee Receipt
- Proof of MRV payment.
B) Supporting Documents (Family + Personal Ties)
1. Proof of Relationship with Family in the U.S.
- Invitation letter from family member in the U.S. (explaining purpose of visit, duration, where you will stay).
- Copy of family member’s U.S. passport, Green Card, or U.S. visa status.
- Proof of relationship:
- Birth certificates (showing parent/child link).
- Marriage certificates (if visiting spouse or in-laws).
- Family photos together.
- Household registration (Tabien Baan) showing family ties.
2. Purpose of Travel
- Travel itinerary: flights, hotels (if not staying with family).
- Cover letter (in English):
- Purpose: visiting family + tourism.
- Duration of stay.
- Who will fund the trip (self or family in U.S.).
- Explanation of family ties in U.S. and Thailand.
- Strong commitment to return to Thailand.
3. Financial Proof (Applicant and/or U.S. Family Sponsor)
- Applicant’s financials:
- Bank statements (3–6 months).
- Savings/fixed deposits.
- Salary slips and employment documents.
- If U.S. family member covers expenses:
- Letter of financial support.
- Recent bank statements of sponsor.
- Employment letter of sponsor.
- Proof of accommodation (lease, utility bills).
4. Proof of Ties to Thailand
- Employment: Letter from employer (position, salary, leave approval).
- Business ownership: Company registration (DBD), tax filings.
- Students: Certificate of enrollment, letter of leave.
- Family: Marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, household registration.
- Assets: Property deeds, land ownership, car registration, investments.
5. Previous Travel History
- Copies of visas (U.S., Schengen, UK, Japan, Korea).
- Passport stamps showing compliance with visas.
C) Special Cases
- Parents visiting children in U.S.: Child’s birth certificate + documents showing legal status in U.S.
- Children visiting parents in U.S.: Parent’s documents proving residency and relationship.
- Elderly applicants: Proof of support in Thailand (family, retirement income).
- If entire family applies together: Each applicant must submit their own DS-160 and appointment.
D) Embassy Interview Preparation
- Be ready to explain family ties and reason for visit.
- Common interview questions:
- Who are you visiting in the U.S.?
- What is your relationship?
- How long will you stay?
- Who will pay for your expenses?
- What do you do in Thailand?
- Why will you return to Thailand?
- Answers must be clear, consistent, and truthful.
E) Pre-Interview Checklist
✅ DS-160 confirmation page.
✅ Appointment confirmation.
✅ Passport (valid 6+ months).
✅ 2×2 inch photo.
✅ MRV fee receipt.
✅ Invitation letter from U.S. family.
✅ Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificates, family photos).
✅ Cover letter (purpose + ties).
✅ Applicant’s financial proof.
✅ Family sponsor’s financial proof (if applicable).
✅ Proof of ties to Thailand (job, business, family, assets).
✅ Previous visas and travel history.
✅ Itinerary (flights, hotels if applicable).