What should I bring to San Francisco?

Want to bring my wife from Thailand. K-3 or immigration visa? Any suggestions in San Francisco? How long?

• I got married in Thailand and want to bring my wife here. First, I thought about K-3 visa. But, heard many stories that a wife can come here, and it can take a long time for her to get a Green Card in America. Plus, she will not be able to work here until she gets her green card. I'm thinking about her applying for a Immigrant Visa for a Spouse (IR1 or CR1) in Thailand and getting her green card over there. My questions are: 1. Is it really better to to the Immigration Visa (IR1 or CR1) instead of K-3? Which one is cheaper and faster? 2. How long does it usually take to get IR1 or CR1 visa? I have a government law enforcement job, my record is clear, and she has never had any problems with the law. 3. Anyone can recommend a good immigration lawyer, please? I live in San Francisco, California. How much do they charge? I found one he asks for $2,400 plus $800 for filing fees, and, I think, it's too much. Thank you, David.

• Answer:

  A lawyer can't help speed up the immigration process. All he can do is fill out the right paperwork for you and file it at the right government office. But this is something you can do just as well on your own and save yourself a lot of money. All you have to do is find out from the US Embassy in Bangkok the right immigration procedure for your wife and do it according to their instructions as described here: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/immigrant_visas.html It's true that the immigration process can take a long time. But all you need is some patience and be willing to financially support your wife in Thailand during the immigration process. Thai women are usually good at waiting for their husband as long as it takes. But this is true only if you fulfill your husbandly duty and provide adequate financial support for your wife. Without the money, your marriage is toast.