Dealing with Visa and Immigration issues can be difficult in any country. That being said, Thailand and the United States have very different immigration systems and an analysis of their similarities and differences can be beneficial for those looking to immigrate to either country. When one analyzes the Consular and Immigration systems of the United States and Thailand one can quickly ascertain that the Thai system is less complicated. At the same time, Thailand accords foreigners with easier access to the country than the USA. Currently, Thailand allows people from many different countries to enter the Kingdom visa free. Those entering the Kingdom without a visa are granted entry based upon a visa exemption. Most non-immigrants must depart the Kingdom within thirty days. However, should one enter Thailand using a visa exemption at an Immigration checkpoint on one of Thailand's land borders, then they will only be granted 15 days presence in the Kingdom. Those who wish to remain within the borders of the Kingdom of Thailand for a longer duration can apply to obtain a Thai visa at a consular post outside of the Kingdom of Thailand. Common Thai Immigration Categories are: Business, Tourist, Education, and "Other" which is used as something of a catch-all category. By comparing the Immigration process of Thailand with the USA, one can easily see that the methods of controlling immigrant activity are not similar. Where the Thai model is relatively permissive, the United States has been in the process of tightening Immigration regulations. At one time, it was possible to obtain a United States tourist visa without being subjected to a visa interview. After the tragedy of 9/11 regulations have required that those seeking tourist visas to the USA be interviewed by an American Consular Officer. Royal Thai Immigration does not have a visa category for foreign fiances of Thai Citizens. Bi-national married couples wishing to reside in Thailand are permitted to apply for an "O" visa, if one of them is a Thai Citizen or resident in Thailand. However, a visa based upon an intention to marry a Thai citizen will not likely be approved. Conversely, many foreign fiancées of US Citizens travel to the United States of America each year. Thailand sees many fiancee visas processed through the American Embassy in Bangkok. US-Thai couples who are successful with obtaining the K1 fiancee visa often marry in the USA and the Thai citizen adjusts their status to lawful permanent residence. Unlike Thailand, US permanent residence is somewhat easy to obtain for those married to a US Citizen.
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