Can a UK citizen over 50 apply for a Non-O visa without a state pension using the eVisa system?

Jul 11, 2022
2 years ago
Biff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi group. I have a question regarding applying for a Non-O 90 day single entry visa based on being over 50 using the eVisa system. The person has a U.K. passport so the relevant embassy is in London. Of the available options once the passport info is submitted, the ‘for retirement’ option mentions the applicant being in receipt of a state pension. This does not match the applicant’s circumstances. They have the required funds but d not receive a state pension. Is this still the correct potion for them? I know the U.K. embassy likes to point people towards the Non-OA but this is not something the person wants. They’re looking to be in Thailand on an extension of stay based on being over 50.

My current advice is that they should apply for the in-country 90 day visa and proceed from there, but I’d like to clarify the option of obtaining the 90 Non-O from the U.K. as well, just so all options are available and an informed choice can then be made.

Thanks in advance for your advice. 😊
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A group member is inquiring whether a UK citizen, over 50 and without a state pension, can apply for a Non-O 90-day single entry visa through the eVisa system. Although the online application mentions a state pension requirement, other users confirm that showing sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements) is a valid option for the visa application. The conversation suggests that it's still possible to apply for the Non-O visa without a pension, and alternative visa options, including the Non-OA or a tourist visa, are discussed.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Christ *******
We’re applying outside of Thailand, My wife is getting the Non O-A, this is done online as you can no longer visit the embassy in London, I’ll also get the Non O as dependent, for both just need to show savings in individual bank accounts, £20k for one month for the Non OA and £10k for 3 months for the Non O.
Ellie *******
the requirement from the London site. The financial requirement part seems to match to the photo Robert provided above
Biff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
thanks. It’s just the wording which mentions the state pension that puts people off. Many who are able to show that amount aren’t in receipt of a state pension and assume the visa is not available to them. When contacting the London embassy they have for years pushed people towards the Non-OA instead. It’s what they tell everyone who mentions retirement to get. It’s nice too see that, because of the e-Visa system, people can indeed get a single entry Non-O based on being over 50 if that’s what they want.
Steve *******
When I applied for exactly the same at the end of last year there were two options. As you say you could either show proof of pension(which I didn't have at the time) or you could show 3 months of bank statements showing in excess of £10,000. This was last November at the UK embassy. But it may have changed now.
Biff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@St***
. So that option is viable even if the applicant doesn’t have a pension. That clears things up. Much appreciated.
Steve *******
@Biff ******
as I said that option was available at the end of last year. Whether it has changed or not now, I don't know
Biff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@St***
, I would imagine it is. So, when you clicked through to the evidence part, was the demonstrating of the funds in the method you mentioned sated there as an option?
Robert *******
These are the questions if you continue to apply
Robert *******
I'm looking around in the reasons to apply for a Non Immigrant O visa as being over 50 years of age, but this is the only option OR change into the long stay visa.

Alternative, the Single Entry Tourist Visa, get 60 days in Thailand, arrange a bank account, transfer the 800.000 Thb and apply for conversion at the local Immigration Office.
Ian ********
@Robert ******
from the system, the 'purpose of visit' selected from the drop down doesn't make sense because of the text in brackets. (Pensioner ages 50 or above, with a state pension).

A UK Pensioner cannot be in receipt of their state pension until they reach age 66.
Robert *******
@Ian *******
It is what it is, we are not the persons to try to think if it make sense to you.

an Applicant for a Visa has no other options than the once provided on the E-Visa application website.
Ian ********
@Robert ******
I concur. I was merely trying to make you aware of the UK pension system, if you're not British /didn't know, rather than understand 'Thai logic'.
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