Can I apply for an extension on my O Visa earlier than 30 days before its expiry date?

O Visa Visa extension Thailand Immigration Visa types NON-O visa

Dec 9, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have an O Visa based on being over 50 and it runs until August 2nd 2023.  I believe I can extend this 30 days before this date and still it will be extended for 1 year until Aug 2nd 2024. 

My question is can i apply for the extention to start even earlier so the expiary date is say May 1st each year as i plan to spend May to October each year back in Europe and as it is i have to fly back for 3 weeks in July to extend it.

I guess i can let it lapse and then start the whole process again in Oct 2023 but it would be better if I can extend it earlier but just for 9 months if that makes sense.

Any suggestions?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is inquiring about extending their O Visa, which expires on August 2, 2023, and whether they can apply for an extension earlier than the 30-day window. Responses clarify that while early applications are generally allowed, they do not affect the visa's expiration date, which is always added to the current expiration. Users suggest checking with immigration offices for flexibility and the possibility of requesting a shorter extension period, noting experiences that confirm such requests can be accommodated.

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Gethin *******

I asked this same question last week but it was not posted by admin.

I was however given the reply by them that 1 year is only the maximum so it might be possible to ask for less.

I have since found out it is possible to request the IO to stamp you less than 12 months and that they will do it.

As with many things when it comes to IO offices though it might be different at other offices , this was at Jomtien.

2 years ago

Willem ****

Having the correct extention date is important when stating the proces of getting a non O visa. Starting wrong means your extention date will be the wrong date forever. It can not be moved or altered in any way. Sometimes its better to start all over again with a good planning to make sure the extention date will be in a period you will most likely be in Thailand every year. Taken in to account that the 30 to 45 days period in advance to extend your stay gives you some limited flexability.

2 years ago

Willem ****

Tod Daniels.

Thats my point. Exactly.

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Willem ***

Often times it's easier to just lose the extension you're on, leave without a re-entry permit and/or let it run out, come in visa exempt and start the process all over from scratch to get the dates to work right for when you're going to be in thailand each year

2 years ago

Andy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

I think this will be the route I will take and get a new Visa this coming winter which will then need extending each year when i plan to be present in Thailand. Thanks everyone for your replies 👍

2 years ago

Robert ***********

@Tod ********

also one may consider instead of coming in visa exempt to come in with a 90 day non-o and then convert this to 1 year visa extension. The point is there are several options. There is not one best answer.

2 years ago

Robert ***********

@Tod ********

while I believe your solution may be the best way. It is not the only way. There always is the option when applying for your visa or extension to have it expire less than 365 days, so your anniversary date coincides with your ideal renewal date.

2 years ago

Reply to

Robert ***********

Michel *****

As far as I know extensions can only be done in Thailand. At least, the Thai embassy in Belgium told me so. Correct?

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Michel ****

totally correct, the O/P is not asking if they can get their extension in their country they're asking if they can adjust the expiration date of the extension they're on by getting less than a full year extension when they apply for it at the immigration office here in thailand.

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Most offices will allow you to apply when you have 30 days or less left on your stamp BUT applying early doesn't change the expiration date at all because the new year extension is ADDED to the current expiration.

You can ASK your immigration office when you go in for your extension next year IF they will issue it for less than a year (they CAN do it if they want to because the wording says "extensions will be issued for no more than 1 year") BUT that's between you and them.

If they won't do it you're right, you let it lapse, figure out the dates and start over from scratch to get a renewal date that better suits you

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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How early can I apply for a non-O visa extension before it expires in Thailand?

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