Can I handle my visa extension approval at the Chiang Mai immigration office instead of Phuket?

Nov 9, 2020
4 years ago
Holp ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm still waiting on approval for my visa extension! I obtained this stamp from Phuket Immigration Office right before the last-minute amnesty announcement on September 26th. It's been just over a month now and apparently I can only get the visa renewal stamp in Phuket.

I hear good things about the immigration office in Chiang Mai. Planning a trip back to this digital nomad hotspot soon. Phuket is still mostly empty due to lack of foreign tourism. What are the chances they can take care of this visa situation for me in Chiang Mai?

Thanks in advance...
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is waiting for their visa extension approval from the Phuket Immigration Office after the amnesty announcement. They are inquiring about the possibility of handling their visa situation in Chiang Mai instead, but commenters emphasize that the visa extension must be completed at the office where it was originally applied for.
Tod *********
Now the application is in approved status SO you need to go back to that office and get the extension stamped into your passport.

****************************************************
Tod *********
ZERO chance, you need to "close the loop" (get an under consideration stamp changed to an extension stamp) at the immigration office that you got it from
Gregor **********
It is looking bleak. If you haven’t gone back to Phuket Immigration to close out the „under consideration“ stamp, you are technically on overstay since October 12 th. I’d visit Immigration ASAP and hopefully you can apply for a 30 day extension without embassy letter
Holp ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gregor *********
I've been assured by the officer at immigration that I won't need to pay the overstay fees since I already extended my visa and awaiting approval from the government. It's out of my control.
Tod *********
@Holp *****
checked it with your numbers and it's approved now so go back and get the extension inked in
Benjamin ******
@Holp *****
In that case, your extension of stay is still under consideration, and the immigration officer is giving you the correct information.
Holp ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Excellent, that's good to know! Now it's just a waiting game...
Gregor **********
did you visit Immigration Phuket on October 12th and closed out the "under consideration" stamp?
Holp ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gregor *********
I've visited the immigration office in Phuket Town multiple times starting on October 12th.
Bobby ********
@Holp *****
. So did you get the extension stamped in your passport up to November 30?
Benjamin ******
You can only close out an extension of stay in the immigration office where you got the extension. In this case, you'll need to go to Phuket.

What was the extension of stay for, if you don't mind me asking?
Holp ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Tourist visa extension for another 60 days if I'm lucky. So the best course of action is to stay in Phuket until this is all sorted out? I've already invested this much time into the process and I'd rather not fly to Chiang Mai and then come back to Phuket again.
Benjamin ******
@Holp *****
My opinion is to stay in Phuket and wait it out, since you can only close out the under consideration stamp where you acquired it.
Holp ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Great advice! That's what I've been doing for over a month now. Just wish it was a more timely procedure. Phuket is still mostly empty due to the lack of foreign tourism. Blessing and a curse.
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