Can I renew my A-O Visa from the UK, or do I need to apply for a new one?

October 10, 2020
4 years ago
Steve *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m currently in the UK and have a valid A-O Visa that expires in November. Does anyone know whether it is possible to renew the A-O or do you have to apply for a new one from scratch. I have tried the Thai Embassy in London on multiple occasions but they seem unable to answer a simple yes or no question instead refer to me different web pages none of which contain the answer. Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquired about the possibility of renewing their A-O Visa while currently in the UK. Responses indicated that one cannot renew the A-O Visa; instead, a new application must be made. It was noted that while some visas can be extended from within Thailand, the A-O Visa does not fall under this category, and proof of income is likely required for new applications.
Geoff **********
You cannot renew a visa, only apply for a new one.
Oreilly **************
Embassy dont care
Oreilly **************
You have to be here and show proof of income in bank maybe contact an agent in thailand to check
Oreilly **************
No
Paul *******
Well. I'm on a non 'O' visa which I've had for two years now, and each year I just extend it for another 12 months.. So I would guess that your one would be the same. But I'm not certain.
Paul *******
A visa is like a car and it's fuel.. The fuel will only get you so far down the road. But you can buy as many external fuel tanks as you want to put in the boot. And then you can go forever. Technical the car is out of fuel, but it can continue to run from the external fuel.. But the car will always be the same car..
Steve *******
@Paul ******
Yes but a 'car' and 'petrol' are two totally different things, just like a visa and an extention of stay are two totally different things. Not really very difficult to understand. The 'extention of stay' is an extention of your stay in Thailand NOT an extention of your visa.
Steve *******
@Pa**
You're not on a Non O visa, you're on an 'extention of stay. This is where confusion rains in visa advice groups.
Paul *******
@Steve ******
.. An extension of stay from what type of visa.. ? You can't extend fresh air. You can only get an extension based on the type of visa you have in your passport, and the visa I have is a non 'O' ...
Steve *******
@Paul ******
Once your visa expires then it's gone/ended/finished/run out/ no longer a valid visa. You're on an extention of stay NOT as you claim a Non O visa. You cant be on both.
Paul *******
@Steve ******
. The type of visa you have, even if expired is totally relevant. It's not gone at all. As the requirements for each extension are totally dependent on the type of visa you have. You can't just ask for any extension, without letting them know exactly what visa you have in your passport. So therefore I AM , on an extension of stay of a non immigrants 'O' visa based on retirement. To be precise. Its not correct to say that you are just an an extension of stay. You're only give half the details anyone would need if you do.. If you talk to any immigration officer about getting an extension of stay, the first things they'll ask you is " what visa do you have" because you visa is totally relevant and not gone.
Steve *******
@Paul ******
You HAD a Non Imm O visa, now you have an extention of stay based on being over 50, ie 'retirement'. Two totally different animals!
Paul *******
The word extension meaning. :

1.

a part that is added to something to enlarge or prolong it; a continuation.
Geoff **********
@Paul ******
you can not renew a visa. If you are inside Thailand you can apply for a yearly extension for stay off of your original visa, but that cannot be done outside of Thailand
Paul *******
@Geoff *********
. Yes good point. I'm inside the country so I was referring to my situation. I just get extensions every year. So I guess he'll have no choice other than having to renew it in the UK.
Dominic ****
@Geoff *********
renewing a visa means getting a new visa
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