Can I switch from a Non-B visa to a Non-O visa for retirement in Chiang Mai without leaving Thailand?

Visa Extension Non-O Visa Non-B Visa Retirement Visa Chiang Mai Immigration Visa Application Process Work Permit Cancellation Expat Visa Advice

Jul 14, 2023

a year ago

Jean-Paul ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone. In my Australian passport I had a non-imm B visa and since then I have had many extensions, with my last 'extension of stay permitted until' 30 September this year. I am over 50 and have 800k in a Thai bank account and plan to cancel my work permit and then visa in Chiang Mai at the end of September. I would like to stay in Chiang Mai on a Non-O visa.

I understand some immigration offices allow people to switch from one extension to another, thus allowing me to effectively move onto a Non-O visa without leaving the country. I understand I should cancel the extension that came from the non-imm b visa and immediately apply for a new extension based on retirement. 

Do I understand this correctly? 

Is this possible or has it been done in Chiang Mai before?

Would using a reputable visa agent in Chiang Mai would increase my chances of success?

thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The individual, holding an Australian passport, is looking to transition from a Non-Immigrant B visa to a Non-O visa for retirement upon cancellation of their work permit in Chiang Mai. They seek confirmation on whether it is possible to switch extensions without leaving Thailand. Responses suggest that while some have managed the transition without leaving the country, experiences vary by immigration office. It is recommended to cancel the existing extension and apply for the new visa on the same day, presenting necessary documentation including proof of retirement funds. Engaging an experienced visa agent may enhance the chances of a successful application.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Shaine ************

Hi, you must need a support of experienced visa service consultant who can do the extension of stay based on retirement within a day. Since your current stay based on WP, so you have to cancel WP on 30 Sept morning and bring that WP cancellation receipt to Immigration. You also have to show your last 3 months payroll record PND1 and letter from HR stating your last day of work on 30 Sept. If you able to show all those documents, you do not need to leave the country and extend your stay based on retirement. For retirement, you must show proof of 800k bank balance of last 3 months and some other supporting documents. You can find the list of required documents on Immigration website. Remember WP cannot cancel in advance, it can only cancel on the same day to the last day of employment unless you have BOI special work visa & WP. Thus you have to cancel your WP in the morning, then run to immigration as fast as possible to do all visa paper work. 🤞 good luck.

a year ago

Shaine ************

Chris Middleton certainly agree. That depends on the employer’s integrity too. Imm some cases even demands more sensitive company doc. That’s why I mentioned JP needs a hand-on consultant to handle his case.

a year ago

Jean-Paul ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Shaine Sakib Nok brilliant thanks

a year ago

Reply to

Jean-Paul ***********

Mario **********

Hi JP, I think we have discussed this in person. I tried to do this 3 or 4 years ago in CM. They would not allow me to change from Non B to Non O Retirement. They forced me to leave. I had to come in on a 30 day stamp to get the Retirement visa here and they weren't nice about it.

Hopefully there has been a change allowing more leniency.

a year ago

Jean-Paul ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mario *********

I am not sure I remember this discussion but many thanks for sharing your experience Mario.

a year ago

Prinze ******

@Mario *********

based on experience. I transfered from Non-B to Non-O as well (but marriage)

They would really ask you to leave the country. But keep in mind, before doing so, you have to cancel both your Work Permit and NON-B visa on the day that you will leave (to avoid overstay). Also you will need a letter from the company you worked with to cancel your NON-B

a year ago

Reply to

Prinze ******

John **********

You don't move to a Non-O visa. You simply change the reason for your extension from working to retirement. Cancel one extension and immediately apply for the new one. You'll need to have sufficient funds seasoned in a bank account in your name only for 2 months before doing this

a year ago

Jean-Paul ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Thanks for the clarification John.

a year ago

Reply to

Jean-Paul ***********

Brian *******

You can extend B Visa for reason of retirement.

a year ago

Charlie ******

Why not go for a PR instead if you have been working and planning to stay longer? :)

a year ago

Paul *******

@Charlie *****

Good idea, but he needs to maintain his non-B status for that to work. In other words, eligibility to apply for PR status comes from working, not retirement status.

a year ago

Charlie ******

@Paul ******

ye thats what i mean if he have been working why change the visa to retirement? Maintain the non-b and workpermit and apply for PR and stay forever.. dont see the hard part with that

a year ago

Reply to

Charlie ******

@Mario *********

and what was so funny about that?

a year ago

Reply to

Charlie ******

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