Can my wife apply for a dependent visa based on my Non-O retirement visa while in Thailand?

Question

I just got my Non immigrant O visa - Retirement (90 days, US passport). I can apply for the 1-year visa extension in 46 days here in Chiang Mai! My questions relate to my wife's need to get a dependant visa (also US passport).

1. Thai immigration says she needs to apply for her 90-day non immigrant visa, based on marriage to me, at a Thai embassy outside of Thailand before she can apply for a dependent visa here in Thailand (after I get my 1-year extension). Can she do this in Hanoi (she wants to visit friends there) or is it better to go to another country?  If so, where is the best country embassy to go to?

2. Does my wife need a marriage affidavit from the US consulate here in CM or is an original marriage certificate sufficient?

3. Does she need copies of my financial docs, Thai bank accounts etc. or just the marriage documents (Question 2)?

Thanks so much.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the process for the author's wife to obtain a dependent visa based on the author's Non-Immigrant O visa (Retirement) in Thailand. It seeks clarification on whether she can apply for her 90-day non-immigrant visa at the Thai embassy in Hanoi while the author is still on his initial 90-day retirement visa, or if she must wait until he secures his 1-year extension. The conversation also covers the need for documentation, including whether a marriage affidavit is necessary or if an original marriage certificate suffices, as well as inquiries about the need for financial documents.

Mark ******* · Answer

The most pressing question:  Can my wife get her non-immigrant O dependent visa based on my retirement visa (at an embassy outside Thailand) while I am on my 90-day non-immigrant O retirement?  Or does she need to wait until I get my 1-year extension retirement (in one month) before she can apply for her non-O based on my retirement visa. In the latter case she would need to do a visa run to get another visa exemption in order to wait until I get my 1 year extension.  It will save a trip if she can do the former. We have been getting conflicting advice from various Immigration Lawyers on this question.

Mark ******* · Answer

No email reply from Hanoi embassy (not surprised).

Mark ******* · Answer

I'll try emailing the embassy in Hanoi and check it out with them.  If Hanoi cannot do it where would you suggest we try for next based on past success? Vientiane, Penang, etc.

Tod ********* · Answer

I don't know that the thai consulates in Vietnam issue a 90 day Non-O for that reason. I'd certainly email them and ask if they do or not and what the requirements are

Can my wife apply for a dependent visa based on my Non-O retirement visa while in Thailand?

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