How can I extend my Non-Immigrant O visa for one year while applying for parental rights in Thailand?

Mar 1, 2021
4 years ago
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Extension of stay Thai Child.

Hi, I am due to return to Thailand on 4th April on Non Imm O visa single entry. obtained from London (Thai child).

I wanted to know if I apply for 1 year extension of stay, how long is the under consideration period?

I know I must open bank account and add funds from UK, my issue is I need to return to UK in June, I don't want to have to apply for new visa if possible.

Also we were not married when our daughter was born, how would I go getting parental rights?

Any help much appreciated.

Paul.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking information on extending their Non-Immigrant O visa for one year based on their status as a parent of a half-Thai child. They inquire about the duration of the consideration period for the extension application, and how to obtain parental rights, especially since they were not married at the time of their child's birth. The conversation reveals that the consideration period typically takes about 30 days, and parental rights must be established before applying for the extension, either through marriage or court approval. Users also discuss the need to open a bank account and ensure compliance with the financial requirements for the visa extension.
Tod *********
IF you come in on a 90 day Non-O visa (like your post says) AND you apply for a yearly extension (no matter whether it's based on being the father of a half thai child OR marriage to a thai) the under consideration period is the same 30 days

Then you go back to get your year extension inked in.

IF you're married now and you meet the requirements you'll get the extension based on marriage to a thai.
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
ok thank you.
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
oh, just one more point, is it easy to open bank account with non imm o visa? I have tried before on tourist exemption but couldn't get any bank to open account.
Tod *********
@Paul **********
you just didn't try enough branches. there's nothing in banking law that stops someone on a tourist visa opening an account, it's totally up to the branch manager. Most people have to try 4 or 5 banks to find one that will let them open an account.
Gregor **********
@Paul **********
normally if your wife vouches for you, uses her phone and address contact details for the bank and you bring a certificate of residence from immigration along, most bank branches will accept opening a savings account for you. If one branch says no, go to another bank.
Benjamin ******
@Paul **********
Each bank has their own policy. You have to continue going to each branch until one will open up an account.
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thanks, I will have to apply for another visa then, by that time I will have money seasoned in bank and be married already, so I will just do the extension based on marriage. But I will still apply for parental rights when I have more time.
Benjamin ******
@Paul **********
When you get married to the child's mother, parental rights will be granted automatically.
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
oh ok, thanks that is good news.
Gregor **********
You can get the 90-days Non-Imm-O Visa based on having a half Thai child, by showing the birth certificate with your name on it, when applying on the Thai embassy or consulate.

However for the application for a “1-year extension of stay based on raising a half Thai child”, you will need the parential rights approved by a Thai family court. And this process might take some months to complete.

You could set the approval process into motion before you go back to the UK by June, and when you return, you can either return with a 90-days Non-Imm-O again, but also on a 60-days Tourist Visa, and from there do the extension or, for the later, the conversion to a 90-days Non-O. Money 400K in a Thai Bank account is required, and you said you are complying with.

So actually everything is a question of correct timing
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gregor *********
ok, thank you. I will see if they accept the marriage as enough for parental rights to be granted, if not I will obtain another visa upon my return to the UK.
Benjamin ******
>I wanted to know if I apply for 1 year extension of stay, how long is the under consideration period?

Sadly, the length of the "under consideration" stamp depends on the immigration office, and how many visas they have to process. Generally expect two weeks or thereabouts :(

>Also we were not married when our daughter was born, how would I go getting parental rights?

You *MUST* get parental rights before you can apply for a one year extension of stay based on raising half-Thai children. You can get this either by marrying the child's mother, or by approval of the courts. Different provinces have different requirements.
Benjamin ******
You'd use Roi Et Province immigration office, if that's where you live
Paul ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for your comments, Ok i must try to check with Roi Et Province to see their rules, our home is in Roi Et Province but the nearest big town is Yasothon city, can I use that Immigration office?
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