How can I renew my non-o volunteer visa in Thailand without losing days?

Non-O Volunteer Visa Visa Extension Thailand Immigration Office Bangkok Volunteering in Thailand Visa Renewal Process

Jun 26, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello everyone!

I am living/ working in Thailand on a non-o volunteer visa (with a Thai NGO in Bangkok). It expires end of July but I am thinking of renewing it next week. I am hesitant however…

Previously I always renewed it on the last possible day, because I felt they extended it from that moment onwards - and I didn’t want to loose any days I still had left.

I have heard this might not be true… 

Would love to hear what other people have experienced specifically in the context of the volunteer visa extension at the Chaengwattana Immigration office. 

Thank you 🙏

Update: I was able to extend my visa early, but need to report back in 20 days - when coincidentally my original visa would expire. I might loose 20 days from my original visa then. Will keep you updated.

Update 2: I did not loose days on my old visa even if I extended earlier (I did however try to gently raise this concern with the immigration staff). 🙂 they extended it from the day that my last visa expired (today). So it expires now on October 25th.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user shared their experience about renewing their non-O volunteer visa in Thailand, expressing concerns about losing days if they renewed early. They were previously advised to renew on the last possible day but found information suggesting that they wouldn't lose any days if they extended early. Following their experience, they confirmed that extending early did not result in a loss of days; instead, the new extension was added to the old visa's expiration date.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Petra ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Update: I was able to extend my visa early, but need to report back in 20 days - when coincidentally my original visa would expire. I might loose 20 days from my original visa then. Will keep you updated.

2 years ago

Clarissa *****

Can I ask you how you got the volunteer visa ? I don’t know how to get involved there 😳

2 years ago

Petra ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Clarissa ****

I’m working on a specific program run by a Thai NGO/ Foundation - on invitation. They are the ones that help with the visa and provide necessary documents.

2 years ago

Clarissa *****

@Petra *******

oh ok can I just walk in on an foundation like that and ask if they need help ? And would I get a volunteer visa like that ? 🙂

2 years ago

Petra ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Clarissa ****

, I don’t think so. It’s pretty difficult to get a legitimate volunteer Visa here as far as I know. I was invited and applied for it before coming to Thailand.

2 years ago

Reply to

Petra ********

Brandon ************

If you extend your non-O, the extension will be added to the existing stay. You can extend up to 45 days ahead in Bangkok and you will not lose any days.

2 years ago

Petra ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

, do you know when the reporting will happen (1 month stamp after consideration)? After 1 month upon early extension or after 1 month the initial visa runs out?

2 years ago

Petra ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Usually when I extended/ renewed the visa, I needed to come back for the second stamp after 1 month (of consideration/ processing on their part) - N2 at immigration. Then I got another 2 months before the extension ran out again.

(Didn’t mean to confuse with the 90-day report.)

Ps.: I’m on a 3-month visa that I extend up to 3 times before I need to leave the country to reapply abroad

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Petra *******

what reporting are you talking about?

2 years ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Petra ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thank you. That is super helpful and motivating 😊

2 years ago