How can I secure a visa extension in Thailand before my current visa expires due to my stepson's pending U.S. visa approval?

Visa Extension Thai Immigration U.S. Visa Process Border Runs Thai Customs Visa Rules Family Reunification Visa

Feb 8, 2024

9 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello

I have a situation I hope I can be helped with. I've already done 1 border run and a second 30 day extension. My visa expires Feb 17. My wife's son is getting his Visa and had his interview this past Monday. We were asked for more  paperwork which is now in transit. Customs retained his passport and he was told if this paperwork is sufficient his passport along with his Visa will be returned and he would be accepted into America. The paperwork isn't the problem. reliable sources assured me that what I'm getting is more than sufficient. My issue is whether or not it will happen before Feb 17 in which case there will be no issues. My legal advisor said I should go to immigration in Chiang Mai with my paperwork from the embassy and ask for a 2 week extension so as to comply with customs and not have any troubles. She also stated that this is a familiar scenario with customs and should not be a problem. Any advice on my issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on securing a visa extension in Thailand as their current visa expires on February 17, while they await necessary paperwork for their stepson's U.S. visa. They have already completed a border run and received a 30-day extension. The user's legal advisor suggested a two-week extension at immigration, but responses from the community question the validity of this advice, emphasizing the possibility of obtaining a two-month extension if the user qualifies as a family member. There is confusion regarding whether 'customs' refers to Thai or American authorities in the context of the issuance of the son's visa.

Dca *****

@Roy *******

sincerely think the OP has his wires crossed and using the wrong vocabulary and terms:

Thai Customs (ศุลกากร) ?? or American Customs (DHS CBP) ??

OR, do you mean Thai Immigration (ตม) and American CONSULAR Officials (กงสุล) at the U.S. EMBASSY in Bangkok or American CONSULAR Officials (กงสุล) at the U.S. CONSULATE in Chiang Mai ??

Thai Immigration (ตม) at the local (Provincial/จังหวัด) Office or Thai Immigration (ตม) at the Airport or Border Gate (ด่านพรมแดน)

Again, several have already commented that Thai Customs (ศุลกากร) and American Customs (DHS CBP) have nothing to do with passports, visas, immigration, citizenship: thus, probably wrong usage of terms by the OP, but is confusing everyone....

9 months ago

Kool *******

There is no two week extension, and never has been. If your son is Thai you can get a two month visiting family extension, if you are listed on his birth certificate, or married to his mother.

9 months ago

Jim ********

Why would Customs keep the passport?

9 months ago

Roy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jim *******

American customs kept the passport and my wife's son was informed and given paperwork with exactly what more papers they requested from me . Once I fulfill American customs wishes at that point my wife's son will be granted a visa and it will be returned to my wife's son and we can go back to New York. My problem is moreso my personal visa however you can see in my comments that a gentleman forwarded me a paper stating that I could get additional time if I could prove why I may need to overstay my current visa for a few days possibly until they review the paperwork that is in transit and issue my wife's son his visa

9 months ago

Lennart **********

@Roy *******

like Steve and Graham state, after your 30day extention You can apply for another 60days based on your marriage.

9 months ago

Jim ********

@Roy *******

Just unusual. In most countries it's Immigration or Border Force who deal with passports and visas. Customs generally are only interested in any goods you are bringing in or taking out.

9 months ago

Reply to

Jim ********

Steve *******

If you're wife and son are Thai you should be able to get a 60 days, (visiting Thai dependents) extention

9 months ago

Roy ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Steve ******

my wife and son are Thai. 60 days is more than enough although I have been here in Thailand since October 25

9 months ago

Steve *******