Answered8 years ago

How can my wife apply for a dependent visa O while we are in Spain?

Dependent Visa O Visa Process Non-Immigrant B Visa Dependent Visa Application Thai Immigration Marriage Visa

Henry ******

asked Jul 6, 2018

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Hello guys - dependent visa O questions and advice :) 

I have a Non-immigrant B visa with work permit. I will be marrying in Spain - > my wife and I will then return to Thailand 1 week after the ceremony.

My company have informed me to carry out her dependent visa (O) process in Spain. 

1/ As we have return flights booked 1 week after ceremony is this enough time for Thai government to issue approval letter, all approval documents to be couriered to us in Spain, embassy in Spain to issue dependent visa O ?  If not, how long does the process typically take ?

2/ I had hoped we could apply locally for change of visa status (tourist to dependent), my company says that is not possible, is this correct ? 

3/ I now understand from other threads that we would have to depart Thailand and do her application process in another country, is this the best solution for us ?

Appreciate all the expertise here!

Answer summary

A user with a Non-Immigrant B visa is seeking advice on securing a dependent visa O for their wife following their marriage in Spain. They ask if one week is sufficient for the Thai government to issue the approval documents in Spain, and about the local application process for changing her tourist visa to a dependent visa. Comments highlight that approvals come from the employer, the necessity of arriving with the proper visa type, and the general processing time at consulates.

12 repliesnewest first

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Tod *********

If for some reason she can't get the 90 day Non-O visa from them (which I believe she could) then snap up a single entry tourist visa instead. Have her come in on that and then apply at the immigration office to get the 90 day Non-O visa issued.

I recommend getting the single entry tourist visa (not having her come in on a 30 day visa exempt entry) because you need at least 15 days left on your current stamp to apply for a Non-Immigrant visa inside the country at most immigration office (21 days in chiang mai) and a 30 day visa exempt entry is cutting it close on to get all the documentation together that you need to do it.

8 years ago

Henry ******

@Tod ********

thanks again, extremely useful. This group really saves time, money and reduces stress.

8 years ago

Tod *********

@Henry *****

then you will get all your extensions and your wifes matching extension at the Cham Churi Square One Stop Service Center.

Just get her the 90 day Non-O from Madrid, when you get back go to Cham Churi and see what documentation you need to get her a matching extension like what you have based on being married to someone who legally works here.

Cham Churi Square does that all the time.

Henry ******

yep indeed

Tod *********

, is the company you work for a BOI registered company?

8 years ago

Henry ******

Hi Tod - I have a further update here ''Thai embassy in Madrid may be able to issue O visa for your wife (90 days valid), and she can use it to fly to Bangkok but (1) her visa cannot be extended until we lodge an application to get an approval letter from gov office here first (2) in case BOI reject considering she skips application process, result is she will need to leave the country maybe to somewhere, re-apply for a new O visa, come back and let us finish the process as per normal procedure (visa extension).'' Are you aware of this approval letter from gov office for Visa extension ? Why are BOI involved here, what is their role for Visa extension ? thanks for clarifying :/

8 years ago

Tod *********

It's not tricky to go from a 30-day Visa exempt entry or a 60-day tourist visa entry to a non-immigrant type O Visa. It's just that some immigration offices will not do the conversion. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Jomtien and others do it without a problem.

8 years ago

Henry ******

Thanks Tod - I’ve contacted the Madrid embassy - they have defined the requirements clearly and seems relatively simple. They also said the process takes only 2 working days!

It seems it would now just depend on whether my company are happy to provide me with all their documentation beforehand.

I’m still confused as to why Crown originally stated ‘’ we will start her application process through government system here. When gov issues an approval letter...’’. I haven’t seen this government requirement anywhere in the process...

Also out of curiosity what is the reason for recently making it tricky to convert locally TVs to Non-O Visa’s ?

8 years ago

Tod *********

they are totally incorrect about the "she has to depart the country blah-blah-blah on her travel period" but they might not have done an in country Non-O visa like that.

See if you can get the documentation from them so she can get a 90 day single entry Non-O when she's there.

8 years ago

Henry ******

thanks Tod, I would favor her entry on a SETV and get the Visa Non-O here (avoiding trip to Singapore etc.) - but my company (3rd party - Crown) have said not possible to convert locally. That ''if she comes as a Tourist she has to depart country first in order to put a completion to her travel period. Then, she can apply for dependent visa prior to coming back.''. Shall I take it up with my HR ?

8 years ago

Tod *********

The thai govt doesn't issue any approval letter, it comes from your company, so they can write it ahead of time.

Most consulates you apply one day and pick up your passport with the visa the next day BUT some consulates in the west issue the visa while you're there.

I'd contact the consulate in Spain and see what documentation is required. I'd imagine she could get a 90 day single entry Non-O visa from them before you guys come back here.

8 years ago