How does a Non-Immigrant O visa work for a Thai National married to a US Citizen moving to Thailand?

Non-Immigrant O Visa Visa Application Immigration Steps Thai Visa Rules Expat Advice Marriage Visa Visa Extensions Dual Citizenship

Dec 5, 2024

13 days ago

Mam ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello! How does a Non-Immigrant O visa work? I’m a Thai National (Dual Citizenship with US) who is married to a US Citizen. We are planning on moving to Thailand next February. 

He’s applying for the visa while we are still here since the Thai Visa website says to apply at least 15 days before departure date. 

My question is what are the steps we need to take when we arrive? 

I’m just learning how Thai systems work since I grew up in the states. 

Thank you ka 🙏🏼

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The Non-Immigrant O visa is intended for various reasons, including marriage to a Thai national or other personal circumstances. It's valid for 90 days on entry, with the possibility of a 1-year extension upon meeting specific financial requirements. Upon arrival in Thailand, you need to register with the immigration office within 90 days and may need to renew or extend the visa afterward. Ensure your marriage certificate is authenticated for use in Thailand, and consider consulting specialized forums for expat advice.

Beatriz **********

For the Non-Immigrant O visa, once your visa has been approved and you arrive in Thailand, you will need to register with the immigration office within 90 days. In addition, depending on the type of visa, you may need to renew the visa after a period, such as 1 year, or make extensions.

If you need help to better understand immigration requirements or tax issues while moving to Thailand, I recommend Expat Money Forum. They offer specialized advice for expats, helping with visas, financial planning and taxes.

12 days ago

Nongnuch ********

@Beatriz *********

“and you arrive in Thailand, you will need to register with the immigration office within 90 days”

Sorry, you got your wires crossed

Once you arrive in Thailand, you will need to get registered at your accommodation within 24 hours in the TM30 system.

If you stay in a hotel, they will do it for you. If you stay in a private property, the landlord or host will have to do the TM30

You DON’T “register” with the Immigration after 90 days.

All you need to do is making a “90-days reporting” on the day that is your 90th day after entering Thailand. You can report in person up from 15 days before or until 7 days after the report becomes due

12 days ago

Graham ******

@Nongnuch *******

and a 90 day report would not be required anyway when stamped in on a Non-O Visa

12 days ago

Reply to

Graham ******

James **********

I know that many use Retirement, instead of marriage. They had the 800k so it was easier.

13 days ago

Janelle *****

Hey I’m from Vegas and moved here too. I’d love to be friends I’m sure we have mutual lol

13 days ago

Bob ********

Depending on age their are a number of Visa options, lots of people ask similar questions, scroll through this site and read more. It varies on age, length of stay, whether you want to work, being married to a Thai. Etc Spend an hour or two, list all the options, then download the official docs. Apparently their are certain treaties with the US that offer different options as well. And avoid using an agent. Good luck

13 days ago

Kanthira *************

First make sure your Married certificate authenticates by US department and Thai embassy in US first. US married certificate can’t be use in Thailand without authorized.

13 days ago

Mam ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kanthira ************

Does this mean I’d have to visit the embassy in LA before we go or could I do it in Bangkok? I know my mom was able to get her US Divorce papers translated and notarized in Thailand, could that be the same place?

13 days ago

Joao *********

@Mam ***********

on safer side have marry certicate legalized at Thai embassy in US. Once in Thailand you need to have translated to thai, most translator offer service to be legalized by Thai foreign office.

go to district office ( ampheur ) to register the marriage ( the US marriage certificate should not be older than 6 months ). District office may require 2 thai nationals as testemony, copy of tabien ban, picture of the couple with those 2 testemunhas inside address ( have to go there ask for espesific requirements.

Good luck

13 days ago

Kanthira *************

@Mam ***********

it depend where you get married. I married in New Hampshire. So I went to do authentication at city hall first then NH state and then send it to US department in DC and after that New York Thai embassy. You should be able to find information from ur Thai embassy in ur state where u been married. Thai government not accept US married certificate anymore without Authorization. I don’t know how long ur mom did it I just did all the work recently.

13 days ago

Reply to

Kanthira *************

Stuart *********

A Non O visa is a non immigrant visa based on “other” reasons - which are many. Perhaps being over 50 or being married to a Thai citizen or having a Thai child, etc.

Generally they are valid for 90 days from issue and will get the person stamped in for 90 days on entry. When the stamp is around 30 days or so left you can apply for a year extension off that visa as long as you fulfil the financial and other requirements to do so.

Requirements vary depending on the reason the visa was issued. For example for a “married to a Thai woman” - many refer to this as a marriage visa, you’d need 400k in a Thai bank in the applicants name, seasoned for 2 months prior to applying for the extension.

13 days ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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How do I apply for a Non Immigrant O visa for Thailand before transitioning to a Marriage Visa?

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