How early should I start renewing my retirement visa in Thailand before visiting the USA?

Mar 16, 2022
3 years ago
Our retirement visa (issued before we came here in the USA) needs renewal in early June. We are taking a month to visit the USA in June so I am wondering how early I need to start the renewal process (never done it while here) and how long I should expect it to take? I am assuming we need it all completed and in our passports before we return to Thailand in early July. Any help and advice is appreciated!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The renewal process for a retirement visa in Thailand can be started as early as 45 days before the expiration date, as long as you are in the country. It is advisable to apply for the extension about 6 weeks before the expiration, especially if you plan to be away when it's due. The extension application is similar to applying for a new visa, and with proper documentation, it can be approved on the same day you apply. If you have a Non-OA visa, consider renewing it while back in the USA.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
John **********
You obviously obtained a Non-OA visa in the states before coming here. Why not do that again while back home?
Kool *******
@Joanne ****************
you don't need to switch anything. The extension is basically the same as getting a new one. Just make sure you have the bt800,000 in your Thai bank account before you leave. If it expires there is no penalty when you get a new one. Just make sure you can show that the bt800,000 came from an overseas source, then you are set. I think you are confused about something. When you apply for your year extension, and have all your paperwork in order, mainly your bank paperwork, you get the visa extension on that day you apply. There is no waiting. I think you misunderstood the part about the 45 days. That is how many days before your current visa/extension expires that you can apply for your next extension. It is not how many days you have to wait for it to be approved. If your current retirement visa expires in the beginning of June, then you can apply for your year extension toward the end of April, and you will get it on the same day you apply, as long as all your documents are in order.
Joanne *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
yes I was confused thanks for clarifying!
Michael ***************
I normally apply for mine 6 weeks before the expiration date in Chiang Mai, if I’m going to be away when it’s due I let them know and apply for renewal on return
Garrett ***********
In Bangkok you can apply for an extension 45 days in advance. You have to be in the country for the extension.
Joanne *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
hmmm ok that’s problematic because I’ll be gone more than 45 days. Is it possible to get it done ahead of time?
Garrett ***********
Joanne Nope, no sooner than 45 days before your exention of stay expires. If your extension expires while you're outside Thailand you'll have to start fresh again when you come back (or get a new Non-O in the US).
Joanne *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
ok I’ll have to work through this somehow. Might need to switch to a volunteer visa but not sure how expensive that is. Thanks for your advice and help. Appreciate it!
Kool *******
@Joanne ****************
you don't need to switch anything. You are confused concerning the 45 days. Read what I posted.
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