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Answered8 years ago

How long does it take to get a retirement visa at the Thai consulate in Los Angeles?

Karen ***********
asked Aug 3, 2018
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Question for retirees who acquired their visa in Los Angeles. How long did it take? I’m flying in from Alaska and would love not to have to spend $ on a hotel! Can it be done same day? Thanks!
Answer summary
The process for obtaining a retirement visa (Non-O-A) at the Thai consulate in Los Angeles can vary. Recent updates indicate that applicants can receive same-day service if applying in person after 3:00 PM, specifically for tourist and non-immigrant B visas. However, some users have reported that mail-in applications usually take about two weeks to process. It's recommended to get all documents notarized and to be prepared with passport photos and proof of income. Applying in person may be more reliable than mailing, as any issues could cause delays and loss of fees.
56 repliesnewest first
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Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
Yes
Tod *********
Tod *********
@Karen **********
leave it blank then.
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
@Tod ********
- yes thx. Just saw this. I am planning to mail it all. Still wondering about the guarantor. I don’t really have one. Any suggestions?
Tod *********
Tod *********
Why not just post it to them?
Tod *********
Tod *********
Are you getting a year-long, multi-entry Non-O-A visa ? the one that requires a back ground check and a medical certificate?
Al *******
Al *******
This seems to be a recent change and comes directly from the website - SAME DAY VISA SERVICE WHEN APPLYING IN PERSON IS NOW AVAILABLE - PICK UP VISA THE SAME DAY AFTER 3:00 P.M. (NO SAME DAY PICK-UP BEFORE 3:00 P.M.) - APPLIES TO TOURIST AND NON-IMMIGRANT B VISAS ONLY
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
I’m sticking with you! Will be mailing it all in. Thx!! You guys are so helpful!!!
Tod *********
Tod *********
@Al ******
ahh, good point, i missed it ;) too early for me sorrry
Al *******
Al *******
@Tod ********
that was my point.
Tod *********
Tod *********
while it does say same day service is available I don't believe it is available for the Non-O-A visa..
Al *******
Al *******
I get a non imm o-a multi entry visa from them each year via USPS and each year it takes almost exactly two weeks from the day I mail the stuff in until my passport arrives back in my mailbox.
Jeff *****
Jeff *****
@Al ******
I am waiting for my 2nd 1 year Visa from LA. And I wonder about the security of a bank deposit for a 10 year Visa.
Al *******
Al *******
@Jeff ****
I have no interest in depositing any money in a Thai bank. We split our time between the US and Thailand and getting a new non imm o-a each year is really not a big deal for me.
Jeff *****
Jeff *****
@Al ******
why don't you get a 10 year visa?
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
Whoops. I meant O-A! Thx. The lingo is confusing!
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
@A*
-good question. Not sure. I’m retired, have the $. What’s the difference? Yes, I want to stay as long as possible.
Al *******
Al *******
@Karen **********
I am curious concerning your choice of visas. Why not get the non imm o-a vs. the non imm o?
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
@Al ******
perfect. You’ve been a huge help. I may bug you again as it gets closer. Hoping to be there by October 1, thx!!!!
Al *******
Al *******
@Karen **********
yes, all are one original and three copies.
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
Great to know. Another question: forms 5-7 need to be notarized. Is it just 1 original and 3 copies?
Al *******
Al *******
@Karen **********
I just received my sixth visa from them via the USPS and have never had a problem.
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
Thx Al. So I guess you trust the mail with all these documents? I was worried about doing it by mail.
James ********
James ********
What kind of Visa ?
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
@Joe **********
Non Imm O -A long stay/retirement! I’m good! Thx!!!!!!!
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
The Consulate in Dallas and Houston are both Honorary Consul Generals - contractors- as you know. I don't know why Dallas would refuse. But I thought the LA Consulate issues Non O 90 days for over 50 - but could have read wrong
Tod *********
Tod *********
@J**
I had the thai consulate in Dallas flat out refuse to issue a 90 day Non-O based on being over 50 although I got the consulate in Houston to issue one for a couple people who were over 50 this year so far.
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
@Karen **********
- you can get Non Imm O Visa 90 days and Extend one year at immigration in Thailand

I recommend the Non Imm O-A Multi-Entry Visa (notice the 'A').

The O-A Visa is labeled good for one year but it can be easily made into 2 years total with no fee at the end of the first year.
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
@Karen **********
- The One Year Non Imm O Multi-Entry Visa just for being over age 50 is rarely issued anymore. In America I firmly believe it is not just rare - but not issued at all.
Tod *********
Tod *********
@Mary *******
You are mistaking what's required INSIDE the country for an extension and what's required OUTSIDE the country for a VISA.

There is no requirement that you bank a single baht in a thai bank to get a year-long, multi-entry Non-O-A visa from a thai consulate in the USA.

They can use their US dollar account at their bank in the US to meet the financial requirements :)
James ********
James ********
@Al ******
you are correct 😊
James ********
James ********
@Mary *******
you're confused.When one transfers $ to Bangkok Bank NYC its automatically converted to Thai baht and deposited next day in the senders Bangkok Bank Account in Thailand.
Al *******
Al *******
Mary Hanson She is applying for a non imm o-a multi entry visa. There is no requirement for funds in a Thai bank with this visa. That is one of the benefits of using this visa.
Mary ********
Mary ********
@Karen **********
the 800k tbh must be in a THAI bank. There is a Bangkok Bank branch in New York. This gives you a THAI bank and keeps your money in the US and in $ so you aren't subject to currency fluctuations.
Al *******
Al *******
@Karen **********
I only include what I showed in a prior comment.
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
@Al ******
- Hi Al. Last question I hope! What else do you include in your cover letter? Thx!!
Al *******
Al *******
Karen Greenberg We use the name and address of my Thai sister-in-law. We have our own home and she lives elsewhere but she seems to work just fine for the quarantor requirement.
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
@Al ******
another question for the LA consulate. On the application for visa, it asks for a local guarantor and a local address. I’m planning to stay in a hotel for a bit while I shop for an apartment. How did you handle these items?
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
@Mary *******
- I was going to get a letter from my bank here stating I have
*****
0 bht. Should I do more than that? Bring statements? And it should be notarized? Thx!!!
Al *******
Al *******
Mary Hanson follow the instructions on the website. For example, it says four passport photos are needed, not two. And if you mail in the stuff and are missing something, they will contact you, either direct by phone, or via email. You then simply fix the problem - they will not charge another $200. I know this from experience.
James ********
James ********
@Mary *******
thank you for your helpful reply.
Mary ********
Mary ********
I JUST finished this ordeal last week in LA.

Make SURE your income documentation is good. Things like social security statement, if you have investment income must be on a notarized form from a CPA. If you have rental income you must show the lease( again notarized).

Notarize everything. If it even begins to look like they might want to see the form, notarize it.

IF you have dotted every I, crossed all Ts make 2 copies.

Have a couple passport size photos ready.

They only accept in person applications certain hours each day.

They only accept a certain number of applications per day.

No you cannot make an appointment to submit documents.

Arrive at least 2 hours ahead of the formation of the line to submit applications if you want any hope of making it under the quota cut off.

Jabba the Hut will take your application.

They will review it "briefly" to see if at first glance you have all your documents. It is then set aside " for further inspection and you are given a time to return the FOLLOWING day where if you have performed the necessary ablutions and made the appropriate sacrifice you will receive a visa.

Think if it as training for when you deal with Thai immigration in country.

Believe me you want to do it in person. By mail if you screw up they keep your $200 and you get to spend another $200. This according to a guy I met in line.
John *****
John *****
Two days for the OA visa. Drop it off day before and pick up next morning.
Al *******
Al *******
James Miller I print out the form from the consulate website and bring it to my doctor’s office. I just drop it off, he signs it and the office admin people mail the form back to me.
James ********
James ********
@Al ******
#7 Medical statement...where do you get it ..your doctor sign ? Or clinic in your town.
Al *******
Al *******
You may have difficulty getting #5 and #7 notarized. I always include a cover letter that states, in part,

Royal Thai Consulate-General

611 N Larchmont Blvd, 2nd Floor Los Angeles, CA
*****


I certify that each of the documents enclosed is a true copy.

My Name

Acknowledgement

I then add the standard notary statement for the notary to sign - can be easily found on the internet. I have never had a problem, and this seems to address the issue.
Al *******
Al *******
@Karen **********
I am in WA.
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
Hey- just noticed your bio. Have a bunch of Air Force PJ friends up in Alaska. Know any of them? Were you in Washington State?
James ********
James ********
@Karen **********
Good advice.
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
@Ja***
- I’m thinking about trusting Al and doing it through the mail. Unless I hear horror stories!
James ********
James ********
@Karen **********
there was a recent posting from a gent who lives in the LA area. He carried it in...but not sure when he received it.
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
@James *******
thanks- really just want to know if it takes more than a day in person or do you trust doing it by mail. I have all the docs, $, forms etc.
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
@Al ******
multiple entry non o based on over 50.
James ********
James ********
@Karen **********
******************************************************************
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
Al *******
Al *******
Karen Greenberg you need to be more precise please.
Karen ***********
Karen ***********
OP
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