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How long does it take to obtain an FBI criminal record clearance for a Non-O/A Visa in Thailand?

Feb 4, 2026
3 months ago
Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone here obtained a FBI criminal record clearance to meet the requirements of an Non-O/A Visa? If so, how long did it take you to get it from the time you requested it?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This post discusses obtaining an FBI criminal record clearance for a Non-O/A Visa in Thailand. Users share their personal experiences, noting that the process can be quick if fingerprinting is done in person, with some receiving results within 24 hours. Several commenters highlight that for a Non-O Visa, a police report might not be necessary, especially for those married to a Thai citizen. The conversation also touches on alternate methods for obtaining background checks and shares opinions on the differences between Non-O and Non-OA Visas.
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.
Kenny *****
Google life scan UPS store near yr location. I did mine couple yrs ago for the OA visa. I received the offical letter before i got home. Very fast.
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Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Kenny Chu thanks, Kenny!
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Eric ********
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Alexander *************
O would be a better option and quite much safer than oa as this in the past has been victim of changes and surveillance. To be honest most low class earners have this visa. Better not
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Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Alexander DThornerian any disadvantage to going with the non O as opposed to the non OA?
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Alexander *************
Eric Duggan the burden of 800’ in a Thai account. Consider anyhow that Thailand has sharpen the tax rules. You have to file a declaration each year with supporting documents proving your income and tax paid in home country and foreign remittances. Documents from foreign government agencies have to be legalized. This was shorten abolished for year 2024 but now enforced again. Some are leaving the country due to the burden of documentation which have to be in English or Thai and often legalized. Notary stamp is not applicable as Thailand is not in the Haag convention (yet). If American or British I assume you can easily get this tax certificate from home country. If you are French well don’t consider
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Alexander *************
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Alexander *************
Don’t apply for the OA as a health insurance is required. Choose O
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Steven ************************
Alexander DThornerian Did non OA based on marriage no insurance required but maybe they know I have VA
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Steven ************************
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Bill **********
I used the local Sheriff's office to do a background check and include a statement signed by the Sheriff.
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Jeffrey *********
Bill Harrison When I did the OA a number of years ago, I submitted a clearance from the county sheriff and it was rejected - the embassy in Washington said the document had to come from either the FBI or the state police. I don't know if that's still the case.
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Bill **********
I used the Chicago Embassy as I lived in very rural Oklahoma.
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Bill **********
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Steve *********
I dunno…I do remember one time I arrived at jfk and was quizzed by the immigration if there was any insanity or mental issues in my family:after thinking a bit I did have to confess one of my family had married an American

:)
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Lynnette *******
There's always Non-O with no police check, no Thai insurance etc
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Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Lynnette Munoz I'm aware of that. Thank you
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Eric ********
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Steven ************************
Shouldn't need an FBI or police report if married to Thai for Non OA Visa. Check Thai Evisa.
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Brandon ************
@Steven ***********************
There is no Non-OA marriage visa. It's purely a retirement visa.
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Brandon ************
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Jump****
Hey Eric, I did it recently. It’s super easy if you live in a place that allows you to get the fingerprinting in person. I was in New York. You just pay the first fee on the FBI website and take the barcoded email to a USPS office that provides the fingerprinting service(list of those offices are on the FBI website as well.)You have have to select that you want the results emailed to you. If you choose any other way, it can take weeks. However, once I got fingerprinted and paid the post office fee, which I think was $50, the results were emailed to me by the FBI within 24 hours. Just remember that both the FBI criminal check and the medical certificate that your doctor signs to clear you of those five weird disease diseases, both have a three month expiration date. So only do this when you have a firm idea of when you’re leaving? 
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Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Jumper25 Thank you so much for this information!
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Thai *******
FBI really
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Eric ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thai Luvin you know of another way?
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Eric ********
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