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How long does it take to process a Non-O visa at the Canberra embassy for retirement?
Feb 4, 2026
3 months ago
EmeraldWa*********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi all , I’ve applied to the Canberra embassy for a non o visa based on retirement, over 50 & have funds ,, it’s been 2 weeks, saying pending document check, should I be worried, ? How long does it usually take? Tia
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is concerned about the status of their NON-O visa application based on retirement, which has been pending for 2 weeks. Responses from others indicate that processing times can vary significantly. Typically, Thai embassies advise up to 15 business days for processing, but during peak times, such as high tourist seasons or election periods, it can take 4-6 weeks or more. Several commenters shared their experiences, noting that while some received their approvals quickly (within a few days), others faced longer waits. It's suggested that applicants reach out directly to the embassy if they have urgent travel plans, as they may be able to expedite the process.
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.
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Israel *************
Did anybody go apply for it in person at the embassy?
Steven *******
I applied over xmas, new years, took 15 working days, sat on document check for the whole time, recieved it by email the day before my flight
Bob *******
They are very slow for all Visas , so much better when we had our own in Adelaide. Not sure if I will ever apply there again .
Kevin *********
I applied for a non O visa to Camberra on 23 december. When from pending doctument check to pending approval on the 8th january and still on that status
I am booked to travel to Thailand next week 15th . I have emailed them . No reply.
I am worried . If I need to rebook fligh
I am booked to travel to Thailand next week 15th . I have emailed them . No reply.
I am worried . If I need to rebook fligh
David ***********
Kevin Giblett me too
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David ***********
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Paul *********
6 calendar days when submitted early December. Mine went through Sydney Consulate.
Davo ********
I got an O visa (not O-A) which cost me the equivalent of 1,900 THB at the embassy (online) which was good for a 90 visit to Thailand..... then flew to Thailand and opened a bank account (you can open a thai bank on the O visa as it is not classified as a tourist visa)... transferred the money from my Aussie account to it.. Then went to the local Thai immigration office with a Thai bank statement, proof of address (can be the TM30 from your hotel even) , passport and 2 photo's and paid another 1,900 THB then the O visa was extended for 12 more months.
Chris ********
Davo Cannon Hi Davo, can you tell me if you remained on a Non O visa or when extended does it change to a Non O/A.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Chris ********
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James ********
If you have a flight booked you can email them the date if its soon and get pushed to front of queue. That time is normal won't be long now
EmeraldWa*********
ORIGINAL POSTERJames Bailey thanks 🙏 heaps James , I do have my ticket , start of march, I have a plan b & c ,, but we all want our plan a , of course, cheers for the advice,, I will definitely give it a go 👍
James ********
Visa will arrive well before that you will be fine, I empathize with the anxiety.
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James ********
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John *********
London - 24 Hours.
But I would not be too concerned. Things have recently tightened up considerably.
But I would not be too concerned. Things have recently tightened up considerably.
EmeraldWa*********
ORIGINAL POSTERJohn Kenealy thanks 🙏 John, it actually does help to hear these responses
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EmeraldWa*********
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Darren ******
I did mine in Canada first week of January it took 3
***
hours. 1pm email arrived 4-5pm same day. Every embassy or consulate will have their own timelines I’m assuming.EmeraldWa*********
ORIGINAL POSTERDarren Wolf now I’m just jealous 🤣
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EmeraldWa*********
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Ant ***********
3-4 weeks
Robin *******
It took around 21 days in the UK
Mark *******
Got mine yesterday from Sydney. Applied Jan 19th.
Tom *******
London took 16 days
David ***********
I applied 9 January. Still awaiting for approval. Flight leaves next week. I am wondering what to do now. ,( should have done it earlier )
Alan *******
David Hawkswell Let us know how you get on here, i would think they are aware of your flight arrival date on your application but if they dont care it would be handy info for those not sure of processing times.
David ***********
Alan Moore will do
Reply to
David ***********
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EmeraldWa*********
ORIGINAL POSTERDavid Hawkswell i thought of that as well
Shane ***********
David Hawkswell fingers crossed it turns up before you arrive, if not get the 60 day visa except, when it’s approve take a flight to Laos for a couple of days and use it when you reenter Thailand.
David ***********
Shane Kinneally . Mate. I Gunna be one of those that they are enforcing the rules
Shane ***********
David Hawkswell you will be right mate, did this two weeks ago for METV
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Shane ***********
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Peter *********
Took me 3 weeks through the Sydney embassy
Anthony ******************
Give them a call. They are very helpful.
Oo *****
About 5 days for me after days of meeting their criteria.
Kerrie ********
When applying for the Non O..are your required to show the 800,000 in your Australian bank account on application.
Trevor ***********
Kerrie Arnold yes
Kevin *********
Kerrie Arnold yes
EmeraldWa*********
ORIGINAL POSTERKerrie Arnold yes , did that
Mary ****
Kerrie Arnold yes, had to show proof of either 800,000 baht or monthly income deposits of at least 65,000 baht/month.
Kerrie ********
Mary BK Thanks Mary.
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Kerrie ********
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Ling *****
Kerrie Arnold i did mine through Sydney Consulate last year. They required to see an up to date statement showing the balance of 800,000 THB in AUD equivalent in my Australian bank or an equivalent income in aud of 65,000 coming in per month. I had the first choice and went straight through within a week. That was in April last year.
Kerrie ********
Ling Gah Thanks much appreciated.
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Kerrie ********
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David **********
Kerrie Arnold no
Ling *****
David Chinnery wrong information here, yes you do.
Colin *********
David Chinnery why did you say "no"? A simple online search shows that it is a requirement.
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Colin *********
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Noel ********
Kerrie Arnold I came here in October with no visa and got it here with a bank account in one day, all I had to do was turn up with my passport, but it did cost me 60,000 baht because I didn’t want to go back to Australia and do the paperwork
EmeraldWa*********
ORIGINAL POSTERNoel Holman appreciate your input Noel, thank you 🙏
Larry *********
Noel Holman did you have to put 800k baht in a thai bank? thats about $26k USD .
Noel ********
Larry Wheeler i did mine over time because my Australian bank wouldn’t let me, but it was after I got my visa, the agent sorted everything out for me
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Noel ********
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Kar **********
Kerrie Arnold - I would like to know too!!
Kevin *********
Kar Campbell yes you need to have 800k in Australian bank accounr as part of application
Noel ********
Kar Campbell Kerrie Arnold I came here in October with no visa and got it here with a bank account in one day, all I had to do was turn up with my passport, but it did cost me 60,000 baht because I didn’t want to go back to Australia and do the paperwork
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Noel ********
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Alicia *******
Very very slow
Shane ***********
Alicia Croce not slow, just busy, that’s what happens when you apply at peak tourist season just before an election
Alicia *******
Shane Kinneally ha ha
Good excuse
Good excuse
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Alicia *******
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Hugh ************
What paperwork was required to apply for your visa. Non O retirement.
Brandon ************
Most Thai embassies advise 15 business days for processing. Many of them have updated to allow 4-6 weeks since high season started. And that was BEFORE the embassies started processing overseas votes for the current Thai election, which is also slowing things down.
EmeraldWa*********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
thank you 🙏 Brandon , that helps ease the anxiety,, cheersColin *********
@Brandon ***********
just curious about what you mean by "high season". I assume that is the time period when Thailand has the most visitors, right? When exactly is the period of "high season"?Brandon ************
@Colin ********
when it's cold in Europe and North America.Reply to
Brandon ************
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Samara ***********
@Brandon ***********
that’s sounds like the most reasonable explanation. We did ours outside of high season just under a year ago and took about 10 days , start to finish.Reply to
Samara ***********
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