Answered8 years ago
How long is the British Embassy income letter valid for in Thailand?
Hi All, my retirement extension is due next Feb so I plan to get the BE income letter mid to end of Nov before they stop issuing them. I'll apply earlier than usual as I reckon there will be quite a demand for 'em :-) My question is how long is the letter really valid for? I know some have already said 6 months but I recall being told some years ago by Col Walee in Krabi immigration only 1 month ??
Answer summary
The income letter from the British Embassy is generally valid for 6 months, as confirmed by multiple community members. However, there are differing opinions regarding its validity period, with some recalling that a local immigration officer mentioned it was valid for only 1 month. It is advisable to contact the specific immigration office for confirmation and to take additional financial documentation to support your visa application.
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Tod *********
@Ray ********
the income letter is valid for 6 months just like Darren Low told you in the very first answer to your question (before the thread got dragged off topic) ;)GO to the Files section of the group on the left, click on the 6 month validity for embassy letter pdf and you'll see the engrish translation AND the original police order about it.
Robert *******
I posted a link, than I posted how to get to the official statement, I posted it is valid for 6 months and your question is not answered. Well not much more I can do.
Ray *********
OPBack to topic: No one has really answered my original question of how long is the Income letter really valid for? (specifically in Krabi) No worries, I'll ask them at my next 90 day report early Nov but if anyone really knows the answer meantime it would be great to know and maybe benefit other members here?
Mary ********
Doesnt guarantee you wont be asked to provide additional proof of funds.
Ray *********
OPNo problem for me there Mary, I always take the 'evidence of income' with me to the immi office just in case anyway. Them asking for the 'proof' has always been a fact but I have a feeling this may be enforced more so in future.
Ray *********
OPOn the subject of the immi offices varying in their interpretations, I was firmly told by the head IO 12 yrs ago that the requirement was 800k AND 65k monthly income ...:-)
Ray *********
OPYep, thats certainly been my experience also. A p.s. and final note on my story. I returned the following year and was clearly advised that it was "either / or". I like to think that maybe I prompted them to 'double check' ?
Robert *******
Best way to deal with it. Sorry, I'm wrong is not something you will hear a lot in Thailand and from lots of other people. I'm happy Facebook has a block option, at least I can stop the bad mouthing if some people disagree with Thai rules and regulations.
Ray *********
OPVery true and understandable but it was the 'ferocity' and loudness of the chief IO's insistence of this requirement that got me when I calmly and politely explained what I had read on the Thai Gov website that it was either / or. Suffice to say I got nowhere, smiled and said a polite 'thank you', and left.
Robert *******
We all make mistakes in live, even the head IO.
Pete ********
What's the earliest you can have the visa extension done? Mine's in May & it keeps disrupting our travels....
Robert *******
The offices who allow 45 days before are Phuket, Bangkok, Chang Mai as far as I know and the extended the normal 30 day period just because to many foreigners applying. So give more time to handle all applications before the last day. It shows good service, at least that is the way I see it.
Ray *********
OPYet again this shows how each immi office varies so prob best to clarify at your own local office as I intend to do here in Krabi.
Robert *******
some offices between 45 days and your last Admitted until date stamped in your passort, other offices start with 30 days.
Ray *********
OPI totally agree with you John, which is why I plan a 'belt & braces' approach this time by printing all my English bank statements and highlighting my monthly pension payments to date plus printing my Transferwise 'receipts' which clearly show my regular transfers to my Thai account. This is of course on top of copies of my Thai bank book & statements. Lots of paper but better to be safe than sorry.
Robert *******
Okay, you can click on the files section in the menu and there on 6 month validity for embassy letter.pdf
Ray *********
OPThanks Robert, although your link just sends me to the facebook login page (in Thai)??
Joe ***********
@Ray ********
- keep trying it one time after another.. If Facebook is active it will stop going to the loginJohn *****
Another issue with the British Embassy letter is that with the recent embassy announcement of termination of the service, they've also admitted that they carry out no verification making the letter effectively valueless, therefore I think it wise to take supporting financial documentation to immigration which backs up the data on the embassy letter.
Robert *******
The letter of income from the Embassy is valid for 6 months. If you like to print out the announcement of Immigration, here is the link from our files section:
**********************************
%20month%20validity%20for%20embassy%20letter.pdf?token=AWytsKNnV2XGxqD5ZO7aggVCKzHj9QiumoYaNOLYhShYK-TJNJcKFCmvyS2C8z_nBeSvLdkqYDl2QhriiwfJ9erk6FN9sCtRvK2mUQiO9uyPjYtOPnY87wwzG4CwAnZ2fCFgEVSliihq-w-eLXjcQ03zJohn *****
My guess is it different for each immigration office as is the bank statement needed to show 800k. Each office wants to see 800k but some accept statements up to a week old and Chiang Wattana for example want to see it as if the day of application.
John *****
@Ray ********
agree, but it's not stated on the web site and not consistently implemented, hence my comment re: British Embassy letter and different judgements office by office re: length of time the salary affidavit is valid for.Ray *********
OPRe the 800k Thai bank statement / letter, it does make sense that immi want to see it fully up to date on the day of application as a lot can happen to the 'real' balance in a week :-)
Ray *********
OPYep it does seem that some offices interpret the 'requirements' differently which is why I asked the original question.
Ray *********
OPSry, that should be 'Col Wanlee' but no matter as she moved to Phuket some time ago. Maybe best for me to call in to ask them?
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