Is it normal for my 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa application to take longer than expected due to the Songkran holiday?

Question

Hello
Due to a family situation i had to leave Thailand and couldn't come back before my visa expired.

So when I came back I had to restart the whole process.

I went to immigration on April 1st to apply for the 90 days Non immigrant O visa.

Handed over all the required documents (i had to go back to the bank for proof of international transfer )

They said to come back 15 days later.

I did came back after Sonkran. They said the visa was not ready.

Went back this morning and after a 1 hour wait, they said it was still not ready and that we should come back next friday.

I came back to Thailand on a 60 days exemption visa.

It expired today.

They said that since I was applying for a new visa it wouldn't be a problem.

But what if my visa is declined ?

Is the delay normal ? (considering it was Sonkran )

Should i be worried ?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The individual faced a delay in receiving their Non-Immigrant O visa after applying, following the expiration of their 60-day visa exemption. They expressed concerns about possible visa denial and the typical timeline for such applications, especially considering the recent Songkran holiday. Community members reassured them that delays are common and as long as they submitted all required documents and paid the application fee, they are likely to receive their visa as scheduled.

Tod ********* · Answer

Surprisingly (or not) this actually happens quite a lot (especially at the smaller immigration offices) for both initial 90 day Non-Imm visas and year extensions which require an under consideration period.

That's because these applications need to go to the division headquarter to get approval before being sent back to the issuing office

I tell people, IF they took your application, charged you the 2000baht, gave you a receipt, with a report back date, you WILL get the 90 day Non-Imm visa.

I have never seen nor heard of anyone applying for the initial Non-Imm visa who did not receive it (even if the report back date had past)..

I know that it makes you feel uncomfortable but not a lot you can do other than wait it out.. With the Songkran holiday I'd say just stay in contact with the immigration office report back when they told you to..

Wait it out, don't panic, it's part of the process...

Gad ******* · Answer

Thank you James.

Kader's ************ · Answer

Absolutely No problem

James ******** · Answer

Don't worry... you are okay.

You are not on OVERSTAY.

Just return to your Thai Immigration office as requested next Friday.

They will have your 90 day Non O Visa ready to be stamped in your passport. Followed three months later with your one year extension of stay.

Is it normal for my 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa application to take longer than expected due to the Songkran holiday?

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