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Should I apply for a Non-immigrant type O Visa now or wait until I move to Thailand in two years?

Non-immigrant Visa O Visa Application Timing Thailand Retirement Visa Visa Exempt Entry Expats in Thailand

Nov 8, 2018

7 years ago

Kent *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm planning on retiring to Thailand from the states in 2 years.  I am married to a Thai citizen and plan on getting a Non-immigrant type O Visa.  My question is should I get the Visa now (as in January - I will be visiting Thailand in February for about a month) or should I wait and get it when I ultimately move in 2 years?  My wife believes we should get it now to start a record of having the Visa.  I realize I will have to go through the process again a year from now when I visit Thailand again (and again when I finally move).  FYI: My wife owns a home in Bangkok.  Thoughts?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user is contemplating whether to apply for a Non-immigrant type O Visa now or wait until moving to Thailand in two years. They are married to a Thai citizen and consider visiting Thailand shortly. Responses highlight that a visa is not necessary at this time, suggesting a visa-exempt entry for the upcoming visit and advising against applying for a visa until the user is ready to reside in Thailand.

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Kent *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you for the valuable advice. I’ll hold off till it’s necessary.

7 years ago

Tod *********

I agree with the other posters, either come on a single-entry tourist visa for a 30-day Visa exempt entry stamp this trip and worry about your Visa next year when you're going to move here

7 years ago

Scott ********

Visa exempt, for free, until you plan on spending more than a month here at a time. At that point the $200, for an O-A anyway, would start to make sense. Makes no sense to pay for a visa you won’t really be using when a free visa exempt meets your needs. Starting a record is not a block that needs to be checked on any visa application.

7 years ago

Chris ******

Come exempt in January. Don't waste your time on the non o till you need it.

7 years ago

Steve *******

Get it when you move here. There's no benefit getting it now if you're not living in Thailand

7 years ago

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Steve *******

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