What are my options if my non-O visa is expiring and I don't have enough valid pages in my passport for a marriage visa extension in Thailand?

Oct 24, 2024
2 months ago
Alex ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
So, I messed up. My non-O visa runs out on November 7th and while I have been otherwise approved for a 1-year marriage visa extension, I don't have any pages left in my passport.

Okay, I actually have 3 pages left, but they all say "Endorsements" in tiny letter on the side of the page and apparently you can't use those for visas...despite two countries already using half of one of those pages for visa stamps...regardless today Thai immigration told me they can't use them.

Am I screwed? The US Embassy website seems to say that a lack of pages is not a reason for an emergency or temporary passport, and they don't add pages anymore.

I can't apply for a new passport here in Bangkok because my visa will run out long before I get it.

Did I fuck up so bad by not knowing about these final three pages in my passport that I now have to leave my wife just before her birthday, my condo that I have a contract for, my prepaid Christmas plans, and go home for months while I sort out a new passport? Is there no other solution?

UPDATE

After some difficulty, I was able to make an appointment to renew my passport (usually done through mail only) and I will have the chance to state my case for an emergency passport (usually not given in my particular case) so I can get a visa stamp and stay in the country.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A person faced an urgent situation with their non-O visa expiring soon and insufficient pages in their passport for a marriage visa extension, leading to concerns about returning to the US and leaving their family. The community provided suggestions, including the possibility of securing an emergency passport appointment and insights on dealing with immigration complications, emphasizing that alternatives exist and it is possible to navigate the challenges without a lengthy absence from Thailand.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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Anita ********
They have passports now with more pages. Just apply for the bigger passport at the US Embassy.
Bill ********
So now, whenever I deal with US passport government office, I will always pay the expedite fee.
Alex ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill *******
overseas Americans are no longer able to expedite a new passport, per the Embassy website.
Bill ********
@Alex ***********
I expedited my passport renewal from America.
Alex ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill *******
welp, I guess the embassy website is lying then
Bill ********
I had a trip to China scheduled and almost missed it as my renewal passport was held up by US Immigration. I contacted my US senator's office, and they got on Immigration to expedite my passport. Senator Brownback's office will always be on my grateful list as a consequence.
Ajané **********
If you do have to go home, You can actually get an expedited passport same day if you show them your travel arrangements & schedule an appointment at an official passport agency, rather than applying through a library or post office! I did this for both me and my son. Had an appointment at 8 am, our passports were ready by 1pm! So worst case scenario, you could possibly travel back, not have to wait months, and be back in time for your holiday plans! Let me know if you want me to send you more info!
Alex ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ajané *********
thank you, but if I am forced to go home, I will need to work for at least a month or two before coming back makes any sense. But as it seems, I think I will be able to stay
Ajané **********
@Alex ***********
gotcha!! Good luck! Trusting it will all work out for you! 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Cliff *********
I’m soooooo sorry to hear your passport got lost……
Bonnie *******
You should have enough time to replace your passport. It doesn't take very long
Craig ********
@Bonnie ******
takes a couple weeks
Scott *********
Yes. Screwed yourself
Lynnette *******
What would the US embassy do if it was a damaged passport? Seems if you can't use the pages it's bit unfair.
Craig *********
@Lynnette ******
yes you could accidentally wash it!
Lynnette *******
@Craig ********
or spill a coffee on the pages. Any damage, even small, renders a passport invalid.
Craig *********
@Lynnette ******
play the system, don’t let the system play you!
Maksym ***********
Immigration always says they can't. But I got two extension stamps 30 days each time, into this pages while I waited for a new passport. Each time it was "one time exception" because I explained that I can't get new passport faster. So try to talk with them...
Craig ********
I'm not an expert in these matters but sounds like you're fucked and you'll be headed back to the US while you get a new passport. But don't fret, all you've lost is some time and money, everyone is safe and healthy so don't sweat it, count your blessings.
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