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What are the best long-stay visa options for my friend in Thailand considering her current visa situation?

Long-Stay Visa Visa Options Non-O Visa

Feb 2, 2020

5 years ago

Steven ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello Everyone,

My friend has a situation regarding long-stay options in Thailand. I want to run down her scenario to see if anyone has any ideas on my best course of action.

In January 2018, she arrived in Thailand on an METV from the US. She extended that Visa until September, 2018.

In September 2019, she got an Ed Visa at Pro Language and studied beginning Thai until that Visa ended in May 2019.

In May 2019, she left the country and returned by air and got a 30-day Tourist Visa on arrival.

In July 2019, she got a second Ed Visa from Pro Language to study introductory Chinese. That Ed Visa ends on April 1, 2020.

She turns 50 in November 2020. She has 7 months to stay in Thailand until her birthday. Of the following scenarios, what are the best options?

1. A third Ed Visa (for intermediate Thai). She met with Duke, a top, rigorous language school, but they say there’s chance immigration will not let her in. NOTE: they suggested she get a new passport, even though Duke said that immigration will look at her past record)

1. METV (go back to Los Angeles, get an METV, and use it until her birthday on 11/2020. Will immigration block her from entering? She only has 1 visa-exempt entry in the last 2 years...the other was her first METV in 2018.

1. Combine a 60-day Tourist Visa (plus 30-day extension), then use 2 allowable land entries (w/30-day extensions) to total 7 months from April until November.

1. Spend some time abroad, come back in 30 days on a tourist visa, then creatively combine land entries and extensions to get to November 2020.

Any feedback on the best embassies or crossings that provide the least hassle would be appreciated. (she's been to Vientiane, and the embassy grilled her when she processed her second Ed Visa because it was for a Chinese course)

Thank you for any input you might provide (or things I’ve not considered).

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user seeks advice on long-stay visa options for a friend in Thailand, who has multiple visa renewals and extensions but is concerned about re-entry and future visa applications by her 50th birthday.

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Tod *********

get a new passport, GO get the new ED visa enter by LAND, and hope for the best OR as you said go back to the US and see if she can get a 6 month METV from one of the consulates that issue it in the US to burn down the time until she turns 50.

Her entry previous history is gonna be the problem..

5 years ago

Robert *******

She did not have the Non Immigrant O visa based on being a volunteer, or the Non Immigrant B visa for working.

There are options

5 years ago

Steven ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Actually, she’d love to volunteer. The challenge has been finding organizations that will provide visas and work permits to make it all possible. She’s been looking online for opportunities, ideally in or around Bangkok. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

5 years ago

Reply to

Steven ************

James ********

Sadly she has used up her available options IMHO. She is definitely at high risk of denied entry...even if she convinces a Thai Consulate to grant her a new visa.

Upon return from home country with a new METV likely will be met with Denied Entry...

Return home and come back with a visa for retirement st age 50.

She could close the time gap with two land border runs...each giving her 30 days plus 30 day extensions at Thai Immigration...total 4 months maximum.

5 years ago

Steven ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you. should she ahave any issues entering at land borders after her Ed Visa ends in early April? Or is the 2x per year a given without pushback from immigration?

5 years ago

Reply to

Steven ************

Robert *******

Consider a Visa that fits her length and purpose of stay?

5 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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