What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand for six months while considering a potential marriage?

Thai Visa Options Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Non-O-A Visa Visa Application Process Marriage Visa Traveling with a Thai Partner

May 17, 2018

6 years ago

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am thinking of coming to Thailand again. I’ve been there the last two years once in 2016 for a two week holiday. 2017 for three months. I want to return around the beginning of December 2018 and stay for six months. I have a Thai girlfriend that I may end up marrying on this trip. I am 58 years old and from Canada. She was recently turned down a tourist visa to Canada, and it’s suggested that we go on a trip or two outside Thailand so she can apply again. She has never been abroad and that was the reason she did not get the visa. What are my best options for a visa in Thailand for six months with that in mind.

Thanks for your help.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is planning a six-month stay in Thailand starting December 2018 and seeks advice on the best visa options. They have discussed the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV), which allows a stay of 60 days per entry, extendable for another 30 days, and can be used effectively for nearly 270 days with careful planning. They also consider the Non-Immigrant O-A visa, which provides a one-year duration. Several comments suggest applying for the visa close to their intended arrival to maximize validity and also suggest options for their girlfriend, who was denied a Canadian tourist visa.

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Thomas *****

I don't know about Canada I am an American and my wife was turned down the first time. She Is a Teacher and owns two homes but turned her down they want to see strong community so she will return would not hurtto be married

6 years ago

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I was warned by my Thai language teacher here in Canada that it would be difficult , it’s not so easy to get visas to Canada. She’s lived here forever with her Canadian husband but they couldn’t get their niece here. Thanks for all the information.

6 years ago

Reply to

James *********

Martin *********

That’s a change , when I obtained a visa for my ( at the time only girlfriend ) I got a 6 month holiday visa , and she’d never even been to an airport, let alone out of the country , And I was waiting the other end . ( stayed 17 years in the end 😳😂 )

6 years ago

Martin *********

@Tod ********

no I was replying to his statement about he’s girlfriend not being allowed to travel to Canada having a visa request turned down , because she’d never been abroad before ... unless I’m reading that wrong ?

6 years ago

Tod *********

you do realize we're talking about visas for foreigners to come to thailand right?

6 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Robert *******

The Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is 6 months valid from the day it is put in your passport. On every entry you get 60 days of stay, than a border run or short holiday abroad and you get 60 days again on return till the enter before/valid until date on the visa. If you enter just before or on this date you still get the 60 days which you can extend with 30 days at local Immigration. Thats brings a total stay to almost 270 days in Thailand.

6 years ago

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Also how can I use the multiple entry visa for 9 months, by playing the dates right thanks again

6 years ago

James *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks you guys. Sorry Robert I don’t understand the last part of your first sentence. Also if I come in December 1, when should I apply in Canada. How many months do I have to use these two types after I get one or the other.

6 years ago

Tod *********

no matter which of the two visas you decide on get it as close to the time you're coming to thailand as you can.

A Non-O-A visa is valid for a year from the date issued

AND

A 6 month METV is coincidentally valid for 6 months ;)

There's no sense applying too early and burning the validity of the visa down while you're not here. Especially on the 6 month METV one. :/

6 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Robert *******

You can apply for the Non Immigrant O-A visa which gives you a 1 year visa and get on every entry year of stay. Or the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa which gives you 60 days of stay and can be used for 6 months.

6 years ago

Jennifer ****

Apply for a Multiple Entry tourist visa before leaving Canada. At a thai embassy near you or mail it to Ottawa. This will give you 9 months total if you play the dates right. Also it will allow a few trips to neighboring countries.

6 years ago

Reply to

Jennifer ****

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What is the best visa option for a 6-month to 1-year stay in Thailand?

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