What are the current updates and requirements for visa extensions at Chiang Mai Immigration during the ongoing pandemic?

Apr 2, 2020
5 years ago
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello World.

A small (long) update in regard to some immigration issues I feel like need to be reiterated, explained, and expounded upon. Also, I've attached the handy-dandy CM Immigration examples of the TM-7 (Extension form), TM-8 (Re-entry Permit), and TM-47 (90-Day Report) from the board outside the door. Also, if you need any documents available to print at home, see this link (All these are available at the office, though):

[members only]

Caveat: I AM NOT AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER. I am a volunteer with access to immigration officials and a decent understanding of current processes and policies at CHIANG MAI IMMIGRATION.

Rumor mill:

1) CM Immigration has no current plan to close

2) Automatic 30-day extensions FOR TOURISTS is in deliberation by Parliament. This will have NO EFFECT on the long-stay visa holders as of now. ([members only]).

3) Only Non-OA Retiree visa holders are required to have health insurance when they extend their visa. Non-O retirement extensions DO NOT require current health insurance coverage (IN CHIANG MAI).

4) YES, you MUST have two copies of EVERYTHING when you apply for the COVID-19 extension (even the embassy letter).

Local CM Immigration office Info:

First, the new queue system. Due to social distancing attempts, they don't want people crowding. To stop that, people are screened at the entrance on the facility and asked what they need. SOMETIMES, a volunteer will try and catch you before you get to the temperature section. We aren't being nosy. We are trying to help direct traffic. I can tell you what/where you need to go with a cursory glance at the paperwork as opposed to the explanation. Sometimes we need it. If so, I'll ask for elaboration. The officers won't. You'll be given 4 options (I wrote a long post about that. Maybe someone will link to it....). THAT queue number is the number IN LINE to get to the desk, NOT the visa appointment. We volunteers are keeping track of numbers and usher you from the seating areas to the desk for document review. Additionally, we provide a free-of-charge document review to advise on any missing pages, signatures, ink colors, or bad copies that the officer will flag and reject your application. This is completely optional. However, and I cannot stress this enough...if there is a queue for doc review and you are missing anything and need to come back, YOU MUST RE-QUEUE. Sorry. Now, if there is no line, no problem. After you get your docs reviewed BY THE DESK OFFICER, they will give you your REAL queue number to get your immigration issue looked at. At that point, the only thing I can do for you is show you the bathroom and get you some water if you need.

Ok, so next thing is the new entry procedure. I wrote a long post about this, so I won't go into huge detail. But, I will say this...if you tell the officer taking your temperature ANYTHING with the words "90 days....", you will be given a 90-day report (TM-47) queue number. I mentioned the other day about the difference b/w 90-day report and 90-day extension. As of now, you cannot get a 90-day extension of your tourist visa here. 90-day extensions are on Non-O visas of varying flavors. Use your terminology wisely. I'll write up specific procedures again, as needed.

A few outliers, though, based on some unique cases I've seen.

1) Renewing your Non-O visa in-country....BRING EVERYTHING IN SUPPORT OF YOUR VISA!!! Retirees, bring financial. Marriage/Guardians, bring marriage licenses / birth certificates...there is no "I just need a 30 day stamp." They want to see everything. This includes Non-B visas as well (Which is very, very painful).

2) This border situation is upsetting the apple cart on many retirees/family visas that no longer meet the financial requirement to maintain their visa. I have NOT YET HEARD OF OR SEEN the Consulate letter work to extend a Non-O any flavor visa. If you need to extend, see #1, OR....let the visa lapse, revert to a tourist visa, and use the COVID-19 extension policy to extend that tourist visa ad infinitum until further policy comes into play.

3) Family/Marriage visa holders who no longer meet the requirement can apply to extend their tourist visa (after cancelling Non-O) for 90 days at a time by providing all family-related documentation MINUS FINANCIAL INFO when they extend.

4) Dual citizens can extend their visa for one year by showing Thai ID card, birth certificate, parent info, etc.

5) If you applied for an extension elsewhere (Not in CM) and your extension is under consideration, CM Immigration CAN NOT extend you! You MUST return to the office you extended at to receive final determination (Saw this one today).

6) You can switch tourist visa to Non-O retirement while in country as long as you have 21 days on your visa, meet all the requirements, and have $$$ in the bank for at least 3 weeks prior to applying (or whatever time the officer wants.)

7) DO NOT CANCEL YOUR VISA until you speak to an immigration officer or one of the volunteers by the main building!!! Many people are being told to cancel and apply for the COVID-19 extension policy when they can extend their non-O! Please find me or another volunteer before you do.

My plan is to work mornings daily and afternoons as needed. If you send me a PM, I'll do my best t get the answer for you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post provides detailed updates regarding immigration procedures at Chiang Mai Immigration, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It discusses document requirements for visa extensions—including the need for copies and supporting documents—updates regarding automatic tourist visa extensions being considered by Parliament, and specific rules around non-O visas and health insurance. The author, a volunteer with substantial knowledge of current policies, emphasizes the importance of proper documentation and advises on navigating the local immigration office's system. Community members contribute questions seeking clarification on various visa issues, including requirements for Non-O visas for those under 50 and inquiries about volunteer assistance in other locations.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok, plenty of topic here to keep everyone engaged. Commenting closed.
Charles ***********
@Mike *******
do we need two copies of the forms too?
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Charles **********
Always. Best to have and not need than, well, just bring two. At least.
Veronique **********
Thank you Mike!😊
Marguyvin **********
What are the reqs for Non-O if aged under 50?
Marguyvin **********
Thanks! Can a person who entered on visa exempt, get an education visa without exiting?
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@MarGuyvin **
Depends on the type. Non-Onfor what? School? Marriage? Medical? Not retirement b/c of the age. When you got the visa, what was the supporting reason?
Ben *********
Much appreciated Mike, do they have volunteer's like you in Chengwattana? I just really want to be well advised with all these "do's and Don'ts" requirements. I'm a retiree with "O" visa leaving since 2013 over 60 and with Thai wife. Just concern with this pendemic, I want to prepare complete documents for a one year multiple so I need not go back again. Is there some kind of cheat sheet check list guidelines? Thanks admire your passion and volunteerism wish I could once I'm proficient. Stay safe.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ben ********
Thanks. Not aware of any, but I can find out. Form fields will be universal, but different areas have different requirements. I’m only spun up on CM area.
Lisa *******
Thank you, Mike - can you tell me why I only received 20 days on my Covid extension with the US Consulate letter? I will have to go back on the 17th. Many of us are concerned that we are required to make multiple trips.
Julian *****
@Lisa ****
how did you get that letter they have no openings for appointment
Freddie **********
Could the talks of extending the tourist visa until June 30th apply to those of us already under consideration for covid extension filed in? I.e. nice surprise on the 17th to not have to come back 10 in days, then 20 days after that and so on? Trick question. I know.

But again thank you for your diligence, guidance and good work. Bit like a lighthouse in this fog 🤗👏🙏
Lisa *******
Thanks, Mike.
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lisa ****
Yup. Everyone is ‘under consideration’ as of the beginning of the week.
Garrett ***********
@Li**
That's how it works for the emergency extension, for everyone.
Stu *******
Atlast great info, thanks for your dedicated volountry assistance.
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