You know, we all hear so many people complaining about Thai Immigration and Visas, however Thailand is excellent when compared to many countries. My wife and I live 50/50 in Vancouver, Canada and Udon Thani. I am on a Non-O Visa Retirement and on the yearly extension. Pretty easy, just some paperwork and a check in every 90 days. Today while in Vancouver we thought we would apply for a visa to the US to go to Alaska sometime. I contacted the US consulate in Vancouver and I was instructed to fill out two comprehensive forms, pay a fee (not sure how much) and they would then book a time for our interview. I asked when the interview would be and the US employee said they were averaging 700 days from today-that's right, 2 years waiting after you've filled out all the paperwork and paid a couple of hundred dollars just to get an interview!
And Schengen Visas in Vancouver from VFS Global? Don't get me started! A nightmare organization.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The author shares their experiences with visa processes, specifically comparing the Thai Non-O retirement visa to the US and Schengen visa procedures. They describe obtaining their Non-O visa in Thailand as straightforward, with just some paperwork and a 90-day check-in, while expressing frustration over the lengthy waiting period for US visa interviews, which can take up to 700 days. Additionally, they mention challenges with Schengen visas in Vancouver. Several commenters discuss related issues, including the experiences and complexities of applying for visas.
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.