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What are the new rules for applying for visa extensions in Changwattana regarding the 3-day limit?
Jul 21, 2021
5 years ago
Peter *******************
ORIGINAL POSTERcan anyone clarify the announcement for applications for visas in CW being reduced to 3 days before the old ones expire . does that also covers extensions of stay ? as those extensions are not delivered on the spot but have a consideration time
TLDR : Answer Summary
A recent announcement has clarified that applicants for visa extensions at the Changwattana immigration office must now apply no more than three days before their current extension expires. This also applies to extensions of stay, not just visa applications. When a new extension is applied for, an 'under consideration' stamp is issued, reflecting the application period. Users have noted that this is a significant change from the previous policy that allowed applications 30 to 45 days before expiration.
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Philip **********
Very good question . Has the old system of just doing a “ walk in “ for an extension on a non o 30 days prior to expiry changed or not ?
Benjamin ******
@Philip *********
IF you are using Changwattana, you can only get an extension of stay when there is 3 days or less remaining on your existing extension of stay stamp. How long they will keep that policy, I do not know.
Ant *****
My Covid Extension expires on 27th July. So i suspect i go 23rd July as 26th is holiday so the office is closed
Benjamin ******
@Anthony ****
And what visa did you use to enter Thailand? Ant *****
Benjamin ******
@Anthony ****
Yep, show up at Changwattana at around the 23rd and see what they sayReply to
Benjamin ******
Reply
Philip **********
@Benjamin *****
... ok... so the previous 30 -45 days that we had to go to CW for our “ under consideration “ stamp is now reduced to 3 days? Quite a significant change . Maybe they’ll do away with “under consideration “ stamp and just give you the 12 months providing paperwork is in order . Makes sense if they’re trying to reduce visits .Benjamin ******
@Philip *********
No, it does not mean that. It means that when you have three days or less on your existing stamp or extension of stay, you can apply for a new extension of stay. When you apply for a new extension of stay, you will be given an under consideration stamp as normal. The length of the under consideration stamp depends on the extension of stay being applied for, and the immigration office's workload.
Philip **********
@Benjamin *****
... understood Benjamin . Bottom line ... forget about the 30 day rule at the moment , just turn up when you only have 1,2 or 3 days left on your previous renewal stamp . Reply to
Philip **********
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Tod *********
If you're applying for an extension that has a 30 day under consideration period, that time is actually the first 30 days of the extension you just applied for ;) and when you go back to get the extension inked in they only give you 11 more months :O
Peter *******************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tod ********
ok clear thx hope that will change soon Reply to
Peter *******************
Reply
Tod *********
Extensions fall under that too. The under consideration is a stamp they give you WHEN you apply for the extension and adds time you can stay while they consider the application
Wayne **********
@Tod ********
I have had 4 extensions of stay now on Non O (Retirement) and have always been granted that day... No under Consideration stamp ever....Tod *********
The ONLY thing that not more than 3 days before rule doesn't cover is applying in country for a Non-Immigrant Type visa (any type) because in bangkok you need at least 15 days left on your current stamp <- meaning you have to go apply at least 15 days before your stamp expires
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Lloyd ********
Poor wording in the announcement, visas are never renewed, they actually meant extensions of stay.
Reply to
Lloyd ********
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