Answered3 months ago

What are the procedures and timelines for extending a Non-O visa in Thailand?

Non-O Visa Visa Extension Immigration Process Home Visit Visa Application Timeline Language Barrier in Immigration

Phil ********

asked Aug 9, 2026

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I will be applying for the first extension to my Non O shortly. When I went to Korat Immigration to find out what they require I asked about the home visit, under consideration stamp and when I would be able to have the extension stamped into my passport. I was told the standard 4 weeks but that I would not get the extension until my 90 day Non O expires.

My understanding was that I would be able to get the stamp after the consideration period was over (4 weeks) but that the extension would be for 12 months from my visa expiry date.

The conversation went round and round and I tried explaining what I was asking in different ways but always got the same answer – I will not get the stamp until my visa expired. I’m pretty sure that the language barrier meant that they didn’t fully understand what I was asking no matter how I tried to explain it.

If they are correct, that’s a problem as my visa expires on 4 October which is a Saturday and I’m booked to return to the UK on 5 October for an operation.

Am I correct – that the application will be decided approximately 4 weeks after I apply at which time, if successful, I will receive a stamp extending my visa by 12 months from 4 October? Or are they correct, that they will not put the extension into my passport until after 4 October?

There’s actually only days in it but they are crucial.

Answer summary

The user is applying for the first extension to their Non-O visa and is facing confusion regarding the timeline and procedures from Korat Immigration. They were informed that the extension would not be stamped until their current visa expires, which is problematic due to their scheduled travel back to the UK for medical surgery. The standard processing time mentioned is four weeks, and there is uncertainty about getting the extension before the expiration date. Community responses highlight variations in immigration office procedures, suggest applying early, and express frustrations with the communication barrier and inefficiencies. Different options, including the use of agents for visa assistance, are discussed.

14 repliesnewest first

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Simon *******

Get an agent to sort it ,will be cheap if you already have the 800,000bht in a bank account, at least it will be sorted ,it can be done in a couple of ways

3 months ago

Phil ********

Simon Adams Thanks but no way will I ever use an agent. Its 400,000 for a marriage extension by the way.

3 months ago

Simon *******

Phil Wilson I don't know what you know about agents but there visas are not Illegal or fraudulent, they are perfect legal, if you have the correct money and paperwork you are only paying an agent to speed the process up

3 months ago

Phil ********

Simon Adams I didn't say they were illegal - although those that provide the money in the bank clearly are. I just said there is no way I'd ever use one.

3 months ago

O **********

I guess it is about the marriage extension.

after your 90 days Non O this extension will be starting. Not before. but you have to start the process before ending Non O because it takes some time. from consideration stamp until final decision it will take 4 weeks / 1 month . not around not shorter not longer.

in this time probably officer will come to your address to check if everything is correct.

while under consideration I am not sure that you are to leave the country. if so you have to go immi for re entry allowance anyway.

as for retirement extension all would be done in less than 2 hours and you will get your stamp immediately if papers are fine. but anyway starting at the end of Non O.

Extension will be valid 1 year.

that's how it is handled here.

3 months ago

Phil ********

@O *********

I doubt anything is done in less than 2 hours at Korat. It took me about that to get a re-entry permit.

3 months ago

Cris ******

Sadly it’s all over the place. You could go back tomorrow and get a different answer. I go to the Korat office as well and each time it’s quite the pain. I’m considering hiring an agent this year because it has been such a headache for us.

3 months ago

Phil ********

Cris Murl Yes, the annoying thing with them is constantly requiring additional documents that they could have requested the first time - its around a 200km round trip for me.

3 months ago

Cris ******

Phil Wilson oh hey I didn’t think I was the only one haha. We are about 115km one way. So when they deny us for some random thing. It’s about an 1.5 hour drive back home one way and repeat the next day

3 months ago

Cris ******

Phil Wilson no no. North of Phi Mai

3 months ago

Phil ********

Cris Murl Are you in or around Pak Chong by any chance?

3 months ago

Neil *******

Banana Republic Rules/Procedures

3 months ago

Brandon ************

There's no standard. The immigration office can do it however they want. Your options are to apply as early as possible, and bring proof of your flight with you for your application. Ask them if you can get your extension early, before you fly out.

Otherwise your other option is to leave and let your extension expire, and apply for a new non-O visa while you're in the UK. Then use that visa to enter Thailand and wait another 2 months before applying for the extension.

3 months ago

Phil ********

@Brandon ***********

Thanks. I will explain that I have to leave on 5 October - hopefully they will let me collect the stamp on 3 October. Gone are the easy days when I could pop up to Savannakhet and get a hassle free 12 month Multi.

3 months ago