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What are the processing times for the non-immigrant O retirement visa application for Americans?

NON-O visa retirement visa visa application process visa interview visa processing time expat in Thailand US citizens in Thailand

Jun 27, 2025

a day ago

Stan ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

For Americans…applying for non-immigrant O retirement visa. How long from the time you apply online to the time of an in person interview? And from the day of interview to the time of acceptance?(or denial). And then one would have 90 days from that day of acceptance to arrive in Thailand? Thanks!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The process for acquiring a non-immigrant O retirement visa for Americans does not require an in-person interview. The processing time may vary based on documentation order as indicated by the embassy. Once accepted, applicants have 90 days to enter Thailand, and must prepare to have at least 800,000 THB in a bank account two months prior to applying for their yearly extension.

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.
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Wannikea *********

Applying from where?

a day ago

Jim *******

@Wannikea ********

Me, applying from Japan. Permanent resident.

7 hours ago

Stan ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

USA

14 hours ago

Reply to

Stan ******

Bob **********

The visa is valid for 90 days enter before and be stamped in for 90 days open a bank account and get your 800k in at least 2 months before applying for your yearly extension

a day ago

Tony **********

Your embassy website should tell you the estimate processing time if your docs are in order. No interview.

a day ago

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

There is no interview.

a day ago

Jim *******

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

Hi Brandon, I applied for O visa on june 22. If it is 10 business days, it may be approved after I am already in Thai (July 3) on visa exemption. Do I have to exit Thai and return on that O visa (even if it the same day in and out flight to Singapore) or I can print it out and use with Immigration without exiting Thailand?

The application requested eTicket to be attached.

a day ago

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

@Jim ******

you cannot use it in Thailand. You can only use it when entering. And if the embassy finds you went to Thailand they will cancel your application as you're required to remain inside the jurisdiction of the embassy during the entire application process.

19 hours ago

Jim *******

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

Thank you, Brandon. If my O visa is not in email by July 1. 2025. (7 business days since submitted, 23. June 2025) then I will have to change my flight to Thai to allow for more days. It will cost me 145 AUD (that leg of the ticket is 455 AUD). Even that may be better than applying again ("Have you applied for visa before" and explaining why).

7 hours ago

Reply to

Jim *******

Richard ********

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

If everything is in order the turn around is very quick. No interview.

a day ago

Stan ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

really?! Even better, saves time! 🙂

a day ago