What are the recent experiences and guidelines for extending a Non-O visa based on retirement at ChangWattana Immigration?

Non-O Visa Visa Extension ChangWattana Immigration Retirement Visa Immigration Procedures Thai Visa Rules TM30 Registration Visa Experience Sharing

Oct 13, 2022

2 years ago

Dave ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm wondering if anyone has any recent experience at ChangWattana Immigration with getting their Non O extension based on retirement. I changed an entry stamp to an initial Non O recently, and when I did that, the official showed me a chart saying I could apply 45 days prior to the expiration of the Non O to extend. Yesterday, I went back to get the actual stamp and asked to clarify this and was given several different answers. Two officials said 45 days, two others said 30 days, and another told me to work it out myself!! I obviously could wait until just 30 days out to be sure, but in this case, would cut it rather close to a planned departure, so 45 days is far more optimal, especially if they make you come back for the stamp. Any recent reports would be of great help. And thanks again to the moderators for all the incredibly helpful insights and advice on this board.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user seeks clarity on the timing for applying for a Non-O visa extension based on retirement following conflicting information received at ChangWattana Immigration. While visiting for the initial visa stamp, some officials indicated a 45-day window for application, while others stated 30 days. The discussion reveals that the confusion arose from asking about extensions in the visa section instead of the correct extension section. Community members provide tips on navigating the immigration office and confirm the 45-day application rule, highlighting the importance of proper section inquiries and online appointment strategies.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Tod *********

@Dave ***********

just so you're clear. That entry stamp you just bought is ONLY valid for the same time this new 90 day stamp is valid for. It's not gonna carry over to the yearly extension you get next.. .

Just wanted you to know that

2 years ago

Dave ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

thanks, yes, I'm very clear on that. Hey, when I reenter and have already registered online for my tm30 when I arrived last month, do I have to register again and bring that proof when I go for my extension ( I own, don't rent)?

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Dave ***********

I'd say seeing as you have an online TM30 log in DO it when you land, and take a print out of the new one in with you

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

You want the process to go quickly (as in you don't have to queue up with the zombie horde, make an online appointment (NOT for 8:30am and not for after 11 am) <- the banks don't open until then and you need your bank book updated, AND if you get an appointment at 11 you get stuck out over lunch waiting for your passport to come back)

SO the best times are from about 9 until 10:30 OR after lunch at 1pm.

You can show up about 10 minutes before your appointment, GO to the first cubby on the right in Section L-1 <- that's where they check your documents FIRST.

Then you go to Counter 32 for the appointment. It's FAST

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2 years ago

Dave ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Thanks, I have been doing online appointments all the way, it's way faster. Yesterday I had a reentry permit appointment set for 11 and I didn't think I'd make it as I still hadn't gotten my passport back with the new visa stamp that needed copying. People were remarking that the reentry permit stamping was taking way longer than usual, several had been waiting an hour plus...I got my passport back just as my online time slot was starting, ran downstairs and made a copy, and once I showed an officer my online appointment, she basically did my permit and had it stamped within 10 minutes. Are they really being sticklers about the bankbook date or is it case by case? When I applied to change to a Non O, I both updated my passbook and got the bank letter one day before my appointment. I've had my money in a fixed CD for 15 years, and they didn't seem to make any fuss. Any different on the Non O extension, or just up to the officer you get?

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Dave ***********

bank book needs updating the DAY you apply

Bank letter can be up to 7 days old (the one I used with my friend was 6 days old and not a word was said)

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Ellie *******

Just for your information. General information for a 1-year extension. Hope you could get the one from CW yesterday

2 years ago

Tod *********

okay, I believe your crossed wires were due to the fact you ask people in the WRONG section about when you can do something that they don't do in that section😮

You went back yesterday to get your Non-O visa inked in marked used and get a new 90 day stamp <- that lets you stay here. You did that in Section C-1 <- the section that issues VISAS at Chaengwattana. They don't issue extensions, they issue VISAS and they know that process inside outside upside down..

Where you get your year "extension of stay" is over in section L-1 on the other side of the office. So asking ANYONE who isn't a worker in that specific section is gonna be a likely fail 😕

I can assure you with 100% certainty you can apply for your yearly extension when you have 45 days or less left on your current stamp. (AND your funds meet the seasoning requirement of having been in the account for 2 months before you apply for the extension if you're using banked money method).

2 years ago

Tod *********

I was with someone at Chaengwattana on Oct 4th who got a year extension based on retirement. her extension expired on Nov 16 <- that's 43 days before the extension expired and had NO issue at all. ..

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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What are the requirements for extending a Non-O Visa based on retirement in Thailand?

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