What are the requirements and process for applying for a 1-year extension on a Non-O visa in Thailand?

Jul 1, 2019
5 years ago
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi there, I am British and got married to my Thai wife last year. I just got my 3 month single entry non immigrant o visa from Vientiane in Laos today, and I'm planning on extending it to the full year when I return tomorrow. I also plan to apply for multiple entry.

There is so much conflicting information online. I was hoping for some clarity on a few things:

1. What do I need to provide when applying for the 1 year extension?

2. Can I leave the country at all during the 1 month "Under consideration" period?

3. Is the consideration 30 days or is it 45 days?

4. If I can leave the country in those 30-45 days, can I apply for multiple entry on the 30 day non immigrant o?

Thanks in advance
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A British expat, recently married to a Thai wife, seeks clarity on extending his Non-Immigrant O visa to a one-year duration. Key questions include the necessary documents for the extension application, whether travel is possible during the 'Under consideration' period, and the length of that period. Responses indicate that the consideration time is typically 30 days and that it's possible to leave the country during this period. Additionally, applicants need to provide proof of finances and may inquire about multiple entry options.
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Tod *********
and if you and your wife are not wanting to go to the immigration office you deal with to get the actual hand out used by that particular office I'd say you have about as good of information as you're gonna get.

Each one is slightly different, there is no one size fits all list.

Good Luck (y)
Katt ******
Just did ours

2.yes

3.under consideration period is 30 days

(You will have to show financial prove again on the result day)

4.yes
Eve **********
I've just been to Changwattana immigration to get my husband a Non- O marriage visa. Here's the list of document required.
Eve **********
For photos, you can paste 2 of approx. 18x13cm size photos and colour print them on A4 paper.
Eve **********
Here's the list of documents in Thai for your wife's perusal.
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eve *********
Thank you so much
Eve **********
@Adam *******
I can't advise you on that. It may be best that you address this issue to the officer that interviews you when you submit an application and ask them for the solution.
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eve *********
Should I cancel a 1 week long work trip?
Eve **********
@Adam *******
I had a call at 8.30am this morning from them telling me they are coming to my house this morning my husband and I have to be there for their inspection. Luckily, we didn't have plan to go anywhere today. I don't know if you can rearrange to other date though. Maybe it's best to leave your wife phone number as contact details. The inspection officers can speak English but seems to me they' preferred to converse in Thai.
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
How will we know when they pay our place a visit? We both have jobs and we both travel!
Eve **********
Note: I had a house visit from immigration office today to confirm that my husband and I are a real couple and live in the address as we wrote in the application form. So, just to warn you to be prepared for a house visit during the consideration period. Apparently, they do it to every application now. You and the Mrs. must be presented. You also need 1 other person with you to sign the witness statement confirming that you and your wife are real married couple and live in that address. She/he must present a photo ID to an officer. You need to prepare a marriage cert., a bank book and a passport. The officer will take a photo of you holding a passport and bank book, you and your wife holding a marriage cert., you and your wife with an officer, you and your wife with the witness

..... seems very complicated but it's actually pretty simple and straightforward.
Eve **********
More documents:

- the rental agreement of your condo and its copy.

**** regarding the landlords ID, they didn't ask me for it when I applied for a 1 yr visa (counter L). However, when I changed my husband visa exemption to a 3 mths marriage visa (counter C), they asked for the receipt of TM 30 Alien residence notification, the rental contract, the copy of landlord's ID card and the copy of household registration certificate for the condo.
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you so much
@Eve *********
you truly are a star. I will apply in 6 weeks, 45 days before my non imm o visa runs out, which should give me time to organize everything
Eve **********
@Adam *******
Documents you have to prepare:

- 4x6 cm passport photo, taken no more than 6 mths

- TM. 7 form ( you can get that form at the immigration counter and fill in while you wait for your queue).

- your passport

- a copy of your passport ( bio data page, the immigration stamp, visa page) sign with "certified true copy"

- your marriage certificate (the fancy one - คร.3) and a copy

- your marriage registration (the one with all details - คร. 2)

- the Affirmation of freedom to marry and its Thai translation (Yes. It's odd but trust me you need it. I've been married for 13 years and the officer still asks for my husband's Affirmation of freedom to marry letter every time we apply for a marriage visa) If you don't have it, go to the registrar office where you got married and get a copy from them.

- your wife' ID card and its photocopy, her household registration book and its copy (if she doesn't have a book, tell her to go to registrar office and get them to issue a household certificate. It must be the most updated one (I've got grilled when they see my household certificate was issued 3 months ago), her name change certificate(s) and its copy

- if you are applying on the basis that you have 400K in Thai bank account, the money must be in your account at least 2 months). You need to prepare a bank book and its copy of the front page and the last page that shows the updated amount on the day of your application. You also need a bank's letter to confirm your have the 400K deposit in your account issued on the same day as your visa application ***Not every banks in Thailand has its office in the Immigration compound. HSBC is definitely not there. If you are opening an account for this purpose, Kbank and Bangkok bank are your first choice.

- 4 photos of you and your wife ***** 1 photo with the house/condo room number sign ; 1 photo from ourside area of house/ condo reception with the name of condo; 2 photos inside the house/unit ie. Bedroom, living room.

- a map to your house draw by hand.
Vanessa ***********
@Adam *******
oh one more thing you also need to have a receipt of notification (this can be done on the same day and you will need a copy and signed rental contract+ copy and signed landlord id card, copy your passport)
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks very much for that
Vanessa ***********
@Adam *******
a copy and signed landlord id card required, we were there last week and the officer asked us for it
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Vanessa **********
I need a copy of my landlords id? Hadnt heard of that one
Vanessa ***********
@Adam *******
if you are renting a property you also need a signed rental contract by your landlord and your landlord id card or anything that shown ownership of the landlord property.

If you got a work permit you will also need a map of your office, picture of you working (take with company sign, with staffs , on your desk etc..) hope this help 🙂
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Any details
@Eve *********
outside of those you shared earlier?
Richard ************
Everything required is in the list posted by Eve.
Eve **********
@Adam *******
You can apply for the visa yourself. The agent will ask for the same documents and for you and your wife to be presented at an interview anyway. However, there are more details for documents that you must prepare.
Eve **********
@Richard ***********
Hi. Richard 😄
Eve **********
To change from Non- O 3 mths to 1 yr, you can only apply 45 days before the current visa expiry dates. You cannot apply before that. After submitting an application, it will take 30 days to get result. They will stamp on your passport that your visa is "under consideration". Once you get that stamp, apply a re entry permit (either single/multiple) while you're at the imm office if you need to leave Thailand during consideration period. They will give you an appointment for hearing date. Make sure you and your wife go to immigration office on that day otherwise you have to restart the whole process over again.
Richard ************
2 is a lot for me
Richard ************
@Eve *********
hi Eve , so many friends in this thread 😉
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So so helpful. Thank you! Would you recommend using an agent or just doing it myself?
Richard ************
Adam, just get a single or multiple rentry if your going to be in me out during the period of under consideration. It's like an extension to your visa ( it is). Mainly you will need you , your wife , proof of cash in the bank for 3 months. Cleverer people than me will give more detailed answers 😉
Richard ************
@Adam *******
they are just there to hold your hand and fill forms. The actual info is available at the immigration website and supported by places like this.
Richard ************
Just remember to return before end of permission to stay
Richard ************
airport is still good to get re entry
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ***********
I just assume the agent knows the rules better than I ever possibly could with the internet
Richard ************
Agents only fill out forms, the immigration has rules and they stick to them
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ***********
One more question lol I used to be able to get a re-entry permit at the airport every time I flew out of there. Is that possible now? Or must I apply with a week or so in advance of every bloody flight?
Richard ************
yes you can leave , just need a re entry
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello mate! Bloody 3 months now, many sources have said 2. That means Ill have to wait another month before I can even apply.

I'm inclined to follow
@Eduardo ********
's advice and get an agent to help out.

So you're saying I can leave the country during the period under consideration?
Eduardo *********
spend the few thousand Baths and leave it to an agent...is worth every penny.
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Eduardo ********
Thank you Eduardo
Eduardo *********
@Adam *******
Sorry my agent is in Chiang Mai ... but I am sure there is such a service in BKK. I tried 3 times to do it myself but failed...not 'cuz I did not have all the papers, but the PPL at immigration keep changing their own rules. I got an agent I paid 4000thb and it was done without problems. Good Luck.
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I already started reaching out because the information online is so confusing. I'm in Bangkok
Eduardo *********
@Adam *******
are you in Chiang Mai?
Adam ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Which agent would you recommend?
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