What are the requirements and processes for applying for a Non-Immigrant O Visa in Thailand?

Question

Non-Immigrant O Visa report
I tried to covert from a METV (6 month) to a Non-Immgrant O (spouse) visa at Wattana and didn't have much luck. I was given reasons for the denial that aren't actual requirements (need to be married for 3 months, no Thai bank account, home photos a little too small) and told I should "find someone to help me".

Anyway, made the run to Vientiane Laos and it was easy. Apply online once you arrive, go the office to pay your 2,000 baht fee, wait for the email with your visa. Would have taken just 3 days if it weren't for  the consulate being closed for Songran, and the weekend.

Only needed half the documents, all PDF. 7 days total time. Easy. They'll want color copies of your marriage certs, and your spouses Thai ID with a signature and date at the bottom. It's a little work to get your files down to the 3MB limit.

I ran into a few DTV applicants at my hotel, they seemed to be happier with the process, and expected they'd have theirs in a day two as well.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced when applying for a Non-Immigrant O (spouse) visa at immigration in Thailand, particularly a reported denial due to perceived non-compliance with requirements like marriage duration, bank account necessity, and photo specifications. The individual then successfully acquired the visa through a consulate in Vientiane, Laos, reporting a simpler process and fewer document requirements. Comments emphasize the importance of meeting the official requirements for the visa and preparing for future extensions.

John ********** · Answer

There is a huge difference between applying for a Non-O visa at a consulate outside of and an immigration office inside Thailand. The two are run by different government departments. Having funds in a Thai bank is an absolute prerequisite to apply at a Thai immigration office. The same applies to the length of time you have been married, immigration offices are very wary of people getting married to obtain a visa and want to be able to ascertain you both are living together as man and wife. Anyway you have the 90 day Non-O visa now, make opening a bank account in your name a priority when you return and put the funds required for an extension of stay into it as they must be in place for 2 months before you can apply for a 12 month extension of stay. I'd also recommend you visit your immigration office and ask them for their requirements for an extension of stay based on marriage well in advance of applying

Jamie ****** · Answer

What hotel you staying in vientenne

Brandon ************ · Answer

Just because you don't think something should be a requirement, doesn't change the fact that it IS a requirement.

Yes, you must be married at least 2-3 months to apply for a non-O visa at immigration.

Yes, you must have a Thai bank account already and be able to show proof of required funds in that Thai bank account to be able to apply for a non-O visa at immigration.

Yes, the photos must meet immigration requirements to apply for a non-O visa or extension at immigration.  Fix the photos before you apply for your extension or you'll be denied again for the same reason.

You would have had to go to the embassy regardless since you didn't have a bank account, so it would've been easier to just do that from the beginning.

Now you should get the list of requirements for the extension from your immigration office and begin preparing for that, since you'll have to apply for that next.  But first thing you need to do is open a bank account ASAP because the 400,000 baht needs to be in your account for 2 full months already at the time you apply for your extension, which means you only have approximately a month to get your bank account open and the money transferred.

What are the requirements and processes for applying for a Non-Immigrant O Visa in Thailand?

Activity

Related

Resources