What are the requirements for renewing a non-O visa based on marriage in Thailand?

July 14, 2022
2 years ago
Jing ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I recently went to Immigration at CW in Bangkok to renew my non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai wife, and wanted to report back on the experience.

I used the great cheat sheet created by Ellie Takei to prepare my documents which was a fantastic starting point. Some notes on the documents they required:

- Photos needed to show us standing on front of our front door, in the living room, bedroom etc. Couples photos were not sufficient.

- Hand drawn map showing route between our home and CW.

- TM6 was not needed (as it is no longer required when entering the country)

I used the banked proof of funds method which needed:

- Bank letter

- transaction history

- updated passbook + copy of front page & updated page

I also made an appointment online which really sped up the process. You can go straight in and when your appointment time comes your name will be called by one of the IO’s in the L section.

All-in-all a pretty smooth process. I got the under consideration stamp asking me to come back 14 days after the expiry of my current non-O to get my new visa inked in.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares their experience renewing a non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai spouse at the Chaengwattana Immigration Office in Bangkok. They prepared necessary documents using a cheat sheet and highlighted key requirements: specific home photos (not just couples photos), a hand-drawn map to the immigration office, and financial proof through bank documents. An online appointment made the process faster. Other users provided additional tips on local immigration requirements, home visits by officers, and the importance of checking updated information before applying.
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Ellie *******
As we always say, please get the latest handout for requirements from your local immigration office before you apply for your extension. We recommend doing this every year, to always be with the latest information.

Please make your own post if you have any questions or further suggestions.

Again, congrats to OP. and hoping all other members would do theirs smoothly, too.
John *********
If not in Bangkok, I strongly recommend you check with your local immigration office for their requirements. I've done it many times at CW in BKK and moved to Hua Hin this year. I did what I always did and surprise surprise, new requirments, such as I needed to bring along a Thai witness, get the Kor 2 updated, and make two copies of everything. Not a big deal but just check if you move to another province. And the immigration officer came to the house that day after their office closed to visit and take pictures of us in front of and in the house even though we provided them in the packet. Good luck to everyone.
Alan *******
Iv'e always done a map from my address to the Main Rd. Is this something new? (Home to CW)....Also, I don't follow the .. "Couples photos were not sufficient' ?
John *********
Yes, at your home, with you and your wife standing with the address clearly in the picture. Another in the living room, standing in the kitchen, and another in the garden or another room in the house. That's always worked for us. Cheers.
Alan *******
@John ********
Yes me too. Never had an issue with photos. 8 pics on 4 pages does the job! 2 x 6x4 per page in "portrait" mode.Cheers.
Jing ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alan ******
I was informed by the IO that general photos of us together as a couple were not sufficient. Rather, they had to show us at our home.
Ingvar *******
And the same procedure year after year, and in Chonburi two - three officers will be on home visit every year, before you are through the needle eye πŸ‘β€πŸ—¨
Coilean *********
Thanks for that great information. My extension is up on the middle of September. So i figured a month before apply is this correct as in the middle of August? Did they make a home visit like the original extension. Thanks again.
Tod *********
@Coilean ********
whether they call you during the under consideration period and do a home visit is very much up to the issuing officer. They'll let you know though, but most people do not get the home visit every year here in bangkok for extensions based on marriage or raising half thai children.
Coilean *********
@Tod ********
Thanks Tod .

Just one last thing do you apply a month in advance or probably 6 weeks taking into account other demands for paperwork. I use Mae Sai Chaing Rai which is very quiet due to border being closed.
David *************
Thanks for the info
Jim ********
Hey guys just starting to get things together for the same what is CW on the hand written directions ? Thanks
Ellie *******
@Jim *******
CW stands for Chaengwattana, where Bangkok's main immigration office is.
Jim ********
Masoud *******
Nice,

where is that cheat list ? (make it public for others plz).

some tips:

-The couples pictures should be latest/recent pics... you can not use the same pics from last year (in case you have already had extensions before).

-it is not a visa, it is extension πŸ™‚
Masoud *******
Thx
Ellie *******
@Masoud ******
, it's not a really cheat list. Just general information. You still need to get the latest requirements from your local immigration office.
Ellie *******
Glad if that could be a bit of help for you.

Congrats you've done yours smoothly.
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