What are the steps to obtain a Non-O visa and a one-year extension in Thailand, especially for expats who are married?

Question

Hello fellow Expats and others. I came into Thailand Mar 3rd. After 28 days I got a 2 month extension as I am married. I went back to Immigration end of May to get my retirement Visa. Everything was perfect, proof of residence, marriage certificate, money in the bank for 5 months. They said everything was great but I would need a 0- Visa. I know there is a Amnesty until the end of July. Do I have to leave the country for this or can I do it in Thailand. If I have to leave the problem might be getting back. We are expecting our first child June 26th. Any knowledge would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Ask Thailand · Answer

An expat in Thailand is seeking guidance on transitioning from a marriage extension to a retirement visa, specifically regarding the necessity of leaving Thailand to obtain a Non-O visa. The conversation reveals that while some expats have successfully acquired their visas within Thailand, certain immigration offices require applicants to initiate the process outside the country. The need for clarity around current immigration policies, especially during the amnesty period, is emphasized, with advice recommending to avoid leaving if possible due to uncertainties around re-entry.

Mongkon *********** · Answer

For foreigners. O visa is issued only outside of Thailand. Bring along your Thai marriage cert. When back in Thailand, change your O visa at the local imm.office.

Gordon ********* · Answer

To many experts on here ask imagation

Brad ****** · Answer

Yeah Tod I know that now. Really strange because the first time I tried to get the retirement visa but I only had the funds in my account for 11 weeks. She never mentioned anything about a O-Visa. She just said that I could get a 2 month extension because I am married.

Tod ********* · Answer

[mention redacted]

They should have told you that when you went to them for the 60 day visit family extension. You can't get a year extension off a 30 day visa exempt entry OR a 60 day visit family extension, you need to get the Non-O visa before you apply for the year

You need to have between 15 and 21 days left on your current extension or entry stamp to get a 90 day Non-O visa issued inside the country at the immigration office <-(meaning you CANNOT be on amnesty to apply for it inside the country :( )

The reason you need "real days" left on your current stamp is the application for the Non-O goes under consideration before you go back and get it inked into your passport.

SO if you're on amnesty now, you can't do anything but wait until the borders, the nearby countries, and the thai consulates in them re-open and start selling visas again.

Alan ******* · Answer

You have to get a 90-day O visa, and then apply for a one year extension of stay.

Do not leave the country.

Paperwork requirements can be confusing, so I really think it’s worthwhile using an agency, which will know all the current ground rules.

David **************** · Answer

You mention retirement visa? If you are over 50 some immigration offices will give you an initial retirement non-O inside Thailand. My father did it with a visa exemption stamp in Chiang Mai. There was no need to leave. That was last year. I also did a non-O by marriage inside Thailand off of a 30-day exemption stamp a few years ago. That was also in Chiang Mai.

Brad ****** · Answer

Then I am illegal with a child and have to back to work in a year or to. When you leave and you overstayed there are penalties

Fred ********* · Answer

Don’t leave

Brad ****** · Answer

That is the problem getting out but even more worrying is getting back

Steven *************** · Answer

Sounds like you entered on a 30 day exemption. You cant get a yearly extension based on marriage without an actual visa first. To get a spouse visa, which you can get extended yearly, you will have to obtain it outside thailand .

Reiner ********* · Answer

If you have an extension on marriage you should get it in thailand ...just go again

What are the steps to obtain a Non-O visa and a one-year extension in Thailand, especially for expats who are married?

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