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

Thailand Visa Rules Non-O Visa Marriage Visa Visa Extension Immigration Procedures Expat Advice Retirement Visa Amnesty Program

Jun 15, 2020

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

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TLDR : Answer Summary

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.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Mongkon ***********

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.

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Gordon *********

To many experts on here ask imagation

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Brad ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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.

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Tod *********

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.

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Alan *******

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.

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Tod *********

Partly true. You get the Non-O visa FIRST then you get the year extension

The false part is that you need an agency to push paper for you. The process is NOT beyond the grasp of most foreigners here who have at least half a clue.. :P

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Alan *******

I didn’t say that you need an agency. I said it’s worthwhile, because trying to keep track of the constantly-shifting procedures is practically a full-time job— and for someone who only needs to do it once a year, it can be an exasperating waste of time.

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Nick ************

not beyond my grasp if i can find someone who can explain it to me. Maybe you could provide my first half of a clue please?

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Tod *********

@Nick ***********

you should make your own post asking about it :) rather than hijack someone elses post. I'd have more chance to answer there than here ;)

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Nick ************

I have done just that.

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Nick ************

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David ****************

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.

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Tod *********

Chiang Mai requires you have 21 days left on your current entry stamp <- in REAL days, not in amnesty days to do the in country conversion from a 30 day visa exempt, a 60 day tourist visa or an extension to a Non-O visa

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Tod *********

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Brad ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

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Tod *********

you're NOT illegal, when this 60 day visit thai family extension expires you'll go automatically onto the amnesty AND you will be allowed to stay no longer than the 31st of July.

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Tod *********

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Fred *********

Don’t leave

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Brad ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

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Steven ***************

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 .

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David ****************

@Steven **************

Not true in all areas. I obtained a 90-day non-O in Chiang Mai in 2017 having entered on a 30-day exemption stamp.

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Steven ***************

@David ***************

. You got lucky. Changwattana Bangkok wont do them.

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Steven ***************

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Reiner *********

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

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James **************

Why dont you apply for a 1 year marriage extension?

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Paul ********

Ask Key Visa 100%

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Paul ********

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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