What are the updated requirements for obtaining an O-A visa at the Thai consulate in Los Angeles?

Aug 31, 2019
5 years ago
JJ *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
L.A. consulate update. I will be traveling back to California to get my O-A visa. Have confirmed with the consulate via emai the following:

1.) Bank documents do not need to be notarized (was an issue for me as my bank is in Hawaai with no local branch in CA)

2.) Health Certificate can be issued in Thailand (still) however, must have been in last 6 months.

3.) Background Check can be either federal, state OR (for me) by local county Sheriff

It takes about a week to get reply via email.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared an update regarding the O-A visa process at the Thai consulate in Los Angeles, confirming that bank documents do not need notarization, health certificates can be obtained in Thailand if issued within the last six months, and background checks can be completed by local county sheriffs. This information was verified with the consulate, though users were advised to confirm details with their respective consulates.
James ********
JJ ... so LA allows local police or sheriff to do police background check? I thought they changed that last month to state or federal check...no longer local police or sheriff...hmmmm. But you said local Sheriff is OK...must be that the Sheriff connects to state and federal.
Tony *********
Hey thanks! This is so helpful! I'm going back to LA (my home town) to get an O-A next month. The fewer surprises the better. Going to get my med cert here. I've allowed three weeks in the States, so I'll get on the background check as soon as I get there.
JJ *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
@Tony ********
in my email to the consulate, I asked if the local sherriff (ventura county) background check could be utilized in lieu of state or federal. Their reply, "either is fine". Needless to say, I printed that for the record. Like Tony, Ive given myself a few weeks (4) to iron any wrinkles out and to be honest, with James's comments and the ambiguity of the response I'm kind of reconsidering.
Tony *********
@James *******
If they did, that's good to know. The Federal Bldg in not too far away.
James ********
Tony Edwards so LA allows local police or sheriff to do police background check? I thought they changed that last month to state or federal check...no longer local police or sheriff...hmmmm.
James ********
@Tony ********
Walk up service at LA Consulate. Turn application in morning day 1 pick up afternoon day 2.
JJ *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony ********
me to 555
Tony *********
@JJ ********
Maybe next year...
JJ *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ադամ ********
Really? The health certificate can be from Thailand? That will be much more convenient.
Tod *********
@Adam ********
you have to download the certificate from the consulate and get a doctor here to sign it.

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/Medical-Certificate-Form-For-Non-Immigrant-O-A-Long-Stay-Only.pdf
JJ *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Adam ********
per the L.A. consulate, yes.
James ********
Note that this was Los Angeles Thai Consulate replying to the OP questions. If you use another Thai Consulate in US, please verify with them their acceptance of the above answers.
Marty *********
Wow. That makes things easier for people going back to the US from Thailand to get an O-A
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