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What are the visa options for my wife under 50 while I have a Non-O visa in Thailand?

Non-O VisaThai Visa RegulationsSpousal VisaEducation VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa Application ProcessRetirement VisaDependent Visa
Mar 22, 2024
8 months ago
Taman ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My wife and I, both UK passport holders, plan to relocate to CM. Arriving early next month. I’m over 50 and believe I understand the process for me (thanks to all the posts here!): I have 90 day Non-O visa. Go to Immigration office with TM30 and other bits to get Certificate of Residence. Open local bank account and deposit ฿800k. After money in bank for 2 months can apply for 1 year extension of stay that commences at the end of my 90 day Non-O visa.

My wife is under 50 and has a 60 day tourist visa which she can extend for 30 days. I’m a bit uncertain when my wife could apply for a spousal visa based on my 1 year extension - and thereby get a 1 year extension of stay. And do we need to have marriage certificate apostilled? If so, how would we do this being out of the UK now - have our certificate with us.

TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice regarding visa options for their wife, who is under 50, while they hold a 90-day Non-O visa in Thailand. Their wife initially applied for a Non-O dependent visa but was granted a 60-day tourist visa instead. The user is uncertain about when their wife can apply for a spousal visa based on their 1-year extension, and whether they need an apostilled marriage certificate. Responses indicate that she may need to pursue an education visa and then potentially transition to a dependent visa, but this process seems complicated and varies by individual circumstances.
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.
Jay ****
Have her apply for an Ed visa. Many cheap classes to learn thai part time or cooking and she can get a 1+ visa. School will help with visa.
8 months ago
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Taman ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yep - seems to be the way to go. Hopefully all ok to change to dependent after doing some time on the Ed visa.
8 months ago
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Taman ********
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John *********
I belive in the UK, you can only get spouse visa on Non O-A. It is the only visa that specifies you can apply for it. The Non O does not mention it.

******************************************************
8 months ago
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Taman ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks. That's interesting. I'd heard that could be for non O as well. I spoke to an agent and they're advising that wife will have to do a education visa for a year and then she would be able to do the spouse option. I hope this is correct?! I guess she might be doing some Muay Thai?!
8 months ago
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Chris *******
@Taman *******
 so what the agent is suggesting is after she has completed the ED visa is to "change the reason for extension" to an O dependant extension.

If the office being applied at will allow this that would be ideal.

I have not personally seen or heard of this approach working.

The rule is pretty black and white on retirement dependant in country.

The only "change" I've seen really allowed has been someone on Non-o extension based on retirement switch to dependant extension.

It was already the same category.
8 months ago
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Taman ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
 Yes, the agent said: "if your wife is not 50 years old and they refuse to give her the non O dependent visa, she may have to come here first as a tourist (or no visa) and get first an Education visa through a school for a year. After a year we can then transform the ED visa into the dependent visa from within the country." They also said that they could try to change from ED to non O dependent after 3-6 months, but no guaranty. Seems like this is the approach that will be trying. Was just surprised that couldn't change directly after I got my 1 year extension, but sounding like not the case.
8 months ago
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John *********
@Chris ******
 My wife was in same situation, she had to go on Non B for 90 days, then moved to spouse on my Non O. This was done via Thai agent and our immigration office.

We had already tried the merry go round of KL - refused, Phnom Penh - refused. We were told to go to KL or PP by our immigration office. So we wasted about £2k doing this and still had to pay an agent.

Once she turned 50, we both got our own O-A from UK.
8 months ago
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John *********
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Phil ******
I the atmosphere is really bad so rethink you plans
@Taman *******
8 months ago
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Chris ***********
Lovely place, As long as you don't have to breathe for 3 months every year.
8 months ago
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Phil ******
@Chris **********
 started December and finishes in june
8 months ago
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Chris ***********
@Phil *****
 6 months then? I stand corrected.
8 months ago
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Phil ******
@Chris **********
 yep and worse than ever
8 months ago
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Phil ******
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Phil ******
8 months ago
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Taman ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 We know. Not the ideal arrival time, but we are planning to stay for a long time, so I guess may as well see first hand what this whole burning season is about...
8 months ago
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Phil ******
@Taman *******
 ok. Its on from December till June each year
8 months ago
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Phil ******
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Chris *******
I just did a quik check and yes you should be able to get her Non-o based on "to stay with non Thai family".
8 months ago
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Taman ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
 She actually applied for this, but was given a 60 day tourist instead. So we find ourselves in this situation trying to understand the best way forward...
8 months ago
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Julane *******
@Taman *******
 I applied for this too.. 15 months ago. It wasnt granted even though my husband already had his Non Imm O extension.

They told me they only give the 90 O visas to someone who has a spouse with a Thai work visa. So I was granted a 60 day TV instead... even though I paid the higher fee.
8 months ago
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Chris *******
@Taman *******
 did you already have your 90 day non-o when she applied?

There is no way to do it in country or SEA.
8 months ago
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Taman ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
 yes, did mine first and then she applied but they granted tourist instead
8 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Taman *******
 did she supply all the proper documents proving your marriage, and the 90-day visa you had been issued?
8 months ago
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Taman ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nongnuch *******
 sounds like we’ve been through the same thing. Yes provided all the stuff including my approved visa and marriage cert but got the TV instead. Have you managed to get any progress since? In talking to agent about the situation they say she’ll have to do 1 year education visa then change… would have thought could change for her after I get my 1 year extension?!
8 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Taman *******
 the ED visa requirement suggested sounds fishy.
8 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
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Jan ******************
@Desmond **********
8 months ago
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John **********
Long story short your wife can't apply for a visa based on you being on a non-o based on retirement in Thailand. You should rethink your plan. Check with the thai embassy in your home country if she can get there based on you being on a non-o but they may require you to be on a non-oa rather than a non-o
8 months ago
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Stuart *********
You’ve got your side of the visa/extension process covered but unfortunately not hers. You either get her a Non O based on your Non O in your home country or she can’t get a “following spouse” visa in country nor anywhere in SE Asia consulates/embassies.
8 months ago
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Taman ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 She actually applied for a Non O based on my Non O, but was given a 60 day tourist instead. So we find ourselves in this situation trying to understand the best way forward...
8 months ago
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Stuart *********
@Taman *******
 Then unfortunately there isn’t much option going forward. You can’t get it here and there is no consulate or embassy in SE Asia that will issue one.
8 months ago
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Stuart *********
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Steve *******
Bring an oxygen tank
8 months ago
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Taman ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 Yep - looks pretty bad at the moment!
8 months ago
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Taman ********
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