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What is the best way for an Australian expat to get a marriage visa in Thailand?

Marriage Visa Thailand Visa Tourist Visa Special Tourist Visa Non-O Visa Visa Extension Aussie Expat Immigration Advice Visa Procedures

Jul 21, 2021

3 years ago

Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Re marriage visa-my plan pending exemption, is to enter Thailand on a STV from AUS. (Via Sandbox). which I understand is 45.60 or 90 days. Open a 400k thb.bank account then after 60 days, marry my fiance, apply for marriage visa. Having trouble contacting embassy,any advice appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster (OP) plans to enter Thailand on a Special Tourist Visa (STV) from Australia, intending to marry their fiancé and then apply for a marriage visa. However, multiple comments advise against using the STV as it is no longer a viable option, suggesting instead to enter Thailand via a 45-day visa exemption or a 60-day tourist visa, both of which can be extended. The process for marrying in Thailand includes obtaining documents from the Australian embassy, translating them, and then applying for the marriage certificate. After marriage, the OP can apply for a Non-O visa. There are mentions of difficulties with the Australian government regarding travel exemptions, emphasizing the importance of having proper documentation to marry and adjust the visa status.

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John *********

The main problem you will have is with the Australian government. They will not give you an exemption to travel to Thailand. I am married to a Thai national and applied twice for an exemption to travel out of Australia permanently and was knocked back. I have a Thai marriage visa already and despite this am not allowed to leave. Without the travel exemption from Australian gov you will not get into Thailand.

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Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am very sorry to hear your news. I feel alot of empathy for your situation (as you say similar to mine and thousands of others) so frustrating, excruciating.

I am very aware of the travel restrictions relating to the situation. But very appreciate your sentiments.

What perplexes me is the vast numbers of Aussies that are being granted an exemption.

I have to have a crack at doing everything possible to reunite with my fiance,I believe my circumstances are extenuating.

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Justin *****************

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Ole ****

Not sure if it´s an option for you but its possible to legally marry online in the US (in Utah) even if partners are physically in different countries. The marriage will be acknowlegded instantly by all "apostille countries" but to get it acknowledged in Thailand you need to do a few extra steps and apply for Khor 22. It could safe you some time and paperwork.

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Steve ***********

I understand. The Australian Government is very sensitive to people immigrating to Australia through marriage, especially from countries such as Thailand. Mainly because this process has been abused in the past. The Australian Government needs to be satifisfied beyond doubt that the relationship is legitimate. Getting married online would create doubt in Australia as to how legitimate the marriage is. Not to mention, it's currently not an approved way for Australians to marry.

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Ole ****

@Steve **********

my country does the shame shit that´s why we married abroad and it got acknowlegded instantly without further question because legal documents issued in the US are valid in all countries that signed the apostille convention. But as I said, if you don´t trust the process, get legal advise or do it the traditional way.

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Steve ***********

are you Australian? They will be interviewed as part of their application in Australia. The Government representative will ask you about your marriage and relationship to determine if the marriage is legitimate. They will find out the marriage occurred online in a third country. You do not want to give the government any reason to decline your application.

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Ole ****

@Steve **********

I doubt Australia would question it at all. Every country has very different prerequirements and rules but what counts in the end is the legal marriage certificate. A Las Vegas marriage would also not be possible in Australia because you just show up with your passport and nothing else but therefore it would not be "unlawful". It´s just a different process. The only thing they really care for is that you are single or have been divorced before you marry. But anyone who has doubts about it should seek legal advice, why not

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Steve ***********

like I said, I'd get legal advice. Should they seek residency in Australia for his wife, the application will show that they were never in the US. This would then beg the question as to how they have a US marriage certificate if they've never been to the US. Then if it's unlawful to be married online in Australia (which it is), it could invalidate their marriage in Australia and undermine their residency application. Having worked for the Australian Government and having also been through this process, I know they go through applications with a fine tooth comb, especially considering Thailand is a high risk country for Australian immigration. Not sure how Thai authorities would view this though.

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Ole ****

@Steve **********

you'll get a regular US marriage certificate, exactly the same one as if you married regularly in the States, no difference at all. I'm pretty sure Australia recognizes US marriage certificates

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Steve ***********

not necessarily. Read the second bullet point. As you cannot get married online in Australia, it is likely an online marriage in another country would not be recognised in Australia. I'd be seeking legal advice.

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Ole ****

@Steve **********

True, thats only possible in the US. But you can be in Australian in Australia and marry online in the US and Australia will acknowledge it.

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Steve ***********

you cannot marry online in Australia. He's in Australia.

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Ole ****

@Steve **********

what do you mean? Of course you can marry online in the US as an Australian and Australia would acknowledge it instantly because Australia has signed the Apostille Convention

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Steve ***********

can't in Australia

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Steve ***********

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Steve *******

Get the Non Imm O in Aus. Easiest option.

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Stuart *********

their plan was to get married according to the OP

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Steve *******

@Stuart ********

I thought he was married, that's why he's asking about a 'marriage visa'

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Stuart *********

if he’s not married he can’t.

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Stuart *********

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Frédéric ******************

STV doesn't exist anymore since 1st of July.

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John ******

Hi justin....i am in the very same space as you right now ,just waiting for my for the border patrol in Australia to get back to me then i am off home

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Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

very best wishes to you John.

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Justin *****************

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Hataikarn *******

No more STV

-Apply for 60days tourist visa, you can extend it 30days (or you can change type of visa later (non o married)after get married certificate)

-Then quarantine 15days 14nights

-Go to Australia embassy in bkk or phuket for Statutory Declaration and certified passport copy. I am not sure that you have to make appointment or not pls ask

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Both doc. you need it for register married certificate.

- Translate Statutory Declaration, Passport copy

- Get attested translation by thai consular (it will takes around 3-5days)

- Then you can apply for married certificate.

After that you can Change type of visa to non-o married before visa expired 15 days.

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Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Hataikarn ******

very appreciate this information

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Vivek ********

@Justin ********

Yes you will need both the documents and need to get them certified by your embassy here in Bangkok.

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Hataikarn *******

@Justin ********

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Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Hataikarn ******

I so appreciate your and the groups helpful advice and replies thankyou.

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Hataikarn *******

From my experience, my husband didn't apply for police clearance certificate.

To know more about marry in thailand pls read here

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And for Thai immigration you can check the link from previous post.

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Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Hataikarn ******

thankyou, is my understanding correct I will also require a police clearance from Australia ?and another offical document from Australia declaring that I'm single and legally free to marry?

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Justin *****************

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Debra ********

Lots of people want to marry Thai

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Nigel *********

one day you too will find love. Never give up ❤️

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Jack ******

true, but actually, I think it's because "they're better wives" than western women

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Paul *******

That’s because there better wife’s than western women 😊

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Barry ********

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Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

with respect, what is your point?

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Justin *****************

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James ********

Forget the STV... It's all over September 30th.

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Lisa ********************

I don't think they are even issuing STV anymore. Definately, don't bother with that one.

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Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Lisa *******************

okay .cheers.thanks

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Justin *****************

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Tod *********

@Justin ********

definitely HEED the advice from

and

(y)

DO NOT get a Special Tourist Visa.

Enter on a 45 day visa exempt or get a regular 60 day tourist visa before you wing your way here.

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Derek *********

@Justin ********

Good luck to you.

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Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

yes,im very glad I asked. Any other potential pitfalls ? I note the thread on opening a thai bank account. My fiance is a medical Dr. Based in Hatyai , obviously I will appreciate her assistance on the ground, if I ever get there!!

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Justin *****************

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Nigel *********

Don't use the STV. It's next to useless. Ienter with TV or visa exempt

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Stuart *********

Forget the STV. It’s a dead option that now can’t be extended or changed to any other visa. Come visa exempt for 45 days or buy a tourist visa to get 60 days. Both options allow for one extension for an extra 30 days.

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Frédéric ******************

@Stuart ********

No more STV are issued after 3rd July anyway.

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Justin *****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thankyou.

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Nigel *********

@Stuart ********

what he said!

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Nigel *********

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