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What is the correct process for applying for the OA visa from Canada?

OA visa Thailand visa application Thailand immigration Canadian expats Thai embassy visa requirements retirement visa health insurance criminal background check financial requirements

Jun 29, 2025

16 days ago

Dan *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey everyone,

Hoping there might be some Canadians around that have experience applying for the OA visa from Canada.

I've received contradictory information as I've been told that when applying one only gets the 90 day Ó visa and then need to set up a bank account etc in Thailand to apply for the one year OA visa. At the same time I've been told that I can get a one year OA visa directly while in Canada without needing the Thai bank account, but will need to have everything set up for the renewal for the second year.

Anyone know which of these is correct and how you found the process?

Thank you!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion focuses on the process of applying for the OA visa from Canada, with participants sharing their experiences and clarifying the requirements. Some state that you can obtain the OA visa directly from the Thai embassy in Canada, while others highlight the necessary documentation, such as a medical certificate, proof of funds, and health insurance. The need for a criminal background check and minimum bank deposit is also emphasized.

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Sabine *****************

@Dan ************

👋 You coming to Thailand???? Retiring??

14 days ago

Dan *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Sabine ****************

sure looks that way 😁

14 days ago

Sabine *****************

@Dan ************

super exciting!! Let me know what's happening 😊

14 days ago

Reply to

Sabine *****************

Kenny *****

I applied my oa 2 yrs ago from us, but I think it should be the same for Canada. U need the following as I remember n additional forms listed from the embassy.

1. Oa application form.

2. Medical check form as from embassy web site.

3. No criminal record form FBI from us, not sure which agency about Canada.

4. 800k deposit at yr bank in Canada for at least 2 months. Also need bank letter for proof of these funds.

5. Insurance - I apply via axa Thailand, they have package just for oa application.

Most of the above has a time limits of 2 months when submitted for application.

After u get ur visa and arrived here, u can renew yr insurance, get a re-entry permit @ the airport leave Thailand just before yr current insurance expire and come back (before ur initial visa expire) , u will get stamp for additional 1 yr stay.

Good luck.

15 days ago

Dan *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kenny ****

thanks a lot! This is super helpful!

14 days ago

Reply to

Dan *************

Gerg **********

You get the OA from Canada through your Thai embassy there on the evisa website. You can verify funds through your Canada bank, then enter Thailand with a one year stamp. You’ll need health insurance for one year (check out AXA they have a cheap option that works for that purpose), and a medical certificate and a criminal background report. It’s pretty easy, I did it last year from the U.S.

15 days ago

Dan *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Gerg *********

thank you!!

14 days ago

Reply to

Dan *************

Charlie *******

Starting to wonder if it’s even worth spending a fucking diamond Thailand Jesus Christ

15 days ago

Keith *******

You can ONLY get OA in your home country. Go to the eVisa website and stop listening to people! 👍

15 days ago

Francois ********

OA retirement visa

Thai health ins required

Minimum

40k thb OP

400k Thb IP

Yrly premium about

8,000thb

LMG Thai ins comp

15 days ago

Graham ******

The Non-OA and Non-O are two different visas with the OA getting a 12 month entry stamp and the Non-O just 90 days

16 days ago

Dan *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

in aware of this, but almost everything I've seen says that can only get the Non-O then need a lease, Sim, bank account, depositing the 800K etc to get the Non-OA.

But it seems as though there's a possibility of obtaining the 1 year Non-OA in Canada without anything Thai and then having a year in Thailand to get everything sorted for the second year.

I'm just not certain if obtaining the 1 year Non-OA in Canada is really a possibility or if they'll only hand out the 90 day Non-O

16 days ago

Pete *******

@Dan ************

you are confusing two separate visas and two separate processes:

Non O: Can be obtained from home embassy or in country. 90 days on entry. Funds can be from home country if obtained from embassy. Once in Thailand you need to open bank account and deposit funds within the first 30 days to season the funds in preparation for apply for a 1 yr extension of stay. The 1 yr extension can be applied for with between 45-30 days left, office dependent, on your original 90 day entry.

Non OA: Can only be obtained at home embassy, not available in country. Funds only from home country. Gives 1 year multiple entries to Thailand. Carries additional requirements including police check and health insurance. If you exit and re-enter just before the visa expires as long as you have health insurance you can get almost two years out of this visa. After the two years if you want to extend further then you need to have funds in Thailand to do so or you exit and re apply at home country embassy using home country funds for another OA visa.

15 days ago

Dan *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Pete ******

thank you so much! This makes a lot more sense now!

Thank you for taking the time for this very detailed explanation. Truly appreciated!

15 days ago

Reply to

Dan *************

Lynnette *******

The 12 month is an extension of stay. Not a visa.

16 days ago

Dan *************