I am in the process of switching from a tourist visa to a marriage visa. I married on January 11 of this year to a Thai national. I am in Chiang Mai and have had a confusing few trips to immigration at Promenada.
First, I was told I needed a 2 month transition visa that would hold me over until I had the needed paperwork and proofs to begin the annual visa pplication process, but then, just before the meeting I was scheduled (halfway through the two month visa), my wife and I went back for a few questions and were told that what we were doing was incorrect and that I had to actually leave the country and obtain a 3 month non-O visa from a Thai embassay abroad and only after that (and a completely different list of requirements than the original plan) could I apply for and receive the year long marragie visa.
So I have a few questions...
1. Can someone verify if this last process is correct?
2. Is the Laos Thai Embassay the closest and cheapest option from CM?
3. I have heard of service providers handling the process, can anyone speak from experience about that?
Thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is transitioning from a tourist visa to a marriage visa after marrying a Thai national. They have encountered conflicting information regarding visa requirements from immigration officials in Chiang Mai. The respondents confirm that the user needs to obtain a 90-day single entry Non-O visa from a Thai embassy (such as in Vientiane) before applying for a one-year extension based on marriage. Documentation needed includes a marriage certificate, Thai ID, house book, and passport, along with financial proof.
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.