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What Is the Process and Timeline for Applying for a Thai Elite Visa While on Amnesty?

Thai Elite Visa Visa Process Amnesty

Jun 1, 2020

4 years ago

Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, as I've written before I consider doing Elite if there is no alternative until July 31st, but since I turn 50 in December and qualify for longstay then, it's a tough decision to make. So I would like to verify with people who have recently applied that the process takes no longer than six weeks. That would allow me to wait for a new policy announcement until mid-June. Thank you for sharing!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user is considering applying for a Thai Elite Visa but is unsure whether to apply now or wait until mid-June for potential policy updates, given that they will qualify for a long-stay visa upon turning 50 in December. Several commenters share their experiences and advice regarding the application timeline, noting that the process can take between 1 to 3 months, and that applying while on amnesty is possible.

Robert *******

Other way of thinking. Sit out this amnesty period, it could even be changed to later dates. Then as you describe you have medical problems to travel, talk to your doctors to see if Extension of Stay is possible for medical reasons, otherwise after borders are open, a Visa from a Thai consulate and then in December go for the Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age. It is only 6 months to bridge or less, the 5 year Thai Elite Visa is an expensive alternative.

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James ********

Good Luck

@Connie *********

...our Best Wishes for success in your quest to stay...

Take good care.

Commenting closed.

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

My husband is from a medical family and he thinks to his understanding, I have to be under treatment to apply for medical exemption, being high risk is not enough. But of course, he is not omniscient 😂

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I was thinking about asking the doctor who performed my last lung CET, so you're right, perhaps I should just ask her.

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James ********

good advice. The Medical Extension re DoNotFly could be a possibility for 60-90 days. Might be time to visit with a doctor and seek medical advice.

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I thought about the same thing but I'm fairly certain medical exemption only applies if one is under treatment. Fibrosis is a permanent physical damage, which increases infection risk because of low immunity. It is not a medical condition per se.

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Connie **********

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James ********

I read a post yesterday on another Fb forum that a Thai Elite Visa was issued to the writer in two weeks. So times have changed from prior two months to process. Ask Thai Elite Visa their current timeline.

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

They say anything between 1-3 months depending on the police check. So that would depend on the nationality of the person who wrote that post I guess.

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Connie **********

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

And in case anyone is wondering - gay marriage to a Thai does NOT qualify for Non-immigrant 0 (spousal visit) ALTHOUGH that has been discussed for years, as there IS a law calling for egalization. It has not been ratified by the National Assembly though. Might be useful to know for other for gay couples.

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

To be clear, I am on amnesty inside Thailand and Elite told me that amnesty IS sufficient for application

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes, so my only question is basically if I should apply now or if I can wait another two weeks to see what they announce. I would have done it already were I not that close to long stay.

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Tod *********

it is, they CAN issue elite visas while you are on amnesty

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Tod *********

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Tod *********

okay, now that we've sussed out Connie is INSIDE the country (and is also a guy :P) who is currently on amensty from a tourist visa entry AND that they have a disability that can make travel difficult the ONLY in country option available to them would be the elite visa because it can be issued in country wihtout leaving and while you're on amnesty.

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Scott *******

Get an education visa(if you can)to carry you through until you turn 50,then convert to a retirement, getting an elite makes no sense.

Also learning a little Thai is very useful

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Nono I AM inside on METV, it's expired, I'm on amnesty, and a man (although gay-married to a Thai 😅)

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Tod *********

@Connie *********

I think given your disability and the difficulties that traveling to another country could pose that the elite visa is the way to go for you.

It's actually the ONLY option that doesn't require you to leave the country and can even be done on amnesty.

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Inside on amnesty

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes, that is exactly the problem. I can do the same thing IF borders reopen. However that would involve the same quarantine procedure as for business travelers as of now.

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

That is the information I got from immigration, yes.

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Tod *********

i don't know ANY private schools around that can do in country 90 day ED visas when someones already on amnesty :/ Usually it means signing up at a school, getting paperwork from the MOE and going to a thai consulate in another country to buy a 90 day single entry ED visa BUT with the borders and thai consulates nearby closed that's not an option right now.

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Tod *********

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Tod *********

So you turn 50 this december and could then apply for a long stay visa/extension BUT you're considering getting a thai elite visa?

I don't see the reasoning in it but be that as it may, CONTACT the Thai elite company and talk to them. The thing that takes the time with the elite visa is the police background check. They will tell you if the time line is still 6 weeks or if it's longer.

Seeing as you're on amnesty until the 31st (2 months) you could sign up for the elite visa now and for sure have it before the amnesty is over.

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Connie **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

For long stay I would have to travel back to my home country, or be able to get an SETV in a neighboring country. Flying back is not advisable due to my health (I have pulmonary fibrosis and therefore a weak immune system, and fell sick twice after flying before). That's why I'm considering it.

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Connie **********

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