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What long-term visa options are available for a Canadian retiree in Thailand who is over 50?

Long-term visa options Non-O visa Non-O-A visa Visa application process Retirement visas Bank account requirements Immigration procedures Visa extension procedures Thai embassy in Canada

Mar 17, 2024

8 months ago

Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Canadian passport, retired over 50,currently in Thailand. I want to get a long term visa, just checked the Thai embassy website in Ottawa and it looks like they have eliminated everything except for the non immigrant O-A or arriving visa exempt for short stays.  The O-A has to be applied for in Canada so I would have to fly back to complete it.

Are there any other options available to me?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A Canadian retiree over 50 currently in Thailand is exploring long-term visa options after realizing that the Thai embassy in Ottawa has limited available visa applications. While the Non-O-A visa requires applying from Canada, there are alternatives such as applying for a Non-O visa locally. This visa can be obtained at an immigration office in Thailand for those with a bank account containing at least 800,000 baht and some time remaining on their current visa. It's recommended to open the E-visa online application for guidance. Various community members shared their experiences and provided strategies for successful applications and extensions.

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.

Chloe *********

Do I need a multiple entry visa to visit Thailand from Australia and cross into Malaysia. 🇲🇾 I have a flight back to Australia from Thailand so I will need to return to Thailand to catch flight home

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Phil ******

@Dave *********

it's here

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Troy ******

I arrived from Canada in August 7 I got my 30 day exemtion. Then I got a year lease went to immigration to get a letter to open a bank account. Transferred 800 000 into my account. Then applied to change visa type 2000 baht and 1900 baht for one year extension. I had my 90 day visa Sept 5. Applied for one year in December 1900. And 3800 for multiple entry. I did everything myself. It's easier than applying from Canada. No police report or insurance required.

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Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

sounds good. I would prefer to leave the 800,000 in Canada and do monthly deposits, but whatever it takes. But that sounds like what I will do. Did they require copies of flight out of the country? Which immigration office were you using. I am in AoNang this month but will live in Chiang Mai. Planning to return to Canada, close out everything and return, come in on another 30 day exemption then apply as soon as I can lease something in Chiang Mai. Thanks for the info

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Warren ******

@Dave *********

only hassle with monthly deposits is if your pension arrivers Jan 31 , Mar 1 and Mar 31 -- immigration will challenge the term "monthly" since there was no bank deposit in February -- i'm sure a donation to coffee fund might help them understand. Just part of the fun of living in paradise.

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Helen ********

@Dave *********

if you want to leave the $$ in Canada get the affidavit of income. The Canadian Consulate in Chiang Mai is very responsive to emails so they can advise what you need to complete this.

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Troy ******

@Dave *********

I'm 55 so haven't started collecting pensions so I had no choice. I flew in one way. I've been asked by airlines about a return ticket. I always make a refundable hotel reservation in Laos and tell them I'm leaving by land. Never an issue.I did everything in Hua Hin. I just left Thailand on the 12. I'm on my way back to Canada to sell my house. Have a week stop in Kenya. South Africa and United Arab Emirates on my way home. I don't like flying east. Jet lag kills me now. The Immigration department in Hua Hin is very helpful. I had an excellent experience. I tried doing it from Canada and decided it would be easier to do here.

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Troy ******

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John ******

Ltr visa

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Andreas *********

Dave Fletcher . . . you need to open the E-visa online application. You will be able to apply for the 90-days single entry Non-Imm-O retirement/over 50 visa. Just follow the lead. There is no need to take the Non-Imm-O/A visa. Embassy of Ottawa offers the Non-Imm-O visa! Check their website!

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Phil ******

@Andreas ********

agreed

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Phil ******

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George *************

Assuming you arrived in Thailand viss-exempt for 30 days or on a Tourist Visa for 60 days you can apply for a non-o visa for 90 days from an immigration office in Thailand. That can subsequently be extended for 12 months.

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Duncan ******

Agent! 555

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Roberto *********

Stupid comment

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Roberto *********

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Christopher *************

I got Non O from Vancouver In January. Can't imagine why they have stopped in Ottawa?

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Christopher *************

It is listed in the Non-Immigrant visa Categories, the last one in the line. Where do you live?

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Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Christopher ************

yes, I see it now

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Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Christopher ************

I use my daughter’s address in Whitby

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Christopher *************

@Dave *********

In that case you have to apply to Ottawa manitobe west it is Vancouver.

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Christopher *************

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Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Christopher ************

is the criminal background check Canada wide or just local police

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Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Christopher ************

I did not see it as an option

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Andreas *********

@Dave *********

you need to open your eyes to see it

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Andreas *********

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Stuart *********

Apply in Thailand for a Non O visa based on being over 50. You’ll need a bank account with 800,000 baht transferred from overseas and 15-21 days left on a current stamp to apply.

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Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Can you do the monthly transfer with this one

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John **********

@Dave *********

no, but I believe the Canadian embassy still provides income affidavits/certificates so you can just use that. No need to transfer any money to Thailand

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Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

I know the embassy was doing them last February whey I was there

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Dave **********

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Stuart *********

@Dave *********

Not the initial Non O, nor the first year extension, but after that you can.

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Stuart *********

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Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

how long does it take to process

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Narong *******

@Dave *********

is immediately (few hours depending on the office) as long as you have the 800k in the bank (if the funds are in Thailand must be in yr account 2 months but if u transfer them from abroad they are valid right away)

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Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

can you bring a bank draft with you for deposit?

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Narong *******

@Dave *********

I am not 100% sure about Bank Draft... but I know is easy to transfer it from yr bank to any Thai banks (it will take 3 working days) then the bank in Thailand will state that the money came from abroad (you will need a bank letter/statment from yr Thai bank to apply for yr retirement and yr tm 30(from yr landlord if u rent)

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Narong *******

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Stuart *********

@Dave *********

15-21 days depending on the office you use.

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Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

I would be applying in Chiang Mai

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Dave **********

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