Answered5 years ago
What should I do about my O-A visa issues in Thailand regarding insurance and bank statement verification?
unbelievable visa situation i am in-i am from Canada and got my O-A visa there-it is good from July 29,2021 until July 28,2022, Vancouver Thai Consulate said it was ok to get 9 months insurance and get the last 3 months here, but they stamped 9 months on my visa from July 29 2021 not the day i flew here Sept 16, so May 1 i have to leave-at Bangkok airport when i flew in they saw that and also stamped May 1. Went to Korat Immigration few days ago, they saw i had insurance until June 12 this yr, 9 months from day i flew here, they went to their bosses and said they can't over ride the decision. they said i needed health insurance for another yr which i am happy to do, i also gave them my updated bank statement to show i have more than the 800,000 baht in there. not good enough, they said i have to go to Canadian Embassy in Bangkok to have my bank statement confirmed/notorized or whatever, and then i can get another full yr. Fair enough. but a friend told me the wait time for American Embassy is about 3 months, so obviously i hope i can book an appointment for my Embassy within a week or 2, as have to leave the country by May 1. Lesson learned, always book the 1 yr insurance. Korat Immigration also told me i have no other choices- i thought perhaps i could go to say Cambodia border, come back in on a tourist visa same day but it appears not. Tomorrow will phone Korat Visa Company, or Siam Legal ??? and also the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok and hope i can get some answers. Otherwise have to fly back to Canada i guess and start over, which will cost me a lot of money. Doesn't make sense that my pension statement officially stamped was good enough to get a visa here, but needs to be notarized or whatever here and only at Canadian Embassy in Thailand. Any helpful advise would be appreciated- TIA.
Answer summary
A Canadian expat facing difficulties with their O-A visa in Thailand due to insurance and bank statement issues seeks help. Despite initially obtaining a 1-year visa, they were informed by immigration that their insurance coverage must be for a full year and that their bank statements need verification from the Canadian Embassy. They are considering options, including leaving the country to return on a tourist visa. Several commenters provide advice on handling embassy appointments, insurance requirements, and the possibility of using affidavit letters for income verification.
71 repliesnewest first
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Darcy *******
OPThanks to all who posted, especially the admin, moderators, Maxim and all others who gave helpful information, no idea why the other 1% of people offer no advice, just negative angry people who add nothing to the post, are here, have to figure out how to close the comments ha
John ********
There's always Vietnam
Bobby ********
John Clarke. Or Ukraine
Yvonne *********
We had a 0A visa from Australia now on a OX visa from Australia.
You must have 12 months insurance if you want to stay in Thailand for a year, just before your 12 months is up you leave and go to a county close by we would go to Singapore and then come back on next flight didn’t leave the airport you don’t have to stay overnight also your first 12 months you can come and go all you like, second 12 months if you leave and want to come back you need a to buy a reentry permit to come back in.
You do not need to prove to immigration in Thailand how much money you have in the bank.
Sort out your insurance with your insurance company and get the other 3 months.
You must have 12 months insurance if you want to stay in Thailand for a year, just before your 12 months is up you leave and go to a county close by we would go to Singapore and then come back on next flight didn’t leave the airport you don’t have to stay overnight also your first 12 months you can come and go all you like, second 12 months if you leave and want to come back you need a to buy a reentry permit to come back in.
You do not need to prove to immigration in Thailand how much money you have in the bank.
Sort out your insurance with your insurance company and get the other 3 months.
Darcy *******
OPthanks very much
Helen ********
Not that the American Embassy has any relevance to a Canadian or the Canadian embassy, but chances are you'll get a quicker appointment. If the embassy in BKK has a delay check the consulate in Chiang Mai. We got an appointment within 2 days of contacting them and affidavit of income and marriage done within 30 minutes.
James ***********
@Helen *******
I used to get an affidavit from the Chiangmai Consulate years back but I thought Immigration wasn't accepting them anymore that it had to be actual Canadian bank statements?Helen ********
@James **********
we did this in November 2021. Brought a copy of our tax summary page showing income, sorry don't remember the exact form number, and marriage license, was done in 30 minutes. We did have bank statements as backup but they were not requested. Immigration accepted the letter and our Non O yearly extension based on retirement was done in less then 40 minutes.Darcy *******
OP@Helen *******
ok thanks, good to know
George *************
One of the ways of extending a non-OA is by having 800k baht in a thai bank 2 months before you apply. Has nothing to do with having a pension income and needing a letter from your enbassy.
The other way is by getting your embassy to issue a letter that you have income of at least 65k per month.
So it's either one or the other. Lump sum of 800k in bank and no embassy needed or income of 65k/month and embsssy letter needed.
Why do you need an embassy letter if you are doing the 800k lump sum method, which is not the income method?
This seems very wrong to me.
The other way is by getting your embassy to issue a letter that you have income of at least 65k per month.
So it's either one or the other. Lump sum of 800k in bank and no embassy needed or income of 65k/month and embsssy letter needed.
Why do you need an embassy letter if you are doing the 800k lump sum method, which is not the income method?
This seems very wrong to me.
Todd *********
Very tough for people coming from a backwater shithole like Canada. If I understand correctly; John’s answer is correct, as Canadian embassy will only supply your affidavit. The 800k is not relevant
Maxim ***********
@Todd ********
You live in Winnipeg or something? If Canada is a shithole then 95%+ of the countries are. Went it comes to paperwork and all administrative stuff, Canada is Top 10 in the world.Maxim ***********
You are confusing Canada with neighboring USA.
Maxim ***********
@Todd ********
I can easily name 10+ things that Canada is horrible at. One of the major ones is the education system. Canadian schools are outdated and lagging behind other first-world countries, especially in Scandinavia.Maxim ***********
@Todd ********
I'm in your head, rent-free! Take a deep breath, lol! You have yet to give examples of tho what Canada has in regard of regulations and "nanny state" or wtv, that is so much better in Thailand. And FYI, you are a far-right conservative from the military, lol, you are the perfect definition of a wash-up angry old fart who is now upset at the system you help build. I left Canada 10 years ago and never went back. I can't care less about the military, the government, the nationalistic pride, or wtv. I'm a progressive, which is the anti-thesis of a nationalist. But common sense should never leave the building. I was simply pointing out the typical radical right hypocrisy of bashing 100% of what a country does, even the things they are good at like the effectiveness of Canadian embassies all around the world..Todd *********
Quite the diatribe there mad 😡 Max. If you don’t have a clue what u are talking about, just scroll on by.
I didn’t feel any absence of freedom in Canada as I know how to make the system work. But that doesn’t change the fact of the nanny state laws and regulations that proliferate there.
You are likely struggling with rationalizing your force fed sense of ‘Canadian awesomeness’, unfounded nationalistic pride and misplaced sense of superiority over other nations. Time and experience will help guide you. Bonne chance!
I didn’t feel any absence of freedom in Canada as I know how to make the system work. But that doesn’t change the fact of the nanny state laws and regulations that proliferate there.
You are likely struggling with rationalizing your force fed sense of ‘Canadian awesomeness’, unfounded nationalistic pride and misplaced sense of superiority over other nations. Time and experience will help guide you. Bonne chance!
Maxim ***********
@Todd ********
For example, you said "Very tough for people coming from a backwater shithole like Canada.". You were referring to OP post about the Embassy. You are implying that his situation is difficult because of the Canadian management's incompetence. The fact is that Canadian Embassy all around the world are well managed, I've been to a lot of them including the one in BKK. You used OP post to make an overall statement about Canada without thinking or knowing if it's one of those incompetent situations, which it wasn't. So you lose every once of credibility and just come across as an angry old man. You hate Canadian regulations yet you named Japan? You hate Canadian government yet you named France? Italy??? How do you put Canada as bottom seeder compare to a lot of European countries you mentionned? Weather, that it??Maxim ***********
@Todd ********
It's kind of confusing that your tone seems to be centered around the absence of freedom that you felt in Canada, when Thailand has had 7 coup d'état in the last 60 years? It's a military-run country where the state controls the media, with limited freedom of speech and press. It's a country where we are extremely privileged (assuming you have money), which can get you out of all sorts of trouble. If you are not fluent in Thai I guess you are living in your own bubble. I agree about weather and cost of living, but the Canadian structure is a lot more efficient and less annoying than in Thailand. I don't miss Canada much, but that doesn't mean that I have to exaggerate what life is like over there. I have the impression that you are right-leaning and politically frustrated, and all that anger come from that, rather then from a general overview of the country as a whole outside of that frustration.Todd *********
@Maxim **********
definitely not. Not a great place to live… not much to debate about that unless u love shit weather, high tax, high cost, nanny state rules and regulations, unimaginative architecture, geographical isolation, hilarious housing costs and vast uninhabitable land … But those aren’t really for me. Some might love it though
Todd *********
@Maxim **********
Let's say it would be an easy choice to pick France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Thailand, Mexico, Phillippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, S Korea, Germany, Holland, Croatia, Slovenia, Malta, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, the Carribbean island nations, South Africa etc over Canada. Agreed Canada is excellent at expensive paperwork and anally retentive levels of administration, nanny state regulations and overpriced, over taxed everything. But that did not add anything to the already limited allure of actually living there. Nor does the horrid weather or geographical isolation.Maxim ***********
@Johnny ***********
Well, ofc, but with that absence of road rules in Thailand comes a much higher mortality rate. I'm with you, you get pulled over and instead of losing some points, you get fined 500 baht. For us foreigners, it's great to know we can get away with a lot if we have some $. I think that overall for superhighways, below 120km you won't get a ticket in Canada. They are tougher in residential and especially in school areas where the limit is often 30-40km. I agree with such restrictions to protect children. What they are doing in Japan, for example, in residential areas, is perfect to avoid accidents. As for your back road example, I totally agree with you. p.s: Canada has tough winter which destroys roads. Thai climate is very keen on keeping roads in pretty good conditions.
Johnny ************
@Maxim **********
The roads are fine. It’s mostly the lack of good driving skills and education. In Canada 🇨🇦 people complain that you get a speeding ticket for doing 10km over. In Thailand 🇹🇭 you can drive like a madman and have no consequence. I enjoy the fact that I can go out on a back road in Thailand 🇹🇭 and open up my bike 🏍 and not have to worry about losing my licence like I would in Canada. You can’t have both.Maxim ***********
@Johnny ***********
Yet, Thailand is #1 in the world for road accidents/death. Yes, it's people's fault for the most part, but the way a lot of roads, intersections, etc, are constructed, is designed to cause more accidents than it should. It's more practically built than it is for safety. Especially outside of superhighways road.Johnny ************
@Maxim **********
I am Canadian. Somethings are better, some things worse. I understand that the geography is different. But I am always amazed at how great the roads are in Thailand. New highways and roadway development are happening all the time even in back water places. I remember as a kid when the 400 reached Barrie in 1978. In 40 years they haven’t managed to complete the highway the additional 250kms to Sudbury. What a joke. 😂Maxim ***********
@John **********
You two are not living on the same planet as I do. Thailand is a military-run dictatorial country, there is no comparison between that and your frustration with how Trudeau handled Covid. In fact, Thailand had more Covid restrictions, and there is a lot less freedom of speech and press in Thailand. If you have arguments in favor in Thailand, at least choose some that aren't 10x worse in Thailand.Todd *********
@John **********
fair points
John ***********
@Todd ********
don't forget it's newly dictatorship status. If you want to live under a king i have absolutely no problem with that but they shouldn't hide it behind a fake veil of Democracy
David *********
Go to a Visa Agent. They will get you a solution
Bobby ********
David Newhook. My advice is stay away from any visa agent! They are total crooks!!
David *********
@Bobby *******
I guess you do not have a very good grasp of the situation.Maxim ***********
@Bobby *******
Your answer basically proves that you do not have a good grasp of the situation since you never once used an agent :). How are you qualify to answer agent questions if you have no idea what you are talking about?Bobby ********
David Newhook. I've been on OA visa/extensions for eight years. I've never paid one baht to any lowlife agent. I think I've got a pretty good grasp of the situation. Certainly better than yours! 😆😆😂
Terary **********
I am not really familiar with the retirement visa options. My buddy who uses retirement visa said its better to get them here then from outside of Thailand. I think because of insurance requirements. You may not be able to do same-day tourist visa but you maybe able to do it in a couple of days.
I would consider flying to somewhere near (Singapore, Cambodia, etc). Apply for tourist visa (or maybe just come back to Thailand on visa exempt), return and apply for the retirement visa.
I would consider flying to somewhere near (Singapore, Cambodia, etc). Apply for tourist visa (or maybe just come back to Thailand on visa exempt), return and apply for the retirement visa.
Darcy *******
OP@Terary *********
thanks appreciate itBobby ********
Wow! That's a short story there! I've been on OA/extensions for six years, never encountered these problems. Never paid one baht to a visa agent. I just stick with being legal.....and hey! it works! 😆
Darcy *******
OP@Bobby *******
lol ya didn't mean to write a book, well ,wish i bought the whole 12 months then i wouldn't have this problem, but apparently quite a few people don't get the full 12 months with having to pay Q for 15 days, return flight, etc , lesson learned, but glad you enjoyed the story haMaxim ***********
I went to the Canadian Embassy last month for a marriage affidavit. They are open Tuesday and Wednesday mornings every week except holidays. This is their email:
This is the link for an online appointment:
Everything is fully booked until Tuesday 24 April, and Wednesday 25 April. There are still many spots available on these two dates, nothing before, and I suggest that you book fast. It's tight to your departure but luckily it fits so everything should be okay.
*********************************
(they always answer me the next morning except on holidays and weekends). Explain your situation and they will guide you.This is the link for an online appointment:
***************************************************************************************************************
Everything is fully booked until Tuesday 24 April, and Wednesday 25 April. There are still many spots available on these two dates, nothing before, and I suggest that you book fast. It's tight to your departure but luckily it fits so everything should be okay.
Darcy *******
OPthanks Maxim, great info, will do that
Maxim ***********
@Darcy ******
Might be worth going to another immigration in the meantime, or more than one, maybe ull be luckier.
Danny ********
Notorial services can be done by email now....give them a call. They certified my pension income without me having to go to Bangkok.
Ken ********
@Danny *******
I was just about to write that, spot on.Maxim ***********
If you email them tonight they will answer tomorrow morning. Phone is more of a gamble.
Danny ********
@Maxim **********
you're right Maxim, i had my discussion with them over the phone ( Covid period) so it was a slow period and they guided me to their appt schedule online and of course at that time it was very easy and fast.Darcy *******
OP@Danny *******
wow, best news i have heard in awhile-thank youJohn **********
If your embassy provides an affidavit of income you have to use that rather than money in the bank. Go to your embassy get the affidavit from them and along with your insurance policy for a year you'll get your extension
Mark **********
@John *********
as someone who will be doing this for the first time later in the year (New Zealander), does the local immigration offices work to a list of embassies that provides an affidavit, and those who don't? I ask because I would prefer to do the 65k method in a local Bank, but would rather avoid a situation on the day of them telling me "no, I can get letter from Embassy". I have just sent an e-mail to the NZ Embassy to check. Hopefully for me they have following the USA approach!John **********
@Dean ********
my understanding is that if your embassy provides the affidavit then you have no choice but to use that method. I don't know if NZ does or not.One other point, if you are looking to get the initial 90 day Non-O visa inside Thailand you won't be able to use the 65k method for that or the following 1 year extension of stay. You need to have a full 12 months of 65k transfers before you can use that method (assuming you are able to)
Mark **********
Cheers
@John *********
- I'll see what the Embassy comes back with - that seems to be key. I'm actually on the O-A multi entry visa (issued in NZ). So with the "visa run/exit the country" deal; that I'll do with a renewed insurance policy, I've got time to season the funds under both rule sets. Thanks for taking the time to provide your insight - much appreciated👍
Steve **********
@John *********
will US Chiangmai Consulate now issue income affidavit again.The stopped for 3 years.
John **********
@Steve *********
for Americans? Nope. You have to use the banked money methodSteve **********
@John *********
I do, but love the Brits, feel bad for themJohn **********
@Steve *********
consider yourself lucky your not from the UKSteve **********
@John *********
The pathetic thing is although a Consul.. Can't reach, call, email, get response visit in person no US only a Thai guards saying make appt. Some State Dept
John **********
@Steve *********
that's not immigration fault. It's the US (and another few embassies) that decided to stop doing the affidavits. I'm sure they'd much rather have an affidavit than having to jump through the bank hoops tooSteve **********
@John *********
I do, but bank involvement with immigration is ego trip. Was so much easier with Income affidavid.
But appreciate thx
Darcy *******
OP@John *********
thank you for the info
Garrett ***********
Non-OA you're stamped in for the duration of your health insurance, it it's less than 1 year.
Your only real option at this point is to leave the country and come back in, Cambodia is the easiest option. If you have 1 years worth of insurance, you'll be stamped in for another year when you reenter.
Your only real option at this point is to leave the country and come back in, Cambodia is the easiest option. If you have 1 years worth of insurance, you'll be stamped in for another year when you reenter.
Andy ********
@Garrett **********
that is a brilliant solution.Darcy *******
OPGarrett forgot to ask, isn't there a fee for another yr,thank you again
Andy ********
@Darcy ******
there is no fee but you will need to apply for a Thailand Pass for your return. You can apply for Thailand Pass while you are still in Thailand.Darcy *******
OP@Andy *******
oh boy, good to know, never thought of that part, thanks for mentioning thatDarcy *******
OP@Garrett **********
one more question -do i have to spend a night in Cambodia or just go across any border crossing and come right back in to Thailand, with copy of my health insurance for 1 yr, and even my bank statement dated last week, that seems too easy somehow ha, thanks again to allGarrett ***********
@Darcy ******
No, you don't need to spend any time in Camboida, you already have a visa for Thailand you can come and go as you please. You'll need to do the Thaipass though to reenter Thailand and spend 1 night in a test and go when reentering Thailand.
Stephen *******
@Darcy ******
You don't need to show bank statement. You showed that to get the visa. You don't need it each time you are stamped in.Darcy *******
OPThanks for the quick reply, but wouldn't i still need my proof of funds verified by a Canadian Embassy, insurance is easy as dealing with a good broker now.
Garrett ***********
@Darcy ******
No, you need proof of funds for a yearly extension. You don't need to apply for an extension.Darcy *******
OP@Brandon ***********
thanks very muchDarcy *******
OP@Garrett **********
thank you so much, sure glad the admin and moderators of this group are patient and very good, much appreciated and very helpful
Brandon ************
@Darcy ******
an OA is a multiple entry visa and each time you enter you get stamped in for a year (as long as you have the required insurance) so as long as you leave Thailand and come back in before your visa you got from Canada expires, you'll get stamped in for another year. That's how most people get 2 years from an OA visa. They just leave and come back right before the visa expires.Garrett ***********
@Darcy ******
Not a stupid question, the Non-OA is confusing. If your Non-OA expires on May 1st, as long as you enter Thailand before May 1st (so April 30th) you'll be stamped in for another year. Remember, in Thailand and visa and a permission to stay in yhe country are 2 different things. The visa just allows you into yue country. Simular to a 60 day tourist visa, if you enter on the last day the tourist visa is valid for, you'll still be stamped in for 60 days.
Darcy *******
OP@Garrett **********
ok sorry for the stupid question but i want to make sure i understand, am i not extending my original one as i am leaving before May 1, or is this a new one i am getting, so you are saying go to Cambodia stay a night, or just cross and come back showing my health insurance for the yr and that's itActivity
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