What should I do if my visa agent failed to provide a confirmation letter from the immigration ministry for my retirement visa?

Retirement Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Agents Visa Application Process Jomtien Immigration Office Expat Advice

Dec 7, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Attention friends. 

 I agreed with an agency 10 days ago to get a retirement visa within 30 days and paid 36.000 bht.  

My application was processed in less than half a day. 

 And my agent gave me a copy of my signed and stamped passport and visas with a note underneath which states that the original of my passport is with the immigration ministry.  

But the airport officials did not take me on the plane, stating that there should be a confirmation letter from the immigration ministry, and my ticket was burned.  

My agent should have received such a confirmation letter in the first application and given it to me.  She didn't.  

When I request this from her, she keeps telling me how busy the Jomtien immigration ministry office is, and I'm offered to take a taxi for  my planned trip into Thailand.  

In this case, I'm waiting for the comments of friends who will advise what I can do other than wait.  

And I recommend the friends who will have this procedure to get this document from the Ministry of Immigration at their first application.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user shares their experience with an agency regarding a retirement visa application that was processed quickly, but when attempting to fly to Thailand, airport officials required a confirmation letter from the immigration ministry, which the agent did not provide. The user expresses frustration and seeks advice, leading to a discussion among commenters about the risks of using agents, fees involved, and the possibility of applying for the visa independently.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Geoffrey ******

From my personal experience, it was easy to do my NON-O retirement visa myself. I got a 90-day NON-O from the Thai Embassy in Seoul Korea, Nov 2015 before I retired. Came to Thailand Nov 2015, and at the time immigration was accepting a notarized letter from the US Embassy in Bangkok as to my retirement income. The US embassy no longer does this, for what reason I don't know, but Canadian Embassy still does and immigration accepts, so don't have to lock up 800,000 in the bank. 2017 was the last year the US Embassy verified income. I was told by immigration that I needed to have 800,000 on deposit 3 months prior to the renewal of my retirement visa (extension to stay). I did this, and have had the money in the bank since then. You are allowed to withdraw money from this account, making sure not to dip below 400,000 at any time during the year. Can start withdrawing 2 months after your visa has been issued, however, you must top the account up to the 800,000 2 months prior to renewal. I personally leave the money alone. When renewing, I get a letter from the bank, which cost 100 baht, and a 12-month bank statement cost 100 baht. I use Kasikorn, so do not have to wait for a week to get statements sent from Bangkok Bank in Bangkok to account holders in my area. Along with 2 passport photos, and a house book, I go to the immigration office in Udon Thani. In and out of immigration in 15 to 20 minutes with renewal. I always leave a little coffee for them. If you have the financial means I highly recommend doing the visa yourself. Another option for people is to provide 12 calendar month bank statements showing at least 65,000 baht coming to a Thai bank for a retirement visa or 40,000 for a marriage visa. If you are on a marriage visa and choose the income in the bank, you must have 400,000, which you can withdraw during the course of the year, however, the same rules apply for renewal, you must top it up 2 months prior to renewal. Hope this gives a little incite.