What should I know about processing times for Thailand's O retirement visa applications?

O-A visa O visa Visa application process Thailand immigration Retirement visa Visa processing times Visa exemption

July 6, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Following the previous guidance to cancel O-A and apply for O, I re-entered Visa exempt on June 1, visited Hua Hin immigration, picked up the list of requirements for O retirement, and returned a few days later to submit the application. The IO told me return on June 29. However, when I did the visa was still in processing. Same result on the 30th and Jul 1-3. On the afternoon of July 4th, the 90-day O visa was stamped into my passport back dated to 14 June. So even though I spent a few days without a valid visa in my possession, there is no indication in my passport. The IO explained that the process is taking longer these days but didn't explain why.

I am curious if anyone else experienced this.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The poster shares their experience of applying for an O retirement visa in Thailand after canceling an O-A visa. They detail delays in processing, with their visa eventually being stamped backdated to a date before their application, causing no issue regarding overstaying. Community comments confirm that such delays are common and typically not a cause for concern.

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.
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Samantha ******************

That's normal. They take a long time to process it in my city too.

a year ago

Tod *********

There is no issue at all and you weren't on overstay, as you see the O visa starts (usually when you apply for it) and the time you thought you were on overstay was really covered by the visa once it was issued.

This happens a lot at those smaller offices that have to send the paperwork to the division office to get approval. No worries at all

a year ago

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Tod *********

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