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What should I know about the new COVID extension rules for Non-Immigrant visas in Thailand?

COVID Extensions Non-Immigrant Visa Visa Rules Thailand Immigration Policy Extension of Stay Visa Denial

Tod *********

OP

asked Jan 27, 2022

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ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS 

If you are on covid extensions from a Non-Immigrant visa/extension of ANY TYPE (O, B, ED, F, IB, etc) under this new program (the one that started yesterday) you CANNOT get another 60 day covid extension. :O 

You will get an "application for extension denied" 7 day stamp that gives you a week to get out of thailand. 

Be advised, once you get that stamp you are done and have to leave. 

There is no "alternate means" you can pursue to get you a covid extension once you take that stamp. 

SO 

while the group continues to be a no agency/agent group 

our advice would be, 

DON'T take the 7 day get outta dodge stamp and pursue "some other avenue" first to see if you can get a covid extension because once you take that stamp you leave in a week or go on overstay.  

Good luck to one and all (y)

Answer summary

Under the new COVID extension rules introduced for Non-Immigrant visa holders in Thailand, those already availing COVID extensions are not eligible for an additional 60-day extension. This leads to a potential 'application for extension denied' stamp, allowing only 7 days to leave Thailand. The discussion among expats reveals concerns about the implications of switching visa types, especially how previous extensions can affect current eligibility. Various queries about eligibility for extensions based on initial visa type, along with specific scenarios concerning family and work permits, are elaborated, emphasizing the nuances and potential confusion under the revised immigration policies.

55 repliesnewest first

31

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Chelsea ********

Chelsea ********

@Benjamin *****

...so during that 7 days, theoretically let's say someone has been accepted for a new job etc... The school has the correct documents to get a non-b in the country, etc.... Could someone use those 7 days to "switch" (let's say from Ed visa to Non B but even if it was a Non B that's due to expire)... Would those 7 days allow someone (with the right coordination on the part of the school) to get an in-country Non B?

1

Chelsea ********

Chelsea ********

@Mark **********

omg that's absolutely chaotic I'm soooo sorry

If you can't find anyone in Trang to watch your cats let me know I could maybe help you out (but I'll be in HatYai)

0

Chelsea ********

Chelsea ********

@Benjamin *****

okay, got it. 0 flexibility in those 7 days.

And, sorry but just to confirm ... This thread is regarding having a current extension of stay based on working (NON B) or studying (ED) ... *EVEN IF* a person has never applied/had the 60 day covid extension, correct?

Or is this very specifically geared at attaining *another* covid extension (assuming you've had 1 already)

0

Jen *******

Jen *******

This is all so confusing so thank you for answering these questions

I entered Thailand on a 60 day tourist visa. Then changed to a Non B (teaching) for a work permit.

My work permit ends 31st March. If my employer cancel my work permit before the 25th March, can I get a 60 day extension of stay based on Covid0?

0

Jen *******

Jen *******

@Benjamin *****

thank you for your prompt response. Will try to avoid the 7 day stamp

1

Paul ********

Paul ********

Is it possible to go from the Covid extension back to non-immigrant extension?

0

Paul ********

Paul ********

@Benjamin *****

ok thanks.

0

Arian **********

Arian **********

Sorry for the question… here a Spanish who arrived on March 2020 with visa exemption for 30 days and after I get my covid extension, with another extension of my tourist visa for 30 days in sept 2020 and getting a covid extension since then. Would I be able to get another covid extension? Thanks for all the information and help you provide us 🙏🏼

0

Ellie *******

Ellie *******

@Arian *********

all you can do is try. Go to immigration office when you have a couple of weeks left with your current stamp and ask, not apply yet and see what the officer say. Meanwhile, be prepared with plan B.

1

Peter *******

Peter *******

Initially I entered Thailand in Feb 2020 on a 60 day tourist visa , but then switched this (in Thailand at a school) to an Education Visa in April 2020 because I was worried I could not stay. Just before my ED ended, I canceled it and applied for COVID extensions until now.

Are my covid extensions considered from tourist visa or my education visa?

Am I able to get another covid extension or will I only get 7 days?

Thank you 🙏

1

Mārtiņš ********

Mārtiņš ********

@Benjamin *****

Do you have any proofs or is it just your assumption based on latest police order?

0

Peter *******

Peter *******

@Benjamin *****

thank

You

0

Richard *********

Richard *********

i'm non b and just got my "under consideration" stamp 3 days ago. are you saying when i return they will tell me i must leave in 7 days?

0

Baowee ********

Baowee ********

@Richard ********

i also got "under consideration" after I cancelled my WP on 25 of January.

0

Andrew *******

Andrew *******

Thank you for being clear

0

Gael ******

Gael ******

So If you arrived on visa exempt and are currently on covid visas are you OK? I need to clarity on this because it's all so confusing..

0

Benny ********

Benny ********

"You CANNOT get another 60 day covid extension." By "another" does this imply that if you have a "non im" visa and have yet to apply for a covid extension previously this is still an option?

1

Benny ********

Benny ********

@Benjamin *****

Ok - i guess there is a disconnect of information between BOI immigration officers and the new rules. Yesterday i was at the BOI as i will be cancelling my work permit next week and asked them what options i had to extend my stay after i had cancelled. The immigration officer told me i could cancel next week and go and get a 60 day covid extension.

0

Ellie *******

Ellie *******

@Benjamin *****

OSOS at Chumchuri wouldn't touch or even care about the condition/requirement of 60days extension based on being unable to travel due to the Covid situation.

What he can do is go to CW and ask. CW is the only place (if he lives in Bangkok) he can apply for ANY reason of extension once he leaves a BOI/IEAT company.

3

Prieto ****

Prieto ****

people that came on visa exemption, can still get it?

0

Prieto ****

Prieto ****

I was speaking about the covid extension not entering thailand

1

Nigel *****************

Nigel *****************

Hi guys

Sorry for being a little ignorant to the types of visa.

I arrived December 2020 on a 60 tourist visa.i extended the standard 30 days.then i have been on covid extension ever since..so does this mean I have a better chance to get chance to get another covid extension compared to the people that have switched to other visas over the period of their stay..or does it mean I'm still likely to only get a 7day stamp if I go to immigration to extend..

Once again,sorry if it's a slightly dumb question,but I'm seeking clarity.)

Thanks in advance.

1

Nigel *****************

Nigel *****************

@Benjamin *****

thank you for you reply..have you any idea that if they were to reject the application they would put the 7 day stamp in my passport?.

My visa runs out on 14th march.i was planning to go s month before to apply for covid extension.but if they were to put a 7 day stamp in my passport I would be screwed..it would be nice to think you could speak to an officer ,but immigration is normally chaos..wow , stressful time ahead

0

Ellie *******

Ellie *******

@Nigel ****************

If you apply with legit documents and they denied your application, it means you will get 7-days-to-leave stamp.

2

Marcos **********

Marcos **********

I am Brazilian (exempt) and arrived in Thailand in August 2021 With 3 month stamp.

Today I have the second covid extension until March, 15.

My intention is to get a third extension at the end of February.

Can I have problems with this new rule?

1

Marcos **********

Marcos **********

@Benjamin *****

okay thank you very much for information

0

Damo ********

Damo ********

Does STV fall under the category of Non-immigrant visa?

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

nope, it does not BUT as far as how it will be treated by the office you deal with who knows. I think you should go talk to them WELL before you need to apply for a covid extension AND I think it will matter if you're on covid extensions now too

1

Damo ********

Damo ********

Sorry I wasn't more informative with my question. I am currently on my 3rd Covid Extension after completing the full 270 days of STV. I use Phuket town Immigration. My question is could I still apply for Covid Extension (60 days) before March 25th as I don't want to go if it may get denied & 7 days to leave as you advised above in your post?

1

Wade ****

Wade ****

stv is a tourist visa

2

Wade ****

Wade ****

If we came in on Non-O Multi and it expired last year, would one be able to get a 1 year extension if somehow magically came into the 400k required to extend? or is there any options to staying longer? Different visa that could be obtained within the country?

This has me a little worried and need to figure out my options to stay with family since land borders closed.

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

you'd have to meet the seasoning requirements to get the year marriage extension (400K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply) there's no leeway on that.

As

@John *********

stated IF you haven't gotten the 60 day visit thai family extension since you last entered thailand (as you can only get it ONCE per entry) you could use that.

AND

Keep in mind, you can totally FLY out like to cambodia use a thai consulate there get a new visa and fly back in as long as you meet the entry requirements for cambodia and thailand comin back

Only land borders are closed.

2

Mari *******

Mari *******

thank you very much for your advice !

0

Mari *******

Mari *******

Oh my...i am under treatments...for lung cancer !! 🤯

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

then you should be getting extensions of stays based on medical reasons with documentation from the hospital you're being treated at. Those are issued up to 90 days at a time

1

John **********

John **********

if your Non-O is for being married to a Thai then you can get the 1 year extension for 400k, think you need it in bank 2 months before applying though. You can also get one 60 day extension for visiting family if married, assuming you haven't already used that

1

Andrew **********

Andrew **********

Quick question, does the 7-day deny get added to your current stamp, or is it 7 days from the day you apply? For example if you apply before the last day on your stamp

0

Nick *******

Nick *******

The only option if you are on a non immigrant visa is to fly out to a neighboring country and fly back.

3

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

sad to say that is the only option for many.

4

Nick *******

Nick *******

I am unfortunately in a similar situation but planning to fly to Cambodia and then come back. 4 PCR test in total needed, it’s madness.

2

Max ********

Max ********

Just to note guys this rejection stamp was from someone who originally entered on a marriage visa a long time ago, not converted to non immigrant visa within the country, although it may be the case that those who converted from tourist visas then to covid extensions could be denied too, who knows

0

Angie *******

Angie *******

They go off your Orginal how you entered Thailand visa ?

1

Meez ****

Meez ****

@Benjamin *****

What about those who got a non immigrant B visa while in Thailand and have been here for 3 years and about to cancel their work permit. Can they apply for covid extension? I entered On a non b 2 years ago, switched it to another non b while in Thailand since I switched schools/workplaces, but haven't left the country since.

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

Actually

it's not as cut and dried as how you originally entered thailand.

Let's say you came in on a visa exempt entry or a tourist visa,

THEN

while you were here you switched to an ED visa and were on that a while and then you went to covid extensions.

The new rules mean you COULD NOT get another covid extension because the last visa/extension stamp you got before you started covid extension was a Non-immigrant type visa (type ED) 🙁

4

Dorothea **********

Dorothea **********

would you be able to get an ED extension then? given you have all paperwork from school and other requirements.

Or you need to leave the country anyway and come back with new visa?

0

Santeri ***********

Santeri ***********

I'm thinking/hoping getting a 60 day family extension between the covid amnesty and covid extensions (in Sep 2020 or so) doesn't count?

0

Santeri ***********

Santeri ***********

I mean I'm on visa exempt. But I used the 60 day family extension in 2020, between covid extensions. So I should be able to get another covid extension, because I didn't come to the country on Non-Imm visa?

0

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

@Santeri **********

IF you haven't left the country since amnesty (march 23-oct 31 2020) and been on covid extensions since then and you haven't used the 60 day visit thai family extension you MIGHT be able to get that when this current stamp runs out

BUT

definitely go to the immigration office with your family BEFORE this stamp runs out and ask them because if they say no, you leave when this stamp runs out (or you get a 7 day stamp to leave)

1

Elisabeth **********

Elisabeth **********

this applies also if you had a volunteer visa in between?

Eg. Entering with exempt on arrival. Extending normal, getting on a 3 months volunteer visa (the month where COVID extension was officially announced AFTER the deadline) and after that being on COVID extensions.

0

Elisabeth **********

Elisabeth **********

@Brandon ***********

thank you. I wasn't sure as I didn't know all the abbreviations

0

Brandon ************

Brandon ************

@Elisabeth *********

yes, it's just another NON- Visa so same thing applies as Tod said

1

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

𝗧𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.

With the new covid program starting yesterday does anyone know what is wrong with the above 7 day extension denied stamp?

1

Lloyd ********

Lloyd ********

Nothing wrong with the stamp, as every extension is at the officers discretion, a 7 day "get out of dodge" can be issued on any date. ?

1

Dawn ********

Dawn ********

if it started on Jan 26th, then this stamp was a day ahead of the new guidelines

4

Tod *********

Tod *********

OP

winner winner chicken dinner. (y)

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