What steps should I take to obtain a marriage visa in Thailand before my tourist stamp expires?

Thailand marriage visa Non-Immigrant O visa tourist visa visa extension border bounce expat immigration advice Thai marriage certificate TVC Agent visa application process

Jun 19, 2023

a year ago

Schögn *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Greetings once again!

May some one please help with clear info regarding a marriage visa. We have completed all the paperwork necessary and i think im at the last stage of getting it all done. 

Currently, my documents are with the local District office; letter from the British Embassy, Translated and Certified and the (Thai) wife-to-be ID etc as well.

Docs are under review/ "checking" at the district office as of today. We've been told that it take 3-4 weeks before we get them back with an actual date to get the marriage done and the certificate issued. 

Now, I only have about 3 weeks remaining on my tourist stamp and i am looking for the best route to proceed here. 

The TVC Agent suggested getting a Non Immigrant O visa for about 28k -and then the marriage visa for an additional 38k. We have all the docs and money just about ready- (money still needs to be deposited), so it seems a little expensive at this point to complete the final step. 

TVC also did mention a 60day "Family visit" visa, which i presume i can obtain once i have the marriage certificate? I have a question regarding that; once i obtain the certificate, hopefully before my 3 weeks are up, may i then do a border bounce giving me more time to get the marriage visa done? 

Your input is highly appreciated.

1,453

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking guidance on obtaining a marriage visa in Thailand, as their tourist stamp is about to expire. They have completed necessary paperwork, including documents from the British Embassy and are awaiting their marriage certificate. The user has received expensive quotes from a local agent and is considering a border bounce to extend their stay. Community members suggest that the marriage process should not take as long as stated, advise against using expensive agents, and confirm that a border bounce followed by applying for a Non-Immigrant O visa (the marriage visa) could be a feasible solution.

Schögn *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for everyone's input. Believe me, im not trying to pay anyone anything more than i need to, hence the questions here. Thank you for the info about the costs of the marriage visa.

The problem with the Agent/s is that the messages they send are written(translated) badly so it leaves alot to interpretation and leads to confusion/frustration+++. (If we wanted it simple we'd probably stay in our home countries ey...)

I think the narrative kinda got lost here or maybe i just failed to explain clearly, sorry, just to clarify a little:

I am not using an agent, i only enquired with them their costs and options. for the visa, TVC offered a few things, but i dont want to go that route. As its more money, paperwork, translation bah.

I plan to border bounce in 3 weeks, which gives me 30 more days to get things done. I just dont want to leave things too late as i am running out options to fly out, border bounce, extentions etc, as i have done so a couple times this year already for work and work short holidays...

***

Right now i just need guidance in the way of obtaining the Marriage Visa (I am still to get my Marriage Certificate, soon- i am just researching right now so im prepared).

Once i have the Certificate from the District office, i then go to CW, complete a "APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF VISA(TM.86)", pay the 2000b and apply for the Marriage Visa?

Can anyone say how long that takes to get from them? Same day maybe?

Thank you again for the info.

a year ago

Colin *********

This Post is confusing. Why would you need 2 Visas?

a year ago

Maxim ***********

OP is confusing getting married with getting a marriage extension. You nearly have the OK to get married. Getting a Non-O then a yearly extension based on marriage is completely different from getting married. Getting married is the requirement to apply for the Non-O, it does not give you the visa right away. You are way too late to apply for everything unless you use an agent or bounce. As others have said, just do a border bounce and come back to us when you get your marriage certificate for more advice. It take 1 hour to get married, not 3-4 weeks. The process at the district office should not be weeks, I think you are confusing a lot of things therefore we can't advice you well.

a year ago

เจสัน ******

Somebody is having you over.

Never financially commit to anything in a short time frame....(such as you only have 3 weeks remaining on your stamp, pay this pay that etc).

As already said you can fly out and back again into Thailand and have more time.

a year ago

Steve *******

The Non Immigrant O IS the marriage visa, cost at Immigration 2000bt and a yearly extention is 1900bt. You're getting shafted if you pay

*****

bt!

a year ago

Ally ************

Warning bells went off in my head when i read the costs involved.. then realised you were using an agent.. then the bells got louder.. you should be able to do most of this yourself with a little guidance.. and at minimal cost.. why not consider a border bounce and subsequent extension of your stamp by 30-days.. which would give you another 60-days to get all your documents sorted out and get married.. if you're getting married in Thailand it will negate the need to have the marriage certificate translated into Thai.. thereby expediting the married visa process.. I'm sure the knowledge base here can assist in explaining the process and pitfalls to avoid.. I've recently completed my own application for a married visa and the only fees i had to pay were to Immigration.. it sounds to me like you are being conned somewhere.. buyer beware!

a year ago

Maxim ***********

@Ally ***********

He's not getting con (TVC) own this group. You can see their details on the banner above. They are legit agent, but you are correct that OP doesn't need that. But if he is last minute and doesn't want to bounce then he has to use them.

a year ago

Ally ************

@Maxim **********

I'm not suggesting agents are illegal or not sometimes necessary.. I'm simply suggesting they are often 'unnecessary' and almost always 'expensive' for the user.. if you don't need to jump through hoops to get your visa.. meaning you meet the requirements and your documentation is in order.. then you simply need to educate yourself.. ie. learn the system and apply yourself to the task.. unless your wealth is such that 66k is a drop in the ocean of course.. but don't let fear overcome you.. Immigration are very helpful and most hurdles can be climbed by humbling yourself and seeking their advice 👍

a year ago

Andy ********

@Ally ***********

great advice.

a year ago

Reply to

Andy ********

Dirk **************

@Ally ***********

best advice so far!

a year ago

Reply to

Dirk **************

Frank **********

What? Once I had my papers I got married in one day. Took all my papers to the Amphur. Office. Marriage in the morning. Not wait 4 weeks.

a year ago

Graham ******

@Frank *********

me too, a couple of hours max

a year ago

Steve *******

Once you get the 'affirmation to marry' translated and stamped by the MFA you can get married straight away. You wont get the Non Imm O based on marriage untill you're actually married.

a year ago

Reply to

Steve *******

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the steps and requirements for applying for a marriage visa in Thailand after gaining a Non-Immigrant O visa?

27 comments