Answered8 years ago

What visa options do 18-year-old sons of a USAF retiree need to consider for studying in Thailand?

Non-O-A Visa Non-ED Visa Dependent Visa Student Visa Thailand Immigration Visa Types

Mary ********

asked May 4, 2018

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OK I will just lay it out there.  Black American woman (USAF retiree) with 2 sons registered to attend CMU in the fall.  She qualifies for retirement Visa non O-A.  Currently in the US trying to get the visa thing straight.  Sons are 18.

What kind of Visa should the boys apply for?  Dependent?  Can they at 18?  How long would such a visa last?  Until they are 21?

A 6 month tourist?  They would have then convert it to an Ed Visa in the fall.

Finally, beyond the ordinary crap immigration hands out how much more based on their color?  Let's be honest here folks.

Answer summary

A Black American woman and USAF retiree is seeking advice on suitable visa options for her two sons, aged 18, as they plan to attend Chiang Mai University in the fall. She inquires whether her sons should apply for dependent visas, if they are eligible at their age, and the duration of such visas. Alternatively, she contemplates a 6-month tourist visa allowing them to convert to an education visa upon arrival. Respondents share varying personal experiences with Thailand's immigration system and suggest applying for a 90-day non-ED visa based on university enrollment documentation.

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Geoff *******

I've been coming to Thailand regularly for the past 8 years and have never felt or experienced any discrimination based on colour by immigration, or any other Thai officials. Always allowed in without any problems on SETVs and visa exemptions ... so far.

8 years ago

Tod *********

Let's stay on topic people, AND not slag off the country or the immigration office either ;)

8 years ago

Tod *********

Another thought;

If indeed the children are registered to attend Chiang Mai University in the fall use the documentation from the uni and see if you can get 90 day single entry Non-ED visas BEFORE they come. That'd get them stamped in for 90 days when they arrive and then they should be able to apply for extensions at the immigration office with documentation from the uni after that

8 years ago

Tod *********

Get the kids a 6 month METV and have them do the conversion in country to the ED visa once they're here.

8 years ago

John *****

Ok ....thanks for that. Maybe I didn't noticed the other two when I was applying from the west coast.

8 years ago

Tod *********

@John ****

when they stopped most of the honorary consulates from issuing multi-entry visas they designated those four consulates as places you could get them

8 years ago

John *****

@Tod ********

Did you check the web site recently? I know that they changes the locations recently. Just double xhecking.

8 years ago

Tod *********

@John ****

You are incorrect, they are issued in Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles and New York

8 years ago

John *****

Tod ... based my recent experience getting a retirement visa...only two places can issue OA retirement visa now. Washington DC and Los Angeles. I got mine at the LA consulate and the process was efficient and quick since I traveled there instead of mailing the package ... 2 day process with properly prepared documentation.

8 years ago

Robert *******

As we all know, some consulates or embassies have different requirements, best option is to look at the website for information where she is going to apply. Willing to have a look to if I know where.

8 years ago

Tod *********

I believe she'd use Los Angeles for her year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A Long Stay visa

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8 years ago

Tod *********

@Mary *******

she can't get a Non-O-A from any consulate IN texas. She'd use the one in Los Angeles I believe.

None of the honorary consulates in Texas can issue multi-entry visas

8 years ago