Hello World.
A small (long) update in regard to some immigration issues I feel like need to be reiterated, explained, and expounded upon. Also, I've attached the handy-dandy CM Immigration examples of the TM-7 (Extension form), TM-8 (Re-entry Permit), and TM-47 (90-Day Report) from the board outside the door. Also, if you need any documents available to print at home, see this link (All these are available at the office, though):
[members only]
Caveat: I AM NOT AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER. I am a volunteer with access to immigration officials and a decent understanding of current processes and policies at CHIANG MAI IMMIGRATION.
Rumor mill:
1) CM Immigration has no current plan to close
2) Automatic 30-day extensions FOR TOURISTS is in deliberation by Parliament. This will have NO EFFECT on the long-stay visa holders as of now. ([members only]).
3) Only Non-OA Retiree visa holders are required to have health insurance when they extend their visa. Non-O retirement extensions DO NOT require current health insurance coverage (IN CHIANG MAI).
4) YES, you MUST have two copies of EVERYTHING when you apply for the COVID-19 extension (even the embassy letter).
Local CM Immigration office Info:
First, the new queue system. Due to social distancing attempts, they don't want people crowding. To stop that, people are screened at the entrance on the facility and asked what they need. SOMETIMES, a volunteer will try and catch you before you get to the temperature section. We aren't being nosy. We are trying to help direct traffic. I can tell you what/where you need to go with a cursory glance at the paperwork as opposed to the explanation. Sometimes we need it. If so, I'll ask for elaboration. The officers won't. You'll be given 4 options (I wrote a long post about that. Maybe someone will link to it....). THAT queue number is the number IN LINE to get to the desk, NOT the visa appointment. We volunteers are keeping track of numbers and usher you from the seating areas to the desk for document review. Additionally, we provide a free-of-charge document review to advise on any missing pages, signatures, ink colors, or bad copies that the officer will flag and reject your application. This is completely optional. However, and I cannot stress this enough...if there is a queue for doc review and you are missing anything and need to come back, YOU MUST RE-QUEUE. Sorry. Now, if there is no line, no problem. After you get your docs reviewed BY THE DESK OFFICER, they will give you your REAL queue number to get your immigration issue looked at. At that point, the only thing I can do for you is show you the bathroom and get you some water if you need.
Ok, so next thing is the new entry procedure. I wrote a long post about this, so I won't go into huge detail. But, I will say this...if you tell the officer taking your temperature ANYTHING with the words "90 days....", you will be given a 90-day report (TM-47) queue number. I mentioned the other day about the difference b/w 90-day report and 90-day extension. As of now, you cannot get a 90-day extension of your tourist visa here. 90-day extensions are on Non-O visas of varying flavors. Use your terminology wisely. I'll write up specific procedures again, as needed.
A few outliers, though, based on some unique cases I've seen.
1) Renewing your Non-O visa in-country....BRING EVERYTHING IN SUPPORT OF YOUR VISA!!! Retirees, bring financial. Marriage/Guardians, bring marriage licenses / birth certificates...there is no "I just need a 30 day stamp." They want to see everything. This includes Non-B visas as well (Which is very, very painful).
2) This border situation is upsetting the apple cart on many retirees/family visas that no longer meet the financial requirement to maintain their visa. I have NOT YET HEARD OF OR SEEN the Consulate letter work to extend a Non-O any flavor visa. If you need to extend, see #1, OR....let the visa lapse, revert to a tourist visa, and use the COVID-19 extension policy to extend that tourist visa ad infinitum until further policy comes into play.
3) Family/Marriage visa holders who no longer meet the requirement can apply to extend their tourist visa (after cancelling Non-O) for 90 days at a time by providing all family-related documentation MINUS FINANCIAL INFO when they extend.
4) Dual citizens can extend their visa for one year by showing Thai ID card, birth certificate, parent info, etc.
5) If you applied for an extension elsewhere (Not in CM) and your extension is under consideration, CM Immigration CAN NOT extend you! You MUST return to the office you extended at to receive final determination (Saw this one today).
6) You can switch tourist visa to Non-O retirement while in country as long as you have 21 days on your visa, meet all the requirements, and have $$$ in the bank for at least 3 weeks prior to applying (or whatever time the officer wants.)
7) DO NOT CANCEL YOUR VISA until you speak to an immigration officer or one of the volunteers by the main building!!! Many people are being told to cancel and apply for the COVID-19 extension policy when they can extend their non-O! Please find me or another volunteer before you do.
My plan is to work mornings daily and afternoons as needed. If you send me a PM, I'll do my best t get the answer for you.
