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expat visa advice

Showing 134 questions

This page displays all the results for the Expat Visa Advice tag, sorted by the most recent activity. There are a total of 134 questions that have been tagged with Expat Visa Advice. Explore the questions to find discussions and information relevant to this topic.
Aug 24, 2025
10 hours ago
Elin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone,

I’m currently on a Non-ED+ visa (from university) since 2022. I’ve just graduated and recently found a job, so now I’m planning to apply for a Non-B visa at the Thai Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Does anyone here have experience with that embassy and the Non-B application process?

Also, do I need to cancel my current extension before going to Vietnam, or can I just proceed with the new application directly?

Any advice or shared experiences would be really appreciated. Thank you so much in advance! 🙏
Aug 20, 2025
5 days ago
Dan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am US citizen I will fill out  online form for non-O  tourist visa

The purpose is to get a non-O retirement visa inside Thailand

My question is, do you know how long it will take for this first visa to go through?

I know it depends, but does anyone know a good average timeframe I can expect so i can better plan?
Aug 19, 2025
5 days ago
Colin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello people, applying for nonO ,a couple of questions 1, when applying can you delete your account numbers (bank statements)?or is it safe to leave in going through the embassy?

2, how many times can you come and Go on the Visa if you leave country before 90 days with a re entry stamp,? Kapuncap 🙏
Aug 19, 2025
5 days ago
Can anyone recommend a Visa Agency to do an all inclusive DTV visa and the cost please. Thanks in advance.
Aug 15, 2025
9 days ago
Niklas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello,

My application for the DTV Soft Power Visa has unfortunately been rejected again – this time in Hanoi, Vietnam. I was not provided with a clear reason for the refusal, so I am unsure what the issue was.

Around two months ago, my application was already rejected in Cambodia because the documents from my previous Muay Thai camp were incomplete and insufficient. Since then, I have enrolled in a new, professional Muay Thai camp in Bangkok, booked a nine-month course, and submitted all the required documents in full.

As I believed everything was correct this time, I am now uncertain about what steps I can take in Hanoi to possibly have my visa approved, or what other options are available to me at this stage.

Could you please advise me on what I should do in this situation?

Thank you very much in advance for your assistance.

Kind regards,
Aug 9, 2025
15 days ago
Kelly ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, so I have a quick question I’m coming in on my dtv visa for the first time. It got approved while I was on my visa exemption so I’m going back and coming back in on it. I wanted to ask though what do you show when you come in. I’m worried about the bank stuff I had enough when I applied but had to pay my security deposit for my rental and my sons Tution it will be built up again in a couple of months but I’m worried if they ask to see bank statements or not when you come in.
Aug 7, 2025
17 days ago
Steve ***
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi Everyone

Looking for some advice please.

Scenario,

I’m on a 90-day non-immigrant visa (O) for retirement purposes and after having 800,000 baht in a bank account for 2 months I apply for a 1-year extension.

Let’s say the 1-year extension takes around 2 to 3 weeks to be granted, BUT during this time I need to leave the country for 2 weeks after getting a re-entry permit.

Does this affect the visa application/granting?

What happens if I’m granted whilst overseas?

TIA
Jul 30, 2025
a month ago
Iven ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, I have a question about the DTV visa. When providing necessary documents (proof of owning a business, proof of funds etc.) - do you need a notary translation? Do you provide originals? My native language is NOT english, obviously. Thanks!
Jul 27, 2025
a month ago
Question everyone. Can I use my address which is far from the muay thai gym for soft power DTV, where I enroll like 6 hours away? Cause I have paid 3 months advance and I wanna maximize it before I move to the actual place. Do you think it will affect my application? Thank you for your help🙏 just wanna make sure before I lodge my application.
Jul 25, 2025
a month ago
My DTV Visa Extension Got Approved

I just got my DTV visa extended for another 6 months *inside Thailand* at Chiang Mai Immigration.

Yes, it was successful — but the process was tiring, and mentally draining.

Let me say this upfront:

If you have the option to do a border bounce or a short trip to a nearby country, I strongly recommend that route. It’s far smoother and less stressful.

But if you’re someone who *has* to extend inside Thailand — or is just curious about how it works — here’s my experience.

## Document Checklist (based on my case):

You’ll need a solid stack of documents prepared in advance:

* Passport bio page copy

* Visa sticker page copy (*or eVisa printout*)

* Latest visa stamp copy

* 90-day report copy

* TM30 printout

* TM7 Visa Extension Form

* Bank Certificate

* Bank Statement (500K must be deposited 1 month ahead)

* Updated bank passbook (with transactions up to application date)

* House rental contract

* Rent transfer receipts (Your name and Renter name should be on those)

* Employment contract

* Company registration (of your employer)

* Employment certificate with most recent date

* Acknowledgement of penalties for visa overstay

* Resume / CV (for Workcation category)

* Proof of remote work (past and present projects, screenshots, links, etc.)

## Step-by-Step Process at Chiang Mai Immigration:

1. Start by getting a queue ticket for a document check outside the immigration building.

2. When the officer sees it’s a DTV case, you’ll usually be asked to consult with a specific officer since this category is still relatively new.

You won’t meet them right away — they’ll give you a time to return.

3. When it’s your turn, answer their questions clearly. If they feel your documents aren’t enough, they’ll let you know what’s missing and ask you to return the next day.

4. The next day, you go through the same document check process outside.

5. If your paperwork is complete, they’ll give you a new queue number and send you *inside*.

At this point, you’re moving in the right direction.

6. Present your full set of documents at the counter. When they see the visa type, you might hear:

**“Oh, DTV.”

**Pay the 1,900 baht fee.

Then wait again while the officer verifies your file. Sometimes, they may still request more supporting documents depending on your case.

7. If your name is called for a photo, that’s a good sign your extension is being approved.

8. Lastly, wait to be called again to receive your passport back with the new stamp.

✅ Done. DTV visa extension inside Thailand, approved.

##

The process can be far more complex than I said here and can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially when you’re not 100% sure what to expect.

I had to go back and forth over two days, and prepare a large stack of documents — many of which took time to gather. I had to talk a lot, clarify things over and over . It was a learning experience, but honestly one I don’t plan to repeat.

For anyone who still wants to try extending inside Thailand, I hope this post helps you prepare.

P.S. Luckily, I got the 6-month stamp straight away rather than the usual 'under consideration' stamp.
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