Jackson B

7 hours ago, Peter Denis said:

When applying for the 1-year extension of stay you do not need to show that the 800K originated from abroad.  You only need to provide evidence that the 800K has been for two months on your personal thai bank-account (a joint one with your wife is not accepted by IO) at the moment of application.

It is ONLY when applying for the 90-day Non Imm O Visa for reason of retirement, that you would need to show that the 800K originated from abroad.  And there is no seasoning requirement in that case (that will only be required when applying two months later for the 1-year extension of stay - see higher).

Yes. That's what I applied for and that's what I got today. Very few people at CW and no queue. All they needed was my blue receipt. Annoyingly, though, the entire process used three pages of passport. 

What I would like clarification on is whether I can put this 800k into a separate account (with slightly higher interest rate) now before the 2-month seasoning.

IOs warned not to do that, but I can't see how it's against the rules. Surely as long as it sits in an account for 2 months before I apply for the extension, it should be fine, no?

On 9/15/2020 at 7:49 AM, LazySlipper said:

 

Let me get this straight. You have to show that the 800 000 came from abroad?

 

What if you been working here for years and saved the money?

 

What if you use some of the money and top off when the time comes?

Do you have to show proof that the money is from abroad??

 

Seems you might be giving misleading information.

 

 

How does it "seem" the information is "misleading"? Because it is not logical to you? Well, it might not be logical but yes, you have to show the money is the product of an international transfer. If you worked and saved locally I don't know what they would say, but I also wondered the same question.

2 hours ago, greggraham said:

Can anyone help?

 

So my local IO let me apply for a conversion from TR -> Amnesty (via a usual +30 and the embassy letter +30) -> Non-O Marriage, using the TM86.

 

She initially said because of the embassy letter extension it wasn't possible, but after we pleaded with her she said she would ask her boss, she called us the next day instructing us to submit an application. On top of the usual documents, we were also told to submit as much proof as possible of our original intent to leave to apply for the visa abroad. I also have a letter from the UK embassy asking Thai immigration if they would consider helping me apply for a Non-O extension.  

 

Submitted it on the 11th, the IO came in to meet us at 0730 bless her so we could get it done before the hordes arrived (we had been there 10+ hours that week waiting for a cancelled appointment or something - usually que system was booked over a week in advance). We didn't get any kind of stamps on that day, just paid the 2000BHT and got given a receipt and told to wait. 

 

I'm kind of confused what happens next, I think we are waiting for a phone call whether it went through or not. So;

1) will there be a home visit between now and the 25th or will that come once the conversion has been approved?

2) should I be concerned the IO gave us no stamps so far?
3) is the fact she accepted the application cause for us to assume it should/is likely to be approved? 

I'm guessing it's not the CW office.

1) Yes they will visit to confirm your residence as part of the approval process. They visited me after 3 business days. If you are applying for marriage visa, then they will photograph you holding the marriage certificate. 

2) I got the regularising stamp to the 26th. That's all. And the receipt.

3) I think that's a reasonable assumption, providing the funds are there in your account, and shown to have "come from" abroad. Mine is a retirement O, so you might have different paperwork, but it sounds positive so far.

18 hours ago, DinoDownunder said:

Awesome, thanks mate

7 minutes ago, DinoDownunder said:

He seemed to understand my english when I asked and said yes. I couldnt be bothered calling the hotline, they didnt know the new requirements so maybe I'll get one just to be on the safe side.

Yes let me know and good luck!

 

Just wondering, do you have a link the the document checklists for CW that you mentioned earlier? I did a search but couldnt find anything.

Cheers

Hmmm... I know @ubonjoe posted one a couple of weeks ago. But I just found this useful resource. There are also the pinned posts.

http://www.workpermitthai.com/visachange-english.htm

8 minutes ago, glegolo said:

Yes it is true what I did write,  you did just describe an conversion...

 

glegolo

Actually, what you said was "To my knowledge you can not apply for a retirement-VISA inside Thailand. That has to be done outside Thailand. You can howevr apply for a conversion to a 1 year retirement extension of stay..."

So, I'm saying yes you can apply within Thailand. No need to go outside.

The application is for a new visa (90 days O), and not a "conversion" and you cannot get an extension to a visa until you get the visa first. You have to get the 90-day first.

1 hour ago, glegolo said:

 

mikem20

I am seeking a visa on the basis of retirement for +50 for the first time, not an extension.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To my knowledge you can not apply for a retirement-VISA inside Thailand. That has to be done outside Thailand. You can howevr apply for a conversion to a 1 year retirement extension of stay...

 

glegolo

Nope. That's not true. I am doing it too for the first time. 800k + evidence baht "came from" abroad + rental receipts + map + lease + home visit by immigration officers + TM 30 declaration. Costs 2000 bt.

In the first instance, the application is for a NEW visa: Non-O (retirement) 90 days. After 90 days an extension of the visa is required (12 months).

On 9/12/2020 at 9:32 AM, greggraham said:

@Jackson B and @eppic;

 

1) Did they put the free stamp (until Sept 26) in your passport? (I know they did for Jackson)
2) Did they give you any kind of under consideration stamp or just the receipt for the 2000THB?

Just the receipt, but there was another stamp on the application form that she kept. It says: You have 90 days visa (Non-O retirement). We stamp on *date*. Don't leave of Thailand before stamp visa. Keep money in bank until you have 1 year visa. After 60 days start count today *date*. You can summit 1 year visa at Counter L. Before leave of Thailand you must summit Re-Entry permit for keep visa."

On 9/11/2020 at 6:32 PM, DinoDownunder said:

Got the visit today. Photos outside the condo block, outside my door and inside. Signed a form and that was about it. Nice couple of guys. Said they'd done another 4 already today. The head guy said nothing to worry about getting the visa so I'm sure it'll be fine.

 

I double checked with him that when returning on the date stamped on the blue form that I need a new bank letter and updated bank book. I think thats about it.

 

Let us know how you go.

Cheers

Dean

Sounds like the same couple of guys. We have to get another bank letter to receive the visa? That is news to me. I'll tell you Friday what happens.

21 hours ago, DinoDownunder said:

I received my letter from the Australian embassy on the 1st of September. Later news from the embassy said that they would offer letters for only 2 reasons

1. being for people that cant get home

2. letters to apply for a long term visa.

 

I emailed them asking if I needed a new letter actually stating that I want to apply for a long term visa before the end of amnesty and eventually received an email saying ' no need for a new letter, just use the extension letter with supportive documents.

 

Does your letter basically just state 'The Australian embassy does not object to citizens lawfully applying for visa extensions to temporarily remain in thailand'?

 

Yes, exact same letter I guess. The wording clearly takes a diplomatic shot at the Thai government's requirement for an embassy letter, because a visa request is not subject to approval by the Australian government, and is in any case covered under existing reciprocal arrangements. And note that no responsibility is implied.

4 hours ago, greggraham said:

You didn't get an under consideration stamp right, just the receipt? When will you hear the result?

This time next week.

9 minutes ago, DinoDownunder said:

Yeah. I had to get extra info which took awhile but there were alot of people there i guess as its getting closer to the close off date on Friday.

Anyway fantastic information mate. Really appreciate it.

Cheers,

Dean

 

You're very welcome. I received a lot of good advice on these pages, but I also went twice to CW to clarify the minor points before actually applying, so I'm happy to share.

Incidentally, I got my letter from the Australian embassy today ... but I'm not sure it would actually help. I've got it as a back up in case my non-O is refused.

18 hours ago, DinoDownunder said:

Thanks mate.

Just an update for anyone it may help..

1. TM86 filled out no problems. Was advised many times it needs to be all completed before the end of friday (for the time being) or thats the end of that.

 

2. Bank letter previous day and updated Bank book the same day fine. The local bank advised they couldnt give me a letter regarding a foreign transfer so I was denied this at immigration. I was told the code FTT was acceptable before as it means a foreign transfer transaction. Not quite good enough for imm at CW.

Fix was to go downstairs at CW to Bangkok Bank and they did it on the spot (no charge), guess you learn its always better to go to a more farang experienced area for these types of issues.

KBank also does have a proper branch there as well.

 

3. You were spot on. After lunch there was an older lady going around checking paperwork before the ticket queue no. She was outstanding and probably the only reason my 2nd attempt of the day worked out. Quite a little round the corner move and totally appreciated as the boss lady was to be honest left a bad taste in my mouth. Guess thats why they love their little agents helping out.

I also had a form shown to me for the first time showing what was needed. Geez i wish i had that before.. i had to draw a map freehand (thought that was the old days when not showing a TM30 and rental contact) and mess around showing 3 months of rental receipts when all was paid in cash at the time.

If anyone wants a copy msg me.

 

4. Yep I had a lot of good luck the 6 hours there. Thanks for the advise!

I am now under consideration and waiting for a call to visit from an immigration officer to take photo of me in my condo.

 

Just one question,

Is there any info/links on how this all works? She said 'they call anytime in 2 week, you need to answer', 'take photo you' then come back. I'd really like be prepared and not cause any issues if not able to answer the phone etc? 

 

Appreciate any help.

cheers

Dean

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dean,

Well done getting your act together so quickly. Six hours is a bit much! Mine took 40 mins.

The immigration police visited me yesterday and were very pleasant and easy to deal with. So they visited 3 business days after my application, and they said not many people applying for the Non-O retirement. They will call the day before and ask you how to get to your place. They seem to have difficulty with a GPS. They will talk to your landlord briefly. They will go inside your accommodation and ask for your passport, lease and bankbook again, and photograph them. They will photograph you holding them, and standing with an officer. And you have to sign a form. The process took about 30 minutes.

I used a printed out google map and a hand-drawn map.

Sorry, the list of things required was posted in another thread... I suppose I should have posted a copy of the requirements.

Good luck!

3 hours ago, rkidlad said:

I remember when they did away with the double-entry tourist visa and replaced it with the 6-month-multiple entry one. I actually thought they were making it easier. Then when we looked through how to obtain one - it was all just a ruse.

 

If Thailand has taught me anything, it's that the government can never just give something with no strings. it's always something with caveats attached. And it's usually a worse deal. All fur coat and no knickers. 

 

I wait to be proven wrong.

I always found the multi-entry TR relatively easier to get, and fast to process.

5 hours ago, Mavideol said:

wishful thinking, that one is on the top of their stupidity,,,, 1 year visa or extension of stay why there's a need for 90 reporting, why, why and why

Yes, why can't they just ask to be notified if the residential address changes? In any case, they know the address from the TM30. Is it not linked up?

35 minutes ago, BritTim said:

The 90-day permission to stay from the Non O applied for at Immigration starts from the day the visa is issued. This has always been an exception to the rule that all extensions of stay run from the expiry date of the original permission to stay. The new permission to stay from the visa is supposed to mimic what would happen if you had left Thailand and reentered with the visa.

So they backdate the visa issuance date to the date of application? The IO emphasised the point that the date would start on the application date. Curious logic. If as you say it mimics exiting and getting a visa then coming back... but then (under non-COVID conditions) this would not have happened until early December. All counterfactual now, of course. But it's good to understand, thanks.

On the other hand, I filed a legitimate application for a non-O and I am worried that I only paid 2k, and perhaps they will find a "problem" that requires an extra payment to fix.

3 hours ago, Peter Denis said:

Hi drJack,

Why would Immigration make a distinction between types of extension, when the goal is to avoid over-crowding of Immigration offices by all those waiting till last days of the Amnesty to avoid 'losing days' of their extension.

The InfoGraphic is CRYSTAL-CLEAR that it applies to ALL type of extensions (yes even for regular 1-year extensions of stay based on a Non Imm O Visa - several reports of that).

But overcrowding of the Immigration offices on 23-24-25 Sept will be inevitable, because:

1 - Applicants not trusting their local IO anymore, when despite the InfoGraphic announcement some local IOs are still issuing extensions from date of application, and applicants thus wisely postponing their application to avoid such day-of-application start date;

2 - Persistent rumors that the Cabinet might approve a 3rd extension of the Amnesty, which would effectively mean that applicants unnecessary 'wasted' the short-term extension option they had.  Only a clear Cabinet announcement that the Amnesty will NOT be extended, will avoid applicants (wisely) postponing their application.

When I applied for my non-O visa I was also surprised that they take date as the date of application, not the stamp 15 days later, and not the amnesty date of 26th. Likewise, I didn't make a fuss about it, even though the info is very misleading. 

1 hour ago, Peter Denis said:

See my post #17 with some comments on that 3-months of rental receipts requirement.

I don't know about that, as I've had the same place over a year. So I provided three past receipts, and one to cover the next month. Plus I provided the invoices for all four months. I only ever paid one month in advance. 

But, yes, I wondered how someone would get on if they had only just arrived.

24 minutes ago, greggraham said:

That was quick on the home visit front! So when do you go back to get the 90 day stamp? Assume you're on an "under consideration" currently? 

There's no stamp or anything that says "under consideration", but I assume that is the current status. I go back to collect my stamp – or is it a whole paper page? – towards the end of next week.

Apparently very few applicants are currently going for the non-O retirement option, so there was no queue.

17 hours ago, eppic said:

Just an FYI or two as I applied for Non-O conversion also at Chaengwattana (counter C1):

 

1. I was asked for long term rental agreement, which I provided

2. I was also asked for rental receipts for previous three months. Fortunately, I had been handed requirements when previously asking about a dependent visa for my wife (denied) so I had the receipts.

 

This means that currently at CW, per their official requirements (and as enforced on me) it would be impossible to to apply for Non-O (retirement) without both a rental agreement and three months of receipts.  The receipts was a completely new requirement for me and I can't say whether they will ask from everyone, but should definitely be brought if you have it.

Yes, that's one of their requirements. I asked my landlord for official receipts and they happily obliged.

When I asked at CW about extending my TR by 30 days, then using the extra time to make a Non-O application, the IO said not possible. Must apply for Non-O now. But maybe that attitude is flexible depending on office. And that advice could change next month, I suppose.

Luckily, I got my non-O application in last week, and immigration police visited my apartment today. They said very few genuine applications were being rejected.

Last day to apply would be this Friday (15 days before the 26th).