pepper402

10 minutes ago, FarAngMoh said:

One thing I noticed on my monthly TD Ameritrade statement, it shows a total estimated annual income based on the current dividend yield of my equity holdings. I would think such a document should be usable as for a portion of income proof. 

Sounds like you have close to $8 Million in your account (based on the S&P dividend yield).  Nice!  I applied for the Wealthy Pensioner and submitted income statements from some employers.  The analyst at BOI seemed to indicate that he was looking for pension income and not work income.  Presumably you will be able to use dividend income if you are applying for the Wealthy Global Citizen.  Good luck! 

1 hour ago, stuarty said:

I have my approval, and have now submitted separate application for my wife.  While slightly more simple, I am surprised that - apart from having to pay separate full visa fee (50,000B) - she also has to show $100,000 personal  bank deposit for 12 months in lieu of medical insurance. I would have thought that if I have approved her online in their BoI system as a dependent spouse, our (my) personal funds, which I have already shown, would have also covered for her, but apparently not. She needs to show separate bank deposit for last 12 months.

 

No problem for us as she has that bank deposit (WP!) and can show it, but it seems unduly onerous.  What if one is applying also for dependent children (less than 18 years old). Do they also each have to show having $100,000 for 12 months? That would be ridiculous imho. 

I understand the requirement for insurance or personal funds for each adult (kids should have insurance or parent should have sufficient funds to cover kids).  I believe the goal is to be sure that the foreigner will pay for medical costs as necessary - instead of the Thai government getting stiffed for the bill. 

7 hours ago, Misty said:

Thanks Ryan I think this may be a case of apples and oranges though.  The US consulates will grant actual visas, not not the "Notification of qualification endorsements" that comes from the BoI.  The question is "how long is that e-visa good for".  While the BoI's notification may only be good for 60 days, I think the actual e-visa may be good for at least as long as 5 years.

 

The e-visa process as explained to me is:  1) Get BoI approval, 2) Tell BoI you want to receive the visa overseas, from a consulate (instead of at their office), 3) Get a Notification of Qualification endorsement addressed to the overseas consulate, 4) Submit that as part of the e-visa application. 

 

After e-visa approval, the overseas consulate then emails a copy of the actual e-visa, which you give to Immigration when you enter Thailand. 

 

After a couple more calls today it's starting to sound to me like entering Visa exempt may not in fact be our best option. So I may get to test the LTR e-visa system after all....

Thanks, Misty.  When you do the LTR e-visa, which Embassy will you use?  Do you think a visit to the Embassy will be required, or helpful?  I'm much closer to Los Angeles but they are completely unresponsive so If a visit is not part of the plan, I might try to go through the Washington DC Embassy. Any thoughts?  If you figure it out, I'd be grateful for a step-by-step as I intend to follow in your footsteps.  

16 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

 

You want my visa stamp and the stamped in page....why? Here it is with the dates on the stamped visa etc. Just in case you were doubting I received it.

 

Redacted numbers but here you go.

 

 

This is very disappointing, unprofessional, and mostly illegible, and the ink will smudge and fade after a few years.  I guess I was hoping for something like these (but even nicer with holograms and color shifting ink).  I can't imaging it would have cost very much to have nice visas

1 hour ago, ThailandRyan said:

Congratulations as well @Alotoftravel

 

Yes my Visa start date for the 10 years started on October 7 2022, and ends on October 5 2032.  The 5 year portion shows my admitted date as October 7th with an Until date of October 6, 2027.  The Multiple re-entry permit stamp is Vaid Until October 6, 2027 as well.  I did forget to ask whether or not the annual visit to Immigration for reporting can be negated by exiting the country just prior to year end and then returning just after the end of the first year and so on......It is a question I wished I had asked.  They did staple the notice in my PP.

Congratulations, Ryan.  I know this will sound really petty and lame but that piece of paper they stapled to your passport looks really lame - and is poorly written.  I am hoping that at least the Visa is cool and high tech with a hologram and color shifting ink - or something like that  ???? 

2 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

 

@pepper402 do you have a drop down menu anywhere like before to set your appointment?

Ryan, I don't believe I ever had a drop down menu to set an appointment, and I can't find anything related to appointments on my current status.  The only thing related is my ability to select the place to issue my Smart Visa (BKK or foreign Embassy).  

Trying to look at the bright side -- If this process was straight forward and easy, we wouldn't have the same sense of accomplishment if we successfully navigate the intricacies of this process and successfully obtain a visa ???? 

24 minutes ago, Boomer6969 said:

Here on the "Status" screen, there is a Menu[ 3  dots] next  to the view button.

 

Boomer, it looks like you have two additional drafts in your folder.  I also had a couple of extra drafts when I first started this process but successfully deleted them to avoid confusion. 

18 minutes ago, Boomer6969 said:

Here on the "Status" screen, there is a Menu[ 3  dots] next  to the view button.

 

Thanks!  I downloaded my approval letter which is identical to yours.  Ryan, mine also says approved (sorry about your cockpit error - hopefully, you will get this sorted out).  The other option I have when I click the three dots is "preapprove".  I'm curious what that is but afraid to click on it.  

41 minutes ago, Boomer6969 said:

Got the Approval email today. So I went to the status screen of their system and downloaded the attachment. Is this the "Approval" letter that I need to get my visa stamped? Also there are two options/actions "download", which I did, and "pre-approval"; does anyone know what the "pre-approval" would do. I am a bit worried  I could mess up my  file as their system looks a bit glitchy..

BOI-LTR-Rot.pdf 352.91 kB · 3 downloads

Boomer, thank you for your post.  I don't see anything on my status screen that has an attachment that I can download.  Can you please be more specific as to where exactly you found this attachment?  Merci! 

Qualifications Approved

LTR Visa application number LTRWP XXXXX has been approved.

Please upload the remaining documents and update additional information in order to proceed with the visa issuance

UPLOAD ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

On the Check Status page it says “Qualification approved”

I’m not doing anything until I get my new Passport (hopefully in about 4 weeks).  When I click on the “Upload Documents” page, it takes me to a screen where I can select where I want to have my Visa issued, and at the bottom it allows me to upload additional documents without specifying which documents it wants me to upload (I believe I have already submitted all required documents)

I have not received any other letter or communication.  Do I need to first tell them where I want to get my Visa, or did they forget to send me my approval letter?

On the Visa issuance page it states that “The Smart Visa processing fee is approx. 10,000 Baht per year for visa permission.  For example, the permitted duration of 6 months and 1 year and 4 months will cost 10,000 Baht and 20,000 Baht respectively and must be paid to the consular officer.:” -- Will some enterprising Embassies try to charge 100,000 Baht for a 10 year visa?

https://smart-visa.boi.go.th/smart/pages/visa-issuance.html

36 minutes ago, Northwest87 said:

The Embassy in DC refers to the LTR visa https://thaiembdc.org/visas/ (scroll to almost the bottom of the page).

This page https://thaiembdc.org/visas/ shows a letter that mentions at the beginning that the fee is US$1600 so they probably handle the visa, and they might be better at answering their phones.  Except for the LTR seminar announcement (now obsolete), I don't see any info on the LTR on the LA consulate web site.

 

How did you deal with the medical insurance requirement in the end?

NW

Thanks for the links.  I was able to get my insurance to issue a letter stating that my policy (retirement - good for life) expires 12/31/4000.  I wonder if I can pay 50,000 Thai Baht cash at the embassy instead of USD.

2 hours ago, Misty said:

Hi Pepper, congratulations on receiving approval.  You can apply for an e-visa at this site:  https://www.thaievisa.go.th/    You'll see the "Long-Term Resident Visa" listed as one of the options as you scoll down.

 

I think the payment is done as with similar e-visas, by credit or debit card. Let us know what the LA consulate is charging. You're in new territory now and are our "eyes and ears" as we used to say. I don't think anyone else has done this yet! I plan to apply soon via the NY consulate.

 

We all have lots of questions too, so please report back what you learn.

 

In past experience, I learned that the best way to communicate with US consulates in either LA or NY was by FB DM.  So if you have questions for them, try that.  I did once talk to LA consulate after a very long wait on hold, but didn't get much info and don't recommend that approach.

 

Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/thaiconsulatela/

 

Cheers!  Misty

Misty, I will certainly report back as soon as I can figure things out.  Unfortunately, I am going to have to wait until I get my new Passport, which should hopefully be in four to six weeks.  When I receive my new Passport, I will try to remove my old Passport from the BOI documents and submit a scan of my new one. Regarding the e-visa, I'm confused as to how this works.  After I receive the LTR approval from the BOI, do I then apply for an e-visa on the Thai Los Angeles Embassy website?  It doesn't look like this is functioning yet.  Then what?  What will I get from the e-visa? Will I need a "stamp" or something in my Passport?  

I was also just approved. Unfortunately, I am no longer in Thailand and don’t have any plans to return within the next 60 days…   I’ve tried calling the Thai Embassy in Los Angeles numerous times over the past several weeks and no one ever answers the phone.  If I go to Los Angeles and walk in, I’m confident that they will turn me away and tell me that I have to first make an appointment.  I will ask how I do that and I’m pretty sure they will tell me that I need to call them to do that....   I’ve also just sent my Passport in for renewal so the Passport on my LTR application is no longer valid

-          Is an E-Visa possible?  How would I go about doing that?

-          How do I pay the 50,000 Baht.  How much will the Embassy add as a surcharge via unfavorable exchange rate or other charges?

-          Can someone pay at the Chamchuri office for me, and then I can get the passport stamp at a later date?

I have lots of questions.

2 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Just checked the status of my application still in processing, but since I submitted my new PCH HI policy last Wednesday, the bottom buttons now on page 4 are now gone and there is no way to submit any new documents.  Seems it is in the final review process, keeping my fingers crossed I hear something back by the 22nd which is 20 actual days from when submitted, if you go by a 5 day work week then the 20 days would be the 30th,  I also can not change any items in the fields on any of the pages now as well.

I am in the same status.  I can add or remove items from #1 to #17 but can't "submit" (is that the bottom button you are referring to)?  I wonder if I add a document will the bottom buttons reappear.    I talked to a live person last week who told me that it would take 20 business days.  I did not want to bring to his attention the fact that the website says "within 20 business days).  I'm going to call again early next week.  I'll post results.  

18 minutes ago, Misty said:

I know one applicant with processing and one with pending, both supposed to hear by 29 Sep. Another applicant with processing, not sure their date.

It was similar with the skytrain, the project was under construction for maybe 5 years right through the main streets of Bangkok. Kind of hard to miss. Lots of interest as the initial test runs were conducted. Still when it opened, there were very few riders. Way below projections. You’d think people liked to sit in traffic jams. But I guess habits take awhile to change.

 

It would be really nice if they had a chart which showed the stages of the process.  Is processing ahead or behind pending?  What comes next?  They should be reading these forums, or have a feedback button. I was also one of the early Skytrain riders.  It's a giant concrete monstrosity but great way to get around. 

3 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Just read the article in the paper we can not link to on the LTR visas. It appears they have had 400 applications, many from retirees for the LTRWP.  Appears many Chinese have also applied.  Will be interesting. I hopefully will hear back by the 22nd or soon after that. My current extension of stay expires in November and I normally go to CW in October and renew that extension of stay 30 days prior.  Keeping my fingers crossed. Wishing all who have applied good luck as well.

I have a feeling that 400 applicants is not what they expected - especially since they have been advertising this program for months.  At this rate it will take 45 years to reach the 1 Million target.  I also have a feeling that to save face, someone is going to give orders to get more applications approved.  Anyone else have "processing" in their status?  Is the next status update "approved" or "denied" ?

33 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

On the actual application in step 4 where you upload documents there is this section to upload your tax documents as well as income documents

I was confused by this too.  Did they mean to put a comma after income?  A comma changes the definition.   Think:  Let's eat, grandma vs. Let's eat grandma. 

I couldn't understand why they would want evidence of income tax payments to another jurisdiction

My application now says "Processing" - sounds like progress, but who knows.  

4 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Better read the last sentence in your post, it does not require an in-person visit if done by E-Visa after being approved.

 

"In the case of collecting LTR Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies/the Royal Thai Consulate Generals overseas or E-visa, fee may vary depending on the currency exchange rate of each country"

Thank you, Ryan.  I obviously failed to read this carefully and I am not familiar with the E-visa.  I presume I can pay with a credit card or check and don't need anything stamped in my Passport.  I will be renewing my Passport in a few months so I'm guessing there will be some required paperwork to have them change the Passport number associated with my LTR visa (if approved).

30 minutes ago, Northwest87 said:

For planning purposes, that's something it would be interesting to know though. Regarding the LA consulate, it's also a 6-7 hours drive for me, but I had a visa issued before by sending them my passport, and that was well before the issuance of e-visas, so I would not expect to have to travel there.

 

NW

This LTR seems to require an in-person visit.

Visa Issuance

Qualified applicants may proceed with applying for LTR Visa issuance at the Royal Thai Embassies/the Royal Thai Consulate Generals overseas or Immigration offices in Thailand within 60 days from the issuance date of the endorsement letter. The processing fee for the 10-year visa with multiple entry is 50,000 Baht per person in case of collecting LTR Visa in Thailand. In the case of collecting LTR Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies/the Royal Thai Consulate Generals overseas or E-visa, fee may vary depending on the currency exchange rate of each country.

On 9/9/2022 at 2:42 AM, ThailandRyan said:

New e-mail today from the LTR Unit

 

Dear xxxx,    First of all we're terribly sorry for taking so long to reply your email. We're currently inundated with thousands of inquiries for LTR visa. However we're thankful for your everyone's patience and interests in making Thailand your home.  Your document has been well-received. Your application is already under the final consideration process. We will contact you shortly.

Kind regards,  LTR Visa Unit    As for the other e-mails I received there has been no information on those which indicated an appointment for the sealing of the visa in my passport, maybe this is what they are waiting on.

"Final consideration process".  I think they like you.  I was able to reach someone by phone to ask if I can get approval (or not) by Sept 21 as I am in Thailand now and this would allow me to pay for the visa at Chamchuri Square office. Otherwise, I'm not sure I'll get this visa.  The closest Embassy to me in California is seven hour drive each way and I don't think I will be back in Thailand within the prescribed 60 day window to consummate my visa.  The guy I spoke with spoke English well and seemed like a nice guy but stated that approval takes 20 business days.  On their website it states 'within 20 days"

4 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

The LTR states that we will receive a reply within 20 days.  The email states that I will receive a reply in exactly 20 business days...   I sent them a Line question - not read and no reply...  ????

4 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

OK Folks,

 

I just received an email from the LTR.BOI unit. As I already knew my HI insurance for my PCH Policy here in the Country ends on November 22nd, and my US policy I also supplied has it's annual policy period ending at the end of the year, but is a lifetime medical policy.  I am in the process of Renewing my PCH Policy early to show that it continues onward.

 

Here is what I was sent:

 

With regards to the application No. LTRWPxxxxxx registered on September 5, 2022.   Please note that your health insurance does not meet the LTR criteria (Health insurance policy covering entire course of stay in Thailand, with coverage for hospitalization treatment of no less than 50,000 USD.)  Please send new Health insurance policy with coverage for hospitalization treatment of no less than 50,000 USD after you get approval, but before making the visa issuance.   If no additional evidence is requested, you will be notified of the result on September 30, 2022 (decision timeframes will take 20 working days from September 5, 2022 excluding weekends and public holidays).   Kind regards, LTR Visa Unit

Not expecting any more evidence requests.   TR.

2 hours ago, Northwest87 said:

It looks to me like this is what I'll have to do too, although I'll check with my insurer to see if they're willing to help with a letter of justification. In view of the annual gov employees FEHB open season, in which retirees can also participate and switch insurer, I think the insurer might balk since technically they don't know if I will renew or switch.

I was able to get a letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield stating that my policy expires in 2099 but they would not write anything about my policy limits - since I don't have any.   It took me four tries. The first letter detailed my copay and deductible which could have easily confused BOI staff. the LTR requirements state that my insurance will cover $50 K or more and I can't get that in writing so.... we'll see.   I'm in "pending" status.