Visa Change (METV to Non-O) in Chinag Mai: Promenada vs Vientiane

[Kohsamida]

I was planning to convert my METV visa to Non-O at Promenada in Chinag Mai, but the whole process of doing it there is probably the most confusing and redundant process I have ever heard of!  I mean, I never heard of having to "apply for an appointment to just to apply for something"  LOL!! 

 

What's more, I've been told that it's by no means a sure thing you can even get an appointment on your first try, and you may be turned away and forced to come back the next day to try again, and perhaps even another day to try again!.  Some say the process of simply getting the appointment could actually end up taking months to get!!!

 

My METV expires July 5.  In Chiang Mai the appointment must be at least  21 days in advance of this date (everywhere else in Thailand it is only 14 days).  I'm now seriously worried I might run into a problem getting an appointment in Chiang Mai in time.  I know I could get an 30 day extension on the METV, but still, I'm just getting sick of all of this bureaucratic mumbo jumbo nonsense involved with Promenada in Chiang Mai.

 

My impression is that Immigration in Chiang Mai has a unique way of handling things that practically forces one to use an agent for ridiculously expensive fees (I was quoted over 25,000 baht by TIAN to do a Visa Change and then a Retirement Visa!).  I'm guessing something dodgy is going on between agents like TIAN and Immigration officials to be honest!

 

I'm wondering if it just might be a lot easier to leave the Kingdom and apply through a consulate (i.e.: Vientiane), or maybe take a "vacation" to Pattaya and do it there, where I heard the process is very straight-forward and relatively easy.

 

Does anybody have any thoughts on this?

[ubonjoe]

Vientiane requires a police clearance and medical certificate to apply for a single entry non-o visa for being 50 or over.

Savannakhet Laos and Penang want to see the 800k baht and proof of retirement. Most people get a income letter from their embassy to prove any amount of income as proof of retirement. A statement or affidavit done at your embassy stating you are retired would also be accepted.

Not sure where your read that Pattaya was good place to do a change of visa status. In reality it is one of the worst since they have some strange requirements. One is that they will want to see the 800k baht in the bank for 60 days to apply.

Bangkok is better but like other locations you will have to make 2 trips to immigration about 2 weeks apart to get the visa/entry stamps done.

[Kohsamida]

48 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Vientiane requires a police clearance and medical certificate to apply for a single entry non-o visa for being 50 or over.

Savannakhet Laos and Penang want to see the 800k baht and proof of retirement. Most people get a income letter from their embassy to prove any amount of income as proof of retirement. A statement or affidavit done at your embassy stating you are retired would also be accepted.

Not sure where your read that Pattaya was good place to do a change of visa status. In reality it is one of the worst since they have some strange requirements. One is that they will want to see the 800k baht in the bank for 60 days to apply.

Bangkok is better but like other locations you will have to make 2 trips to immigration about 2 weeks apart to get the visa/entry stamps done.

I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for success at Promenade.  All the conflicting information I'm getting here on ThaiVisa is probably making me blow things out of proportion. 

 

This whole thing about making an appointment to apply for the Change of Visa is what's got me running in circles. 

 

Some say all I need to do is show up early (8:30am), get in the proper queue on the 2nd floor, and all that I need to have with me at this time is: Receipt that my landlord filed the TM30, a copy of my lease agreement, and my passport...period.  Others say I also need a filled out TM86, an actual copy of the TM30, 4x6 photo, copies of my passport pages...basically everything except for the bank letters.

 

So, I just figured that in order to avoid standing in queue only to find I don't have the proper documents, I'd just get everything before heading over.

 

What really concerns me though is that some have said the process of simply getting an appointment could end up taking up to 6-7 weeks!  My METV will expires by then, thus my interest in finding an alternative to dealing with Promenade.

 

 

[Kohsamida]

Can anyone just confirm what I really need to show up with when applying for an "appointment for change of visa"?

 

I know many have provided details and I truly appreciate that but nobody seems to agree on what I really need to have in order to just make the appointment. 

 

Somebody provided this attachment which I think comes directly from Promenada IMM, showing the complete requirements.  I simply need to know which of these items I need to have with me when I apply for the appointment, and which are not necessary until I arrive for the actual appointment.

 

FYI, I am not being lazy.  It's just that Promenada is far from me since I am over at CMU during the daytime.  It's a long way to go only to find you don't have the required documentation.

 

[Tanoshi]

Firstly you have to understand you will be making 2 separate applications in order to obtain your extension and at least 3 visits.

 

For the Non Imm O Visa you need to submit the TM86 (Change of Visa status) and must have at least 21 days permission to stay left.

You firstly submit the application, (1st visit) then usually 14 days later you'll have to return to receive the Non Imm O stamp, (2nd visit) which will give you permission to stay for 90 days. Within the last 30 days of the 90, you can apply for the extension. (3rd visit).

 

Until you learn exactly what documents your local IO require, I'd suggest you take the following;

Completed TM86.

Fee 2,000 baht

4 x 6cm photo.

Passport.

Copy of photo page of passport.

Copy of current Visa.

Copy of entry stamp.

TM6 departure card.

Copy of TM6.

Rental agreement.

Copy of rental agreement.

Copy of landlords Tabien Baan. (signed)

Copy of landlords ID card. (signed)

Map pinpointing and detailing address location.

Letter from bank confirming 800k min deposit and updated passbook. (Figures should match)

Copy of passbook.

Proof funds came from abroad. (The bank can confirm this in the letter and your passbook should detail the remittance as FTT) Foreign transfer transaction.

 

Not every document listed may be requested, but until you learn different, be prepared.

You should already have a TM30 receipt stapled in your passport.

 

You more or less submit the same updated documents for your annual extensions.

[JackThompson]

5 hours ago, Kohsamida said:

I'm guessing something dodgy is going on between agents like TIAN and Immigration officials to be honest!

 

5 hours ago, Kohsamida said:

maybe take a "vacation" to Pattaya and do it there, where I heard the process is very straight-forward and relatively easy.

Exactly - "dodgy" is putting it politely.  But Pattaya (Jomtien) is similar, in this respect, for the service you require.  You will get seen in Pattaya no problem, but they will give you the runaround in perpetuity - making up non-existent rules, until you give up and/or pay them off with a bribe laundered through an agent.  I've been through this - didn't pay an agent - went out of the country to a consulate.

Jomtien is fine for retirement visas and tourist extensions - but forget conversions; and be prepared for hell for Non-O based on marriage to a Thai, especially if you don't own a condo.  Agents galore, however - and I have heard 25K was going rate there, for the same service you require.

 

Your best option is Savannakhet, per UJ above.  You could alsodo this in Bangkok, who follow the actual rules - but you need to be "living there" to do it, as they are attempting to push the work out to local offices - even though many local-offices are very unhelpful for the service.  

[Tanoshi]

55 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

Jomtien is fine for retirement visas

Surprised Jack, you know better than that.

[JackThompson]

1 minute ago, Tanoshi said:

Surprised Jack, you know better than that.

Sorry - "extensions" - and too late to edit. 

 

 

[ubonjoe]

A inflammatory post, a post in all caps and replies to them have been removed.

 

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[ianwheldale]

If you decide to bite the bullet and use an agent, then Best Friend Visa is much cheaper. It's next to the Moo Baan by the Big C Supercentre. It's the old G4T people who used to be in Promenada before that rip off lot at Tian took over the office. Prices there are just stupid.

[ubonjoe]

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[Kohsamida]

2 hours ago, ianwheldale said:

If you decide to bite the bullet and use an agent, then Best Friend Visa is much cheaper. It's next to the Moo Baan by the Big C Supercentre. It's the old G4T people who used to be in Promenada before that rip off lot at Tian took over the office. Prices there are just stupid.

Do they post their prices anywhere?  I googled them but don't see a website except for their facebook page which contains nothing.

[Thailand]

Hard to believe you are still going on about this, 4 or 5 threads?

 

Our friend picks up her visa in 3 weeks. Cost 2000 baht

[Kohsamida]

Just an update.  I went to Promenade today (Friday) in the afternoon.  I knew I couldn't Q for Change of Visa but just wanted to scope things out, get my 4x6 photo, and get my TM30 receipt.  Was pleasantly surprised with how helpful the officers were.  Went to 2nd Floor office and the officer in back that handles "Change of Visa" was VERY helpful explaining the procedure and directed me to the front to get a Q number.  When my number was called after about 20 minutes, my TM30 was looked up on the computer and I was given a stamped receipt just like somebody showed me on here.

 

The officer in back told me that all I have to do is show up on Monday morning by 9am and Q at the back of the office.  She said all I needed was the TM30 receipt and my passport (but I am bringing everything I have such as lease agreement, copies of passport, bank letters, etc just in case).  She also noted the expiration date on my current Tourist Visa and assured me that there won't be a problem getting the appointment in time to satisfy the 21 day rule.

 

As is typical for me, I guess I made much more out of all this than there is, so thanks to the people who told me to "...just get over there and do it...

 

Bottom line, it wasn't an unpleasant experience at all.  Hope the same is true on Monday ?

 

[Kohsamida]

2 minutes ago, Thailand said:

Hard to believe you are still going on about this, 4 or 5 threads?

 

Our friend picks up her visa in 3 weeks. Cost 2000 baht

I just wanted to know on case I decide to use an agent up the road for extension or renewing.  I really don't want to camp out over night at Promenada as some folks seem to do for renewals, ya know?  Your advice to just go over and start the process was well founded, and I did that today, so thanks ?

 

[Thailand]

23 minutes ago, Kohsamida said:

I just wanted to know on case I decide to use an agent up the road for extension or renewing.  I really don't want to camp out over night at Promenada as some folks seem to do for renewals, ya know?  Your advice to just go over and start the process was well founded, and I did that today, so thanks ?

 

Finally!