Applying for O-A 1 year Visa at London Embassy - Documents signed by a Notary?

[markman]

I’m in the process of applying for a O-A 1 year Retirement Visa at the London Thai Embassy.

I’ve obtained all the supporting original documents, but I’m confused regarding the certification by a Notary or Solicitor.

Do I understand correctly that if I provide the original documents (Bank Statements, Medical Certificate and Criminal Record Clearance Certificate) I do not need the documents (including photocopies)to be signed by a Solicitor or Notary.

Also because I am providing the original Bank Statement I do not have to provide a reference letter from the bank.

 

This is the copy of the information on the Thai London Embassy regarding O-A (1 year Long Stay Visa)

 

- Please submit the originals of bank statement, criminal record check, and medical record, as well as one photocopy of each document. In case that an applicant could not submit the original documents, the Embassy will accept the photocopies which have been certified by a Notary Public officer or Solicitors.

[Senior Player]

I posted something about this a couple of years ago when I applied for my O-A Visa entitled "UK Notary Advice for a Non-Immigrant Visa Category O-A (Long Stay)." It's worth finding on here as it can take you through step-by-step every problem and concern I had until I eventually got my O-A Visa.

 

Firstly, I used the solicitor provided in the link on the Thai Embassy page - Ashtons and they charge £5 per copy. They were based at 90 Long Acre, Covent Garden when I used them. You'll need to check to see if they're still there. 

 

Here is just one segment of what I wrote: 

 

"Went to Ashtons Solicitors and then on to the Thai London Embassy afterwards. The cost of the certification of 3 documents was only £15. It took about 10 minutes. The solicitor, who is called Muhammad, said I only needed to supply the first sheet of my A5 Natwest bank statement, not all the additional transaction pages. He said, he's never had anyone be rejected that's gone through him before. He's a really nice chap. Had a little chinwag with him before I departed. By the way, he just copied the original documents, wrote some words of clarification on them, dated them and signed them. There was no stamp, no fancy binding. It was all simple.

Happy with my £15 charge, I then got a tube train from Covent Garden straight to Gloucester Road Underground Station and then walked to the Thai Embassy. It's a lot closer than it looks on the map. Walked down the steps into the basement, took a ticket, and was seen straight away. I thought I would be interviewed, but it's just 2 girls stood behind a bank teller glass screen that take your documents and money. She obviously has an eagle-eye because she rejected a Thai girl who was in front of me and told her to do her forms again. Anyway, I was next, though she was quick with mine. She said, I'd filled everything out properly and then asked me for my £125. (Note: I didn't fill out my outward travel details on the form, nor my monthly income or any flight details; just my bank balance and other stuff). You have to wait about 10 minutes for your receipt after her disappearing with your forms and money. The other girl called out my name and gave me my receipt with my O-A Visa details, passport number and name on it. I have to go back tomorrow to collect it between 11 and 12."

 

I did, I got my O-A no problem.

[markman]

 

9 hours ago, Senior Player said:

I posted something about this a couple of years ago when I applied for my O-A Visa entitled "UK Notary Advice for a Non-Immigrant Visa Category O-A (Long Stay)." It's worth finding on here as it can take you through step-by-step every problem and concern I had until I eventually got my O-A Visa.

 

Firstly, I used the solicitor provided in the link on the Thai Embassy page - Ashtons and they charge £5 per copy. They were based at 90 Long Acre, Covent Garden when I used them. You'll need to check to see if they're still there. 

 

Here is just one segment of what I wrote: 

 

"Went to Ashtons Solicitors and then on to the Thai London Embassy afterwards. The cost of the certification of 3 documents was only £15. It took about 10 minutes. The solicitor, who is called Muhammad, said I only needed to supply the first sheet of my A5 Natwest bank statement, not all the additional transaction pages. He said, he's never had anyone be rejected that's gone through him before. He's a really nice chap. Had a little chinwag with him before I departed. By the way, he just copied the original documents, wrote some words of clarification on them, dated them and signed them. There was no stamp, no fancy binding. It was all simple.

Happy with my £15 charge, I then got a tube train from Covent Garden straight to Gloucester Road Underground Station and then walked to the Thai Embassy. It's a lot closer than it looks on the map. Walked down the steps into the basement, took a ticket, and was seen straight away. I thought I would be interviewed, but it's just 2 girls stood behind a bank teller glass screen that take your documents and money. She obviously has an eagle-eye because she rejected a Thai girl who was in front of me and told her to do her forms again. Anyway, I was next, though she was quick with mine. She said, I'd filled everything out properly and then asked me for my £125. (Note: I didn't fill out my outward travel details on the form, nor my monthly income or any flight details; just my bank balance and other stuff). You have to wait about 10 minutes for your receipt after her disappearing with your forms and money. The other girl called out my name and gave me my receipt with my O-A Visa details, passport number and name on it. I have to go back tomorrow to collect it between 11 and 12."

 

I did, I got my O-A no problem.

Thanks for the speedy reply.

[Senior Player]

That's OK, @markman. I know it can be mind-boggling trying to decipher everything. I made the mistake of thinking a notary service would be cheap and quick but they were all asking silly money just for photocopying 3 bits of paper and signing them. We're talking £200 upwards!! Ashtons are still at the same address, I've just checked and they only charged me £15. They will do it really cheaply and quickly, no fuss. I booked an early appointment so I could get over to the Embassy before it closed and handover my forms. I did all this with an hour-and-half to spare. 

[markman]

I’ve received a reply from the Thai Embassy confirming that I need the documents signed by a Notary.

Just one quick question regarding the financial support.

 Does the £18000 have to be in a currrent account? Do you think I could show a Bank Statement with £18000 in my Instant Access Savings Account.

I understand if you don’t know the answer?

 

Thanks for your time?

[Senior Player]

Yes, Ashtons provide the notary service of which we've mentioned for £15. You simply take your filled out doctor's medical form (I had to go through one in Harley Street as mine refused to fill it out) and the Police check certificate. It was only 3 items that needed photocopying by Ashtons and signing. My bank statement was a 3 month one that had the top leaf with everything on it, including the name of the bank. I didn't need to provide an additional Bank letter stamped or anything like that.

 

Yes, the £18k has to be in a current account (for at least 3 months prior) and easily accessible by yourself. For obvious reasons, it's no good the money being in savings account that you can't access when you're out there.

[markman]

How many people have £18000 sloshing around in their Current Account?

I suppose I could transfer the money from my ISA account (interest rates are not good anyway) and wait for another 3 months.

I now understand why people choose to obtain their Visa whilst in Thailand either doing it themselves or paying an agent.

I’ve been travelling and living in Thailand for the last 3 years. Doing Visa runs to neighbouring countries and returning back to the U.K. to obtain a Tourist Visa.

I now want to do things correctly by getting a  O-A 1 year Visa, but I’m beginning to have doubts?!...It’s too much hassle!

Think I might just get a Tourist Visa and go visit an Agent in Pattaya.

 

There’s always an option?

[markman]

Update.

Just had a reply from the Thai Embassy (The e-mail service as been very good with quick replies)

I can transfer £18000 from my Savings Account to my Current Account this week and apply for a Visa next week.

Think I’ll go for a beer and have a think ???

[Senior Player]

Well, that's not something I can answer, but I made sure that I had the money in a current account before I applied. Getting an O-A is far harder than any of the others as you have to meet certain requirements. For instance, the doctor's declaration that you don't have TB (or narcotics or syphilis in your blood) aren't a prerequisite for getting an SETV or METV. You can be riddled with those ailments and you can waltz straight through immigration unchecked. 

 

I think it all depends on the individual and their circumstances. Personally, I'd be worried about doing so many border runs and having those stamps in my passport. If that doesn't concern you, then maybe stick to what you feel is best.

[Senior Player]

8 minutes ago, markman said:

Update.

Just had a reply from the Thai Embassy (The e-mail service as been very good with quick replies)

I can transfer £18000 from my Savings Account to my Current Account this week and apply for a Visa next week.

Think I’ll go for a beer and have a think ???

Good luck. I was under the impression it had to be seasoned money (3 months) but maybe they've relaxed that now? I take it that you're in the UK and not still traveling as you can only apply for an O-A from your home country?

[markman]

 Correct!..Sunny Nottingham?

[ubonjoe]

8 hours ago, markman said:

Does the £18000 have to be in a currrent account? Do you think I could show a Bank Statement with £18000 in my Instant Access Savings Account.

I don't think it has to be a current account. It only has to be in account that allows you to withdraw the funds without any delay.

There is no requirement for the funds to be in the bank for 3 months. That is only required when applying for an extension at immigration here.