F type to ED visa or Non O

[superfletch]

Considering my options - am currently on an F type visa but aim to change to either an ED or Non O based on being over 50. 

 

1. For the ED visa, do I need to cancel the F type first and then apply for a SETV, before converting that to an ED at Chaengwattana?

2. For the Non O (over 50), do I need to cancel the F type and then apply for the initial Non O outside of Thailand or can it be done at CW?

 

British Passport.

 

Cheers in advance,

Fletch

 

[ubonjoe]

The non-f visa is different from others but it should be possible to apply for an extension of stay for either education or retirement with an entry from it.

It is not possible to change non immigrant visa categories at immigration.

To apply for a visa at a embassy or consulate you would not have to or be able to cancel the non-f visa.

[superfletch]

Thanks Joe,

 

For the retirement option, would I need the 800k in the bank for the initial extension of stay application?

 

Fletch

[ubonjoe]

4 minutes ago, superfletch said:

For the retirement option, would I need the 800k in the bank for the initial extension of stay application?

It is required for the first and all subsequent extensions. For the first extension it has to be in the bank for 60 day and after that 3 months.

[superfletch]

OK thanks Ubonjoe

[superfletch]

My F-type will be expired before the 800k is seasoned for 2 months. Upon expiration, should I apply for a SETV first then apply for the Non-O based on retirement? 

[ubonjoe]

32 minutes ago, superfletch said:

My F-type will be expired before the 800k is seasoned for 2 months. Upon expiration, should I apply for a SETV first then apply for the Non-O based on retirement? 

Leaving the country appears to be your only option.

It would be best to get a single entry non-o visa in Penang or Savannakhet instead of a tourist visa. Both will want to see your bank book and proof you are retired. For proof of retirement most people use a income letter from their embassy showing any amount of income. 

If you get a tourist visa or or a 30 day visa exempt entry you would have to apply for a 90 day non immigrant visa (category O) at immigration before applying for the extension. Requirements are here: https://www.immigration.go.th/content/service_80

[superfletch]

Thanks Ubonjoe. I can't get the non-o until I've had the 800k in the bank for 2 months so am thinking that I'd need to get a SETV until the 2-month mark is up and then go to Chaengwattana to apply for the non-o with my bankbook and bank letter etc;. Have I got it right?

[ubonjoe]

10 hours ago, superfletch said:

Thanks Ubonjoe. I can't get the non-o until I've had the 800k in the bank for 2 months so am thinking that I'd need to get a SETV until the 2-month mark is up and then go to Chaengwattana to apply for the non-o with my bankbook and bank letter etc;. Have I got it right?

The 800k baht does not have to be in the bank for 2 months to apply for the visa at immigration or at a consulate or embassy. It only has to be there on the date you apply.

You could do a border hop to get a 30 day visa exempt entry and apply for the visa the day after you do it. 

You will need a letter from the bank confirming the 800k baht was transferred from abroad or proof it was legally earned here from working and etc to apply for the visa at immigration (not needed at a embassy or consulate).

Note that Chaeng Wattana wants the bank letter and bank book update done on the same day you apply. There are branches of most banks on the ground floor there where you can the letter and update.

[superfletch]

Grateful for your help Ubonjoe. I will do a border hop when my current visa expires and then apply for the initial non-o at Chaengwattana. Sounds more straightforward than I thought and am confident I can have a go at applying myself, without needing assistance. 

 

[superfletch]

Hi Joe,

 

OK, so am now on a Tourist Visa which expires early November. A couple of questions as I approach the time to apply for my Non-O based on retirement.

 

1. The 800k has now seasoned for 2 months so am ready to go. Can you confirm that the bank letter has to be gotten from the bank within the CW complex on the day I apply or can I get it the day before at my local branch?

 

2. Do I need to have a certain number of days left on my Tourist Visa before I apply?

 

TIA,

Fletch

[ubonjoe]

1. You did not need to wait for the money to be in the bank for 2 months. It only has to be in the bank for 60 days when you apply for the extension.

   They will accept a letter from the bank done the day before. Be sure you also get a letter confirming the funds came from abroad. They will want copies of your bank book updated on the date you apply for the visa.

2. You must have at least 15 days remaining on your 60 day entry when you apply.

 

[superfletch]

Thanks Joe. I sent the funds from my UK account via Transferwise so it wasn't a direct transfer between banks - will that be OK?

[ubonjoe]

16 minutes ago, superfletch said:

Thanks Joe. I sent the funds from my UK account via Transferwise so it wasn't a direct transfer between banks - will that be OK?

That would not be a international transfer. It only appears as a domestic transfer.

You could try to get something from transferwise proving it was actually a international transfer. If not your only choice will be to go to a nearby embassy or consulate to get a single entry non-o visa.

[superfletch]

OK thank you Joe. Which documents would I need for the Non O at, say, Vientiane?

[superfletch]

Sorry Joe, I meant to ask which would be my best option? Vientiane, Savannakhet, Penang or elsewhere? I don't have an income letter or proof of retirement, only money in the bank. I can get a police clearance and medical check if required.