Change Non-Immigrant "O-A" retirement visa to Non-Immigrant "O" retirement visa

[Thaigar1]

I currently have a Non-Immigrant "O-A" retirement visa and want to change it to a Non-Immigrant "O" retirement visa.  The immigration office in Bueng Kan told me to go to the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane.  Does anyone know what to do from there?

[ubonjoe]

They are suggesting you apply for a non-o visa at the embassy in Vientiane. You would need a police clearance, medical certificate and financial proof to apply for it. Savannakhet would be a better choice since they only want the financial proof and proof you are retired.

Another option is leave and re-enter the country to get a 30 day visa exempt entry and then apply for a 90 day non immigrant visa (category O) entry at immigration and then during the last 30 days of the 90 days apply for a new extension based upon retirement. Requiements for the visa applicaion is here. https://division1.immigration.go.th/download/1551323081128.pdf

[Genericnic]

7 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

They are suggesting you apply for a non-o visa at the embassy in Vientiane. You would need a police clearance, medical certificate and financial proof to apply for it. Savannakhet would be a better choice since they only want the financial proof and proof you are retired.

Another option is leave and re-enter the country to get a 30 day visa exempt entry and then apply for a 90 day non immigrant visa (category O) entry at immigration and then during the last 30 days of the 90 days apply for a new extension based upon retirement. Requiements for the visa applicaion is here. https://division1.immigration.go.th/download/1551323081128.pdf

I would prefer to go the Savanakhet route just because the trip would be more fun and easier than dealing with Cm immigration but, despite multiple searches, I have found nothing that gives me a clue as to how to prove that I am retired. I could show them my original O-A visa from 9 years ago but I am not sure that would suffice. Are they looking for something from the US consulate/embassy? Does anyone have an idea of exactly what they want at Savanakhet?

 

David

 

[SEtonal]

The Immigration Office in Bueng Kan can change you from an OA to an O.  You would first need to exit and reenter Thailand visa exempt. 

 

The Thai Embassy in Vientiane does not offer Non-Immigrant O visas based on retirement. I suppose you could obtain a Non-O as the spouse or parent of a Thai national then change the reason to retirement when you get back to Thailand, but last year there was one Immigration Office (can't remember where) that wouldn't let a poster do that.

 

You are not allowed inside the Vientiane Embassy without first making an online appointment.  Click VISA TYPE on the appointment page to find what is needed to acquire an Non-O visa in Vientiane. https://thaivisavientiane.com/

 

A Non-O based on retirement can also be obtained in Savannakhet, Laos and in Malaysia.
 

[Martyp]

15 minutes ago, Genericnic said:

I would prefer to go the Savanakhet route just because the trip would be more fun and easier than dealing with Cm immigration but, despite multiple searches, I have found nothing that gives me a clue as to how to prove that I am retired. I could show them my original O-A visa from 9 years ago but I am not sure that would suffice. Are they looking for something from the US consulate/embassy? Does anyone have an idea of exactly what they want at Savanakhet?

 

David

 

Are you getting Social Security? A SS statement might work.

[Genericnic]

2 minutes ago, Martyp said:

Are you getting Social Security? A SS statement might work.

Thanks. I thought about that however getting SS does not mean you are retired. You can get it and still work.

 

David

[SEtonal]

20 minutes ago, Genericnic said:

I would prefer to go the Savanakhet route just because the trip would be more fun and easier than dealing with Cm immigration but, despite multiple searches, I have found nothing that gives me a clue as to how to prove that I am retired. I could show them my original O-A visa from 9 years ago but I am not sure that would suffice. Are they looking for something from the US consulate/embassy? Does anyone have an idea of exactly what they want at Savanakhet?

 

David

 

Actually that is a good idea.  I never thought of that before.  You can obtain a blank affidavit from the US Embassy/Consulate in Thailand and in your own words state that you are retired and mention the Non-OA visa.

 

If you receive a pension, a letter from your pension supplier would be acceptable at Savannakhet. (Example in the link.)

 

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1081801-multi-entries-non-o-retirement-non-immigrant-for-being-retired-but-multi-entry-where-to-get-it-around-thailand/?tab=comments#comment-13799322
 

[SEtonal]

Requirements for Non-O based on retirement in Savannakhet.

 

http://www.thaisavannakhet.com/savannakhet/th/consulate-service/inspect/

 

https://assets.thaivisa.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2017_10/image.png.8a62fd915d2d98c653acb7011cdad643.png

[ubonjoe]

22 minutes ago, SEtonal said:

The Thai Embassy in Vientiane does not offer Non-Immigrant O visas based on retirement.

They will issue a non-o visa for being 50 or over for retirement but they want the same supporting documents for a OA visa.

[Genericnic]

14 minutes ago, SEtonal said:

Actually that is a good idea.  I never thought of that before.  You can obtain a blank affidavit from the US Embassy/Consulate in Thailand and in your own words state that you are retired and mention the Non-OA visa.

 

If you receive a pension, a letter from your pension supplier would be acceptable at Savannakhet. (Example in the link.)

 

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1081801-multi-entries-non-o-retirement-non-immigrant-for-being-retired-but-multi-entry-where-to-get-it-around-thailand/?tab=comments#comment-13799322
 

The pension letter is a good idea. I am currently in the US so I can swing by the pension office and pick one up.

 

David

 

[Peter Denis]

59 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

They are suggesting you apply for a non-o visa at the embassy in Vientiane. You would need a police clearance, medical certificate and financial proof to apply for it. Savannakhet would be a better choice since they only want the financial proof and proof you are retired.

Another option is leave and re-enter the country to get a 30 day visa exempt entry and then apply for a 90 day non immigrant visa (category O) entry at immigration and then during the last 30 days of the 90 days apply for a new extension based upon retirement. Requiements for the visa applicaion is here. https://division1.immigration.go.th/download/1551323081128.pdf

UbonJoe nicely summarized the options you have.

I have PM-ed you a roadmap to convert from an OA Visa (extension) to a Non Imm O - retirement Visa, containing all details and options.

Note > to check PM - click on the letter icon next to your profile when logged in to the Forum.

[MJKT2014]

1 hour ago, Thaigar1 said:

he immigration office in Bueng Kan told me to go to the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane.

If it was me, I would just leave country and come back on a 30 day visa exempt (not sure if this can be done by land or must be done by air), then go to immigration and get a 90 day Non Imm O.

[Thaigar1]

Thank you for the information...I have a lot to sort out.

[Martyp]

1 hour ago, Genericnic said:

Thanks. I thought about that however getting SS does not mean you are retired. You can get it and still work.

 

David

That is true with any pension statement. I would certainly give it a try. Anyone can write a letter saying you are retired. A statement showing a bank transfer would be a lot more convincing. US Social Security is widely recognized as providing income during retirement.
 

What do you think would prove you are retired?

 

[ThaiBunny]

1 hour ago, Genericnic said:

Thanks. I thought about that however getting SS does not mean you are retired. You can get it and still work.

The whole O-A "for the purposes of retirement" is sheer bluff. No-one is going to demand evidence that you have actually retired. In effect anyone 50 and over can get it provided they fulfill the savings/income tests and the other trivial character and health checks

[steve187]

19 minutes ago, ThaiBunny said:

The whole O-A "for the purposes of retirement" is sheer bluff. No-one is going to demand evidence that you have actually retired. In effect anyone 50 and over can get it provided they fulfill the savings/income tests and the other trivial character and health checks

savannakhet do for a non immigrant 'O' visa, the op is trying to lose his 'O''A' visa past.

[Thaigar1]

After I get the 30 day visa exempt entry can I apply for the 90 day non-immigrant visa (category O) at the immigration office in Bueng Kan or do I have to do this in Bangkok?

[Peter Denis]

1 minute ago, Thaigar1 said:

After I get the 30 day visa exempt entry can I apply for the 90 day non-immigrant visa (category O) at the immigration office in Bueng Kan or do I have to do this in Bangkok?

You can do it at any IO, but of course best to do it at the IO of the place where you want to stay long-term.

Please note that you need to apply for the 1-year extension at the SAME local IO where you applied for the 90-day Non Imm O - retirement Visa.

See my post #11 > I have PM-ed you a roadmap to convert from an OA Visa (extension) to a Non Imm O - retirement Visa, containing all details and options.

Note > to check PM - click on the letter icon next to your profile when logged in to the Forum.

[MJKT2014]

3 hours ago, steve187 said:

savannakhet do for a non immigrant 'O' visa

What exactly does the Savannakhet ask for as 'proof' of retirement? How can anyone prove this? You may get a job next week.

[jimn]

4 hours ago, ThaiBunny said:

The whole O-A "for the purposes of retirement" is sheer bluff. No-one is going to demand evidence that you have actually retired. In effect anyone 50 and over can get it provided they fulfill the savings/income tests and the other trivial character and health checks

If you took the trouble to actually read what this thread is about, you wouldn't need to bother writting that load of nonsence.

[Max69xl]

5 hours ago, Genericnic said:

The pension letter is a good idea. I am currently in the US so I can swing by the pension office and pick one up.

 

David

 

Don't forget to get the letter stamped and signed. 

[Max69xl]

1 hour ago, MJKT2014 said:

What exactly does the Savannakhet ask for as 'proof' of retirement? How can anyone prove this? You may get a job next week.

If you're officially retired, why would you get a job next week? The authority which pays your pension can issue a pension letter. 

[Max69xl]

5 hours ago, Martyp said:

That is true with any pension statement. I would certainly give it a try. Anyone can write a letter saying you are retired. A statement showing a bank transfer would be a lot more convincing. US Social Security is widely recognized as providing income during retirement.
 

What do you think would prove you are retired?

 

"What do you think would prove you are retired?"

A pension letter from the authority where your pension comes from,or the income letter from your embassy/consulate (unless you come from the US,UK or Australia). A bank statement will not work. 

[Momofarang]

5 hours ago, MJKT2014 said:

If it was me, I would just leave country and come back on a 30 day visa exempt (not sure if this can be done by land or must be done by air), then go to immigration and get a 90 day Non Imm O.

I know OP deals with CM, but some caution should used when suggesting to go this route, as some offices will not issue these Non-Os. When I inquired in Buriram I asked two questions:

a) 60 days extensions ? YES,

b) Non-O ? NO.

 

The idea of applying in another office would not be a good one as the first extension must be made in that same office; so definitely cumbersome.

 

For those on marriage extensions there are offices such as Kuala Lumpur or HCMC much more easy to reach, via a short flight, than the usual backpacker type of destination. KL seems to have an on line appointment system.

[Martyp]

20 minutes ago, Max69xl said:

"What do you think would prove you are retired?"

A pension letter from the authority where your pension comes from,or the income letter from your embassy/consulate (unless you come from the US,UK or Australia). A bank statement will not work. 

I was continuing my suggestion of a Social Security statement. Not a bank statement. Sorry, my misstatement 

 

I’ve got a pension letter from the University of California but there is nothing impressive about it. They send a printout in the mail. In the end it is whatever the Consulate will accept. 
 

Proof of retirement is a silly requirement. Proof of income should be the requirement.

[Kalasin Jo]

Im curious. I've always had non immigrant O visas. Current one multi entry based on marriage from Savanakhet. When I first started I came in several times visa exempt tourist. Then paid a Bangkok agent to "expedite" transition to non immigrant retirement and got 90 days which was at the same time converted to non O retirement which ran on from the 90 days, giving me s total of 15 months before I needed to extend.  By the time that was expiring  I had married and my extensions were based on that. Then I discovered the Savanakhet multi entry non O visa, which suited me best as I don't spend more than 5 months in country a year  and Savanakhet not so far from my Thai home.

 

My question is simply what is the difference between that and an O-A? Why do some have an O-A and others an O.

[ubonjoe]

24 minutes ago, Kalasin Jo said:

My question is simply what is the difference between that and an O-A? Why do some have an O-A and others an O.

A OA visa is only for those 50 or over and can only be issued by a embassy or official consulate in your home country. It also requires a police clearance and medical certificate.

Some people get the non-o visa due not wanting to do all the paperwork for a non-oa visa.

 

[Martyp]

1 hour ago, Kalasin Jo said:

Im curious. I've always had non immigrant O visas. Current one multi entry based on marriage from Savanakhet. When I first started I came in several times visa exempt tourist. Then paid a Bangkok agent to "expedite" transition to non immigrant retirement and got 90 days which was at the same time converted to non O retirement which ran on from the 90 days, giving me s total of 15 months before I needed to extend.  By the time that was expiring  I had married and my extensions were based on that. Then I discovered the Savanakhet multi entry non O visa, which suited me best as I don't spend more than 5 months in country a year  and Savanakhet not so far from my Thai home.

 

My question is simply what is the difference between that and an O-A? Why do some have an O-A and others an O.

I had never purchased a visa before. Never had to think about until I decided to move to Thailand. I went to the Los Angeles Consulate website and saw what was available. I was coming as a retiree so O-A was the obvious choice. It was a 1 year visa obtained in the US and there was a straightforward list of requirements. No more thought than that.

 

It wasn’t until a year later, when I discovered the Thai Visa Advice Facebook group and later TVF, that I had any idea that visas in Thailand were so complicated. In reality it still isn’t complicated for me. I use the 800k method and I had Thai insurance before the requirement was announced. Not much has changed for me. With the insurance requirement though I wouldn’t recommend an O-A to others at this point.

[Dumbastheycome]

5 hours ago, Momofarang said:

I know OP deals with CM, but some caution should used when suggesting to go this route, as some offices will not issue these Non-Os. When I inquired in Buriram I asked two questions:

a) 60 days extensions ? YES,

b) Non-O ? NO.

 

The idea of applying in another office would not be a good one as the first extension must be made in that same office; so definitely cumbersome.

 

For those on marriage extensions there are offices such as Kuala Lumpur or HCMC much more easy to reach, via a short flight, than the usual backpacker type of destination. KL seems to have an on line appointment system.

Are you saying the Buriram IO  refuses to issue a Non O on any  basis ?

[Peter Denis]

6 hours ago, Momofarang said:

I know OP deals with CM, but some caution should used when suggesting to go this route, as some offices will not issue these Non-Os. When I inquired in Buriram I asked two questions:

a) 60 days extensions ? YES,

b) Non-O ? NO.

Are you sure that the Buriram IO understood your question correctly, when getting a NO on whether they issue Non Imm O Visas?

Obviously if you are still on an extension of a Non Imm OA Visa, the answer is NO.  But if you exit and re-enter Thailand Visa Exempt (or on a Tourist Visa), the answer should be YES.

If that's not the case, we are dealing once again with a rogue IO, who wants you to apply for a 90-day Non Imm O in a neighboring country (or in another province).  That's annoying, but not unsurmountable.