Chiang Mai Immigration Q & A - Info and reports. (2020)

[dvg]

14 minutes ago, Dmaxdan said:

Are CM immigration still currently processing 90 day reports via Mail?  I know that the need to do 90 day reports has been suspended until the 31st of July but if I can I would like to keep mine up to date and not have join the masses come the end of July.  Thanks in advance.

Yes you can still do the 90 days by mail,I did mine 2 weeks ago.

[Thailand]

On 6/3/2020 at 10:33 AM, Dmaxdan said:

Are CM immigration still currently processing 90 day reports via Mail?  I know that the need to do 90 day reports has been suspended until the 31st of July but if I can I would like to keep mine up to date and not have join the masses come the end of July.  Thanks in advance.

By post, online, in person via the office, drive through- all options operational.

[Bri19000]

Are 90 day reports back at the airport location or still at Promenada?

[ProbPossConf]

Airport location.

[dvg]

On 5/23/2020 at 12:07 PM, XGM said:

Did anyone go there recently? I will need to do my Non-Imm-O Extension (based on Marriage) in the next weeks.

Hi, did you make your Non-O extension allready and where there any changes with last year?Thanks

[XGM]

2 hours ago, dvg said:

Hi, did you make your Non-O extension allready and where there any changes with last year?Thanks

Yes, we went last Tuesday. We made the mistake of arriving just before 8am. You have your temperature taken when entering the parking lot, sign your name in a book, and get an initial number. This number has nothing to do with your actual queue number to be processed, it's just your place in line to enter the main building. Until then, you are directed to a makeshift tent in the parking lot. There were a few dozens foreigners waiting there when we arrived. The initial documents checks were done in and around that tent, by foreign volunteers (An Indian and a western looking person, no idea why they are there). No tables so our documents were placed on a nearby parking car and checked that way (we were lucky - no wind or rain..). Then once the document are ok and signed, and if there aren't too many people inside the building you are allowed to enter and approach the main desk, where your documents are checked once again, this time by the Thai staff. It took us over 40 minutes just to get into the building. As we later found out, very few people arrived later on and the place was virtually empty when we left, around 12:00. So I recommend not to try to be there when the place opens, just arrive at around 10:00 or later and have a much more relaxed experience.

 

As for the process inside, they changed the whole layout - when your number is called you don't go and sit in front of the immigration officer's desk anymore, you hand in your documents through a window. Any additional signatures, payment etc are all done through that window. No special requests were made regarding the documents. The officer also handled my 90 days report stamp with no fine due to the amnesty. I didn't have to queue again for that.

Edited June 6, 2020 by XGM

[dvg]

29 minutes ago, XGM said:

Yes, we went last Tuesday. We made the mistake of arriving just before 8am. You have your temperature taken when entering the parking lot, sign your name in a book, and get an initial number. This number has nothing to do with your actual queue number to be processed, it's just your place in line to enter the main building. Until then, you are directed to a makeshift tent in the parking lot. There were a few dozens foreigners waiting there when we arrived. The initial documents checks were done in and around that tent, by foreign volunteers (An Indian and a western looking person, no idea why they are there). No tables so our documents were placed on a nearby parking car and checked that way (we were lucky - no wind or rain..). Then once the document are ok and signed, and if there aren't too many people inside the building you are allowed to enter and approach the main desk, where your documents are checked once again, this time by the Thai staff. It took us over 40 minutes just to get into the building. As we later found out, very few people arrived later on and the place was virtually empty when we left, around 12:00. So I recommend not to try to be there when the place opens, just arrive at around 10:00 or later and have a much more relaxed experience.

 

As for the process inside, they changed the whole layout - when your number is called you don't go and sit in front of the immigration officer's desk anymore, you hand in your documents through a window. Any additional signatures, payment etc are all done through that window. No special requests were made regarding the documents. The officer also handled my 90 days report stamp with no fine due to the amnesty. I didn't have to queue again for that.

Thanks for that XGM.We cannot come before 8 o"clock this year.Last year,we were there at 7.30, was send back to bank for update bankbook,I did it the day before together with the bankstatement as for 10 years. They needed it now from the same day.When we came back,was send home again for photo nr 3 in the bedroom,always 2 was OK.

[XGM]

5 hours ago, dvg said:

Thanks for that XGM.We cannot come before 8 o"clock this year.Last year,we were there at 7.30, was send back to bank for update bankbook,I did it the day before together with the bankstatement as for 10 years. They needed it now from the same day.When we came back,was send home again for photo nr 3 in the bedroom,always 2 was OK.

If you mean that a visit to the bank is required first - you don't need the bank to be open in order to update the bank book. Just have someone transfer any amount to your account on that day, or withdraw any minor amount using an ATM, then use the book update machine. That's what I did.

Edited June 6, 2020 by XGM

[GregTN]

Did you pre sign all your documents before you arrived there?  I have tried that in the past to keep from sitting there an extra 30 minutes doing so but was made to re sign most of them again because they didn’t like the location or size of my signature.  Maybe this year is different?

[XGM]

1 hour ago, GregTN said:

Did you pre sign all your documents before you arrived there?  I have tried that in the past to keep from sitting there an extra 30 minutes doing so but was made to re sign most of them again because they didn’t like the location or size of my signature.  Maybe this year is different?

I didn't sign them in advance - I signed them after they were initially checked (out of the building). Yes that was one of the reasons it took us a lot of time just to get in. But evidently those signatures weren't good enough anyway and I had to sign some of the documents again, when they were submitted to the immigration officer who actually handles the application. The reason, as I learned, is she uses a big rectangular stamp on each document, and you have to sign in the middle of that stamp. If you sign at the edge of the page she can't fit the stamp around it. In addition, some documents only needed to be signed by me, others both by me and my wife - IIRC, the Marriage Certificate copies and the Kor ror 2 and some others. Another reason is that with the family photos you have to sign on the photo itself. If for example the photo occupies only a part of the page and you sign on the margins it isn't good.

Edited June 6, 2020 by XGM

[rawhod]

Went for my Non "O" Retirement extension last Tuesday (2 June).

 

Arrived just before 10am, after taking a 9am delivery from from BigC and visiting Bangkok Bank for a book update and to an account confirmation letter.

 

After a temperature check was picked up by the Indian helper who checked my documents, he added the extra three declarations for me to sign and directed me to the information desk.

Another document check and sort into the correct order and then given number "O 46". Sat down and waited for my number to come up.

About 11:30am my number was called. Documents passed through the plastic window and sat down again. about 11:45am was called, paid 1900 Baht, had photo taken and waited. Just before 12am was called for passport and receipt.

They appear to process a maximum of 50 people per morning for long term extensions.

 

The only problem was that they appear to be checking that addresses are correct and they couldn't find mine, called my wife over and they sorted it out.

Out by about 12:10pm.

 

We were particularly impressed by the help given by the Indian helper initially, he ensured a smooth passage. Well done...

[EricTh]

On 6/8/2020 at 12:04 PM, rawhod said:

Went for my Non "O" Retirement extension last Tuesday (2 June).

 

Arrived just before 10am, after taking a 9am delivery from from BigC and visiting Bangkok Bank for a book update and to an account confirmation letter.

 

After a temperature check was picked up by the Indian helper who checked my documents, he added the extra three declarations for me to sign and directed me to the information desk.

Another document check and sort into the correct order and then given number "O 46". Sat down and waited for my number to come up.

About 11:30am my number was called. Documents passed through the plastic window and sat down again. about 11:45am was called, paid 1900 Baht, had photo taken and waited. Just before 12am was called for passport and receipt.

They appear to process a maximum of 50 people per morning for long term extensions.

 

The only problem was that they appear to be checking that addresses are correct and they couldn't find mine, called my wife over and they sorted it out.

Out by about 12:10pm.

 

We were particularly impressed by the help given by the Indian helper initially, he ensured a smooth passage. Well done...

Did he check whether you had 800k for 3 months and 400k after that?

Edited June 16, 2020 by EricTh

[warcy]

Went to immigration yesterday to apply for residence certificate. Here's what I found.

 

We can't park our motorcycle inside anymore, we have to go opposite the busy road and pay 20 baht. 

 

There is a screening point outside where they spray something on your body as we go in.

 

Then our temperature is checked and we have to jot down our name.

 

There were just a few people waiting to submit the application. So the waiting time was about 5 minutes.

 

The lady there could speak good English which was a surprise. Then she handed me a small paper to come back after 20 days.

 

I noticed there was an Indian guy with a heavy Indian accent outside helping foreigners. Who is he?

[Ozziepat]

In Chiang Mai, regarding the first one-year extension to a Non-O based on marriage:

 

Immigration provides a list of required documents. At the very bottom of the list is this - 

 

**In case of divorce, must bring Divorce Certificate to show**

 

What the heck is that? I already have to provide papers, including the verification that I was single before I married, now attached to the Koror 2 required, showing a legal Thai marriage exists. Do they really want to see a copy of my American divorce papers from the 1980's? That requirement seems inexplicable and unique to this CM IM-generated document.  Has anyone been required to produce said divorce papers, or something else called a Divorce Certificate?

[Ozziepat]

On 1/9/2020 at 8:22 AM, jeffandgop said:

Here is a copy of the list of requirements for extending stays based on marriage that CM IMM provided to us yesterday.

Have you completed the process, and could you tell me what was or was not required to satisfy the very last requirement listed, **In case of divorce...**? I asked this question several days ago on the last page of this topic and have received no responses. Thanks.

[opalred]

i changed from retired to marriage a few years ago because would not accept stat/ dec from oz embassy 

was told this year could go back to retirement /only to change banks money goes in 

on marriage never asked for divorce paper only copy marriage cert /also only 2 photos one inside one outside showing number on house /no photo in bedroom as some say/ cheers

[rawhod]

On 6/16/2020 at 1:48 PM, EricTh said:

Did he check whether you had 800k for 3 months and 400k after that?

Sorry been busy and only just gone back to TV forum...

I was using the 65,000 monthly income method, so I had to have book copies and bank letters.

[rawhod]

On 6/19/2020 at 6:43 PM, warcy said:

 

 

I noticed there was an Indian guy with a heavy Indian accent outside helping foreigners. Who is he?

He appears to be a helper to guide you through the renewal process. He picked me up when I went for my retirement extension and I must say that he was a great help with my visit. ????????????

[ScouseTommy]

Just an update - residency certificates (seem to be flavour of the month and farang seem to need one to do anything official these days).

A lot of people used to use Tian visa service. This is still in the building opposite immigration but has changed it's name to the Colonel company and still offers all of the same services. It opens at 8am. However for The Residence certificate, it is not worth using them anymore. Immigration require Passport copy inc. latest 90 day and TM30 plus your landing card - Signed copies of all. They also want a signed copy of your condo contract (or house book). They will tell you this service is no longer free you pay 500 baht for each certificate you want and collect them the next morning. If you pay 1000 baht you get it the same afternoon. I handed in 2 photographs and paid 1000 baht to get my 2 residency certificates tomorrow morning. You can also nominate someone to collect for you as long as they have the slip you are issued ( or a picture of it on their phone sent by you). I was in and out in about 5 minutes quick easy and straight forward. I was also told that these certs are valid for one month at all Government agencies from the date of issue.

[deej]

From my own dealings , with the Colonel, visa agency, Residency Certicates were,  never ever for free.????

Always a fee charged????

[EricTh]

8 minutes ago, deej said:

From my own dealings , with the Colonel, visa agency, Residency Certicates were,  never ever for free.????

Always a fee charged????

 

Tian aka Colonel seems to be a backdoor company to some of the officers earning extra income.

 

It's really sad that Big Joke is no longer the head and we are back to the old days ..... 

Edited July 2, 2020 by EricTh

[EricTh]

50 minutes ago, ScouseTommy said:

 

A lot of people used to use Tian visa service. This is still in the building opposite immigration but has changed it's name to the Colonel company and still offers all of the same services. It opens at 8am. However for The Residence certificate, it is not worth using them anymore. Immigration require Passport copy inc. latest 90 day and TM30 plus your landing card - Signed copies of all. They also want a signed copy of your condo contract (or house book). They will tell you this service is no longer free you pay 500 baht for each certificate you want and collect them the next morning.

 

It is still free for those long term (at least one year) visas but not for tourist visas if you can wait for 20 days.

 

You were given misleading information by that new girl. I am just wondering whether she is in cahoot with certain people. It should be free for tourist visa holders too like in the past. There's no official document that say otherwise.

 

Edited July 2, 2020 by EricTh

[cnxgary]

I changed my extension from retirement to marriage and was given the 30 day under consideration last week. A few days later I was surprised to receive a phone call from Imm. asking me to bring my wife and a witness to Imm. which I did the next day. By doing so I was informed that a home visit was not necessary. Has this happened to others because I was under the impression that CM. Imm made home visits? While there Imm. took pictures of us at their desk as well as in the hallway in front of the large Imm. poster. My 30 day under consideration says I must report to Imm. on the 24th can I go sooner than this date or wait until the 24th?

[ProbPossConf]

An update for all expats on a NON-OA entry extension at Chiang Mai.

My timeline for today's (Tuesday) experience which was quite pleasing:

1010 am- Arrived at CM Immigration, went through health security screening and given a queue ticket to queue in the main building.  While in the queue, the Indian volunteer asked what my purpose was.  Upon checking my documents, he stated 3 additional forms were required and escorted me to his desk outside of the main entrance.  He instructed me to fill in the forms and upon completion to reenter the queue. Simple, no problem.

 

1020am-Documents presented to the IO at the counter and after checking everything was in order, he gave me queue slip #O 32 and directed me to seats by window counters 7 and 8.  Glancing at the TV displaying the audio announced queue numbers being served, noticed #O 29 was called.

 

1045am-Called to counter #7, presented my documents to the attractive officer, and when she showed a lesser ranked officer my documents, she remarked "dee mak, dee mak" making me feel good.  Gave 2,000 baht for the 1,900 baht fee, and was told to have a seat.

 

1105am-Thai male volunteer asked me for the name of the moo bahn and location of my house.  Fortunately I have a map on my phone showing my home with the coordinates.  The volunteer verified it on his phone and then escorted me to take a photo.

When questioned about the request for home location, the IO remarked new rule.  Recall on the initial outset of the online appointment system input of address coordinates was required but later deleted.

 

1110am-Photo taken, given fee receipt, 100 baht change, and said "thank you, see you next year".

 

For some who are wondering, I purchased the LMG insurance and I use the 800K in the bank for qualification.  I did not use the online appointment system after my friend remarked walk-in is no problem due to immigration did not have the crowded, hordes of yesteryear...wait until after July 31st.

 

 

[jeffandgop]

On 7/13/2020 at 8:52 PM, cnxgary said:

I changed my extension from retirement to marriage and was given the 30 day under consideration last week. A few days later I was surprised to receive a phone call from Imm. asking me to bring my wife and a witness to Imm. which I did the next day. By doing so I was informed that a home visit was not necessary. Has this happened to others because I was under the impression that CM. Imm made home visits? While there Imm. took pictures of us at their desk as well as in the hallway in front of the large Imm. poster. My 30 day under consideration says I must report to Imm. on the 24th can I go sooner than this date or wait until the 24th?

Did my extension based on marriage a few months ago after previous years based on retirement. 
We did have a home visit and had to have a neighbor vouch for us. 
 

No. You cannot pick up your passport earlier than the date instructed. 

[silverhawk_usa]

I am changing to a Marriage Extension from a Retirement.  I would much prefer the home visit as i cannot think of any Thai I know who would be available or agree to a trip to Immigration for me.

 

[JimGant]

16 hours ago, ProbPossConf said:

For some who are wondering, I purchased the LMG insurance and I use the 800K in the bank for qualification.

Did you have the LMG insurance begin on the date of expiration for last year's extension? Also, for 800k in the bank, did you have two bank statements, i.e., one, the standard verification of last balance, and two, the statement showing the past 12 months' activity? Particularly interested in this last one, as reports say you need to give your bank 7 days to obtain the information. I'm with Bangkok Bank, and the 7 days needed is what I've heard from them......

[cnxgary]

2 hours ago, JimGant said:

Did you have the LMG insurance begin on the date of expiration for last year's extension? Also, for 800k in the bank, did you have two bank statements, i.e., one, the standard verification of last balance, and two, the statement showing the past 12 months' activity? Particularly interested in this last one, as reports say you need to give your bank 7 days to obtain the information. I'm with Bangkok Bank, and the 7 days needed is what I've heard from them......

I changed my extension application from retirement to marriage and avoided health insurance. The IO did not ask to see the bank statement ( 6 mth- yr. ) only the bank letter which the officer said could be as old as 7 days. Also a computer generated map was accepted.

[Mapguy]

Update on 90-day drive-In report this afternoon (15JUL).  No problem with multiple (family) late reports within the COVID-19 exemption guidelines.  Very quick service.  No waiting.

 

Did not park or enter the building, of course, but judging from parking area would guess the office was busy.

 

Strongly recommend attending SOON to any general business not involving special extensions expiring 31 July.

[ProbPossConf]

The effective date of my LMG insurance is the day after my extension start date, i.e. extension date Aug. 9, date of insurance Aug. 10th.

Using the 800K method only requires the standard bank letter verifying your account balance and a printout, or your own copy, of your passbook.  Remember you have to show a transaction on the day you apply for your extension and your passbook copy/printout must show the transaction.

The extensive detailed printout that usually takes a week was required mainly if using the monthly income method.  If you are using the 800K method for the first time, then you would have to show the funds were transferred from abroad into Thailand.