Switching to Non-Imm "O" visa from TR visa

[Jackson B]

On Friday I went to CW to gauge the options for switching visa class instead of applying for a 30-day extension beyond September 26, 2020. I'm currently on a multiple entry TR.

 

I was told that it is possible to switch from a TR visa to an O visa (retirement), provided I apply at least 15 days before September 26. They will not allow applications during a further extension period.

 

One requirement, though, is puzzling. I need to show 800k in a Thai bank account, which is normal. But can this amount have been transferred locally? There was some suggestion from the IO that the amount needed to come from abroad, but I cannot find a definitive rule on this. Also, the certification from the bank has to be dated the same day as the application, so does that mean the bank should forward-date the letter if one prepares the documents in advance? Does anyone have any insights into this process?

 

Other classes of visas are also possible. But I was intrigued that it is only possible to switch to an ED (education) visa if one is enrolled in a university course. Language schools are not eligible.

[jacko45k]

10 hours ago, Jackson B said:

One requirement, though, is puzzling. I need to show 800k in a Thai bank account, which is normal. But can this amount have been transferred locally? There was some suggestion from the IO that the amount needed to come from abroad, but I cannot find a definitive rule on this.

To do the conversion from a TR Visa Entry to that of a Non-Imm-O based on retirement it is required to show that the money has come from abroad. A later step, applying for a one year Extension based on retirement, there is no such requirement. 

[ubonjoe]

Here are the requirements to apply for a 90 day non immigrant visa (category O) entry needed to apply for a extension of stay based upon retirement. http://bangkokimmigration.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/08-edit_NON-O.pdf

Note this at 5.3.

"5.3 Evidence of foreign currency fund transferred to Thailand **(Documents under 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 must be issued and updated to be the same date of the Application and all documents must be in the Applicant’s name.)"

If the 800k baht has been in bank for several months they might waive the requirement.

 

 

[DrJack54]

OP, if it's possible for you to have 800k transfered from abroad then obtaining a non o (retirement) and after the 2 month seasoning of funds apply for annual permission of stay, then your done and safe. Good luck

[Jackson B]

On 8/18/2020 at 8:04 AM, ubonjoe said:

Here are the requirements to apply for a 90 day non immigrant visa (category O) entry needed to apply for a extension of stay based upon retirement. http://bangkokimmigration.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/08-edit_NON-O.pdf

Note this at 5.3.

"5.3 Evidence of foreign currency fund transferred to Thailand **(Documents under 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 must be issued and updated to be the same date of the Application and all documents must be in the Applicant’s name.)"

If the 800k baht has been in bank for several months they might waive the requirement.

 

 

Yes, that is stated on the piece of paper CW gave me. However, the immigration hotline contradicted 5.3 and advised that it was not necessary. I think I better assume it is required. I'm also aware that "agents" will, for a fee, ensure the 800k documentation is provided. I guess they don't use transfers from abroad.

[eppic]

OP, not sure to whom you spoke at CW (was it the information counter or did you actually go in an speak to an IO?), but while on amnesty they were previously requiring a 30-day extension of the TR / visa exempt entry (this would have to be done at MTT office) and application 15 days before expiration of that extension.

 

Based on what you were told, it seems this may not be necessary now?

 

I was also today told via an agent that in addition to doing the conversion to Non-O (retirement) for myself, I could now also obtain Non-O dependent visas for my wife and child (without leaving Thailand!), but this is unverified, so I will also need to make a trip to CW to confirm -- would be fantastic news for us if true (although I remain skeptical).

[Jackson B]

35 minutes ago, eppic said:

OP, not sure to whom you spoke at CW (was it the information counter or did you actually go in an speak to an IO?), but while on amnesty they were previously requiring a 30-day extension of the TR / visa exempt entry (this would have to be done at MTT office) and application 15 days before expiration of that extension.

 

Based on what you were told, it seems this may not be necessary now?

 

I was also today told via an agent that in addition to doing the conversion to Non-O (retirement) for myself, I could now also obtain Non-O dependent visas for my wife and child (without leaving Thailand!), but this is unverified, so I will also need to make a trip to CW to confirm -- would be fantastic news for us if true (although I remain skeptical).

Eppic, Counter J is where I went for more info, after a long conversation at the information counter. Because the extension is automatic till 26 September, the application to switch visa category must be done before then. In fact, 16 days or more before to allow processing time. So I am aiming to go back in the first week of September with all the boxes ticked. You will need to apply on or before 10 September.

If you do a conversion, or switch, I believe it will be possible for your wife and child to also get a non-O of some kind. But you had better check.

[Peter Denis]

On 8/17/2020 at 4:18 PM, Jackson B said:

On Friday I went to CW to gauge the options for switching visa class instead of applying for a 30-day extension beyond September 26, 2020.

Hi Jackson B > thanks for the report which will be a consolation for many now on the Amnesty from a Visa Exempt or Tourist Visa entry.

Question > Your avatar shows your location as Chiang-Mai, so why did you go to CW?  Was it because CM was unwilling to handle your (fully legit) application?

[Peter Denis]

On 8/17/2020 at 4:18 PM, Jackson B said:

One requirement, though, is puzzling. I need to show 800k in a Thai bank account, which is normal. But can this amount have been transferred locally? There was some suggestion from the IO that the amount needed to come from abroad, but I cannot find a definitive rule on this. Also, the certification from the bank has to be dated the same day as the application, so does that mean the bank should forward-date the letter if one prepares the documents in advance? Does anyone have any insights into this process?

Yes, when using the 800K funds-in-bank method for your application for the 90-day Non Imm O Visa for reason of retirement, you need to provide evidence that the funds originated from abroad.

PM me if you need info on how to get hold of the evidence of the above (it's relatively easy if you know how).

You only need to provide evidence of those 800K on your personal thai bank-account (a joint one is not accepted) at the moment of application.  But you would need to keep it there, as the funds have to be seasoned for TWO months when applying in the last month of that 90-days Non Imm O Visa for the 1-year extension of stay.

> What's your nationality?  Because if you are not a UK, US or Australian citizen you can also make use of the Embassy issued foreign-income statement to apply for the 90-day Non Imm O Visa and subsequent 1-year extension of stay.  Using that method there is no need to park or transfer money to a personal thai bank-account, and no questions asked. 

[Jackson B]

On 8/22/2020 at 8:41 AM, Peter Denis said:

Yes, when using the 800K funds-in-bank method for your application for the 90-day Non Imm O Visa for reason of retirement, you need to provide evidence that the funds originated from abroad.

PM me if you need info on how to get hold of the evidence of the above (it's relatively easy if you know how).

You only need to provide evidence of those 800K on your personal thai bank-account (a joint one is not accepted) at the moment of application.  But you would need to keep it there, as the funds have to be seasoned for TWO months when applying in the last month of that 90-days Non Imm O Visa for the 1-year extension of stay.

> What's your nationality?  Because if you are not a UK, US or Australian citizen you can also make use of the Embassy issued foreign-income statement to apply for the 90-day Non Imm O Visa and subsequent 1-year extension of stay.  Using that method there is no need to park or transfer money to a personal thai bank-account, and no questions asked. 

Hi Peter, I flew up to Chiang Mai for a week after visiting CW. I didn't know the website shows our location.

Australian, and those buggers refuse to issue letters. God knows why not. Do other embassies not check whether the funds came from abroad? I guess if it's a stat declaration, they just take your word for it.

 

Yes, info on the 800k would be useful. At present I'm planning to transfer it. But I don't know what counts as evidence, and if they need that evidence produced on the same day as the bank guarantee statement. When I did a test transfer with transferwise, it appears as a local transfer, so it's a bit of a headache to sort out.