A visa quandary

[sniggie]

I have a query for the visa experts on this forum.  After an enforced extended stay in the UK due to all the 2020 shutdowns I was able to return with my son in April last year. Following good advice from people on this forum I returned on a Non-imm O visa based on retirement which I was able to extend for a year. This extension ends on 9th July.

 

I now have pressing reason to finally spend a few weeks back in the UK and am planning accordingly.  I am intending to travel on around the 20th June so I was calculating a timeline to getting my extension renewed before I left (earliest time I can apply, time required to get bank statements, allowance for Immigration to hold my passport overnight, re-entry permit etc.). And then it occurred to me.  Why don't I just let the extension expire and get a new visa while I am in the UK? The costs are similar and I'll gain a couple of months. I had no problems getting my 'O' visa last year from the London embassy so why should it be different this time? I have the financial requirements in place in Thailand to extend it when the time comes.

 

So what do you think I should do?  Part of me would like the certainty that everything is in order before I leave the Kingdom but can you see any particular benefits or pitfalls in either course of action? Thanks in advance.   

[Caldera]

As the paperwork needed for each subsequent extension is pretty much the same, starting over new really doesn't make a big difference, especially if you leave the money in place as planned.

[Lite Beer]

Both options will work.

You can apply for the extension 30 days (45 days at some offices) early.

Personally I would do that. Seems easier.

Why would they hold your passport overnight?

[DrJack54]

Obtain your extension prior to trip back to UK.

Don't forget to buy a reentry permit.

You can do that at same visit to immigration for your extension.

[FriendlyFarang]

43 minutes ago, sniggie said:

So what do you think I should do?  Part of me would like the certainty that everything is in order before I leave the Kingdom but can you see any particular benefits or pitfalls in either course of action?

Do whatever you prefer, both options are possible.

[rwill]

Letting it expire would save the cost of getting a reentry permit.  As long as the cost of starting over is about the same as an extension.

[DrJack54]

3 minutes ago, rwill said:

Letting it expire would save the cost of getting a reentry permit.  As long as the cost of starting over is about the same as an extension.

Not always about few baht.

Also the new non O will cost 2000baht. 

Unless the op is intending to remain overseas for some time, for me it's a no brainer. 

The OP states .....

"....... spend a few weeks back in the UK and am planning accordingly."

 

Why not obtain the extension prior to brief trip out and purchase reentry permit. Single reentry 1000baht. 

[Kopitiam]

41 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Not always about few baht.

Also the new non O will cost 2000baht. 

Unless the op is intending to remain overseas for some time, for me it's a no brainer. 

The OP states .....

"....... spend a few weeks back in the UK and am planning accordingly."

 

Why not obtain the extension prior to brief trip out and purchase reentry permit. Single reentry 1000baht. 

If I am not wrong, you also have to do new TM30 with new Non-O visa.

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, Kopitiam said:

If I am not wrong, you also have to do new TM30 with new Non-O visa.

That is correct.

 

[sniggie]

On 5/6/2022 at 9:09 AM, Lite Beer said:

 

Why would they hold your passport overnight?

Following the helpful replies here I decided to renew my retirement extension. Got the documents from Bangkok Bank this morning (Thursday) so went to Jomtien office on the dot of 1 pm today. It was quite quiet so I had great hopes of a speedy turnround.  Straight up to the desk, all papers checked, money handed over. Then I was given the dreaded plastic ticket and 'come back after 2 tomorrow'. Must just be me! Any bets on being able to do a re-entry permit tomorrow after I collect my passport or will that be a 'come back on Monday'?  

[DrJack54]

24 minutes ago, sniggie said:

Any bets on being able to do a re-entry permit tomorrow after I collect my passport or will that be a 'come back on Monday'?

You can always obtain reentry permit at airport if it's better option. 

[Mike Teavee]

28 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

You can always obtain reentry permit at airport if it's better option. 

True but if you're flying Business class it means using the none-fast track channel... 

 

I have heard they'll skip you to the front of the queue if you do your re-entry permit at the airport but I don't know how true this.

 

I hate queueing for anything, especially when I'm travelling long distance so get my re-entry permit before I go (Hand everything over to Agent + 1,500 THB, get everything back the next day - 1,500 THB but + a single re-entry permit). 

 

Edit: OP I'm sure you can easily get the Re-Entry Permit yourself tomorrow (Friday) or as @DrJack54has advised, do it at the airport on the way out.., Just please note that you'll need to go through the none-fasttrack channel for the re-entry permit desk, it is well sign posted...