Change from Visa Exempt to Non-O

[Moti24]

Hi all,

 

I had to make an urgent visit to The UK in February, and had no time to renew my annual visa; after 20 years, P***** *** doesn't even come close.

 

I,ve entered on Visa Exempt and will need to change to a NON-O by the end of next week.  If anybody has recently done that at Jomtien, I'd appreciate knowing exactly what documents will be required when I apply.

 

As far as I can ascertain, I've compiled the following:

 

TM47.

Passport copy, photo page and entry stamp.

Bankbook with 800K.

Wife's housebook.

My yellow book.

Marriage certificate.

Wife's ID.

House location map.

Kor Ror 2.

Map to house.

 

Some of the above may be over the top, but better safe that sorry.  I can't think of anything else they might require, but well, it is Jomtien!

 

Also, can the bankbook update be done the day before, and will I need a letter from the bank?

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

 

[DrJack54]

https://aseannow.com/topic/1315828-visa-exempt-to-90-day-non-o-spouse-visa-conversion-in-thailand/ 

 

Thinking you have couple of issues.

You should apply for non O with 15+ days remaining on your permission of stay. 

If required you can obtain 30 day extension or a 60 day extension to visit wife. 

 

Has funds been in bank for 2 months.

True the rule is funds in account day of application However earlier this year Jomtien was insisting on 2 months seasoning 

 

Same thread currently running here

https://aseannow.com/topic/1325238-procedures-for-non-imm-o-and-one-year-retirement-extension-from-a-visa-excempt-30-day-entry/

[Pattaya57]

Here's the actual non-imm O requirement sheet handed out by Jomtien immigration

 

Edited April 18 by Pattaya57

[Moti24]

43 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1315828-visa-exempt-to-90-day-non-o-spouse-visa-conversion-in-thailand/ 

 

Thinking you have couple of issues.

You should apply for non O with 15+ days remaining on your permission of stay. 

If required you can obtain 30 day extension or a 60 day extension to visit wife. 

 

Has funds been in bank for 2 months.

True the rule is funds in account day of application However earlier this year Jomtien was insisting on 2 months seasoning 

 

Same thread currently running here

https://aseannow.com/topic/1325238-procedures-for-non-imm-o-and-one-year-retirement-extension-from-a-visa-excempt-30-day-entry/

Thanks for the info Dr Jack.

 

I'll still have 15 days remaining by the end of next week, so no problem there.

If I apply for a 60 day extension to visit my wife, the funds will need to be in the bank for 2 months before I can get an annual visa.  I'd prefer not to go down that route because after having done 7 annual spousal extensions, I'd had enough of jumping through hoops for 1 immigration officer in particular.  However, if I have to do that, please can you tell me what documents I'll need for the 60 day extension.  If you think that is the best option, I'll do that.

 

Thanks

 

Best regards

 

Moti

[DrJack54]

12 minutes ago, Moti24 said:

However, if I have to do that, please can you tell me what documents I'll need for the 60 day extension.  If you think that is the best option, I'll do that.

I didn't realize that you had the required time up your sleeve so that not a problem.

The Non O provides a 90 day stamp and that's plenty to season funds for 2 months for the 12 month extension. 

If Jomtien plays games and wants the funds in account for 2 months for the Non O application, you could obtain the 60 day extension.  

 

Here is old thread re 60 day extension but still applies. Posts from ubonjoe always spot on 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1130123-re-60-day-extension-to-visit-your-wife/

[Liquorice]

1 hour ago, Moti24 said:

As far as I can ascertain, I've compiled the following:

 

TM47.

Passport copy, photo page and entry stamp.

Bankbook with 800K.

Wife's housebook.

My yellow book.

Marriage certificate.

Wife's ID.

House location map.

Kor Ror 2.

Map to house.

That's a confusing list.
Will you apply for the Non O and 1 year extension of stay (a permit, not a visa) based on Thai spouse, or retirement?

[Liquorice]

26 minutes ago, Moti24 said:

If I apply for a 60 day extension to visit my wife, the funds will need to be in the bank for 2 months before I can get an annual visa. 

It's a 1-year extension of your permission of stay, not a visa.
Regardless of whether you apply based on Thai spouse or retirement, the required funds will need to be in a Thai bank account for 2 months prior to the date of application.

 

For the Non O application, the procedure states funds are only required to be in a Thai bank account on the day of application, but as @DrJack54 has pointed out, Jomtien have been requesting those funds also be in a Thai bank account for 2 months.

[Moti24]

4 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

I didn't realize that you had the required time up your sleeve so that not a problem.

The Non O provides a 90 day stamp and that's plenty to season funds for 2 months for the 12 month extension. 

If Jomtien plays games and wants the funds in account for 2 months for the Non O application, you could obtain the 60 day extension.  

 

Here is old thread re 60 day extension but still applies. Posts from ubonjoe always spot on 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1130123-re-60-day-extension-to-visit-your-wife/

I would like the retirement route, but if immigration want the funds seasoned for 2 months, then it will have to be the 60 day.  But that will mean the funds are seasoned only a few days before the extention ends, which is cutting it fine when it's always a gamble at Jomtien.

 

Thanks for the taking the time to answer; much appreciated.

[DrJack54]

16 minutes ago, Moti24 said:

I would like the retirement route, but if immigration want the funds seasoned for 2 months, then it will have to be the 60 day. 

No offense but that was not clear from the start. Why mention proof of marriage. 

 

I suggest you visit Jomtien and ask if 800k needs to be seasoned for 2 months to obtain non o.

If answer is yes I suggest you obtain 30 day extension plus 60 day extension in that order. 

[Pattaya57]

6 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

I suggest you visit Jomtien and ask if 800k needs to be seasoned for 2 months to obtain non o.

If answer is yes I suggest you obtain 30 day extension plus 60 day extension in that order. 

No need to visit Jomtien to ask as I already posted the non-imm O requirement sheet they hand out. It clearly states 800k had to be in bank for 2 months prior to application of non-imm O

 

[Moti24]

10 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

No offense but that was not clear from the start. Why mention proof of marriage. 

 

I suggest you visit Jomtien and ask if 800k needs to be seasoned for 2 months to obtain non o.

If answer is yes I suggest you obtain 30 day extension plus 60 day extension in that order. 

My apologies.  I suppose my post was a bit misleading.

 

I must point out that this will be a new application because my previous visa extension expired while I was in The UK.

I have 800K in the bank, but won't be seasoned for 2 months until June.  So, if Jomtien insist the funds are seasoned for 2 months, even though the rules say that the money only has to be in the bank on the day of application, I'm screwed.  I don't particularly want to apply for an extension to visit my wife because it will only be a 60 day extension, leaving only a few days to complete the annual extension.

 

The other thing that bothers me is that the bank letter has to be dated the day on application, but before, it was accepted dated the day before.  I visited a Bangkok bank a couple of days ago, and had to wait over 2 hours for my ticket number to come up.  Then, another 20 minutes to do a 5 minute job.

 

Thanks for the info.  I'll probably have to get an agent on the job; expensive, but a lot easier.  

[DrJack54]

4 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

No need to visit Jomtien to ask as I already posted the non-imm O requirement sheet they hand out. It clearly states 800k had to be in bank for 2 months prior to application of non-imm o

Still think a visit is worthwhile. 

The OP has had continuous extensions based on retirement and immigration may overlook the (rogue) 2 month requirement.

 

As Pattaya City expats point out in this link.

The 2 months is Jomtien specific.

https://pcec.club/Applying-for-Non-Immigrant-O-Retirement/

[DrJack54]

25 minutes ago, Moti24 said:

Thanks for the info.  I'll probably have to get an agent on the job; expensive, but a lot easier.  

The only reason you're in a bad situation is due to rogue 2 month rule from Jomtien immigration. 

I posted above same time as your post.

Given you have had ongoing extensions at that office you could ask them.

 

Re Agent. You could use your own funds and ask agent to step around the 2 month issue if possible.  

[Moti24]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

The only reason you're in a bad situation is due to rogue 2 month rule from Jomtien immigration. 

I posted above same time as your post.

Given you have had ongoing extensions at that office you could ask them.

 

Re Agent. You could use your own funds and ask agent to step around the 2 month issue if possible.  

Yes, an agent will do it for me.  I've always done my own extensions except when I had a work permit.  This will be my 10th year at Jomtien, and like the past 9 years, nothing is what it's supposed to be.  I'm just tired of playing their games.

Again, thanks for your help.

[Liquorice]

9 minutes ago, Moti24 said:

Yes, an agent will do it for me. 

I wonder which IO will issue the 'rogue' extension, Khon Kaen perhaps, then you have another issue, but don't worry, for additional fees the agent can sort them out too.

[JohnOFphon]

I applied to change from Visa Exempt to Non O retirement a year ago. No problem except I remember them giving me a receipt.....Under consideration....(blue paper) and telling me to come back for the stamp. I can't remember how long it was before I could go back. 5 days? 7 days?

Anyone know?

Also, this time I am doing a visa exempt to Non O marriage. I know wife must go on the first visit, but can I go alone to get the extension stamped to 90 days?   Can't think of any reason she should have to go....but TIT

When we extend to one year, I know we both must go for that...CW...window L.  

[DrJack54]

11 hours ago, JohnOFphon said:

know wife must go on the first visit, but can I go alone to get the extension stamped to 90 days? 

You can go alone  for final stamp

[Liquorice]

10 hours ago, JohnOFphon said:

I applied to change from Visa Exempt to Non O retirement a year ago. No problem except I remember them giving me a receipt.....Under consideration....(blue paper) and telling me to come back for the stamp. I can't remember how long it was before I could go back. 5 days? 7 days?

Anyone know?

Usually 14 days.

So why didn't you go back for the 1 year stamp?

 

10 hours ago, JohnOFphon said:

Also, this time I am doing a visa exempt to Non O marriage. I know wife must go on the first visit, but can I go alone to get the extension stamped to 90 days?   Can't think of any reason she should have to go....but TIT

As per @DrJack54 reply - you can go alone for the stamp.

Same after the 30 day under consideration period for the 1 year extension stamp based on Thai spouse - you can go alone.

[DrJack54]

25 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Same after the 30 day under consideration period for the 1 year extension stamp based on Thai spouse - you can go alone.

Help me out. My understanding is that for final stamp after under consideration period...you can even send a representative.

I vaguely recall our great man ubonjoe sending daughter to obtain final stamp. 

Point of question is for those that wish to travel within Thailand and date for final stamp is inconvenient. 

[Liquorice]

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Help me out. My understanding is that for final stamp after under consideration period...you can even send a representative.

I vaguely recall our great man ubonjoe sending daughter to obtain final stamp. 

That's correct, in theory, a representative can attend on your behalf, but they would of course require your passport.

Same as, a representative can submit your 90 day report in person, or even submit an extension application in the event the applicant is handicapped or has disabilities.

That said, if you're travelling and staying in different Provinces, then you should be carrying your passport.

 

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Point of question is for those that wish to travel within Thailand and date for final stamp is inconvenient. 

I don't think there is one answer fits all scenarios in this case as there as so many variables.
Provided you return by the under consideration period date given, then you can't be on overstay, but if you couldn't return until a later date then technically you would be on overstay.

 

I always apply 30-45 days before my extension expires.
My IO always date the under consideration period 30 days from the expiry date of my current extension.

They always call when the new extension application is approved, which is usually somewhere between the date my previous extension expired and the 30 day under consideration period, although it was once approved before my current extension had expired.

 

If you were planning to travel locally during the under consideration period then my advice would be to notify your IO of those dates, and provided you return by the end of the 30 day under consideration period it shouldn't be an issue. 

[Liquorice]

As an aside to the above, Jack.

Around 12 years ago after apply for a further 1 year extension, my current extension expired, and I was in the 30 day under consideration period when I was notified of a family bereavement.

I informed my IO and purchased a re-entry permit to cover the 30 day under consideration period. They stated provided I returned by the expiry date of the 30 day period it was fine.

I returned two day prior to that 30 day expiry date, which raised some eyebrows on re-entry, the entry clearance officer calling over a supervisor who looked at my extension stamp, the under consideration stamp and the re-entry permitted. The supervisor did ask if I preferred a 30 day visa exempt entry stamp, which I declined, shrugged and muttered something to the officer who duly stamped me in for 2 days.

The following day I visited my local IO, filed a new TM30 and received my new extension stamp. The IO stated it was approved a week previously, but they were expecting me.