How early can renew non-o Chiang Mai

[khunJam]

How early can we renew a non-o Chiang Mai immigration? 15 or 30 days?

[CMBob]

At CM Immigration, you can apply up to 45 days prior to the expiration date of your Non-O Visa or 45 days prior to the expiration date of your current annual extension thereof.

 

 

Edited August 21 by CMBob

[connda]

45 days

[arick]

30 days  ot 45

[chipperPDU]

you can't renew a visa. 

 

[connda]

17 minutes ago, chipperPDU said:

you can't renew a visa. 

 

Sure you can.

[CMBob]

2 minutes ago, connda said:

Sure you can.

Technically Mr. Chipper is correct....one can extend but really can't "renew."  I avoided commenting about the OP's phraseology as I didn't want to be pedantic and thought I knew for certain that OP was referring to either the first or repeated extension of his Non-O visa.  A lot of people argue that our Non-O's fully expire but I don't really see it that way.....as every annual extension we get is based on the last Non-O we obtained. 

[novacova]

24 minutes ago, chipperPDU said:

you can't renew a visa. 

 

My pp has a “NON IMMIGRANT VISA” stamp, followed by a “NON-O STAY PERMIT” and followed by extension permits of which I renew annually. The rest is just semantics, it doesn’t take a grade school graduate to decipher.

[novacova]

7 minutes ago, CMBob said:

Technically Mr. Chipper is correct....one can extend but really can't "renew."  I avoided commenting about the OP's phraseology as I didn't want to be pedantic and thought I knew for certain that OP was referring to either the first or repeated extension of his Non-O visa.  A lot of people argue that our Non-O's fully expire but I don't really see it that way.....as every annual extension we get is based on the last Non-O we obtained. 

Correct, as all originating from the “NON IMMIGRANT VISA” stamp & reason to stay and subsequent permission extensions.

[khunJam]

Yes extension of non o ret. Thanks everyone!

[KhunBENQ]

Not specific for CM but I never read that someone is denied within 30 days before due date.

(I always go within 30 to 25 days ahead here in KK)

45 days may need some justification.

[CMBob]

It's been 45 days here in CM as long as I can remember (started getting annual extensions here in CM in 2011).  Prior to 2011, had a couple of annual extensions in Hua Hin and that office only allows one to apply for an annual extension within 30 days of the applicable expiration date.

[Captain Monday]

Thanks CM Bob. I made a Non-0 extension recently,  asked this question directly to an IO and the "English speaking" interns there and could not get a straight answer. My feeling is not evasion, they just really cannot understand spoken English.

[rumak]

On 8/21/2024 at 8:39 PM, CMBob said:

At CM Immigration, you can apply up to 45 days prior to the expiration date of your Non-O Visa or 45 days prior to the expiration date of your current annual extension thereof.

 

 

I am trying to figure out how many days the online immigration website will accept an ATTEMPT to book an appt.   

For example , when i look today ( the 12th of Oct ) ..... what day on the booking calender would be the latest day they allow one to TRY to book an appointment ?   

Since any date I click on says "nothing available on that date" .... well, what does one do ?  I remember you saying you did it at 2 minutes after midnight ( which i once also did years ago) .    But... i need to know what first chance to do that would be what date.

Thanks ( in advance)

also........ used to be some "help"  for over 70 year olds.  (i am able bodied).   does that exist at CM immig any more ?

 

 

Edited October 12 by rumak

[roo860]

10 minutes ago, rumak said:

I am trying to figure out how many days the online immigration website will accept an ATTEMPT to book an appt.   

For example , when i look today ( the 12th of Oct ) ..... what day on the booking calender would be the latest day they allow one to TRY to book an appointment ?   

Since any date I click on says "nothing available on that date" .... well, what does one do ?  I remember you saying you did it at 2 minutes after midnight ( which i once also did years ago) .    But... i need to know what first chance to do that would be what date.

Thanks ( in advance)

also........ used to be some "help"  for over 70 year olds.  (i am able bodied).   does that exist at CM immig any more ?

 

 

Seems like now they are allowing very bookings I've tried everyday within the 45day limit, given up now, will just go very early.

[CMBob]

22 minutes ago, rumak said:

I am trying to figure out how many days the online immigration website will accept an ATTEMPT to book an appt.   

 

also........ used to be some "help"  for over 70 year olds.  (i am able bodied).   does that exist at CM immig any more ?

 

Since it was started again, the appointment calendar here in CM extends out 90 days.  As I mentioned, I grabbed an appointment a couple of minutes after midnight 90 days out.  I've never paid attention to what happens if a cancellation occurs by somebody (i.e., does that time slot then show up on the calendar).  

 

As for help for us prehistoric creatures (I'm in the over-70 bracket too), I remember reading something about there was supposed to be some easier method for people over 70 or 75 but I've never known how that works or had any idea how to try it myself.

 

[On a somewhat off-topic note, a guy I know told me a couple weeks ago that he grabs 2 or 3 appointments for his annual extension, saying he does so in case he can't make it for a single appointment time.  He also said he ultimately cancels "unused" appointment times.  I had no clue the appointment system would allow a given individual to grab more than one appointment for the same purpose, think's that wrong (it's tough enough to get one of the limited appointment times), and told the guy I thought his doing so was inappropriate. He didn't care what I thought about it.]

 

Edit:  I just checked the appointment calendar for CM and, for retirement purposes, actually see 2 slots available for this coming Monday (Oct 14th) and one slot for Tuesday (October 15th).  The next and only appointment slots available are for January 1, 2025.  That last notation merits a comment that somehow the appointment calendar at least sometimes allows an appointment to be made on a government holiday.  A friend of mine got one of those dates recently and the office was closed so he had to attempt the regular queue system the next day.  So it might be wise not to even attempt to get appointment on a government holiday (or on a Monday) when such a holiday falls on a weekend).

Edited October 12 by CMBob

[rumak]

1 hour ago, CMBob said:

Since it was started again, the appointment calendar here in CM extends out 90 days.  As I mentioned, I grabbed an appointment a couple of minutes after midnight 90 days out.  I've never paid attention to what happens if a cancellation occurs by somebody (i.e., does that time slot then show up on the calendar).  

 

As for help for us prehistoric creatures (I'm in the over-70 bracket too), I remember reading something about there was supposed to be some easier method for people over 70 or 75 but I've never known how that works or had any idea how to try it myself.

 

[On a somewhat off-topic note, a guy I know told me a couple weeks ago that he grabs 2 or 3 appointments for his annual extension, saying he does so in case he can't make it for a single appointment time.  He also said he ultimately cancels "unused" appointment times.  I had no clue the appointment system would allow a given individual to grab more than one appointment for the same purpose, think's that wrong (it's tough enough to get one of the limited appointment times), and told the guy I thought his doing so was inappropriate. He didn't care what I thought about it.]

 

Edit:  I just checked the appointment calendar for CM and, for retirement purposes, actually see 2 slots available for this coming Monday (Oct 14th) and one slot for Tuesday (October 15th).  The next and only appointment slots available are for January 1, 2025.  That last notation merits a comment that somehow the appointment calendar at least sometimes allows an appointment to be made on a government holiday.  A friend of mine got one of those dates recently and the office was closed so he had to attempt the regular queue system the next day.  So it might be wise not to even attempt to get appointment on a government holiday (or on a Monday) when such a holiday falls on a weekend).

Thanks Bob...... seems like the tough days are here again !   I agree about the "misuse" of the booking ,  by individuals and I am pretty sure that some agents grab dates randomly too ( the ones without a "back door"  method ) .

grrrrrrr............. 

you are pretty sure about the 90 day window though ? 

[CMBob]

3 minutes ago, rumak said:

....you are pretty sure about the 90 day window though ? 

Yes, that's the way it's been since they restarted the appointment system 2+ years ago.  I snatched my upcoming November 26th appointment time on August 28th.  Contrary to what I said before, I must have grabbed the appointment within a minute or so of midnight as I now see that the confirmation-of-appointment email from CM Immigration is dated August 28th, 2024, at 12:01AM.

(Just now checking the appointment system again for retirement purposes, I don't see any times available for the 89th or 90th days out.....which means those times were already grabbed by somebody or they somehow are beginning to shorten the 90-day time period.  It's likely the appointments are taken.  And I still see the same few and perhaps erroneous slots open as mentioned in my last post.)

[Dcheech]

If one is/was not able to get an online appointment, can one turn up at 830 with TM7, passport page copies, bank letters etc. etc. and join the scrum? Is that still possible, or do you need to arrive earlier like the bad old days?



 

Edited October 12 by Dcheech

[CMBob]

4 hours ago, Dcheech said:

If one is/was not able to get an online appointment, can one turn up at 830 with TM7, passport page copies, bank letters etc. etc. and join the scrum? Is that still possible, or do you need to arrive earlier like the bad old days?

Although I don't know personally (been lucky enough to obtain an appointment for some time), I don't see why you can't as the majority of people seeking annual extensions must be just showing up and joining the queue.  I have no clue what percentage of the annual extension seekers actually get an appointment but I doubt if it's a very high percentage. 

Edited October 12 by CMBob

[BritManToo]

5 hours ago, Dcheech said:

If one is/was not able to get an online appointment, can one turn up at 830 with TM7, passport page copies, bank letters etc. etc. and join the scrum? Is that still possible, or do you need to arrive earlier like the bad old days?

 

No need to turn up early, wed or thurs afternoons (with no days off in the week) are very quiet at the moment. Turn up at 12:45 in the afternoon, fill out your forms, and there'll only be one or two others there at the paper checkers. 

 

Did mine (Thai family) 10 days back, was out by 2pm.

[DrJack54]

Removed off topic post and reply 

[Dcheech]

Thanks to posters above. 

I walked in a week back, it was a four day week. I was shunted over to the next day, papers checked at the outside stall, they will write a date and ok you (on your tm7 front page) for the next day. With this you do NOT have to get a NEW Thai Bank letter statement of current balance, or make a deposit and then print out of bankbook last page again.  Just turn up next day at 8 AM, put your papers in the tray outside and get in the que call to get a number, when it starts at 830. Then go inside. 30 tickets filled the morning slot. They do a 12 to 1 lunch break.

The only real difference from last year; both the outside checkers, and inside, said, you did not need a rental (residence) agreement copy. They have wanted that in the past. TM30  supplanting that. Still until they state that explicitly, up 2 U. CM immigration has a reputation for asking for that copy you do not have. 

Easily three quarters of the people, did not have an appointment made by the online system, likely more. There is a current OP on a local CM Facebook site, complaining about the online appointment system, and how nobody is getting one. I'm thinking agents are getting them, but who knows. 

[CMBob]

44 minutes ago, Dcheech said:

.(1)......I was shunted over to the next day, papers checked at the outside stall, they will write a date and ok you (on your tm7 front page) for the next day. With this you do NOT have to get a NEW Thai Bank letter statement of current balance, or make a deposit and then print out of bankbook last page again....

(2)The only real difference from last year; both the outside checkers, and inside, said, you did not need a rental (residence) agreement copy. They have wanted that in the past. TM30  supplanting that. Still until they state that explicitly, up 2 U. CM immigration has a reputation for asking for that copy you do not have. 

(3)Easily three quarters of the people, did not have an appointment made by the online system, likely more. There is a current OP on a local CM Facebook site, complaining about the online appointment system, and how nobody is getting one. I'm thinking agents are getting them, but who knows. 

Thanks for the information.  Would note:

(1)  For all my extensions based on retirement here in CM (being 14 so far), I've always got the bank letter and necessary copies the day before I show up to get the annual renewal.  I only mention this as you seem to suggest that the bank stuff has to be dated the day of application but it's never been a requirement for me or others I know. 

(2)  I've given them a copy of my TM30 Receipt of Notification and my rental agreement for all 14 annual renewals and wasn't aware that they didn't need a copy of my lease; in any event, they've never given any of the documents back. 

(3)  As suspected, not a huge percentage of annual extensions involve appointments....given there aren't all that many appointment slots available.  I'm doubtful agents are getting the slots as their clients don't even sit in the main office awaiting their appointment times like us commoners do (agents take their clients to a separate back office for immediate service with their buddy Immigration Officer).  But I do know at least one person here in CM who gets multiple time slots for every annual extension, saying he does this in case he's unable or disinclined to go the first or second dates) (that's just unreasonably hogging a precious resource and I wish Immigration would fix their software so one person cannot get multiple appointments for the same thing).

Edited October 26 by CMBob

[Dcheech]

On 10/26/2024 at 10:03 AM, CMBob said:

Thanks for the information.  Would note:

(1)  For all my extensions based on retirement here in CM (being 14 so far), I've always got the bank letter and necessary copies the day before I show up to get the annual renewal.  I only mention this as you seem to suggest that the bank stuff has to be dated the day of application but it's never been a requirement for me or others I know. 

(2)  I've given them a copy of my TM30 Receipt of Notification and my rental agreement for all 14 annual renewals and wasn't aware that they didn't need a copy of my lease; in any event, they've never given any of the documents back. 

(3)  As suspected, not a huge percentage of annual extensions involve appointments....given there aren't all that many appointment slots available.  I'm doubtful agents are getting the slots as their clients don't even sit in the main office awaiting their appointment times like us commoners do (agents take their clients to a separate back office for immediate service with their buddy Immigration Officer).  But I do know at least one person here in CM who gets multiple time slots for every annual extension, saying he does this in case he's unable or disinclined to go the first or second dates) (that's just unreasonably hogging a precious resource and I wish Immigration would fix their software so one person cannot get multiple appointments for the same thing).

1) I was specifically concerned, I would be forced to make another deposit, chunk it in the Bank passbook, then make a copy of it, and bring that on the next day when I had my appointment. It was the person at the outside window next to me, who was in a panic about having to get a new Bank letter regarding his balance. The one that you can do in ten minutes or so, at the bank. Truthfully, I do not know how long it is good for but he seemed convinced that was his last day. However, and what I thought pertinent; the check in person at the outside kiosk, stated, ‘if you are pushed over onto the next day, the date he writes on your TM7, is what they go by. Any letter, copy, bank transaction, etc. that is valid on that date, is valid the next day’. 

2) I too have always brought a rental agreement. That said I was told I do not need it four different times and it was taken out of my document stack three times. Why I would reinsert the rental agreement document into the stack after being repeatedly told, first by the help assistant, twice by people in the outside kiosk, day one & two, and finally inside at the extension desk, does require an explanation. I have a high degree of distrust about what they say and do at Chiang Mai immigration. That because of personal experience. I just kept putting it back in my stack. As I stated above, they say now you do not need it and it was pulled. Still, while I mention what was told to me, I will bring a copy next year. I’m just repeating here, for general info, what was said Oct. 17 & 18 of this year. Again I have zero trust in CM IO. 

3) Please excuse the high degree of cynicism. Agents, indeed, do not need to use the online appointment system. However, if agents make it more difficult to get an online appointment, this may very well increase their own business. 

 

Edited October 27 by Dcheech