Extending 60 day Visa Exempt and transfer to 90 day O - how many steps?

[ronnie50]

I arrived recently (7 days ago) on a Visa Exempt basis. I plan to apply for a 90 day Non-Imm O visa and then a 1-year retirement extension. But I'm a bit confused about the procedure of applying/exchanging the current passsport (exempt) stamp to the 90 day O visa.

 

What is best practice? Is it best to go to CW Immigration ASAP and 'first' ask for a 30 day visa exempt extension? Then a couple of weeks later, do I go back and apply for the 90-day Non-Imm O visa, leave my passport with them, and wait 2 weeks for their consideration on the 90 day O visa? Does the 800k transfer need to have been in my Thai account for two months 'before' I apply for the change from visa exempt to 90 day O visa?

 

Then when I have that 90 day O visa is it then (and only then) that I can apply for retirement extension? Or are these too many steps and can it be done more expeditiously?

 

Sorry for the multiple Qs, I have RTFF but am still a bit confused. Thanks for patience and help.

 

 

[DrJack54]

This thread contains links to many threads outlining process.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1325266-change-from-visa-exempt-to-non-o/ 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1311886-visa-exempt-to-retirement-extension-process-and-cost/

[Upnotover]

You can go directly from your current entry to the 90 day non-O, no need for the extension.

You need the 800k in your bank the day you go for the non-O.  At CW it does not need to be there for any seasoning period.

You will get the visa and the 90 day stamp on the same day, (edit - actually that may not be correct!) they won't retain your passport.

After 60 days/2 months (minimum) you can go for the annual extension.

[ronnie50]

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

Which immigration office? 

 

This thread contains links to many threads outlining process.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1325266-change-from-visa-exempt-to-non-o/

Thanks for this - will have a closer look. I guess I was thinking the main Bangkok Immigration office (isn't it at Changwattana?)

[Upnotover]

.

[DrJack54]

1 minute ago, ronnie50 said:

I guess I was thinking the main Bangkok Immigration office (isn't it at Changwattana?

Yes CW building B.

Do you have a Thai bank account in your name only? 

[ronnie50]

Just now, DrJack54 said:

Yes CW building B.

Do you have a Thai bank account in your name only? 

Thanks yes I do. I worked here for many years prior to this, and had more than enough in the account already in my name only, but to be on the safe side, I transfered from overseas another 800k here 6 weeks ago (i read somewhere that they want to see the incoming foreign transaction, regardless of the amount currently in the account (which I had earmed from the previous years of employment - not sure if that's true, but didn't take any chances).

[ronnie50]

6 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

 

Ok thanks, this is very helpful. Do I need to take letters from the bank and all that when exchanging from visa exempt to 90 day O? or does all that formality happen 60 days later when applying for the retirement extension?

[DrJack54]

1 minute ago, ronnie50 said:

Thanks yes I do.

In that case easy for you.

You don't require extension to your visa exempt entry.

You have plenty of time to obtain the non O retirement.

upnotover post covers that. 

Read all the threads I posted earlier.

Has links for such things as making an appointment at CW etc.

You need to transfer 800k from abroad to your Thai bank.

Many guys use WISE. 

The 800k needs to be in bank on day of application.

You will be given a 90 day stamp.

In last 30 days apply for 12 months extension 

[Upnotover]

3 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Ok thanks, this is very helpful. Do I need to take letters from the bank and all that when exchanging from visa exempt to 90 day O? or does all that formality happen 60 days later when applying for the retirement extension?

I would do so (easy to obtain at CW for most banks) but for sure you'll need another one and a statement when you go for the extension.

[ronnie50]

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

 

Read all the threads I posted earlier.

Has links for such things as making an appointment at CW etc.

You need to transfer 800k from abroad to your Thai bank.

 

The 800k needs to be in bank on day of application.

You will be given a 90 day stamp.

In last 30 days apply for 12 months extension 

Ok thanks again. Do I need a letter from the bank about the transfer from abroad? My bank book (SCB) shows incoming transfer but it doesn't indicate from where... I will read through that link thanks for that and to upnotover

[DrJack54]

19 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Ok thanks again. Do I need a letter from the bank about the transfer from abroad? My bank book (SCB) shows incoming transfer but it doesn't indicate from where... I will read through that link thanks for that and to upnotover

That's not the "bank letter" 

To show transfer from abroad it's about bank codes.

If it shows as internal transfer then you need to obtain "credit advice" from your bank.

Bummer you have SCB. No branch at CW.

You can obtain bank letter proving ownership (should not be required) the day prior. 100b.

Unfortunately CW likes to see activity on day of application ( small deposit) 

How do you plan to transfer? 

 

Here is link for appointment.

You need to make hard copy. Screenshot doesn't cut it.

https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/onlineservice-and-publicguide/ 

 

If you opt for appointment (good idea) then open that link and chose first office CW.

Then go to Que Ticket and finally last option on list as per screenshot. 

[ronnie50]

4 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Unfortunately CW likes to see activity on day of application ( small deposit) 

How do you plan to transfer? 

I have already transferred the funds from abroad six weeks ago (a bit more than 800k after exchange). I used my own overseas bank and it was very efficient. Went into my branch overseas on a Friday to do the wire transfer and it was in my SCB account on the Monday. I know many use WISE, but my bank's rate was ok for that amount. I have the transfer form from my overseas account and it has all the details of the SCB account, branch, SWIFT code, etc. But I wonder if Immigration would even look at that.. My SCB bank book's code for the transaction is just X1 (transfer/deposit). 

[DrJack54]

25 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

My SCB bank book's code for the transaction is just X1 (transfer/deposit). 

That does not show international transfers.

Suggest you attend SCB branch and discuss.

It maybe as simple as credit advice from head office to your particular branch.

Immigration can be fussy. 

[ronnie50]

23 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

That does not show international transfers.

Suggest you attend SCB branch and discuss.

It maybe as simple as credit advice from head office to your particular branch.

Immigration can be fussy. 

Yes, I think that's the only choice (go to my branch and ask for a printout of the invoming wire and deposit amount). I'm still waiting for an updated TM30, so once I get that I'll go the bank branch and next day to Immigration (will make an appointment ahead of time) and make a small deposit on the day. Thanks again.

[CFCol]

On 11/30/2024 at 4:34 PM, DrJack54 said:

That does not show international transfers.

Suggest you attend SCB branch and discuss.

It maybe as simple as credit advice from head office to your particular branch.

Immigration can be fussy. 

Scb provide inward transfer papers for any foreign transfers. Just ask at your branch. Free and takes a couple of minutes.

[harryviking]

On 11/30/2024 at 3:20 PM, ronnie50 said:

I arrived recently (7 days ago) on a Visa Exempt basis. I plan to apply for a 90 day Non-Imm O visa and then a 1-year retirement extension. But I'm a bit confused about the procedure of applying/exchanging the current passsport (exempt) stamp to the 90 day O visa.

 

What is best practice? Is it best to go to CW Immigration ASAP and 'first' ask for a 30 day visa exempt extension? Then a couple of weeks later, do I go back and apply for the 90-day Non-Imm O visa, leave my passport with them, and wait 2 weeks for their consideration on the 90 day O visa? Does the 800k transfer need to have been in my Thai account for two months 'before' I apply for the change from visa exempt to 90 day O visa?

 

Then when I have that 90 day O visa is it then (and only then) that I can apply for retirement extension? Or are these too many steps and can it be done more expeditiously?

 

Sorry for the multiple Qs, I have RTFF but am still a bit confused. Thanks for patience and help.

 

 

I am about to do the same. The IO in Korat gave me the form to fill out and asked me to com around 20 days before end of my 60 days visa exemption.

I only need to get an pension income proof from my embassy in Bkk (You might be among those needing 800k in the bank), fill out the papers, have a rental contract, copy of green book and ID card from landlord, 2 pictures and payment for the non-immigrant-O. I think that was it. Had this visa for 10 years but lost it during the Covid <deleted>.

[DrJack54]

40 minutes ago, harryviking said:

The IO in Korat gave me the form to fill out and asked me to com around 20 days before end of my 60 days visa exemption.

I only need to get an pension income proof from my embassy in Bkk

Form would be TM87.

Yes having embassy "income letter" makes life easy.

Seems not option for the OP.

Perhaps he is UK, USA, or AU

[Jaggg88]

On 12/2/2024 at 8:57 AM, harryviking said:

copy of green book

I think you mean the blue house registration book

[harryviking]

2 hours ago, Jaggg88 said:

I think you mean the blue house registration book

Lol! Yeah...seems to be color blind at times...😆

[ronnie50]

On 12/2/2024 at 8:57 AM, harryviking said:

I am about to do the same. The IO in Korat gave me the form to fill out and asked me to com around 20 days before end of my 60 days visa exemption.

I only need to get an pension income proof from my embassy in Bkk (You might be among those needing 800k in the bank), fill out the papers, have a rental contract, copy of green book and ID card from landlord, 2 pictures and payment for the non-immigrant-O. I think that was it. Had this visa for 10 years but lost it during the Covid <deleted>.

 

Thanks for your reply. I have all of that and the 800k (a bit more actually) transferred here into my own account already. I wasn't aware that I would need to get proof-of-income letter from my embassy - I thought that was only if you are planning to apply for an extension on income (I guess that's what you mean? I shouldn't need one I hope). Also why is it necessary to go to the Immigration office and then come back 20 days before the 60 day exemption is up for the O permit?  Or do you mean after you've got the 90 day O permit you come back and apply for the extension 20 days before expiration? I have a lease agreement and a new TM30, that's enough isn't it? I don't need the owners Tabien Baan do I? I doubt the owner would give that to me. As DrJack suggested I now have the incoming wire transfer and currency information as a printed advice from my SCB bank. I hope that's enough? 

 

 

[ronnie50]

On 12/2/2024 at 7:42 AM, CFCol said:

Scb provide inward transfer papers for any foreign transfers. Just ask at your branch. Free and takes a couple of minutes.

Thanks, I did exactly that and it was fast and free. 

[ronnie50]

Also, if I may, can someone confirm that meeting all the criteria in this Imm Doc below is NOT required to simply change from visa exemption (60 days) to the 90 day O permit to stay? This document's criteria below are for the application for a retirement extension of the O visa (the later step), is that the correct understanding?

 

https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2022C1_09.pdf 

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, ronnie50 said:

Also, if I may, can someone confirm that meeting all the criteria in this Imm Doc below is NOT required to simply change from visa exemption (60 days) to the 90 day O permit to stay

The link you had attached is to obtain non O 

 

Here is thread with links to other threads to explain what's required

https://aseannow.com/topic/1331945-documents-for-changing-visa-exempt-to-non-immig-o-at-cw/

 

[ronnie50]

6 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

The link you had attached is to obtain non O 

 

Here is thread with links to other threads to explain what's required

https://aseannow.com/topic/1331945-documents-for-changing-visa-exempt-to-non-immig-o-at-cw/

 

Okay thanks for confirming. That's pretty depressing and almost unworkable. I also read the posts in the link above. I also have the same OP's question about how it could be possible to get 3 months of rental receipts when one has only been in the country for less than 60 days, when applying for a 90 day O permit. The thing about all these documents being dated the same day is a bit weird too.  Though I noticed in section 5 there were a couple of "or" this "or" that. Is the the third 'or' enough? And does it also need to be the same day as the immigration appointment (is that what you meant by 'bummer, CW doesn't have an SCB branch)?

[DrJack54]

20 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

And does it also need to be the same day as the immigration appointment (is that what you meant by 'bummer, CW doesn't have an SCB branch)?

Yes that's what I was referring to.

As for the bank account.

For the 12 month extension there is few things required:

1. "Bank Letter" This just confirms you are the account holder and balance at time of application.

2. "Bank Statement". For first extension bank statement most likely not required. Photocopies of bank book pages and first page showing account # and your name

3. Some offices require an update or deposit on day of application.

SCB do not have branch at CW. 

For points 1 and 2 that can be obtained up to week prior however most obtain bank letter and bank statement (if needed) day prior.

 

As for a lease...being your first application for non O and subsequent 12 month extension the immigration office should accept a TM30. 

Note: you must apply for first extension at immigration office you obtained the non O.

As for the financials (non O)  just have 800k in bank on day of application.

Needs to be transferred from abroad.

 

[harryviking]

15 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

 

Thanks for your reply. I have all of that and the 800k (a bit more actually) transferred here into my own account already. I wasn't aware that I would need to get proof-of-income letter from my embassy - I thought that was only if you are planning to apply for an extension on income (I guess that's what you mean? I shouldn't need one I hope). Also why is it necessary to go to the Immigration office and then come back 20 days before the 60 day exemption is up for the O permit?  Or do you mean after you've got the 90 day O permit you come back and apply for the extension 20 days before expiration? I have a lease agreement and a new TM30, that's enough isn't it? I don't need the owners Tabien Baan do I? I doubt the owner would give that to me. As DrJack suggested I now have the incoming wire transfer and currency information as a printed advice from my SCB bank. I hope that's enough? 

 

 

As I mentioned, only a few countries are left with the opportunity to show an income proof from their embassies. You are probably from a place where your embassies give you any. You have your 800K in the bank already, so no need for any income proof! You probably would not get one anyway. There used to be any more, but that has stopped. I asked the immigration about when I should meet up to apply for a non-immigrant-O visa and they told me 20 days before your 60 day visa exemption run out. I guess a lease contract will be good nut cannot answer if you need a copy of the blue book and a copy of the owners ID card. I think you should as a lease is like a rental contract. I would ask someone at the immigration office about details, just in case I am wrong about your case. There might be a few differences from one office to the next. Mine is Nakhon Ratchasima, Korat, and they are a pleasure to deal with. 

PS. The reason I was  at the immigration office was that I reported that I was back in the country at my adress. This should be done within 48 hrs of arrival. I used the opportunity to ask them them when to apply for a non-O, thats it. People that stay at hotels will automatically be reported arrived, so no problem. But as a private renter of house/apartment, you have to go and report yourself. Don't forget or you might get a fine. When it comes to you people that have to deposit 800K, I am not the right person to ask about just that. 

[DrJack54]

13 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

I also have the same OP's question about how it could be possible to get 3 months of rental receipts when one has only been in the country for less than 60 days, when applying for a 90 day O permit.......

Some chat about lease here.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1288518-rental-contract-as-proof-of-accomodation-for-retirement-visa/

[ronnie50]

On 11/30/2024 at 3:49 PM, DrJack54 said:

Here is link for appointment.

You need to make hard copy. Screenshot doesn't cut it.

https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/onlineservice-and-publicguide/ 

 

If you opt for appointment (good idea) then open that link and chose first office CW.

Then go to Que Ticket and finally last option on list as per screenshot. 

 

Thanks for guidance on this too. Unfortunately, CW is fully booked in December for this purpose (and it doesn't show January dates yet), so I will get a 30 day extention on my 60 day exemption stamp at IT Square location - and even at that place, with its limited services, only 2 days were available for a simple thing like tourist extension. I'll try to make a booking for the O permit at CW as soon as the January dates open up. I guess I have to keep checking it. Odd that they don't show January yet, isn't it?

[DrJack54]

24 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

I guess I have to keep checking it. Odd that they don't show January yet, isn't it?

Even though at CW you can apply for extension up to 45 days early, my experience is can only make booking up to 30 days in advance.

 

Yes appointments are also possible at LakSi.

Don't see why you need a 30 day extension. 

You have plenty of time to apply for the Non O.. Require 15+ days remaining on your stamp and 800k in bank 

 

Back to your appointment at CW it is possible to obtain extension at that office without appointment.

 

A plan that works (imo) is arrive little bit prior to 12pm  in order to grab a que ticket. The break is midday to 1pm.

Note to obtain que ticket the io may ask to see your filled in TM7

 

In that hour do any photocopying, picture etc banking (SCB has no branch at CW) . 

Photocopy and Banks located L1.

Immigration office L2

Enter immigration office (with your que ticket they let you in first) 

 

EDIT: Just realized you are using CW to obtain non O retirement from visa exempt entry NOT the 12 month extension.

 

Will leave what I wrote in this post as it's general info applies to both non O and extensions.

 

The form you will be doing is TM87