Non-imm 'o' Visa

[jackr]

Going for an O Visa next week and was looking to go to Penang as I've been there before and am familiar with the place. Just wondereding if there is a better option, as I'm way up in Chiang Mai. I've heard Yangon is a bit awkward, what about Vientiane?

cheers

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Going for an O Visa next week and was looking to go to Penang as I've been there before and am familiar with the place. Just wondereding if there is a better option, as I'm way up in Chiang Mai. I've heard Yangon is a bit awkward, what about Vientiane?

cheers

What are your grounds for application of an O visa ... retirement or being married to a Thai ?

[sua yai]

You know, I've been through this site for ages and have never got any closer to what an "O" visa means.

Thought mine was "TR" for tourist, obtained in the UK last year, but have looked and there's no mention of "TR".

I always thought that there was a specific category of Non O for those who were wanting to stay as a tourist (visit family and friends on the application form from Hull) for an extended period of time - as long as you could prove financial means.

I'll take my chances in Penang, with my g/f guaranteeing me financially and if that dosn't work, simply go back to the UK for Xmas and get another without any hassle.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

You know, I've been through this site for ages and have never got any closer to what an "O" visa means.

Thought mine was "TR" for tourist, obtained in the UK last year, but have looked and there's no mention of "TR".

I always thought that there was a specific category of Non O for those who were wanting to stay as a tourist (visit family and friends on the application form from Hull) for an extended period of time - as long as you could prove financial means.

I'll take my chances in Penang, with my g/f guaranteeing me financially and if that dosn't work, simply go back to the UK for Xmas and get another without any hassle.

Hull is your only chance. On the grounds that you stated you won't convince a Thai Embassy or Consulate in the Asian region to issue you with a Non Immigrant 'O ' class visa.

[sua yai]

That's a shame, but I don't doubt your judgement.

For the first time in 6.5 yrs, I'll have to return home specifically to get a decent visa.

Loads of Xmas presents?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

You know, I've been through this site for ages and have never got any closer to what an "O" visa means.

Thought mine was "TR" for tourist, obtained in the UK last year, but have looked and there's no mention of "TR".

I always thought that there was a specific category of Non O for those who were wanting to stay as a tourist (visit family and friends on the application form from Hull) for an extended period of time - as long as you could prove financial means.

I'll take my chances in Penang, with my g/f guaranteeing me financially and if that dosn't work, simply go back to the UK for Xmas and get another without any hassle.

Hull is your only chance. On the grounds that you stated you won't convince a Thai Embassy or Consulate in the Asian region to issue you with a Non Immigrant 'O ' class visa.

Australia is nearer ( and no presents )

[sua yai]

Yup, Dr Pat, read the posts on Aus.

So, no Xmas presents and decent weather. Are England touring at cricket this year?

Still, a shame not to be allowed a visa, under current circumstances, after 6.5 years here.

Ho, Ho Merry Christmas?

[thaiflyer1]

You know, I've been through this site for ages and have never got any closer to what an "O" visa means.

Thought mine was "TR" for tourist, obtained in the UK last year, but have looked and there's no mention of "TR".

3. NON-IMMIGRANT VISA

1. REQUIREMENT

This type of visa is designed for applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes.

- to perform official duties (Category "F")

- to conduct business / to work (Category "B")

- to invest with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries and Government Departments concerned (Category "IM")

- to invest or perform other activities relating to investment, subject to the provision of the established laws on investment promotion (Category "IB")

- to study, to come on a work study tour or observation tour , to participate in projects or seminars , to attend a conference or training course , to study as a foreign Buddhist monk (Category "ED")

- to work as a film-producer, journalist or reporter (Category "M")

- to perform missionary work or other religious activities with the concurrence of the Thai Ministries or Government Departments concerned (Category "R")

- to conduct scientific research or training or teaching in a research institute (Category "RS")

- to undertake skilled work or to work as an expert or specialist (Category "EX")

- other activities (Category "O")

Hope this answers your question as to what an "0" is. Also if you have a Tourist visa at present the TR should be under "class" on the visa if issued by London or "category" if issued by Liverpool, Hull etc.

[sua yai]

Thaiflyer1, thanks for that.

Where I've been confused is over the category. Mine is "O" - other activities. It is a multiple entry non o and I've been operating on it for the past 13 mths, with 2 to go until Dec 19.

However, I'm still bemused as to what "other activities" means. Could cover a range of activities. And I'm not being flippant.

[thaiflyer1]

Thaiflyer1, thanks for that.

Where I've been confused is over the category. Mine is "O" - other activities. It is a multiple entry non o and I've been operating on it for the past 13 mths, with 2 to go until Dec 19.

However, I'm still bemused as to what "other activities" means. Could cover a range of activities. And I'm not being flippant.

I/m guessing you got yours from Hull on grounds of visiting family and friends right? In which case as already has been said its a trip back to the UK or Oz for you .

[sua yai]

thaiflyer - correct.

Oh well, might be good to see family and friends again!!

[jackr]

Going for an O Visa next week and was looking to go to Penang as I've been there before and am familiar with the place. Just wondereding if there is a better option, as I'm way up in Chiang Mai. I've heard Yangon is a bit awkward, what about Vientiane?

cheers

What are your grounds for application of an O visa ... retirement or being married to a Thai ?

...back to the issue at hand then. Yeah, sorry Doc; marriage to a Thai is the grounds for the visa. So what d'you reckon, Penang the best bet or somewhere nearer?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Going for an O Visa next week and was looking to go to Penang as I've been there before and am familiar with the place. Just wondereding if there is a better option, as I'm way up in Chiang Mai. I've heard Yangon is a bit awkward, what about Vientiane?

cheers

What are your grounds for application of an O visa ... retirement or being married to a Thai ?

...back to the issue at hand then. Yeah, sorry Doc; marriage to a Thai is the grounds for the visa. So what d'you reckon, Penang the best bet or somewhere nearer?

Penang if you are trying for a multiple. The Consulates are all unpredictable these days. I guess you know what to take with you to apply.

[jackr]

Going for an O Visa next week and was looking to go to Penang as I've been there before and am familiar with the place. Just wondereding if there is a better option, as I'm way up in Chiang Mai. I've heard Yangon is a bit awkward, what about Vientiane?

cheers

What are your grounds for application of an O visa ... retirement or being married to a Thai ?

...back to the issue at hand then. Yeah, sorry Doc; marriage to a Thai is the grounds for the visa. So what d'you reckon, Penang the best bet or somewhere nearer?

Penang if you are trying for a multiple. The Consulates are all unpredictable these days. I guess you know what to take with you to apply.

Passport, marriage cert, tabien baan, copy of her id card, some dosh and a bit of patience.

Is Penang still dishing out 12-month multiples, then? May just go for the three months and then do the extension of stay. Save going to Mae Sai every 3 months.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Going for an O Visa next week and was looking to go to Penang as I've been there before and am familiar with the place. Just wondereding if there is a better option, as I'm way up in Chiang Mai. I've heard Yangon is a bit awkward, what about Vientiane?

cheers

What are your grounds for application of an O visa ... retirement or being married to a Thai ?

...back to the issue at hand then. Yeah, sorry Doc; marriage to a Thai is the grounds for the visa. So what d'you reckon, Penang the best bet or somewhere nearer?

Penang if you are trying for a multiple. The Consulates are all unpredictable these days. I guess you know what to take with you to apply.

Passport, marriage cert, tabien baan, copy of her id card, some dosh and a bit of patience.

Is Penang still dishing out 12-month multiples, then? May just go for the three months and then do the extension of stay. Save going to Mae Sai every 3 months.

"Dishing out" isn't a term I'd use. Presuming you have had a multi before, it'll be hard for you to get another, because they will ( probably correctly ) see that you are trying for another to avoid the fiscal responsibilities associated with an extension.

[jackr]

Going for an O Visa next week and was looking to go to Penang as I've been there before and am familiar with the place. Just wondereding if there is a better option, as I'm way up in Chiang Mai. I've heard Yangon is a bit awkward, what about Vientiane?

cheers

What are your grounds for application of an O visa ... retirement or being married to a Thai ?

...back to the issue at hand then. Yeah, sorry Doc; marriage to a Thai is the grounds for the visa. So what d'you reckon, Penang the best bet or somewhere nearer?

Penang if you are trying for a multiple. The Consulates are all unpredictable these days. I guess you know what to take with you to apply.

Passport, marriage cert, tabien baan, copy of her id card, some dosh and a bit of patience.

Is Penang still dishing out 12-month multiples, then? May just go for the three months and then do the extension of stay. Save going to Mae Sai every 3 months.

"Dishing out" isn't a term I'd use. Presuming you have had a multi before, it'll be hard for you to get another, because they will ( probably correctly ) see that you are trying for another to avoid the fiscal responsibilities associated with an extension.

No, never had a multi before, or any visa other than a tourist one, for that matter.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Give it a go there. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but Penang is probably more liberal than other regional posts.

[jackr]

Cheers.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Cheers.

Chok dee na

[nokmdk]

First off i realize its here some where on the threads but for the life of me i cant find it so sorry for posting wrongly. i now have my type O visa got it from loas. my questions aer these.

1. i have the required 400000 baht in my thai bank right now. does this money have to have come from out of the country as some say yes and some say no. my wife called the immagration here and they told her its ok didnt need to be transfered from another country. is this really true?

2. do i have to spend this money in a year like ive heard or is this a false report as i think thats alot to spend here even for the rich thais.

3. has anyone gone through all this that can offer me advice on whats going to happen when i apply again in bkk for the renewal part. 1 month.

thanks for the replys and understanding.

[lopburi3]

First off i realize its here some where on the threads but for the life of me i cant find it so sorry for posting wrongly. i now have my type O visa got it from loas. my questions aer these.

1. i have the required 400000 baht in my thai bank right now. does this money have to have come from out of the country as some say yes and some say no. my wife called the immagration here and they told her its ok didnt need to be transfered from another country. is this really true?

2. do i have to spend this money in a year like ive heard or is this a false report as i think thats alot to spend here even for the rich thais.

3. has anyone gone through all this that can offer me advice on whats going to happen when i apply again in bkk for the renewal part. 1 month.

thanks for the replys and understanding.

1. If you have legal employment here you can of course use local money. If not immigration will have to decide - If they told your wife it was ok I would proceed on that basis (knowing first extension can sometimes be without funds if you have work prospects).

2. Use what you need and keep account active is the best advise. They are not going to check that the full 400k is spent (at least it is not likely).

3. Not sure what you mean by renewal. Believe you have 90 day stay now and when down to 30 days or less you apply for extension of stay.

You go to immigration with wife and fill out TM.7 extension and attach current 4x6cm photo to apply for stay to support Thai wife at front area and pay 1,900 baht.

Then you and she proceed to room at rear for interview with her id card/home register, photos together, bank book and letter within the week from bank showing account balance, passport, work permit/income source information or degree/work ability proof if not yet employed. Copies of everything will be required and have to be signed. She will answer most of the questions and you both sign bio data form and you receive an under review stamp for about 40-45 days. After that time you return and probably receive full extension stamp.

Remember you have to report address after 90 days without leaving Thailand and obtain re-entry permit to keep your visa/extension of stay active prior any travel outside of Thailand.

Whole process should be about an hour or so and copies can be made at immigration, across the street or yourself. Use only one side of copy paper.

[jackr]

Just a thought, do I need my birth certificate as well when applying for the 90-day, non-imm 'O'? If so, would the shortened version be ok as opposed to the long form b cert?

cheers

[lopburi3]

Just a thought, do I need my birth certificate as well when applying for the 90-day, non-imm 'O'? If so, would the shortened version be ok as opposed to the long form b cert?

cheers

You should not need a birth certificate for a marriage based O visa.

[nokmdk]

ok just came back from there. for anyones info.

you do not have to have the 400000 sent from another country. it can be here in bkk as long as you get a letter from bank saying its your cash. no you do not need birth cirt only ya wife does. ya also need that little letter from your emb saying you were single before you get married. if ya cant find ya have to go to the ministry place where you got married at. no the money does not have to be all spent within the year but it is smart they said to use that account alot to show means of support. (go figure) thanks alotlopburi3 for all your help and suggestions. now that ive been there and talked to probably the only english speaking person there (director) its alot clearer and easier.

[lopburi3]

ok just came back from there. for anyones info.

you do not have to have the 400000 sent from another country. it can be here in bkk as long as you get a letter from bank saying its your cash. no you do not need birth cirt only ya wife does. ya also need that little letter from your emb saying you were single before you get married. if ya cant find ya have to go to the ministry place where you got married at. no the money does not have to be all spent within the year but it is smart they said to use that account alot to show means of support. (go figure) thanks alotlopburi3 for all your help and suggestions. now that ive been there and talked to probably the only english speaking person there (director) its alot clearer and easier.

Glad everything worked out. Would like to clarify a couple of points if you can:

1. "no you do not need birth cirt only ya wife does". Are you sure this is not the home register rather than a birth certificate? Birth certificate has never been required that I know about.

2. "ya also need that little letter from your emb saying you were single before you get married". This is second post that I recall mentioning this but it was never required in the past so am not sure if everyone is now asking for it or not - only made one copy when I did it and that stayed with District Office. Marriage Certificate was only thing required by immigration previously.

3. This was done at Suan Plau in Bangkok?

Thanks for posting your feedback.

[Noodles]

Going for an O Visa next week and was looking to go to Penang as I've been there before and am familiar with the place. Just wondereding if there is a better option, as I'm way up in Chiang Mai. I've heard Yangon is a bit awkward, what about Vientiane?

cheers

What are your grounds for application of an O visa ... retirement or being married to a Thai ?

...back to the issue at hand then. Yeah, sorry Doc; marriage to a Thai is the grounds for the visa. So what d'you reckon, Penang the best bet or somewhere nearer?

Penang if you are trying for a multiple. The Consulates are all unpredictable these days. I guess you know what to take with you to apply.

Passport, marriage cert, tabien baan, copy of her id card, some dosh and a bit of patience.

Is Penang still dishing out 12-month multiples, then? May just go for the three months and then do the extension of stay. Save going to Mae Sai every 3 months.

Hello all

I've been married to my thai wife for about 5 months now and

have a little one on the way, due in march.

I have been using multiple tourist visa's and my current tourist visa

will finish december time.

I want to apply for an O type visa. If I went to Penang, i think I would

be issued with a 3 month O type, but it's the extension I don't think I stand a chance with.

I'm 29, so is she, and we run a small bar here, motorbikes etc, but do not

have sufficient funds that are required, or money coming in monthly from abroad.

Are there any options for me??

Thanks

[lopburi3]

Hello all

I've been married to my thai wife for about 5 months now and

have a little one on the way, due in march.

I have been using multiple tourist visa's and my current tourist visa

will finish december time.

I want to apply for an O type visa. If I went to Penang, i think I would

be issued with a 3 month O type, but it's the extension I don't think I stand a chance with.

I'm 29, so is she, and we run a small bar here, motorbikes etc, but do not

have sufficient funds that are required, or money coming in monthly from abroad.

Are there any options for me??

Thanks

1. Return to your home country and work to support your wife.

2. Find legal employment here in Thailand and work to support your wife.

a. Employee working for others if qualified.

b. Running your own business if you can find the funds.

3. Find legal employment in a country other than your home or Thailand and support your wife.

In one through three your wife could be with you or stay in Thailand and you visit. Probably not the options you want but for long term they should be checked as at present you probably do not have a very bright future. You seem to be working without a work permit and not eligible for any visa extension of stay or even long term visa. You have your whole life ahead of you so urge you to do what is best for your family. That may not be what I would do but it is your call; even if you decide to continue on your present course. But without degree or specialized qualifications there is little chance for employment and if you can not afford to set up a legal business it will be a hard road. Right now non immigrant visa (multi entry if you can) is your best bet. But the only sure place to obtain may cost too much. If you have to keep using tourist and visa free entry I would make sure I carry copy of marriage certificate, any bank book, and travel with the wife. Most Thai will try to help you if you do not get yourself into 'bar trouble'; but you are not in a good position.

[thaiflyer1]

Lopburi seems to have all the points covered, as he says you have your whole life ahead of you, make some good foundations now.

[jackr]

ok just came back from there. for anyones info.

you do not have to have the 400000 sent from another country. it can be here in bkk as long as you get a letter from bank saying its your cash. no you do not need birth cirt only ya wife does. ya also need that little letter from your emb saying you were single before you get married. if ya cant find ya have to go to the ministry place where you got married at. no the money does not have to be all spent within the year but it is smart they said to use that account alot to show means of support. (go figure) thanks alotlopburi3 for all your help and suggestions. now that ive been there and talked to probably the only english speaking person there (director) its alot clearer and easier.

Are we talking about the acquiring of the non-imm 'O' visa here or the one year extension of stay? I was under the impression you didn't need to show any money when applying for the 'O' visa?