Non-immigrant 'o' Process At Thai Immigration

[universe2000]

I wanted to verify the following procedure to obtain a non-immigrant 'O' visa at the Thai Immigration office.

This is for a change from a tourist visa to a non-immigrant 'O' visa through marriage in Thailand. This will occur 21 days before my tourist visa expires.

1) Submit form TM.86 (Application for Visa Status Alteration) and TM.87 (Application for Visa).

- I assume the MS word version on the immigration website is ok to use and submit.

2) Submit copy of passport entries.

- I assume this is the front page, the current visa, and the entry date stamp.

3) Submit 4 x 6 cm photograph, application fee of 2,000 baht, Kor Ror 2 (marriage certificate), Kor Ror 3 (Registration Papers), affidavit from Embassy certifying I am single, copy of ID card and house registration of Thai national, wedding photos.

4) I meet with an immigration officer that day to receive a date for the approval hearing.

- Does this mean I have to come back again or is this a special situation where it is done that day.

5) After final approval, I will receive a 90 day, non-immigrant 'O' visa.

- I am not sure if the visa is provided that day, or I have to come back.

6) Since this process is not related to the extension of the non-immigrant 'O', there is no need to show the 40k monthly income, or the 400k deposit in the bank. That is needed when I return to apply for the one year extension.

Thanks for your comments.

[Mario2008]

Do it as soon as possible and with at least 21 days left.

2. Better make copies of all your (thai) visa stamps

3. no need for embassy document

4. You have to come back later.

6. Believe you will have to qualify for the one year extension right away, so better get the 40 K income or 400,000 proof with you. (Not sure on this)

[Lite Beer]

6) Since this process is not related to the extension of the non-immigrant 'O', there is no need to show the 40k monthly income, or the 400k deposit in the bank. That is needed when I return to apply for the one year extension.

.

You need to fulfill the requirements for the 12 month extension to change to a Non O Visa as it is all part of the same process.

So yes you will need income/cash proof.

[universe2000]

Good thing I asked the question. I assumed that a 90 day non-O is provided, and this is followed up with a one year non-O. So that means I need to have 400k in the bank 60 days before I apply to change my tourist visa to a non-O.

My current 60 day visa stamp shows 'admitted until 13 Feb 2009'. I can get 30 additional days at the immigration. I think I am a few days short if I bring my balance up to 400k today.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

[ubonjoe]

The will give you a visa that will give you the additional time needed for your deposit to be in the bank.

[universe2000]

Thanks for the comments.

The last one mentioned additional time. So if I go to immigration with at least 21 days left on my visa and I have deposited 400k in the bank 50 days beforehand, they will consider my one year extension request at a later date (possibly 10 days later?).

[Lite Beer]

Thanks for the comments.

The last one mentioned additional time. So if I go to immigration with at least 21 days left on my visa and I have deposited 400k in the bank 50 days beforehand, they will consider my one year extension request at a later date (possibly 10 days later?).

You will probably have to apply for the 12 month extension within the last 30 days of the Non Imm O Visa.

There has been the odd report of a kindly Immigration Officer processing the two at the same time.

[JimGant]

Good thing I asked the question. I assumed that a 90 day non-O is provided, and this is followed up with a one year non-O. So that means I need to have 400k in the bank 60 days before I apply to change my tourist visa to a non-O.

No, the deposit time requirement is waived -- but not the 400k in the bank -- in order to convert a tourist visa to a Non Imm O visa for the purposes of extension based on marriage. You will then have, in addition to a Non Imm O visa, a new 90-day permitted to stay stamp, during the last 30 days of which you'll return to Immigration to apply for your one-year extension. By then, of course, your 400k will have aged the requisite amount of time to qualify for extension.

If your 400k had already sufficiently aged when you submitted your TM86 for conversion to a Non Imm O visa, you just might have gotten your one year extension the same day. This, at least, has happened at Pattaya -- I'm not sure about elsewhere.

I have deposited 400k in the bank 50 days beforehand, they will consider my one year extension request at a later date (possibly 10 days later?).

As Lite Beer says, -- maybe, depending on the agent. --

1) Submit form TM.86 (Application for Visa Status Alteration) and TM.87 (Application for Visa).

Just the TM.86. The TM.87 would be submitted *if* you were converting from a visa exempt entry stamp to a Non Imm O visa.

[universe2000]

I guess I will find out next month when I convert my tourist visa to a non-immigrant O. I already have the 400k in the bank.

I read on another post that I need some letter from the bank that shows when I deposited the amount. I have an account in Bangkok, but will visit the immigration office in Pattaya. Is the bank in Pattaya (Kasikorn) able to write a letter or do I need to request it from my branch in Bangkok?

[Lite Beer]

I guess I will find out next month when I convert my tourist visa to a non-immigrant O. I already have the 400k in the bank.

I read on another post that I need some letter from the bank that shows when I deposited the amount. I have an account in Bangkok, but will visit the immigration office in Pattaya. Is the bank in Pattaya (Kasikorn) able to write a letter or do I need to request it from my branch in Bangkok?

You need to get a certificate from your bank stating your balance . This has to be within a day or 2 of your application . You also need an up to date bank book showing the same balance.

You will probably have to get this from your branch . Although there has been the odd report of being to get from another branch.

[universe2000]

Seems strange I would have to get it from my original branch in Bangkok if I am living in Pattaya. Do you think there is a way of having the branch manager fax the information or does it have to be an original signed document? I'll stop by the local branch here and see if branch has any idea about this new requirement.

Thanks.

[ubonjoe]

Seems strange I would have to get it from my original branch in Bangkok if I am living in Pattaya. Do you think there is a way of having the branch manager fax the information or does it have to be an original signed document? I'll stop by the local branch here and see if branch has any idea about this new requirement.

Thanks.

It is the policy of some banks (not immigration) that the letter can only be issued at the the branch where the account was opened (it's the same to get a new bank book or ATM card).

It has to be the original.

[universe2000]

I copied the list below from the Thai Immigration website. This is to change my visa status to Non-O. I couldn't find information on the website for extending my visa but I have a question about that also.

1) Copy of I.D. card and house registration papers of the Thai national.

If my wife and I are renting a condo, do I need to submit the house registration papers (she owns a house in Bangkok)?

2) When I apply for the one year extension, do I need to show photos of the house, or the condo we are renting?

Thanks

================================

To change visa to non-immigrant-O

Application for Visa Status Alteration. (TM.86)

Application for visa. (TM.87)

Copy of passport entries.

4 X 6 cm. Photograph.

Application fee of 2,000 baht.

In case of, marriage registered in Thailand

- Copy of marriage Certificate(Kor Ror.2)

- Copy of marriage Registeration Papers (Kor Ror.3)

A copy of the letter form The Embassy or Consulate certify in that the applicant is single.

Copy of I.D. card and house registration papers of the Thai national.

Birth Certificate or medical letter certifying pregnancy, or pregnancy report booklet.(Showing parents๏ฟฝ name)

Wedding ceremony picture.(if any)

[ubonjoe]

1. House registration papers is her house book (blue book). You have to show it.

2. Yes photos of you and her in and around the house.

There are a some of things on the change visa list you will not need.

Go back to the immigration website and click visa extension and then click to support a wife who is Thai citizen or who is a permanent resident (non-Thai husband) (it's the 3rd one down).

[MJo]

Seems strange I would have to get it from my original branch in Bangkok if I am living in Pattaya. Do you think there is a way of having the branch manager fax the information or does it have to be an original signed document? I'll stop by the local branch here and see if branch has any idea about this new requirement.

Thanks.

It is the policy of some banks (not immigration) that the letter can only be issued at the the branch where the account was opened (it's the same to get a new bank book or ATM card).

It has to be the original.

No problems getting new bank book or ATM cards in different K-Bank branch in Bangkok. Have done it couple of times. Also applied for internet banking etc in different branch without any problems. Should also work for simple letter stating date of deposit.

[universe2000]

A few updates:

1) I stopped by Kasikorn and they said I can get the letter for immigration from that branch even though my account is in Bangkok. This puts Kasikorn at the top of my list as one of the best banks in Thailand. The staff is friendly and their online service is very good. The manager also mentioned that I could invest my money in a mutual fund (money market type) and get better interest than just the savings account.

2) I went to the immigration website and put the information below. The 'for supporting Thai wife' category doesn't mention about the 400,000 option. Maybe the website is not updated yet?

3) I thought I read on another post about pictures of the place we are living at now (which is a rented condo in Pattaya) rather than around her house in Bangkok. Do I need both?

3) One more question. Is there an immigration office in both Pattaya and Jomtien? A map I have shows an immigration office in Pattaya around Soi 7. If so, which immigration office is recommended for handling a change in visa.

===========================================

List of documents for extension Thai spouse visa

Application form T.M. 7 with one photograph size 4x6 cm. and Visa Fee 1900.-Baht

Copy of passport ( with certified true copy )

Required documentation for applying visa in case of

For supporting Thai wife

Marriage Certificate

Child's birth certificate (if any)

Wife’s house registration

Wife’s identity card

Incase of Working

A copy of work permit or receiving work permit form ( WP.2 )

The letter from the applicant’s company to certify salary that the applicant receives not less than 40,000 baht per month (identifier position and salary) or husband or wife working has Income including at least 40,000 baht/month

Personal Corporation income Tax (PND.1) in latest 3 months and personal income tax for previous year with receipt

Recording interviewing the husband and wife for confirming status of husband and wife

House’s map

Other such as Registration Company

Picture of house and family

To be supported from Thai husband

Marriage certificate

Child’s Birth certificate

Husband’s house registration

Husband’s identity card

Recording interviewing the husband and wife for confirming status of husband and wife

House’s map, picture of House’s and family

[ubonjoe]

There is no office in Pattaya it closed when they moved to Jomtien.

You need photos at the condo because that is the address you will be using when you apply for the extension. That also is where they might show up for a visit.

Website is out of date.

Certified copy of passport means your signature on it. In fact all copies will have to signed. Yours by you and your wifes by her.

You will need copies of your passport photo page, visa, entry/permit to stay stamp, and TM6 (deoarture card).

Also be sure you do a two sided copy of your marriage certificate (stamp on back). And all pages of your wifes house book that has anything printed on it.

[jamesjdaly]

Do they always turn up at your house, or is it just sometimes? Also, I would assume if they do turn up, it will be between the date of extension application and the 30th day after application.

[ubonjoe]

Not always. I think it depends on where you are living.

I have heard of them having the local pokice do the check instead of immigration.

I think it would be in the first 2 or 3 weeks of the 30 day wait.

[universe2000]

Thanks for the information, ubonjoe. I think immigration is really interested in where I am living at now, not in a couple of years. That is why the condo photos are more pertinent.

I have a few steps still to take. I need to convert my visa to a non-immigrant O which will provide 90 days. I can than apply for the 1 year extension which has the 30 day waiting period, as mentioned. LiteBeer mentioned that these processes are done at the same time, though I would think that they just need the paperwork for converting to a non-immigrant O first. I will bring all the paperwork just in case.

[venturalaw]

I just went to renew - extend (whatever) my non-immigrant 'O' for the first time today. They did not ask for any more information than I provided - 2 copies of everything (passport, wife's ID, house book. bank account under my name alone with 400,000 + in it for the past 2+ months, statement from the bank, 3 pics, marriage certificate and child's birth certificate). But they did not extend/renew 1 year - instead, they extended the visa one month from the expiration date, and said for me to come back. Is this the norm?

[Lite Beer]

I just went to renew - extend (whatever) my non-immigrant 'O' for the first time today. They did not ask for any more information than I provided - 2 copies of everything (passport, wife's ID, house book. bank account under my name alone with 400,000 + in it for the past 2+ months, statement from the bank, 3 pics, marriage certificate and child's birth certificate). But they did not extend/renew 1 year - instead, they extended the visa one month from the expiration date, and said for me to come back. Is this the norm?

Yes perfectly normal. It used to take a lot longer before they speeded it up.

[jamesjdaly]

Did you say they want 2 (two) photocopies of everything?

[ubonjoe]

For an extension based upon marriage some immigration offices want 2 of everything including the TM7. They do this because the application has to be sent to the next level up and they keep the extra copies in case it gets lost.

Also it is not an extension they give it is a period of limbo while they consider your application. So once your current permit to stay expires you would not be able to leave the county and not loose your extension application (no re-entry permit).

[venturalaw]

For an extension based upon marriage some immigration offices want 2 of everything including the TM7. They do this because the application has to be sent to the next level up and they keep the extra copies in case it gets lost.

Also it is not an extension they give it is a period of limbo while they consider your application. So once your current permit to stay expires you would not be able to leave the county and not loose your extension application (no re-entry permit).

Good to have this explanation. I was not aware of why they wanted 2 copies of everything - just knew that they did. I forgot to mention I included a map from the immigration office to my home (2 copies) which were tossed into the trash by the officer after she looked at them.

[kriswillems]

The officer said that starting from this year no photos of the house and family were necessary and she returned them to me. I am under consideration now. I should get my extension in the middle of February.

[ubonjoe]

The officer said that starting from this year no photos of the house and family were necessary and she returned them to me. I am under consideration now. I should get my extension in the middle of February.

If it was not your first application I can understand that. If not maybe the have changed the requirements at your immigration office and it may not hold true at all of them.

My immigration office does not want pictures. Instead they have you get a letter from your local police.

[jamesjdaly]

I haven't even applied yet and I'm getting fuc_king sick, sore and tired of the whole thing!! They want this, that, and then thrown in the bin.

[ubonjoe]

I haven't even applied yet and I'm getting fuc_king sick, sore and tired of the whole thing!! They want this, that, and then thrown in the bin.

Thats the way it goes. But when it comes the day for the extension I don't think you will have a problem.

My extension was very easy (no pictures or map). Copies I was short of were quickly made by the immigration officer. While I was filling out the 2 TM 7's my wife and the officer were having a nice chat while he did the interview paper on the computer. The only question he asked me was my parents names (??). Then just sign the inerview paper and get my passport back with the 30 day stamp. And a sealed envelope to take to the local police to get the letter from them and take back.

Different offices different procedures.

Bangkok immigration seems pretty straight forward and they only want what has been suggested many times here.

[jamesjdaly]

Thanks for the calming words, Joe. It's just soooooo frustrating at times the bureaucracy here!!