Tourist To Non-imm Visa (help Please)

[Mikey5311]

With so much information on this site, I hope someone could give me a tip or 2. I'm coming from the USA. Ultimately I'm hoping to secure a retirement visa which I'll be eligible for when I turn 50 in February. I meet the income requirements, etc.

But, I will be leaving for Thailand about Mid November (3 months before 50 y.o).

Can I get a tourist visa now, extend, or if need be, do a few visa flights (30 day types) until I'm 50, and then apply while in Thailand (Chiang Mai). I understand I need at least 21 days available after my app is submitted.

Or might it be just as easy to arrive in Chiang Mai (visa exempt) and enroll in Thai language course and apply for Non Imm based on education, and then when I turn 50 apply for extension based on retirement?

I hope I haven't complicated my question. Thanks to all my friends here at Thaivisa!

Sincerely,

mike

[lopburi3]

You need a visa prior to leaving the US as you do not have onward ticket within 30 days. So yes, get a free tourist visa and extend 30 days until age 50 and then either convert in Thailand or obtain a single entry non immigrant O visa at a nearby Consulate.

Be sure to make arrangements with your bank for wire transfers agreement before you leave as that normally requires paperwork be signed in person at bank.

[Mikey5311]

You need a visa prior to leaving the US as you do not have onward ticket within 30 days. So yes, get a free tourist visa and extend 30 days until age 50 and then either convert in Thailand or obtain a single entry non immigrant O visa at a nearby Consulate.

Be sure to make arrangements with your bank for wire transfers agreement before you leave as that normally requires paperwork be signed in person at bank.

Thanks. Your answer was simpler than my question (good thing) Lastly, do I have to leave the country to change visa types? ie: if Im on a tourist visa, then turn 50, can i change this in country (Chiang Mai).

Mike

[keeniau96]

Are you sure you want to retire in Thailand? there are many hassles here re immigration and land ownership. Many good points but lots of rocks and shoals under the surface. Immigration rules a major hassles, particularly when compared to Malaysia right next door. Come down, look around, talk to the long-time residents here. And check out the alternatives.

[Lite Beer]

Thanks. Your answer was simpler than my question (good thing) Lastly, do I have to leave the country to change visa types? ie: if Im on a tourist visa, then turn 50, can i change this in country (Chiang Mai).

Mike

If you are on a Tourist Visa you can apply for a change of Visa to a Non Imm visa. If you have at least 21 days left on your stay and you qualify for the retirement extension. fee 2,000 Baht. With the Non Imm Visa you can apply for the 12 month extension for retirement with around 30 days left on your stay. Fee 1,900 Baht

Chiang Mai will not convert to a Non Imm Visa. This will have to be done in Bangkok.

Probably easier to leave the country and get a single entry Non Imm O Visa from Vientienne Laos.

[RubbaJohnny]

Agre with keenie

If youhave enough to retire rent look round you can also buy a single from US will get 30 days on arrival

Also prebook a very cheap Air Asia tickket to an adjacent country within the time in case Airline in US asks for onward ticket

If you stick 800k in aThai bank in your name (easyily done in 20 mins you can transfer from home at SCbank using an ATM card)

This despite its name retirement is really only a 12 month visa with no need to leave apply 21 days before end of visa

So if arrive say Jan 1st get 30 day visa exempt

Jan 30 fly to malaysia

return end Febby air 30

Apply for Non imm retirement

Nobody can tell what the rukes and fees will be in the future so keep watching this site

You do not need any agents pm if youd like any more details based on experience

Good luck