Converting Tourist Visa To Non-O

[lberk]

Went to Vientiane this past week to get a Non-Imm. O, but guess I didn't understand the process. Came away with a 60 day tourist visa, single entry and re-entered Thailand on 9 Apr, 2011

I am:

1. An American
2. Over 50 years in age
3. Have monthly income in excess of 65K Baht
4. Have set up a bank account at Kasikorn Bank in Nakorn Ratchasima (three weeks ago) (BTW - they were very accommodating, no questions and no hassle)
5. Have been funding it with tranches in excess of the 65K Baht per month requirement via wire transfers from the US.
6. Will go to the US Embassy and get the "letter" stating monthly income in excess of 65K Baht per month next week, after Songkran
7. I currently reside in Khorat and have dealt with the Immigration Officials at Nakorn Ratchasima (7 day extension on prior 30 day non-visa tourist stay)

Can someone please advise as to what next steps should be, when they should be initiated, what paperwork will be required, and where I should go to convert the Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant O. Once this is received I plan to apply for the Retirement Visa Extension of Stay. Will it be possible to apply for the O type visa and receive the Retirement Extension concurrently?

Appreciate the input.

Regards,

lberk

[JimGant]

Based on generic inputs (someone who's done this at Korat can better talk to their idiosyncrasies...)

Form TM86 "Application for Change of Visa," plus 2000 baht, plus your Embassy income letter, plus two photos, passport, copies of personal data passport pages, copies of tourist visa and entry stamp, copies of entry card.

Immigration will issue a Non Imm visa, effective from date of application, with an accompanying 90-day permission of stay. Probably you'll have to come back during the last 30 days of that permission to obtain your retirement extension.

However, some Immigration offices, since you already qualify with the income letter, will do the conversion *and* retirement extension same-day. Don't know Korat's track record....But have your extra 1900 baht handy -- and 3800 baht for re-entry permit.

Worst case. Korat may send you to Bangkok to do the conversion (but, for conversions leading to retirement extensions, this doesn't seem to be the situation any longer). And, regardless of who does the conversion, you may have to hand over your original Embassy income statement -- then have to get another one from the Embassy 2 months hence, when you apply for your retirement extension.

Hopefully, wam, bam, it can all be done in one day.

Oh, have your bank book and income supporting statements with you. But, keep in your briefcase, unless asked for (which is probably unlikely).

If they want to keep your original income statement, argue that you'll need it (unless they agree otherwise) for your retirement extension.

Hopefully, someone who's done this at Korat will chime in here...

[Jingthing]

Good info but keep in mind the requirement is proving 65K baht monthly income. There is no requirement to transfer that 65K into Thailand.

[lberk]

Jim -

Thanks for the information - I appreciate the completeness of your response. I will keep the forum posted on my progress in the other thread on here where there seems to be some concern about Americans being singled out for needing to supply additional information concerning income stream. As you suggest I will bring the info with me, but not volunteer it.

Jingthing

Understand the income not needing to be located within Thailand, but at the moment a monthly tranche suits my needs, as well as to provide a foundation to peg my claim of monthly income upon. My one concern is how poorly the US Dollar is performing at the moment - hate transferring at 29.7 baht to the dollar. Hope it starts coming back over the next few months.

Again, thanks to the both of you.

lberk

[rawhod]

I am from the UK, and yesterday I did a "Change Visa" from Tourist to Non Imm-O on the basis of retirement at Chiang Mai Immigration yesterday. It was quite painless...

Documents required from me:-

1. TM86 Change of visa form

2. One photo

3. Copy of passport data page

4. Copy of valid entry stamp

5. Copy of TM7 departure card

6. Original income letter from UK Consulate

7. Copy Tabian Baan signed by my G/Friend

8. 2000 TBaht

NB.items NOT required were; a second photo, copy of tourist visa, copy of all passport pages, photos of house and map of location (These were submitted but were returned)

My girlfriend came in with me and signed a form which, I think, guaranteed my address.

I got a Non Imm-O Visa and an entry stamp valid for 90 days from the date of application. She would not do the retirement extension at the same time but I should return after 2 months (60 days) to apply. The Immigration officer informed me that I would require a TM7 and a new income letter from the consulate.( and similar copies as submitted for the Non-O)

Hope this helps

[lopburi3]

Thanks for the report. You did not have a non immigrant visa to supply a copy of - you were getting it. When you do the extension of stay a copy of that new stamp you got today will likely be required. Photos of house is not a requirement for retirement so not likely to be asked. The map might be requested next time but that seems to be 'sometimes' and more for those in countryside locations.

[rawhod]

Thanks for the report. You did not have a non immigrant visa to supply a copy of - you were getting it. When you do the extension of stay a copy of that new stamp you got today will likely be required. Photos of house is not a requirement for retirement so not likely to be asked. The map might be requested next time but that seems to be 'sometimes' and more for those in countryside locations.

Thanks for replying Lopburi3...

But I did say, not required..."copy of tourist visa"

[lopburi3]

Understand - was trying to make the point that the visa copy will be required next time as that is when the extension of stay (from that visa entry) starts. Sorry I was not clear.

[lberk]

Thanks to all. Will update as the process unwinds.

lberk

[JimGant]

The Immigration officer informed me that I would require a TM7 and a new income letter from the consulate

The need for two income letters -- and the hassle and expense related -- really puts the damper on going the conversion/extension route. Particularly so for those who require a lengthy journey to their embassy or consulate. Will be interesting to see if Korat follows Bangkok and Chiang Mai Immigration with this practice.....

I wonder if you can get two original income statements from your embassy the same day? Both would be less than 90 days old at time of conversion and subsequent extension -- so that shouldn't be a problem with Immigration, who just seem to want originals for their file. And, even if the embassy charges double, you'd still be in the same financial position -- but you'd save yourself time and energy by not having to revisit your embassy or consulate...

Oh well. Best to get a Non Imm O before leaving home, I guess (or an 800k bank account).

[lberk]

The Immigration officer informed me that I would require a TM7 and a new income letter from the consulate

The need for two income letters -- and the hassle and expense related -- really puts the damper on going the conversion/extension route. Particularly so for those who require a lengthy journey to their embassy or consulate. Will be interesting to see if Korat follows Bangkok and Chiang Mai Immigration with this practice.....

I wonder if you can get two original income statements from your embassy the same day? Both would be less than 90 days old at time of conversion and subsequent extension -- so that shouldn't be a problem with Immigration, who just seem to want originals for their file. And, even if the embassy charges double, you'd still be in the same financial position -- but you'd save yourself time and energy by not having to revisit your embassy or consulate...

Oh well. Best to get a Non Imm O before leaving home, I guess (or an 800k bank account).

Jim -

I have had some bad meals that cost more than $50 so I think I will try your strategy of getting two at the same time. You are right about the time and expense involved in making two trips to Bangkok, not to mention the wear and tear on one's psyche of having to deal with Thai drivers, buses or vans. Will let you know if I wasted the money or not.

lberk

[JimGant]

Will let you know if I wasted the money or not.

You know what this means, right? By getting two income statements, Korat will not only NOT require a second income statement, but will do the conversion and extension same-day.

However, if you didn't get a second income statement.......

[lberk]

Will let you know if I wasted the money or not.

You know what this means, right? By getting two income statements, Korat will not only NOT require a second income statement, but will do the conversion and extension same-day.

However, if you didn't get a second income statement.......

I should be so lucky!

[rawhod]

The Immigration officer informed me that I would require a TM7 and a new income letter from the consulate

The need for two income letters -- and the hassle and expense related -- really puts the damper on going the conversion/extension route. Particularly so for those who require a lengthy journey to their embassy or consulate. Will be interesting to see if Korat follows Bangkok and Chiang Mai Immigration with this practice.....

I wonder if you can get two original income statements from your embassy the same day? Both would be less than 90 days old at time of conversion and subsequent extension -- so that shouldn't be a problem with Immigration, who just seem to want originals for their file. And, even if the embassy charges double, you'd still be in the same financial position -- but you'd save yourself time and energy by not having to revisit your embassy or consulate...

Oh well. Best to get a Non Imm O before leaving home, I guess (or an 800k bank account).

She did say "You will need a NEW income letter from the Consulate"

I am aware of the 3 month validity put on the income statement letter, however, the two letters would have the same date. She did say "New..", so you may be wasting money getting two letters.

[ChiangMaiFun]

you are in the VERY lucky position of not having to prove with documented evidence that you have 65k coming in monthly - you just 'swear' that you have - we in the UK have to show 3 months bank statements. Sooooo... go swear

[ChiangMaiFun]

The Immigration officer informed me that I would require a TM7 and a new income letter from the consulate

The need for two income letters -- and the hassle and expense related -- really puts the damper on going the conversion/extension route. Particularly so for those who require a lengthy journey to their embassy or consulate. Will be interesting to see if Korat follows Bangkok and Chiang Mai Immigration with this practice.....

I wonder if you can get two original income statements from your embassy the same day? Both would be less than 90 days old at time of conversion and subsequent extension -- so that shouldn't be a problem with Immigration, who just seem to want originals for their file. And, even if the embassy charges double, you'd still be in the same financial position -- but you'd save yourself time and energy by not having to revisit your embassy or consulate...

Oh well. Best to get a Non Imm O before leaving home, I guess (or an 800k bank account).

Iberk - forget it - go swear at the Consulate you have 65k coming in

[JimGant]

you just 'swear' that you have - we in the UK have to show 3 months bank statements

Yeah, it's sad how some governments don't trust their citizens. We were in the same boat a couple of centuries ago. But, we got rid of the problem...

[lberk]

Will let you know if I wasted the money or not.

You know what this means, right? By getting two income statements, Korat will not only NOT require a second income statement, but will do the conversion and extension same-day.

However, if you didn't get a second income statement.......

Went to Korat today to convert the Tourist to a Non-Immigrant O. No problem, thanks in large part to your providing me with the list of required documents. It took about 1/2 hour once the que cleared. Unfortunately, they would not grant me the retirement extension on the same day, so have to return with another income letter. I did get two when I went to US Embassy, but am concerned that the second one's date may be too far outside of their requirements. On what date does one usually go in for the Retirement Extension? The date on the income letter is May 2, 2011 and my 90 day Non-O is valid through August 11. I'm wondering if I can go in at the end of July and use the May 2, letter.

BTW, Immigration never asked to see my bank book, just took the income letter without asking any additional questions.

Thanks again.

lberk

[lopburi3]

You can apply up to 30 days early and they will likely accept that letter.

[JimGant]

I'm wondering if I can go in at the end of July and use the May 2, letter.

You can apply for your retirement extension during the last 30 days of your 90-day 'permission of stay.' So, looks like you're good-to-go as of July 12th. Which means your income letter will be less than 90 days old, which should be good enough.

I've not seen anything definitive on 'expiration dates' of income letters. It used to be that they could be used over and over for several years. Then, the requirement became a new one was needed for each annual extension renewal. But, I've not seen anything definitive on how "new" it needed to be -- only that 90 days seemed to be a good rule of thumb.

Did the Embassy charge you double for two income statements?

Did Korat insist on taking your original income statement, knowing full-well you'd need another original income statement (and advising you of such) for a subsequent retirement extension?

Hopefully, your getting two income statements will save you a trip to Bangkok. I doubt they want to see a second "new" income statement just to confirm your income hasn't decreased in the last 3 months. I suspect they treat conversion and extension as two entirely separate events -- each requiring its own folder -- and original documentation. Maybe someday, after conversions have been around longer, it will become a single event, with two steps involved.

Good luck.

[lberk]

I'm wondering if I can go in at the end of July and use the May 2, letter.

You can apply for your retirement extension during the last 30 days of your 90-day 'permission of stay.' So, looks like you're good-to-go as of July 12th. Which means your income letter will be less than 90 days old, which should be good enough.

I've not seen anything definitive on 'expiration dates' of income letters. It used to be that they could be used over and over for several years. Then, the requirement became a new one was needed for each annual extension renewal. But, I've not seen anything definitive on how "new" it needed to be -- only that 90 days seemed to be a good rule of thumb.

Did the Embassy charge you double for two income statements?

Did Korat insist on taking your original income statement, knowing full-well you'd need another original income statement (and advising you of such) for a subsequent retirement extension?

Hopefully, your getting two income statements will save you a trip to Bangkok. I doubt they want to see a second "new" income statement just to confirm your income hasn't decreased in the last 3 months. I suspect they treat conversion and extension as two entirely separate events -- each requiring its own folder -- and original documentation. Maybe someday, after conversions have been around longer, it will become a single event, with two steps involved.

Good luck.

Embassy did charge me twice - $100.00 for the both. I really didn't try to keep the first letter, given I already had a second one that I had paid for. I did try to get them to give me the Retirement Extension today, but no go. I'll let you know how the next visit goes. Thanks again.

Lberk

[lberk]

I'm wondering if I can go in at the end of July and use the May 2, letter.

You can apply for your retirement extension during the last 30 days of your 90-day 'permission of stay.' So, looks like you're good-to-go as of July 12th. Which means your income letter will be less than 90 days old, which should be good enough.

I've not seen anything definitive on 'expiration dates' of income letters. It used to be that they could be used over and over for several years. Then, the requirement became a new one was needed for each annual extension renewal. But, I've not seen anything definitive on how "new" it needed to be -- only that 90 days seemed to be a good rule of thumb.

Did the Embassy charge you double for two income statements?

Did Korat insist on taking your original income statement, knowing full-well you'd need another original income statement (and advising you of such) for a subsequent retirement extension?

Hopefully, your getting two income statements will save you a trip to Bangkok. I doubt they want to see a second "new" income statement just to confirm your income hasn't decreased in the last 3 months. I suspect they treat conversion and extension as two entirely separate events -- each requiring its own folder -- and original documentation. Maybe someday, after conversions have been around longer, it will become a single event, with two steps involved.

Good luck.

Jim -

Thanks for the great advice in re: "get two income letters at the same time". Went to immigration today, and everything went very smoothly. No questions, they accepted the income letter dated May 2, and with proper payment I received the retirement extension and the multiple entry visa. Let me know if you are ever in the area and I will buy you dinner.

Lberk

[JimGant]

Let me know if you are ever in the area and I will buy you dinner.

Glad it all worked out -- and a second trip to the big parking lot was avoided.

Two or so Changs will suffice.....

(Haven't seen Korat since Thuds were based there.)

[lberk]

Let me know if you are ever in the area and I will buy you dinner.

Glad it all worked out -- and a second trip to the big parking lot was avoided.

Two or so Changs will suffice.....

(Haven't seen Korat since Thuds were based there.)

I suspect the base hasn't changed much, RTAF doing low altitude maneuvers over the University here most every day. Changs or dinner, the offer stands.

Regards,

Lou

[Troyron]

Hi guys, if you are not on a retirement visa, do you still need to show monthly income or is it enough to show cash in the bank? In that case, is it 400 or 800.000 baht? These numbers seem to go around.

Im also on a tourist visa, married for a couple of years. It is so difficult to find out what documents that are needed, so Im glad I found this topic.

cheers

Troy

[lopburi3]

If you are asking about converting from a tourist visa or visa exempt entry in the retirement extension of stay process you can use either 65k income per Embassy or 800k in Thai bank account or a combination to meet 800k figure. For the actually extension of stay if using the bank option the money will have to be in account at or above 800k for two months the first time and three months in latter years.

The 40k or 400k figure would be for Thai wife extension of stay (not retirement).

[Troyron]

If you are asking about converting from a tourist visa or visa exempt entry in the retirement extension of stay process you can use either 65k income per Embassy or 800k in Thai bank account or a combination to meet 800k figure. For the actually extension of stay if using the bank option the money will have to be in account at or above 800k for two months the first time and three months in latter years.

The 40k or 400k figure would be for Thai wife extension of stay (not retirement).

Thanks for replying. Should have pointed that one out, im going to change my visa from tourist visa to non immigrant visa based on married to a thai person. So that means I need 400.000 baht in the account and have a copy of my bank book to do the visa change. When I then do the extension I will need to show that I have had 400.000 baht in the account for at least 2 months.

Then to renew the extension, I need to show that I have had the same amount in the bank for at least 3 months. Is this correct or did I get this one all wrong?

Is there any rule saying that I need to have at least 400.000 in X months also after I get the visa, or can I actually spend from this money and then just top it up again before I do the second extension?

[Lite Beer]

Money in the bank for 2 months every time

Once successful you can spend all or some of the money and top up next year.

Letter from the bank needed as proof.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

[lopburi3]

You should have the account book and letter from bank of account balance for both the change and then again for the extension. Two months is the current requirement for Thai wife extension each year. You can use the money at other times - just have in account for the two months prior to extension application each year. You are aware of the need for wife to be with you and handful of paperwork?

[Troyron]

Cheers guys, I guess Im ready now. Just have to wait until the cash is in the bank and that I get my married papers translated. On the immigration page it states the following:

* The application must be submit at least 15 days before visa expiration and, in case of overstaying in Thailand, application could not be submitted.

* Application for Visa Status Alteration. (TM.86 for Tourist and Transit Visa) or

Application for visa. (TM.87 for Without Visa 15 days, 30 days, 90 days)

* Copy of passport (Ex. Page of Photo, entries stamp, visa sticker and extension stamp (if any), TM6 card)

* 4 X 6 cm. Photograph.

* Application fee of 2,000 baht.

* I.D. card and house registration papers of the Thai national; and for the foreigner residing in Thailand : residence certificate, alien registration certificate, passport, work permit, and house registration.

* Document proving that the applicant is the father or mother or child, a marriage certificate (Kor Ror.2 and 3 )or birth certificate, in case of, marriage registration at foreign country, submitting certifying copy of marriage certificate and family status registration paper (Kor Ror.22) . Or

Letter from a government office, embassy or consulate, Certifying that the applicant belongs to the referred family. (Certifying by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.)

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

* Showing the document verifying monthly income not less than 40,000 baths or guarantor-letter from a bank in Thailand showing that the applicant has an account of not less than 400,000 baths (of Foreigner husband)

* Letter of Income certificate or working certificate (of Thai husband)

* Wedding reception or family picture.