Switch From Non-B To Retirement

[ricklev]

Looks like my job may be ending and with it my work permit and Non-immigrant B visa.

Couple of questions.

Can I switch to a retirement visa without leaving the country?

Will Bangkok immigration accept the American embassy income verification letter with no supporting documents for the visa switch or for the first extension if I need to leave the country and get the initial retirement visa at a Thai embassy or consulate?

Thanks!

[lopburi3]

Suspect you are asking about extensions of stay from Immigration rather than visas. If you obtain a 7 day extension after work ends expect that can be used to provide time to apply for retirement extension of stay. You will need income letter (if that is how you plan to qualify) but you could also be required to show supporting paperwork to immigration so you should have such paperwork with you (which can not be the job you had).

If you do not have time a trip to a Consulate to obtain a single entry non immigrant O visa 90 day entry would provide several months until the application for extension of stay would be required.

[ricklev]

Thanks! From your reply it seems that I can switch from a Non-B to a Non-O if I do the 7 day extension. Is the change to Non-O considered an extension or a new visa?

Anybody have any experience if they are asking for supporting documents along with the income verification from the USA embassy? I probably can't arrange the documents in the couple of weeks I have and I sure would like to avoid a trip out of Thailand.