Oz Visa Centre

[Cossi]

Hi All, Just wanted to offer an update to the efficiency of the Visa Application Centre at Thai CC building in Bangkok. My first visit to the application centre was about 5 months ago to help my gf submit her tourist visa application. I had read all the horror stories on this forum about the running of the centre and managed to get some good tips like directions and getting there early. Needless to say most of what I was warned about came true and things there were very unorganised and the staff just plain rude.

Anyways me and the gf have decided to get married in Oz next year and after 3 weeks of preparing all our documents ( 1 week my side and 2 weeks hers due to Thai time ) we managed to put together a pretty reasonable file of evidence. With me still in Australia I reluctantly sent the gf of to the application centre and awaited the phone call from her to have her little cry about how hard and long the whole process was.

To my supprise thou she actually rang me and told me how easy it all was. She walked straight in to a teller, no ticket required, told the lady what she was there for, handed over the file of evidence and application forms and the big cheque, got her receipt and left after a few helpful words from the staff. In her words it was easier than counting 123456789 10.

Apparently there is only a 3 week wait for interview now and if the whole thing runs smoothly we could have an answer in as little as 2 months. A bit better than what I was expecting.

Cossi

[Mighty Mouse]

Were you applying for a tourist visa or a permanent visa?

If a permanent visa, then it is good to read that they have improved their system.

[Mighty Mouse]

I re-read your post. Obviously you have applied for a permanent visa.

Paying your application fee and handing in your papers is the easy part. I'd be very surprised if they don't find something in the application that needs further investigation or explanation. This is when you begin to get frustrated with them.

I hope it all goes well for you both. Keep us informed.

[awarrumbungle]

where did you gf stay when she was there?

I am a little tired of Khao San rd but don't want to pay too much. Is there anywhere closeish to the application centre thats reasonable?

[wozza]

My GF stayed at the Sathorn Villa hotel 10minutes walk to the centre

The Thai price was 1000 baht

[Cossi]

My gf stayed with a friend. The price was 0 baht.