Non-Immigrant O (Marriage) Visa

[sezzo]

Before I brought the thai family to Australia 5 years ago I was living in Thailand on a Non-Imm O visa with the yearly 12 month extensions. I had the correct paperwork then for the granting of an extensions. We are moving back to Thailand later this year and I am plannning on applying for a single entry Non-Imm O visa at the emabassy here in Canberra and then apply for the 12 month extension at our local immigration office. Has there been any changes in requirements for qualifiying documentation required for this extension. I notice that the amount required per month or in a thai bank account has not changed but Im hearing from friends there might be a change as to proof of income letter. Is this correct. I also intend to apply for the yellow tabien book at our local amphur. Will this be of some benefit for my extension application.

Thanks for any assistance

[lopburi3]

The change is that money must be in account for 2 months prior to application at or above 400k. If using proof of income letter there is no change (get letter from Embassy) but should always have documents to support if asked by Immigration (but currently they are not even asking in any recent report). Bank letter requirement is the same but must match account book and may be required to show same day proof of balance. Other requirements should be about the same but normal under review time is only 30 days (often was longer before). Photos may now be required every time of couple in home and outside with number of residence showing. Checks are more common to make sure living together at some/most places. Yellow book is not required anywhere that I know of but can be useful to have, especially if not living where wife is on blue book.

[sezzo]

The change is that money must be in account for 2 months prior to application at or above 400k. If using proof of income letter there is no change (get letter from Embassy) but should always have documents to support if asked by Immigration (but currently they are not even asking in any recent report). Bank letter requirement is the same but must match account book and may be required to show same day proof of balance. Other requirements should be about the same but normal under review time is only 30 days (often was longer before). Photos may now be required every time of couple in home and outside with number of residence showing. Checks are more common to make sure living together at some/most places. Yellow book is not required anywhere that I know of but can be useful to have, especially if not living where wife is on blue book.

Thanks Lopburi,

The Proof of Income letter I used in the past was a Embassy signed stat dec stating how much I was transferring into a Bangkok Bank account each month. Is this sufficient, as its not really a letter. The last time there was no Bank Letter. I was just photocopying pages from my bank book. Do I just get the bank letter from my local BB branch.

Thanks again,

[lopburi3]

The Embassy letter is and should be just a statement of what your income is - there is no requirement for any transfer information in such a letter.

The bank letter is a letter, addressed to Immigration, from bank manager that your account balance is xxx on xx date. The branch may say they have to get from hqs but in fact any manager can sign. Some may include statement that is has been above xxx for two months but do not believe that is the normal bank practice or required. Most banks charge 100 or 200 baht for the letter. You should also have account book/statements and copies.

[PoorSucker]

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

2. Copy Marriage Certificate

3. Copy Kor Ror 2 from amphur office (not older than six months)

4. Child's birth certificate (if any)

5. Copy wife’s house registration

6. Copy wife’s identity card

7. Copy passport, non-Im visa, arrival card.

8. Interview the husband and wife for confirming status of husband and wife

9. Map to residency

10. Picture of house and family, in house and outside showing house number.

With money in bank option.

1. Letter from bank same day or day before stating bank records, make a transaction just before to get it up to date.

2. Bank account must be in Husbands name, joint accounts will not qualify.

With Income in Thailand option

1. A copy of work permit

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

With Income from abroad.

1. Embassy letter stating your income.

All of the above in two copies, if not in BKK

[sezzo]

I have just been speaking to a friend who is on a retirement visa. He tells me that changes were made to the Australian and US embassies supply of Statement of Incomes rather than just co-signing of stat decs. As I stated before, when living in Thailand over 5 years ago I used to just fill in a stat dec and get it signed at the Australian embassy.

Can anyone who has been through the Non Imm O with Oz embassy recently acknowledge these changes.

Thanks again

[lopburi3]

There has been no change at US Embassy.

[Xintalos]

With money in bank option.

1. Letter from bank same day or day before stating bank records, make a transaction just before to get it up to date.

2. Bank account must be in Husbands name, joint accounts will not qualify.

With Income from abroad.

1. Embassy letter stating your income.

I did my 4th annual extension based on marriage last December at Chaengwattana. I'm under 45 and have used the U.S. Embassy Letter every year as my income is from overseas.

The officer looked at my letter then handed me a form saying that next year I will need to use the "Money in bank" option. When I asked about this, he said things were changing and I could no longer use the Embassy Letter. I found it odd but had no other choice than to sign it. He then approved my paperwork for another year.

I thought nothing of it until reading around here some and seeing that nothing has really changed. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I was hoping I wouldn't have to transfer funds in the next couple months and could just go get my usual letter when the time comes.

[hawaiiman]

Went to Immigration yesterday to apply for marriage extension first time. Interestingly, they were willing to accept the Consulate letter, but stated that combined family income could not be considered. I must have the 40k per month alone. Also stated that for the deposit method, that since there were 2 of us, that 2x400k, or 800k would be required. Also, that 3 photos of us together in front of the house, each from different perspectives, would be required, and that pictures in house together, etc. were not needed.

Even though I was not successful on this attempt, I was happy I had started early. He said I could not actually apply until less than 30 days remained on my latest entry on my one year multiple entry "O".

He also stated that as we lived in one village near my wife's work, that because her house book was from her home village (1 1/2 hours away), that next time we come, we must bring a non-related resident of her home village with us to verify our relationship.

Starting a p***ing match with the office would certainly be suicidal, and hiring an attorney seems out of the question. My advice for others like me of modest means is to start early, and hope the officer you are "married" to is friendly and helpful (as mine was), even though his position seems contrary to what you believe is correct.

Regardless of what the law actually is (does anyone really know?), I think my experience shows that the law is mostly a guideline, and that when your sitting in front of an officer of any government department, that they ARE the law.

[lopburi3]

Your post above is not clear but the income has to be yours alone since police order 777/2551 so that is correct. But your saying "two of you" I suspect means to use a joint account the extra amount would be required? The requirement is two months in account for Thai wife extension of stay at 400k if in your name only and that can not be changed by a local office (just make account in your name only). The application can be made during the last 30 days of any entry - your multi entry visa does not have to be expired to make application.

[hawaiiman]

Thank you. I understand your clarification. Some of my confusion stemmed from relying on outdated information. I was not aware that policy changed 3 years ago. As this occurred during the Dem. administration, it underlines my curiosity as to a possible easing of policy with the PT's in control.

It seems that in regards such issues as maps, pictures, witnesses, home visits, etc., that some requirements are still determined by the local office and that uniform standards are lacking in these examples.

I still say: start early, and cultivate a positive relationship with the Immigration office that holds your presence in the Kingdom in their hands.

[lopburi3]

Actually the funds being yours alone has always been the requirement except for a short two year period in what seemed to be an error in the previous police order 606/2549 which also only allowed parents over age 50 to stay.