One Year Visa - Where?

[Matt the Cat]

Is it possible to do a one year visa in any Asian countries?

Last time I was in Laos they wouldn't do more then a three month. I had the same experience in Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia.

I'd like to find something closer then a ten hour flight..

Thanks

[dr_Pat_Pong]

What are the grounds for a Non-Immigrant visa that you will use ?

[Matt the Cat]

What are the grounds for a Non-Immigrant visa that you will use ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

two kids, five and twelve.

Thanks

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Thai kids I presume. Penang and use a visa agent there.

[Matt the Cat]

Thai kids I presume. Penang and use a visa agent there.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ok, are you sure about that?

Thanks again.

[Thetyim]

I think Dr PP means a multiple entry three month visa

[Matt the Cat]

I think Dr PP means a multiple entry three month visa

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Three month?

No I need the one year multiple entry.

So what's the story you've got to fly out of Asian every year or what?

Thanks

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I meant a MULTIPLE and that for a Non-Immigrant visa gives a 12 month validity. You may have problems trying to live here and renew year after year because the Consulate will conclude that you are using the multi's to avoid the prescribed income/savings requirements for an extended support visa.

[Matt the Cat]

I meant a MULTIPLE and that for a Non-Immigrant visa gives a 12 month validity. You may have problems trying to live here and renew year after year because the Consulate will conclude that you are using the multi's to avoid the prescribed income/savings requirements for an extended support visa.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks Doc. the money is there but they never ask for it in fact all they seem to be only interested in the kids birth papers.

Does anyone have any actual experience or know what the facts are?

Thanks

[lopburi3]

A Consulate is interested in a reason for your travel - thus the birth certificates. Most Consulates will issue only a one entry visa on that basis with the understanding being that you will apply to immigration for an extension of stay if you intend to live here. Penang is one of the few Consulates in the region that seems to have discretion and often will issue multi entry types to non residents.

The requirements for extension of stay are below - key is a court type order making you responsible for the children.

Application for further stay for a non-Thai father or mother to support children who are Thai Citizen

Required Documents

Immigration form 7 (Tor Mor 7)

A copy of passport

A 4 cm. X 6 cm. Photograph

1,900 baht application fee

Evidence indicating the parental status; birth certificate or a Judical Custody order of the child

Evidence presenting financial status:

Bank pass-book, bank statement certifying amount of money in the applicant's account, a certified documents of money transferring from oversea or evidence of income with related documents

A record of interviewing the applicant

The officials reserve the rights to examine or ask for additional documents if necessary

In most cases, the request will not be approved if the non-Thai parents sponsor an adopted child who is a Thai citizen

Note

For more information, please call 0-2213-2556

[Matt the Cat]

Yea pretty straight forward and I've never had trouble getting a six month visa down in Penang (though haven’t tried in a few years) but they told me up front that the max was six months. I picked up one in Brisbane last year and it was a cake walk. Really nice folks working in there too but it's a ten hours flight!

Anybody ever really managed the one year in Penang? If so how many days did they make you wait?

Thanks!

Edited November 5, 2005 by Matt the Cat

[lopburi3]

Hundreds of people have received one year multi entry visas in Penang, including me. But you are the first I have heard about getting a six month.

In before noon and out next working day at 1400.

[Matt the Cat]

OK, thanks I'll give it a go. Any recomendations where to stay?

[lopburi3]

I have always recommended the Hotel Continental on Penang Road and most people see to agree. It is in the 1,000 baht per night class but most places lower will have severe mildew and/or general disrepair.