Non Immigrant Visa In London

[garrya]

Hi there,

I have always been an eager reader of this forum since i first found it on the web. Now my circumstances are changing. I live and work in London as a European Union citizen. I am 36 now and got married to my thai gf. We have been pondering our future whether to live in the UK or Thailand. We aimed to make our decision before the end of this year. Now the decision has been made, I will move to Thailand.

I have read all the relevant informations about the process of getting a Visa. My plan is to go for a Non-Immigrant single entry that would give me 3 months in Thailand then get an extension. To be honest, I am not keen on doing the visa runs if this way is viable. And now i got to the point that I need to rake up all the required documents, evidences. I understand that I need the copy of my passport, passport size photos, evidence of the available funds. Do I need anything else, for example copy of my wife's passport or ID card (she is having my name already, hopefully that is positive), copy of her house registration, proof of income, work-place. And is there anything else to consider? Any tricks, tips how to provide my documents at the Thai Embassy in London?

I apologise if these questions are recurring in the forum. I have read back, and found a lots of infos but to make it clear in my head, this is the best way.

Thanks in advance guys

[lopburi3]

Are you sure you will be able to meet the financial (400k/40k) requirements for extension of stay within 3 months of arrival? If any doubt would highly advise obtaining a multi entry non immigrant O visa now in the UK where it is easy as that would cover you for more than a year with only the need to cross border/return for new 90 day stays. And I would apply by mail to a Consulate rather than London. All that should be required is marriage certificate and copy of ID card or passport of spouse.

[Lite Beer]

Agree with the above. You will find a Consulate such as Hull or Birmingham much easier to deal with.

Unless you are sure you will have everything in order within 3 months of arriving a Multi Entry will give you time to sort things out.

[CharlieH]

Consulates in Cardiff, Hull, Birmingham, you can Google for full contact details.

as Lopburi says much easier route , also minimal paperwork, no financial evidence and will be good for almost 15 months (you get another 90 days if you do a border run before it expires).

[garrya]

Are you sure you will be able to meet the financial (400k/40k) requirements for extension of stay within 3 months of arrival? If any doubt would highly advise obtaining a multi entry non immigrant O visa now in the UK where it is easy as that would cover you for more than a year with only the need to cross border/return for new 90 day stays. And I would apply by mail to a Consulate rather than London. All that should be required is marriage certificate and copy of ID card or passport of spouse.

Yes, 400k is not a problem, I would not try it without that. I just need to take the money with me or transfer it. I wouldn't mind to get a multi entry visa despite I am having all the relevant documents.

[garrya]

Thanks guys, as I have been a resident in London for a long time, apparently that is easiest way to get the Visa from here. Not saying that I work in the borough where the embassy is located. I drive along the road in front of them, literally, every day. And would it be questionable if i was a Londoner and tried to get a visa from places hundreds of miles away? They might think there is something wrong with me.

[Maestro]

No honorary consulate will think badly of you if, as a Londoner, you apply for your visa by mail. Lots of people do it because of the convenience. But since you are passing the Thai embassy in London every day and if you have the inclination and the time to apply in person, by all means get your visa there. Take a copy of your marriage certificate and wife's ID with you, and the originals in case they want to see them. In fact, it will be best if you give them a call first to ask exactly what they require and whether you have to make an appointment. I can't find their website, if they have any, but you should be able to find them in the phone directory.

[Lite Beer]

Thai Embassy London.

You can apply there if you wish but plenty of Londoners apply by post at a Thai Consulate and get their passport back within a week. They are easier to deal with and rely on issuing Visas for their income so will not think it strange.

[brewsterbudgen]

I hope the OP let's us know how he gets on at the Thai Embassy, as I've seen many negative reports about the service there.

[IMA_FARANG]

It won't be a problem if you go to one of the Consulates instead of the Thai embessy in London.

In my particular case I am an American, then working in Crete,Greece and I got my Non O visa in Hull.

No problem, they had seen it all before.

However, call the consulate before if you choose that route. make an appointment, and you will be expected which will give you some priority in the queue over those who just "walk in".

And a question here for some of the visa experts on this topic.

In the U.S. to get a non O-A visa many of the consulates require a:

1. A medical report from a local doctor where you reside.

2. A police records check from your area of residence.

3. A Thai bank account AT THE TIME of application.

Can anybody tell me what the THai consulates in the U.K. would require for an equivalent non O-A visa for the purpose of retirement in Thailnad.

Thanks

[Lite Beer]

Thai Consulates do not issue O-A Visas. Only the Embassy in London does.

From the Hull website.

Category “O”

--------------------------

1 Married to a Thai national

Evidence required:

a If married in Thailand:

Copies of Original Thai Marriage Certificate and Thai ID Card or Thai Passport.

B If married in UK:

Copies of Original UK Marriage Certificate and Thai ID Card or Thai Passport.

or

2 Visiting family working/living in Thailand

Evidence required:

a Birth/Marriage Certificate to show relationship

B Letter from relative confirming they are in Thailand together with a copy of page

in their passport showing valid entry visa or a copy of their valid work permit..

or

3 Volunteer Work

Evidence required:

a Sponsor Letter from Registered Charity.

or

4 Visiting Thailand as Pensioner

Evidence required:

a Copy of Bank Statement showing receipt of State and/or Private Pension.

or

5 Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged 50 years and over

Evidence required:

a Copy of Bank Statement showing income of minimum £900 per month.

[lopburi3]

The requirement everywhere for a non immigrant O-A will be over age 50, allowed entry, medical, police report and proof of financials (in home country or Thailand).

[garrya]

I hope the OP let's us know how he gets on at the Thai Embassy, as I've seen many negative reports about the service there.

Yes, I will. I am planning to get ready with my documents in November then will visit them in November for sure.

[garrya]

Thanks for the replies. I do appreciate your help. So multi entry for sure. I need the get a new passport as it is gonna be expired in 2012 then try to get the Multi entry visa. Not sure from Hull by post or from London in person. I will let you know about the situation. I am really looking forward to getting to the LOS. I will only have to worry about the extension then.

[garrya]

Hello again,

As i promised you a few weeks ago I give an update on my Non- imm "O" multi entry,based on marriage, application at the Royal Thai Embassy in London.

I can contentedly say it was hassle free application. Submitted my documents in 2 mins. They only needed a copy of my wife's ID, a copy of the thai marriage certificate, and the money of course. Visa got dearer by 25 pounds costs 125 now

Passport collected 2 days later.