Oa Visa Extension

[Deerculler]

Went to Korat Immigration yesterday to do my 90 day report. No problems and staff very pleasant and friendly. I will be doing my 12month OA extension in January 2012. Will be using pension/bank balance method. I asked how long the money needed to be in the bank before the date. I was told that the money had to be in the bank three months before my extension. To all who use Korat Immigration pleaes be aware that your need to season your money in your Thai Bank account for three months.

[lopburi3]

Will add that it should always be three months anywhere for anything but first extension of stay when using retirement.

[Lite Beer]

Yes but the op says he will be using the "pension/bank balance method".

If he means a combination of savings and pension there is no requirement to seed the bank balance for 3 months.

He was not very clear though.

[Deerculler]

I will be using a combination of savings and pension, but immigration officer told me the money would still have to be in the bank three months. How do I tell her she is wrong?

[lopburi3]

Missed that tidbit. In that case it is the exception at that office if true (although if asking about bank deposit officer may not have considered it being combination and thus different rules)?

[Jingthing]

Provincial enforcement variances trump national rules every time. The national rule is no money seasoning needed for using the retirement combo method.

[Deerculler]

Thank you very much to all. I am just passing on to as to what was said to me at Korat so others can be aware. Not sure if it is possible to convince a immigration officer.

[Jingthing]

I agree it is very difficult to tell an officer they are wrong. You shouldn't do it that way as applying at immigration offices is culturally a KOWTOW situation. If I were you I would follow the rules as you understand them there and at your meeting, ask some polite questions to clarify that you have interpreted what they really demand correctly. It's possible that you got a knee-jerk money seasoning response from someone who didn't grasp the combo method aspect of it.