Non Immigrant Visa "O Or O-A"

[newbepat]

Can anybody tell me whats the difference between an Non Immigrant "O" and an "O-A"? based on retirment ?

I will be applying for a "multi entry non immigrant visa" next week in Ireland.

here is what I think I need.

1. Application form

2. Passport

3. 2 Photos

4. Fee

5. Irish Bank statement with at least 800,000 baht or equivalent in euros

6. Birth cert (to prove age)

7. Flight tickets (not sure i need)

8.Self addressed registered enveloped (for return of passport)

Is this list current? Any comments would be appreciated

Pat :jap:

[lopburi3]

An OA visa permits a one year stay on arrival and is only issued with police check/medical from country of residence. If multi entry each entry gets a new one year from date of entry during the year it is valid for entry.

An O visa provides a 90 day stay and normally does not require 800k or 65k financial requirements. A multi entry would provide one year of up to 90 day stays on each entry.

Both types can be extended for one year at immigration inside Thailand during the last 30 days of any allowed entry with financial proof.

[cardholder]

Looks like you have too much information. Link here:-

http://www.thaiconsulateireland.com/pdf/visaapplication.pdf

[Mario2008]

Check if the Consulate in Ireland does indeed issue an O-A visa, not all consulates do.

[newbepat]

Looks like you have too much information. Link here:-

http://www.thaiconsu...application.pdf

Yes I have read the application form but no where does it states anything about Retirement

But I do agree with you about too much information

Thanks

[lopburi3]

Because the non immigrant O visa is not a retirement visa but "other" and if you are age 50 or more you should be able to obtain to check on retirement options. So for single entry just enter check on retirement where is asks for reason. If you really want multi entry you should contact Consulate to ask as some require some show of pension to issue.

[cardholder]

Looks like you have too much information. Link here:-

http://www.thaiconsu...application.pdf

Yes I have read the application form but no where does it states anything about Retirement

But I do agree with you about too much information

Thanks

Ah! Retirement. Now we are cooking on gas.

I have had a look at the Thai Embassy, Dublin website and it is not very clear. Actually, it is worse than unclear because I could see no reference to retirement or visiting as an over 50 year old. It may be worth calling them to clarify because this is the guidance note from the Thai Embassy in Hull:-

or

1) Visiting Thailand as Pensioner

Evidence required:

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

or

2) Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged 50 years and over

Evidence required:

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

Finally, are you coming to live full time in Thailand (and therefore likely to be seeking a visa extension by reason of retirement) ?

[IMA_FARANG]

Not sure about Ireland...but in the U.S. an O-A visa requires this in addition to the other requirements.

1. A medical examination signed by a doctor certifyingyou are free of certain diseases.

2. A police records check by your local area police.

I'm not sure if all the Thai consulates in the U.S. require that, but most do.

[newbepat]

Finally, are you coming to live full time in Thailand (and therefore likely to be seeking a visa extension by reason of retirement) ?

Yes I may do but i dont want to confuse Non Immigrant Visa with extention to a visa

Can we consentrate on Non Immigrant Visa first

Thanks Pat :jap:

[Jingthing]

Not sure about Ireland...but in the U.S. an O-A visa requires this in addition to the other requirements.

1. A medical examination signed by a doctor certifyingyou are free of certain diseases.

2. A police records check by your local area police.

I'm not sure if all the Thai consulates in the U.S. require that, but most do.

I think most consulates in the US don't do O-A's at all. Certainly the smaller ones don't. The DC embassy, LA, and NYC do.

In any case I am pretty sure those two things are required anywhere in the world for an O-A. The medical form is specific to the application and should be provided by the embassy/consulate to give to a doctor when you go for the exam.

The OP can figure out easily if the place he is applying does O-As. Ask them. If it isn't mentioned specifically on their website, O-A, then they most likely don't do it.

If not and the O-A special features not really desired/needed, try for a single entry O with the reason retirement and then do the first annual extension in Thailand. In that case the 800K must be in a Thai bank for two months before the application in Thailand date.

[newbepat]

An OA visa permits a one year stay on arrival and is only issued with police check/medical from country of residence. If multi entry each entry gets a new one year from date of entry during the year it is valid for entry.

An O visa provides a 90 day stay and normally does not require 800k or 65k financial requirements. A multi entry would provide one year of up to 90 day stays on each entry.

Both types can be extended for one year at immigration inside Thailand during the last 30 days of any allowed entry with financial proof.

Ok looks like Non Immigrant "O" Visa might be easier to obtain

Thanks Pat :jap:

[Jingthing]

Be sure to confirm and/or set up a way to transfer the funds into your Thai bank account before you leave Europe.

[cardholder]

Pat,

This website seems to help:-

http://www.visatoireland.com/nonovisa.html

You need to consider whether you need a single entry visa or multiple entry. The single entry is usually taken when you know you are going to extend. The multiple is useful if you plan to travel to and from Thailand in the next 12 months. In each case you can stay in the country for 90 days before leaving (or extending).

I know you want to (rightly) concentrate on the Non-Imm 'O' first. However, because you mentioned the 800k Baht equivalent bank balance that suggests an intention to extend based on retirement - the Royal Thai embassy will likely issue a Non-Imm 'o' on the strength of that intention - but possibly only a single entry. If as a (presumably) over 50 wishing to visit Thailand and you have income of GBP 900 p.m. (I suggest your bank balance would also suffice) they should issue a multiple entry visa.

Ask away with your questions until we cover your particular requirements

Without wishing to pry a bit more meat on your plan s would enable some of the real experts on here to give specific advice.

[newbepat]

I am not sure if the consulate will take phone calls but I will try for more information on Tues as Mon is a bank holiday I am still unclear if I should provide Bank statements or air tickets (retirement visa)

Pat :jap:

[Jingthing]

There is nothing on the website about offering O-A (retirement) visas. If I was the OP, I would simply apply for a single entry O visa, enter something like exploring retirement in Thailand as the reason, and get ready to go for your first annual extension based on retirement in Thailand. That single entry O which I suggest is not a retirement visa, but you don't need a retirement visa, and you will never need one. If they do offer O-A retirement visas, I am certain you would need those two extra things anyway, the police report and medical form. You will NOT need those for your extension applications in Thailand.

BTW, if for some sadistic reason that joint won't give you even a single O based on exploring retirement, don't stress. There are still ways to get started with this entering on a tourist visa, 30 day stamp (in that case book an air ticket out of Thailand within 30 days to get boarded in Ireland), and/or if you need extra time to season the banked money in Thailand, you can easily get a single entry O in Laos or Malaysia on a quick visa run.

[cardholder]

There is nothing on the website about offering O-A (retirement) visas. If I was the OP, I would simply apply for a single entry O visa, enter something like exploring retirement in Thailand as the reason, and get ready to go for your first annual extension based on retirement in Thailand. That single entry O which I suggest is not a retirement visa, but you don't need a retirement visa, and you will never need one. If they do offer O-A retirement visas, I am certain you would need those two extra things anyway, the police report and medical form. You will NOT need those for your extension applications in Thailand.

JT - I think a multiple entry Non-Imm 'O' will give the OP more options As I said, much depends on his plans.

[Jingthing]

You're right, a multi entry O would give more time, but I think the smart thing would be to get into the retirement system ASAP. You don't know if they are going to raise the financial requirements tomorrow, and based on history, people currently in the system get grandfathered on their existing levels. Also a multi O requires visa runs every 90 days; retirement extensions do not.

[newbepat]

You're right, a multi entry O would give more time, but I think the smart thing would be to get into the retirement system ASAP. You don't know if they are going to raise the financial requirements tomorrow, and based on history, people currently in the system get grandfathered on their existing levels. Also a multi O requires visa runs every 90 days; retirement extensions do not.

Ok if I understand you correctly I could go on a single entry But I would need at least all of the 90 days to season the money in a Thai bank

as this the 2nd visa I am applying for. I got a multi entry 4 years ago. but I was unsuccessful with my extention because no proof of address.

But that was 4 years ago.

Many thanks Pat :jap:

[lopburi3]

This would be first extension of stay so the time would be 60 days in account in Thailand.

[newbepat]

This would be first extension of stay so the time would be 60 days in account in Thailand.

would this not be my 2nd extention application ?

If you are correct I should get all done in the 60 days to season money in Thai bank

P.S. I think you are correct i was thinking it was my 2nd

but if it was refused they would have no record so It should be taken as my 1st. Wow Thanks

Pat :jap:

[Jingthing]

Correct, two months seasoning needed in your case.

Here's an option if you feel there it too much time pressure using the single entry O.

Forget applying for any O in Ireland.

Apply for a tourist visa instead.

Near the end of your 60 day stay take a trip to Laos or Malaysia and apply for a single entry O there just based on being over 50 planning to retire in Thailand.

Then during the last 30 days of your 90 day stay on that O, apply at your local Thai immigration office for your annual extension based on retirement.

That gives you lots of time to get your banking act together.

60 days on tourist

another 90 days on the O visa if you need that much time

You can also do a change of visa status from a tourist or 30 day stamp to an O visa IN Thailand if you are retirement qualified.

[newbepat]

Correct, two months seasoning needed in your case.

Here's an option if you feel there it too much time pressure using the single entry O.

Forget applying for any O in Ireland.

Apply for a tourist visa instead.

Near the end of your 60 day stay take a trip to Laos or Malaysia and apply for a single entry O there just based on being over 50 planning to retire in Thailand.

Then during the last 30 days of your 90 day stay on that O, apply at your local Thai immigration office for your annual extension based on retirement.

That gives you lots of time to get your banking act together.

60 days on tourist

another 90 days on the O visa if you need that much time

You can also do a change of visa status from a tourist or 30 day stamp to an O visa IN Thailand if you are retirement qualified.

Wow now were getting more options, but for me it seem a little complicated

But Thanks for you comments

Pat :jap:

[Jingthing]

It depends on your confidence level of getting the money into Thailand fast enough. Do you already have an account in Thailand? In that case, why not do the wire from there before you leave?

What I am basically telling you is that as long as you can get your financial qualification in order in Thailand for the extension, there will somehow be a visa option tactic for you to get this going even if you arrive on a 30 day stamp initially!

Also, you seem to want to focus only on the O visa first and not think about the next step. I am suggesting considering the entire process and then choosing a strategy that fits your personal needs best.

[newbepat]

It depends on your confidence level of getting the money into Thailand fast enough. Do you already have an account in Thailand? In that case, why not do the wire from there before you leave?

What I am basically telling you is that as long as you can get your financial qualification in order in Thailand for the extension, there will somehow be a visa option tactic for you to get this going even if you arrive on a 30 day stamp initially!

Also, you seem to want to focus only on the O visa first and not think about the next step. I am suggesting considering the entire process and then choosing a strategy that fits your personal needs best.

I re read your posts on this thread and I understand what you reccommend. Thanks for that.

Yes I do have a bank account in Thailand, so think I can handle the money in the bank. I have half the amount required there already.

Getting back as to what visa to get. I think it would better to get the Non Immigrant "O" Visa in my own country, It would save a lot of hassel

I dont think I could stay in Thailand for a full year without going home maybe one or two times in the first year. so for that reason

maybe a multi entry non immigrant visa would be best for me, I just have to get my act together. My plan is to depart on the 31st Dec 2011.

I do hope this thread is helping others who are not clear on the facts. Thanks to the likes of Jingthing and others on TV.

Keep it going guys

Pat :jap:

.

[Jingthing]

With your annual extension based on retirement, you may purchase single or multiple reentry permits which allow you to travel outside Thailand during your permission to stay on that extension keeping the same ending date alive. So your logic about wanting an O visa multiple entry instead of an annual extension based on retirement for that reason alone is not very sound. With your idea of using multiple entry O you will be REQUIRED to exit Thailand every 90 days. With the retirement extension plus reentry permits you can stay the entire year if you like or exit Thailand whenever you wish.

Since your money thing going to Thailand is already ready to go, I feel even more strongly that the most logical thing for you is to apply for a SINGLE entry O in Ireland and then do the extension based on retirement in Thailand with the addition of reentry permits. Just be sure to transfer in the full needed amount so that it can season for two months before your extension application date which will be between 30 days left on your 90 day single entry till the last day (but don't wait till the last day of course).

[newbepat]

With your annual extension based on retirement, you may purchase single or multiple reentry permits which allow you to travel outside Thailand during your permission to stay on that extension keeping the same ending date alive. So your logic about wanting a O visa multiple entry instead of an extension based on retirement for that reason alone is not very sound.

Since your money thing going to Thailand is already ready to go, I feel even more strongly that the most logical thing for you is to apply for a SINGLE entry O in Ireland and then do the extension based on retirement in Thailand with the addition of reentry permits. Just be sure to transfer in the full needed amount so that it can season for two months before your extension application date which will be between 30 days left on your 90 day single entry till the last day (but don't wait till the last day of course).

Ok am I correct in thinking a single entry Non Immigrent gives me 90 days ?

And do I have to to get a re entry if i leave :jap:

[Jingthing]

With your annual extension based on retirement, you may purchase single or multiple reentry permits which allow you to travel outside Thailand during your permission to stay on that extension keeping the same ending date alive. So your logic about wanting a O visa multiple entry instead of an extension based on retirement for that reason alone is not very sound.

Since your money thing going to Thailand is already ready to go, I feel even more strongly that the most logical thing for you is to apply for a SINGLE entry O in Ireland and then do the extension based on retirement in Thailand with the addition of reentry permits. Just be sure to transfer in the full needed amount so that it can season for two months before your extension application date which will be between 30 days left on your 90 day single entry till the last day (but don't wait till the last day of course).

Ok am I correct in thinking a single entry Non Immigrent gives me 90 days ?

And do I have to to get a re entry if i leave :jap:

Yes. Yes, if you plan to leave Thailand during that first single entry before your extension application, you would need to purchase a reentry permit at Thai immigration. If you don't plan on travel until later, you don't buy any reentry permits until you get your annual extension based on retirement.

But with that as a base, you will apply for an annual extension based on retirement probably at the 60th day if your money is ready plus you can buy a multiple reentry permit at the same time covering you for one year starting from the end of your first 90 days. You don't plan to stay your first 60 days in Thailand?

[newbepat]

With your annual extension based on retirement, you may purchase single or multiple reentry permits which allow you to travel outside Thailand during your permission to stay on that extension keeping the same ending date alive. So your logic about wanting a O visa multiple entry instead of an extension based on retirement for that reason alone is not very sound.

Since your money thing going to Thailand is already ready to go, I feel even more strongly that the most logical thing for you is to apply for a SINGLE entry O in Ireland and then do the extension based on retirement in Thailand with the addition of reentry permits. Just be sure to transfer in the full needed amount so that it can season for two months before your extension application date which will be between 30 days left on your 90 day single entry till the last day (but don't wait till the last day of course).

Ok am I correct in thinking a single entry Non Immigrent gives me 90 days ?

And do I have to to get a re entry if i leave :jap:

Yes. Yes.

But with that as a base, you will apply for an annual extension based on retirement probably at the 60th day if your money is ready plus you can buy a multiple reentry permit at the same time. You don't plan to stay your first 60 days in Thailand?

My plan is to stay in Thailand about 6 months return home and back to Thailand

I plan to apply for a extention to my visa as soon as I can :jap:

[Jingthing]

No problem. Generally entering on a 90 day stay, you are welcome to apply during the LAST 30 days of that permission to stay. Have your money seasoned, buy a single or multiple entry permit (can be done anytime after you get the extension actually according to need) and you're set. If you only plan one trip out of Thailand during the year, you only need a single reentry permit, which is cheaper.

[newbepat]

Single entry costs €65 If I leave after 90 days and re enter thats another €65 = €130

Multi entry costs €145 and I have the option of comming and going any time

Is that correct