Marriage Visa Fiasco Beware

[longballlarry]

I have had a marriage visa for 5+ years. I tick all the criteria needed , and every year have to produce a phone book size wad of paper to immigration , along with 1900 baht, and proof of income certified by UK embassy. Every year the same forms are filled in, and it is submitted one month before my last marriage visa expires.

This time I completed all the forms and submitted them on 6.12 as my visa was due to expire on 7.1.12 . Everything was said to be fine as usual, so I was told to come back on 6.1 to collect and have my passport re-stamped , as it takes a month for the forms to be sent off and rubber stamped by the big boss.

I went back fri (6.1) , and was told that the forms had not been returned and to come back next week. I told them that I had to go out of the country on monday ( 9.1 ) for a job interview and I would be back on Wednesday the 11.1. Is this OK ?

I was told "no" . If I leave the country this application would be void, and as my current visa runs out on the 7.1, I would have to start the whole process again. I told them that they were the ones that were late, and surely there was something they could do. "no" , I was told, not only will my visa application be void, and to start the whole process again. I would have to fly back to the UK, to get a new "O" visa before they would even start my application.

In the meantime, when I come back from my job interview in Malaysia on weds, I will then have to leave every 30 days until I get an alternative visa.

1900 bt down the drain. My expenses to BKK last month plus fee to UK Embassy for proof of income letter 2000+ bt down the drain .

Even when you do everything right. Tick all the boxes. Pay the right money. Put everything in on time, and they are LATE. You still get shafted .

Amazing Thailand .

[PoorSucker]

You could have got a 60 day extension based on visiting your wife.

From Police order 777/2551

2.24 In the case of an alien visiting a Thai spouse or child:

Permission will be granted for a period of not more than 60 days at a time.

(1) Proof of relationship.

(2) In the case of a spouse, their marital relationship shall be de jure (legitimate) and de facto.

[longballlarry]

You could have got a 60 day extension based on visiting your wife.

From Police order 777/2551

2.24 In the case of an alien visiting a Thai spouse or child:

Permission will be granted for a period of not more than 60 days at a time.

(1) Proof of relationship.

(2) In the case of a spouse, their marital relationship shall be de jure (legitimate) and de facto.

You could have got a 60 day extension based on visiting your wife.

From Police order 777/2551

2.24 In the case of an alien visiting a Thai spouse or child:

Permission will be granted for a period of not more than 60 days at a time.

(1) Proof of relationship.

(2) In the case of a spouse, their marital relationship shall be de jure (legitimate) and de facto.

Thanks thats interesting, and something I could bring up with them when I come back weds.

I also forgot to add , as this visa is not ready, I'll surely be paying 2 days overstay when I leave tomorrow.

Thanks again for the above !!

[Mario2008]

Yes, you can expect to pay overstay.

[TerryLH]

You could apply for a new visa while you're in Malaysia.

Can you clarify why you think you'll be on overstay? Normally if they don't have the paperwork ready, and tell you to come back, you're ok even if they don't give you a stamp for more days. You should have the 30 day 'under consideration' stamp, and can explain that you went on time and were told to return later, but have to leave the country before that time. They should be able to verify that with a phone call. ask to see a supervisor.

"...every year have to produce a phone book size wad of paper to immigration..."

You must come from a small town, but I understand the point.

[TAWP]

You could also just stay in Thailand and avoid this whole headache - you could surely push up the job interview based on some excuse around 'the immigration have my passport to extend my Visa' or the likes?

[Mario2008]

Immigration probably presumed that his extension would be approved before his permisison to stay was over, so didn't give a 30 day under consideration as he didn't need one. Sometimes the approval does however take longer than 30 days, especially with the many holidays in Dec. For soem reason Immigration is than reluctant to give (another) 30 days under consideration, so one could get a re-entry permit and not lose the permission to stay. .

[terryq]

If an "under consideration" stamp was not given at time of application, due to the expectation that the extension would be approved before the permission to stay date , then it might be better to advise that an extension based on marriage be applied for about 2 weeks before the expiry date. This would still give enough time to obtain any missed paperwork but would force an "under consideration" stamp which could be repeated at the end of one month.

Still,as already said the 60 day visiting wife/family extension should have been available.

In the early to mid nineties several consecutive "under consideration" stamps were the norm, my max was 7, but still got the extension.

[lopburi3]

As said you should apply for a new non immigrant O visa on Monday morning if you can. There is no reason to return to UK - any Consulate will issue single entry non immigrant O with marriage certificate/copy of wife ID card and home register. Failing that you can convert inside Thailand immediately after return on the 30 day visa exempt entry (although you might have to do in Bangkok if your local office will not do) and then you do the normal extension of stay 60 days later during last 30 days of visa entry. Cost is the same 2,000 baht that a visa from Consulate would cost.

[howzat]

I am just starting my first marriage visa application. It seems for renewal a lot of paper work is required. Is. It same for retirement visa. I have option for applying for either.

[beechguy]

I am just starting my first marriage visa application. It seems for renewal a lot of paper work is required. Is. It same for retirement visa. I have option for applying for either.

Many feel the retirement extension is easier, and usually no waiting on a decision from Bnagkok.

[Semper]

I am just starting my first marriage visa application. It seems for renewal a lot of paper work is required. Is. It same for retirement visa. I have option for applying for either.

If you are planning to use the "income per month" method, the Immi will more or less "force" you to apply for retirement extension.

[lopburi3]

Yes the retirement is less paperwork, does not require presence of wife, and is immediate.

[Lite Beer]

If you are planning to use the "income per month" method, the Immi will more or less "force" you to apply for retirement extension.

They will if you qualify financially for both as it is less work for them.

[maccaroni man]

O visa 400k in the bank earning very little vs. retirement 700k in the bank earning less? which is better?

[Lite Beer]

O visa 400k in the bank earning very little vs. retirement 700k in the bank earning less? which is better?

Marriage extension = 400k. Retirement Extension = 800k

[lopburi3]

And the retirement has option to use 65k income letter or a combination. And the money does not have to be in account more than 3 months each year. And it can be a higher interest fixed deposit account.

[w11guy]

O visa 400k in the bank earning very little vs. retirement 700k in the bank earning less? which is better?

Marriage extension = 400k. Retirement Extension = 800k

If you are using the money in the bank method, then applying for extension based on marriage will be the cheaper option because you are losing less money on interest you're probably not getting on your money. But if you're using the monthly income method, then retirement extension is much quicker and easier.

I'd always opt for the retirement method, as it is very straightforward and only took me about 30 mins last time.

[Semper]

I'd always opt for the retirement method

Yes I do the same. If the marriage for some reason goes south, you will still have your retirement extension.