Non-O Visa Question

[Yunla]

Hi, I am currently 11.5 months into my Non-O Visa, which I obtained from Royal Consulate in Hull (UK).

I am wanting to return to the UK & obtain another of this same type of multi entry O class visa again. Is there a cool-down period when I cannot obtain this same visa again, or can I apply at Hull as soon as the visa expires.

Also is there a limit to how many Non-0 multi entry visas a person can obtain succesively? I am 40 and can (presumeably) apply for retirement class visa in 10 years, so I was thinking of doing 10 annual trips to Hull for 10 multi entry Non-O visas, and of course my border trips to Cambodia every 3rd month too.

I did ask this at the Visa office in Hull a year ago but they were very busy and the reply seemed a bit sketchy.

My passport is Swedish but my home residence is the UK. Age 40. I am staying in Thailand for my Multiple Sclerosis (sunshine) & to see my Thai friends from University. I also want to retire here.

Thankyou in advance if you can answer these two questions.

[Mario2008]

There is no limit on the number of non-O visas you can get in a row, but under the new tighter rules you might no longer qualify for a new non-O visa. I would contact Hull about if you would qualify first.

A non-O visa is no longer issued based on visiting friends.

[Yunla]

Thankyou for your reply.

I have primary progressive MS, sometimes wheelchair, increasingly wheelchair over the next decade I've been told.

I was told a year ago, as strong equatorial sunshine is medically recognized as therapeutic for late stage MS, this was a valid health concern for a Non-O type visa 'health' group. I am also registered in Bangkok hospital and have brain scans & buy medicines here etc. I also own a condo here.

I am reluctant to telephone Hull from Thailand, because of the expense, I will probably wait till I return to UK in early May & see what they say. I hope they issue me with more non-O visas ; Thai peoples' friendly welcome and the sunshine have improved aspects of my health greatly in a surprisingly short time.

[Mario2008]

I advise you to get a letter from your doctor in Thailand, stating that it is for your health and treatment that you must remain in Thailand. It might be that such letter would convince them to issue a visa. Although medical reasons is no longer an offical ground for a visa, medical tourism is stimulated.

Owning a condo is no longer an option for a non-O visa, unless the value is more than 10 million baht. But the odd consualte in europe might issue based on a condo. Hull will no longer.

[Lite Beer]

I don't think you qualify any more.

From 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.

Please note that either a single or multiple entry visa can be granted in these circumstances.

or

2) Visiting Thai child living in Thailand

Evidence required

a Birth Certificate of child showing relationship

b Proof of having legal custody of the child

Please note that either a single or multiple entry visa can be granted in these circumstances.

or

3) Visiting non Thai 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..

Please note that either a single or multiple entry visa can be granted in these circumstances.

or

4) Volunteer Work

Evidence required:

a Sponsor Letter from Registered Charity.

Please note that only a single entry visa can be granted in these circumstances.

or

5) Visiting Thailand as Pensioner

Evidence required:

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

Please note that either a single or multiple entry visa can be granted in these circumstances.

or

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

Evidence required:

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

Please note that either a single or multiple entry visa can be granted in these circumstances.

[Yunla]

Thankyou both so much for your helpful replies. I shall bring all my medical documents with me to Hull and hope they see sense. Thanks again for helping me.

[englishinsiam]

It's not a case of them seeing sense medical reasons are not suitable for an O Visa.

Your best bet is an education Visa plus with that you just go to immigration and avoid border runs. That way you learn Thai too.

If you go to UK Hull will say no so you'll only be able to enter on a tourist stamp.

Get acting on the Ed visa now and you'll be okay.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

[marshbags]

Thankyou for your reply.

I have primary progressive MS, sometimes wheelchair, increasingly wheelchair over the next decade I've been told.

I was told a year ago, as strong equatorial sunshine is medically recognized as therapeutic for late stage MS, this was a valid health concern for a Non-O type visa 'health' group. I am also registered in Bangkok hospital and have brain scans & buy medicines here etc. I also own a condo here.

I am reluctant to telephone Hull from Thailand, because of the expense, I will probably wait till I return to UK in early May & see what they say. I hope they issue me with more non-O visas ; Thai peoples' friendly welcome and the sunshine have improved aspects of my health greatly in a surprisingly short time.

You can phone the U.K. for 7 baht per minute as I do on a regular basis using 008 then your country code ( 44 for the UK ) followed by the code for Hull and the tel. number you wish to contact.

You could also telephone Birmingham as an alternative, I have always found them very helpful with advice and information.

You can use the alternative 007 at 9 baht per minute for a better quality line ( I,ve never had to do this by the way )

Recommended IMHO as you cannot beat direct contact and immediate question and answer.

marshbags

P.S.

Make sure you ring during office hours for the U.K.consulates or you may get a recorded message.