Q: Extending Non-Imm Visa 2Months Before Exp Date?

[Passiebeer]

Hi everyone,

I have a problem with extending my non-Imm visa (marriage) and was wondering if anyone had experience with this. Problem as follows:

I have a valid visa until July 21st 2012. Normally I extend it about a month before exp date, without problems.

This year however I go back to Europe for two months (may 30th) and will come back a few days after exp. date. (aug 1)

I asked Immigr how to do this, and they said, no problem, just come in before you leave and they give an extension (during they " investigate the application") until I come back. So I came, but they now say I cannot APPLY more than one month before exp. date

I got the option to send a letter why I need to leave, why I want the extension etc. sounded all very 'dependent on the officer I'll meet if this will be approved', as they said "this may work, but they had never seen this before" etc.

Anyone knows other ways how to solve this?

Other option is, just ask for non-o single entry visual abroad, and start the application process all over again, but I'm not sure if they find "new regulations" I don' t know of.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

Pascal

[lopburi3]

As this requires you be here within 30 days to obtain final stamp it can not be done just prior to your departure as a re-entry permit is required for return and can only be issued for current permitted to stay until date.

Believe you should plan to return earlier or just start over with a new non immigrant O visa for return. As basically same paperwork will be required on the 2k for visa will be additional charge (and will not require 1k re-entry so only about 1k cost) - and provides a few extra months stay as you would not apply until about 70 days after return.

[Passiebeer]

Hi lopburi3,

The thirty days is no a fixed rule, as personally experienced quite often. Many times they stamped a 'pick up' date well over 45 days, up to more than 2 months. Sometimes just by them selves, sometimes on my request because I wouldn't be in Chiang Mai in that time so they moved it backwards.

But all those times I indeed did APPLY for my extension within thirty days of original visa's expiry date :-(

I indeed think the best way's to get my single entry non-o abroad and start over the process. This will discontinue my "visa extension continuity line", but I had no intention to apply for permanent citizenship as yet, so shouldn't be a problem.

So extra costs: 1 non-Imm from abroad, minus 1 re-entry... (re-application costs same as I should have paid if possible to ask before leaving). Small price for a happy life in the kingdom :-)

Leaves me to start packing a stack of docs they may ask for when applying for a non-o abroad...

Thanks!

Pascal

[merijn]

The 30 day is indeed not fixed. Normally you go within the 30 days and you get the under consideration stamp which has a validation date of the remaining days of your current extension plus 30 days extra.

You can apply for the extension before the 30 days if you have a valid reason and can show this to the officer but it is up to him if he accepts it or not.

But you have to collect your new extension before the under consideration stamp expire date and you will require a new re-entry stamp.

[lopburi3]

Actually 30 days was standard for several years - until the flooding - but has increased again often since that period. But the issue is not the number of days but that you can not travel and return without a re-entry permit and that requires a fixed date. Without employment in Thailand PR is most likely not an option so loss of continuity is likely not a problem. For visa should have marriage certificate/copy and signed copies of wife ID card and home register most places now. A note from wife is also good to have if any doubt you are still a couple.

[ubonjoe]

Changing your travel plans is probably the best option if possible. Just come back a few days before your extension runs out giving yourself enough time to get your proof on income or money in bank documents together.