Changing Visa Status After Marriage

[alon]

Hello,

Me and my girlfriend just got in to thailand. I'm on a tourist visa and she's on an official visa (Type F).

We are both Israeli citizens, and we plan on getting married here soon.

Will it be possible to change my visa status to B-O after we get married, and how can it be done?

Cheers,

Alon

[ubonjoe]

After you get married if your new wife is on an extension of stay you can get an extension as her dependent. But you must first get a non immigrant O visa to get the extension from a nearby Embassy or consulate. Immigration does not do change of visa status for dependent extensions.

If she is on a visa instead of an extension then all you could possibly get at any nearby Embassy or consulate is a single entry non-o visa.

[lopburi3]

Believe an F visa holder will have no issue getting extension of stay for spouse and suspect it should be available inside Thailand. Admit have not seen any reports on this but Embassy officials are not normally treated with less respect that retirees.

[ubonjoe]

The extension no problem but what about the change of visa status?

There have been several reports of immigration not doing them for dependent extensions.

[lopburi3]

I used a bad example but believe it will be different for official status F visa holders however. But don't know that for a fact but in any case after marriage it should be relatively easy to remain (even if a quick trip is required).

[alon]

Thank you guys for the information, It's been very helpful.

One more question, I've been told that the status changing procedure should be handled by a lawyer, is that a fact or just a recomendation?

[Mario2008]

A lawyer is rarely needed and in most cases a waste of money.

[ubonjoe]

It is not something I would recommend. You can do it yourself normally without a problem.