multi-entry non-immagrant (type o) for retirement?

[montanawoodsman]

Hello, I'm a newbie here in SE Asia and currently in Philippines. Id like to ask if anyone can clear something up for me about this type of visa; I'm almost certain I've met guys in Thailand that are using multi-entry non-imm (o) for retirement. But researching it seems that is not allow and that I should apply for the 0-A visa. I'm over 50 and plan on doing that in the future but for now id like to split my year between here and there. Id like to have this visa to spend 3 months there then over here 2 months and repeat.Was it before you could use this visa for retirement or was I just dead wrong to begin with?? Also on a 2 entry tourist visa; how long is the validity of the visa after being issued? Trying to plan what works best for me... Big thank you to any and all replies.

[ubonjoe]

You can get a multiple entry non-o in the states at a honorary Thai consulate (Portland, OR is one).

The embassy and consulates in LA, Chicago and NY will only do OA visas.

[lopburi3]

Actually he is also planning for the future so knowing he can indeed obtain from an honorary consulate can be very helpful. He would not have to obtain an O-A visa.

For three months a single entry tourist visa (which is likely all Manila will issue) will cover 60 days plus 30 day extension from immigration (at extra 1,900 baht) You can then return to PI for two months and get another for your next visit. They will be valid for entry for 3 months from date of issue.

One flame removed.

[ubonjoe]

He would not be able to get one anywhere nearby is why I mentioned the states.

[TerryLH]

"He would not be able to get one anywhere nearby is why I mentioned the states."

They are no longer available in Laos?

[montanawoodsman]

I may have been a bit confusing on my questions... Asking if I could receive a 1 year multi-entry non-immigrant type O visa from a consulate in the U.S. for retirement purposes? From the Portland website seems id need to be married to a Thai (no and no desire) or own a condo (maybe in the future..) or business or education purposes (none of which id be involved). Maybe before you could but not now? Want multi-entries but not ready for the O-A multi-entry visa. Is my choice's the 3 entry tourist visa or the O-A? Thanks.

[lopburi3]

You are in the PI so your choice is likely only a single entry tourist visa - and obtaining another up to two entry from Laos during your stay. You can not obtain an O-A unless a resident of the PI or you return to home country. You might be able to obtain a single entry non immigrant O visa for 90 day stay but without financial proof in Thailand would not be able to extend.

But from your previous post it is 3 months Thailand followed by 2 months PI so simple tourist visas (with extension in Thailand) sees to fit your plans.

[ubonjoe]

They will do it for being over 50. Website is a bit lacking. Their have been numerous reports of them issuing a multiple entry non-o visa.

Just send them an email but do not ask for a retirement visa or a OA. Ask about a multiple entry non immigrant O visa based upon being over 50 to investigate opportunities for retirement.

Or you could contact any of the honorary consulates listed here: http://www.visetkaew.com/wp/directories/

[IMA_FARANG]

Most Thai consulates in S.E. Asia do NOT issue Non immigrant O visas with only a retirement justification. Now if you are married to a Thai you can usually get a Non immigrant O visa from some Thai consulates .... based on marriage but will find it much more difficult if you are not married to a Thai. Savanaket is an example.

Most of the reports you see saying, "I got a Non O visa in Savanakket' were in fact applicants smarried to a Thai .... and that's the big difference.

Now you still get Non O visas in the U.S. and Europe based on a retirement justification.

It is till possible to get a multi-entry 1 year Non O visa for the purpose of retirement.

However, there is strong pressure to make Non O visas for retirement into 90 day single entry visas and NOT multi-entry visas.

They still are available, but increasingly they will ask this question, "Why do you NEED a multi entry visa and what do you want to do that you can NOT do if you get a 90 say single entry Non O visa instead of a multi-entry visa?"

This is because 1 year multi-entry visas have been issued for retirement .... and then a year later the SAME INDIVIDUALS have come back again and asked for another Non O multi-entry visa good for one year .... and the justification is "to prepare for retirement in Thailand".

How many times do people think they will accept that same reason over and over?

That's called "killing the Golden Goose", isn't it? You know the story.

That is why, my prediction is that in the very near future, ALL Non O visas in the world issued for purposes of retirement will be for 90 days and for a single entry only .... and the person who gets one will be expected to extend it in Thailand for one year WHEN (and only when) he or she actually has his or her documents approved.

I think it is just a matter of time before that happens .... with the possible exception of those that can DOCUMENT a need for a multi-entry 1 year visa for retirement.

You know the saying about one rotten apple spoiling the barrel, don't you?

[ubonjoe]

Do you have any proof other than the nearby embassies and consulates that getting a multiple entry visa for being over 50 will be harder to get in the future.

For many people the multiple entry visa is the best option because they travel a lot and cannot always be here to do the extension. Plus many just cannot meet the financial requirements which in my opinion are higher than they need to be.

I am sure that the honorary consulates around the world will be issuing them for a long time to come.