Extension of Stay for Retirement Tight Timeline

[Canuck50]

I am Canadian, currently reside in BKK, began with an OA visa for retirement and my original permission to stay expires on 24-Dec-13. I re-entered Thailand on 29-Nov-13. I have over 800,000 THB in local account but it was only topped up until 25-Oct-13, as I thought the requirement was 60 days (first extension) from renewal deadline, and I was waiting for proceeds from the sale of property. But now I read it is 60 days from date of application for extension, not date of expiry of current permit to stay. If I count 60 days forward from 25-Oct, it falls exactly on the date of expiry of my current permit to stay.

Can someone please comment on my options at this point?

Is it at all feasible to apply for my extension on the same day my current permit expires?

Is it likely that Immigration will consider my application before the full 60 days of seasoning time?

If the answer to both the above is no, what can I do at this point?

Also, am I correctly understanding that the seasoning time in my case is 60 days and not 3 months? Some additional information is that although I have stopped working in July-13, I do have income for the beginning of the year in case a combination of income and deposit would be an option.

Also, is there a previous post that outlines the steps and documents required to complete the extension of stay process as I couldn't find one. Can it be completed on one visit to Immigration and what are the requirements for the dating of the bank letter?

All help will be greatly appreciated.

[PoorSucker]

Do you have single or multiple entry non-OA?

[ubonjoe]

You can apply on the last day. But I would try on the 23rd they might let you do it then. If you include the Oct. 25 in your count it is the 60th day.

CW immigration normally wants bank letter dated on same day you apply along with bank book update.

[Canuck50]

Do you have single or multiple entry non-OA?

It was multi but that would not enter into it as the original OA has expired.

Date of Issue = 9-Feb-12

Enter before = 8-Feb-13

Last entry on multi-OA = 25-Dec-12

Current permission to stay = 24-Dec-13

[Canuck50]

You can apply on the last day. But I would try on the 23rd they might let you do it then. If you include the Oct. 25 in your count it is the 60th day.

CW immigration normally wants bank letter dated on same day you apply along with bank book update.

Yes, I hadn't counted the first day but now that you mention it, I think they should. But if I get the bank letter on 23rd and give it a try on the same day and they reject me, I would go back the next day but with a bank letter a day old though. Not sure how they would feel about that! Your thoughts?

[ubonjoe]

I think it would be OK. You would though need a bank book update. Most banks have branches downstairs at CW.

[phuketjock]

Your 60 days seasoning is only good for your initial retirement extension, any further extension renewal requires

3 months seasoning of your 800,000.

As for the bank letter I usually go to the bank one or two days before and have not had any problem at Phuket

immigration in 6 years.

[Jingthing]

First time extending O-A seasoning is two months.

Sent from my GT-S5360B using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[phuketjock]

I would suggest that you, if you can, pay a visit to your nearest immigration office and ask your

questions there, then you can be sure of what you are doing.

From memory the requirments are,

1. You must be at least 50 years old or more.

2. You must have an income of 65,000 Baht per month, with proof of same, or 800,000 Baht in

your bank for 2months/60 days before your first application and for 3 months for any subsequent

renewal, or a combination of both of the above.

3. A letter from your bank proving the above in 2.

4. Copy and original of your bank book. I am not sure but I think this is to make sure you don't get the

letter from the bank and then empty your account.

5. Application of extension of stay in Thailand form TM 7.

6. Application for re-entry to Thailand form TM 8. Photos required.

7. Original and copies of your passport.

8. About 4,000 baht, depending if you want a single or multiple re-entry permit, less if single.

I think that is all but if not I am sure someone will let me and you know.

Good luck.

You can download the forms here.

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=download

[PoorSucker]

Last entry on multi-OA = 25-Dec-12

Go there on Christmas, all the tourist going to think they are closed...

They are going to be open, swift service.

[OJAS]

"3. A letter from your bank proving the above in 2."

Should actually read:

"3A A letter from your bank proving the 800,000 Baht in 2 above,

OR

3B A letter from your Embassy proving the 65,000 Baht per month in 2 above,

OR

3C Both letters if using the "Combi" method of proving finances."

"7. Original and copies of your passport."

Including the TM6 departure card stapled therein.

"8. About 4,000 baht, depending if you want a single or multiple re-entry permit, less if single."

A single-entry re-entry permit costs 1,000 Baht and a multi-entry one 3,800 Baht.

[JohnC]

You state you have an income, get the appropriate letter from the Canadian embassy which will negate the need to season your money in the bank, then use the combination method when applying for retirement permission to stay.

[ubonjoe]

He does not have continuing income. He only mentioned working up to July.

[Canuck50]

He does not have continuing income. He only mentioned working up to July.

You state you have an income, get the appropriate letter from the Canadian embassy which will negate the need to season your money in the bank, then use the combination method when applying for retirement permission to stay.

True.... I worked from January through July and then retired. Although my income for those months was high enough that if averaged over the full year would qualify, I suspect they would not consider it since I am not working now. It comes down to if they look at my current employment status or my income over the calendar year. who are they to say that I will not work again next year?

[Canuck50]

"3. A letter from your bank proving the above in 2."

Should actually read:

"3A A letter from your bank proving the 800,000 Baht in 2 above,

OR

3B A letter from your Embassy proving the 65,000 Baht per month in 2 above,

OR

3C Both letters if using the "Combi" method of proving finances."

"7. Original and copies of your passport."

Including the TM6 departure card stapled therein.

"8. About 4,000 baht, depending if you want a single or multiple re-entry permit, less if single."

A single-entry re-entry permit costs 1,000 Baht and a multi-entry one 3,800 Baht.

Thanks for the great summary of requirements!

[Canuck50]

Last entry on multi-OA = 25-Dec-12

Go there on Christmas, all the tourist going to think they are closed...

They are going to be open, swift service.

Do you know for sure they will be open through the Christmas period? I agree that if they are it would be a good time because most people would either think they are closed or be otherwise occupied at that time.

[Canuck50]

Your 60 days seasoning is only good for your initial retirement extension, any further extension renewal requires

3 months seasoning of your 800,000.

As for the bank letter I usually go to the bank one or two days before and have not had any problem at Phuket

immigration in 6 years.

I wonder if it would be advised for me to go to see them for advice well in advance, present my situation to them and ask what they recommend. I just don't know if they will accept me as a walk-in for the purpose of questions. They seem to be geared more to people with paperwork in hand which they pre-screen to make sure you have your ducks in a row before they let you in. Has anyone ever gone in there just to ask questions and obtain advice?

[Canuck50]

So, if my attempts fail and I cannot get it done by 24-Dec, for what ever reason, I should have a backup plan. What would be the best way to do this? Exit to adjacent country, get a 30 day stamp, and then convert somehow to type "O" for extension?

[ubonjoe]

Your 60 days seasoning is only good for your initial retirement extension, any further extension renewal requires

3 months seasoning of your 800,000.

As for the bank letter I usually go to the bank one or two days before and have not had any problem at Phuket

immigration in 6 years.

 

I wonder if it would be advised for me to go to see them for advice well in advance, present my situation to them and ask what they recommend. I just don't know if they will accept me as a walk-in for the purpose of questions. They seem to be geared more to people with paperwork in hand which they pre-screen to make sure you have your ducks in a row before they let you in. Has anyone ever gone in there just to ask questions and obtain advice?

It is your first extension so it will be 60 days.

Info for Phuket does apply at CW.

I think I would just go in on the 23rd and do the application.

As of today CW is closed and you have go to the office in Ladprao. Keep checking on this forum for updates.

[Canuck50]

Your 60 days seasoning is only good for your initial retirement extension, any further extension renewal requires

3 months seasoning of your 800,000.

As for the bank letter I usually go to the bank one or two days before and have not had any problem at Phuket

immigration in 6 years.

I wonder if it would be advised for me to go to see them for advice well in advance, present my situation to them and ask what they recommend. I just don't know if they will accept me as a walk-in for the purpose of questions. They seem to be geared more to people with paperwork in hand which they pre-screen to make sure you have your ducks in a row before they let you in. Has anyone ever gone in there just to ask questions and obtain advice?

It is your first extension so it will be 60 days.

Info for Phuket does apply at CW.

I think I would just go in on the 23rd and do the application.

As of today CW is closed and you have go to the office in Ladprao. Keep checking on this forum for updates.

OK, I think that's what I will do. Thanks for the advice!!!

[ubonjoe]

So, if my attempts fail and I cannot get it done by 24-Dec, for what ever reason, I should have a backup plan. What would be the best way to do this? Exit to adjacent country, get a 30 day stamp, and then convert somehow to type "O" for extension?

I don't think you will have a problem.

If something did wrong rather than just going out for a exempt entry and going through the conversion I would suggest going for a single entry non-o in Vientiane.

[phuketjock]

Your 60 days seasoning is only good for your initial retirement extension, any further extension renewal requires

3 months seasoning of your 800,000.

As for the bank letter I usually go to the bank one or two days before and have not had any problem at Phuket

immigration in 6 years.

I wonder if it would be advised for me to go to see them for advice well in advance, present my situation to them and ask what they recommend. I just don't know if they will accept me as a walk-in for the purpose of questions. They seem to be geared more to people with paperwork in hand which they pre-screen to make sure you have your ducks in a row before they let you in. Has anyone ever gone in there just to ask questions and obtain advice?

I don't know anything about CM Vic but any time I have been to the Phuket Immigration office

I have seen many people in there just asking for info and both the wanabees and the real

immigration guys have as far as I seen been very willing to help all of them.

BTW you can convert your 30 day visa exempt stamp to a non O for the purpose of obtaining

a retirement visa extension as I did, albiet about six years ago.

I am pretty sure you will not be allowed to use any income you gained before retirement to go

toward your monthly income for your retirement extension, because if you were working legally

you would need to have a WP and you cannot have retirement extension if you are working, and

if you were working without a WP well you really don't want to mention such a thing to immigration.

If you are at all in doubt the quick exit and re-entry on a 30 day visa exempt stamp will solve your

seasoning and will remove any other problems that you may have.

A visit to immigration I would definitely recommend, you never know they may even give you a

simpler option.

You cannot work in THailand if you have retirement visa extension so if you get a job after getting

a retirement extension your retirement extension will be cancelled and you will have to obtain the

correct visa to support a WP. I would strongly advise you to not even think about working on a

retirement visa extension, but that is entirely up to you Vic.

[Canuck50]

Your 60 days seasoning is only good for your initial retirement extension, any further extension renewal requires

3 months seasoning of your 800,000.

As for the bank letter I usually go to the bank one or two days before and have not had any problem at Phuket

immigration in 6 years.

I wonder if it would be advised for me to go to see them for advice well in advance, present my situation to them and ask what they recommend. I just don't know if they will accept me as a walk-in for the purpose of questions. They seem to be geared more to people with paperwork in hand which they pre-screen to make sure you have your ducks in a row before they let you in. Has anyone ever gone in there just to ask questions and obtain advice?

I don't know anything about CM Vic but any time I have been to the Phuket Immigration office

I have seen many people in there just asking for info and both the wanabees and the real

immigration guys have as far as I seen been very willing to help all of them.

BTW you can convert your 30 day visa exempt stamp to a non O for the purpose of obtaining

a retirement visa extension as I did, albiet about six years ago.

I am pretty sure you will not be allowed to use any income you gained before retirement to go

toward your monthly income for your retirement extension, because if you were working legally

you would need to have a WP and you cannot have retirement extension if you are working, and

if you were working without a WP well you really don't want to mention such a thing to immigration.

If you are at all in doubt the quick exit and re-entry on a 30 day visa exempt stamp will solve your

seasoning and will remove any other problems that you may have.

A visit to immigration I would definitely recommend, you never know they may even give you a

simpler option.

You cannot work in THailand if you have retirement visa extension so if you get a job after getting

a retirement extension your retirement extension will be cancelled and you will have to obtain the

correct visa to support a WP. I would strongly advise you to not even think about working on a

retirement visa extension, but that is entirely up to you Vic.

Thanks for the info. Just to clear one thing up though, my work was not in Thailand but for my Canadian company both in Canada and Russia. From the feedback I have received on here, I think I should be able to get the extension without having to claim income or leave the country so I'll keep my fingers crossed and have a backup plan in the form of a visa run if required.

[phuketjock]

Your 60 days seasoning is only good for your initial retirement extension, any further extension renewal requires

3 months seasoning of your 800,000.

As for the bank letter I usually go to the bank one or two days before and have not had any problem at Phuket

immigration in 6 years.

I wonder if it would be advised for me to go to see them for advice well in advance, present my situation to them and ask what they recommend. I just don't know if they will accept me as a walk-in for the purpose of questions. They seem to be geared more to people with paperwork in hand which they pre-screen to make sure you have your ducks in a row before they let you in. Has anyone ever gone in there just to ask questions and obtain advice?

I don't know anything about CM Vic but any time I have been to the Phuket Immigration office

I have seen many people in there just asking for info and both the wanabees and the real

immigration guys have as far as I seen been very willing to help all of them.

BTW you can convert your 30 day visa exempt stamp to a non O for the purpose of obtaining

a retirement visa extension as I did, albiet about six years ago.

I am pretty sure you will not be allowed to use any income you gained before retirement to go

toward your monthly income for your retirement extension, because if you were working legally

you would need to have a WP and you cannot have retirement extension if you are working, and

if you were working without a WP well you really don't want to mention such a thing to immigration.

If you are at all in doubt the quick exit and re-entry on a 30 day visa exempt stamp will solve your

seasoning and will remove any other problems that you may have.

A visit to immigration I would definitely recommend, you never know they may even give you a

simpler option.

You cannot work in THailand if you have retirement visa extension so if you get a job after getting

a retirement extension your retirement extension will be cancelled and you will have to obtain the

correct visa to support a WP. I would strongly advise you to not even think about working on a

retirement visa extension, but that is entirely up to you Vic.Thanks for the info. Just to clear one thing up though, my work was not in Thailand but for my Canadian company both in Canada and Russia. From the feedback I have received on here, I think I should be able to get the extension without having to claim income or leave the country so I'll keep my fingers crossed and have a backup plan in the form of a visa run if required.

Vic If you are 50 or over and you have the 800,000 Baht in the bank for the requisite time you will not have

any problem, the procedure is quite simple just some simple forms to fill in really. I assume you have looked

at the forms, important that 2 page forms are printed out on the one sheet of paper, front and back that is.

Again good luck, you will wonder what all the fuss was about once you have obtained your first one.