Changes To Requirements For " O " Class

[sub101uk]

Well for many years I have been living in Thailand under a " O " class visa, Since I am 62 years old I just sent off copys of my Bank statements with my application to Hull , It as nice and straight forward However when I went to renew my visa this month I was told this .

"There have been a great many changes over the last few months, both with regard to requirements and the application process.

We cannot now accept postal applications. Since mid-January the Thai Embassy in London forbade all Consulates from dealing with postal applications and postal applications can only be made to the Thai Embassy in London. We, however, are able to deal with personal applications here in Hull.

Since last year the Embassy wish to personally approve all “O” visa applications so, although application may be made to us, we have to scan the relevant application form and supporting documents to the Embassy and must await its confirmation that we may issue the visa, at which time we contact you to confirm this and arrange for you to collect it.

So thinking the only changes were how to apply post or in person I sent the embassy in London a email to check the requirements however they now tell me this regarding the requirements for a " O " class .

Dear Sir,

You can apply a visa by post, for non-immigrant visa type "O" is for people over 65 years or married with Thai nationality only.

Royal Thai Embassy

So I am getting very confused because if you down load the requirements from Hull for a " O " Class it states this :-

5) Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged between 50 and 65 years
Evidence required:
a) Copy of latest 3 months Bank Statements showing regular income from employer of minimum 65,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) per month. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant and address on Bank Statements must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form. Please bear in mind that it may be necessary to check this information with the employer.
OR
Copies of latest Bank Statements showing minimum lump sum amount of 800,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) in a bank account. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant (address on statement must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form).
Either a single or multiple entry visa may be granted in these circumstances.

So I have no idea what the requirements are ? I have emailed Hull and London to confirm as it clear that no body knows , So what started out as a straight forward renewal is turning out to be a nightmare .

Sub101uk

[ubonjoe]

The embassy will not do a non-o based upon retirement because they will only do a OA visa.

You will have to apply in person at one of the honorary consulates. Perhaps, Liverpool, Birmingham or Cardiff will be closer to you than Hull.

If you have the funds or income (or a combination of the two) you could apply for an extension of stay here at immigration or apply for the OA visa at the embassy.

[tomdfc]

Ubonjoe - I see you make many posts on this forum (most of which are very helpful) and that you are a Global Moderator. I am an occasional poster and probably do not understand how these things work but can you clarify your role. The reason I ask is that in this case the advice you give - and indeed the situation as described by the OP - is not what we ourselves have experienced during our last Non-Imm O Visa application process via Hull and then London (for those aged betwen 50 and 65).

Moreover I am currently in correspondence with London to try to resolve the confusion because of our upcoming need to replace the Tourist visas we were forced to accept last time around - there is a whole different story to that and I don't want to hijack this thread - and the London Embassy response so far has been less than helpful - which is an understatement, to say the least.

So winding back, are you a proactive, helpful Mod, knowledgeable in these matters or do you have an inside take on what the application rules really are (if indeed there is one set of rules)? Many thanks.

[olddoc]

Ubonjoe - I see you make many posts on this forum (most of which are very helpful) and that you are a Global Moderator. I am an occasional poster and probably do not understand how these things work but can you clarify your role. The reason I ask is that in this case the advice you give - and indeed the situation as described by the OP - is not what we ourselves have experienced during our last Non-Imm O Visa application process via Hull and then London (for those aged betwen 50 and 65).

Moreover I am currently in correspondence with London to try to resolve the confusion because of our upcoming need to replace the Tourist visas we were forced to accept last time around - there is a whole different story to that and I don't want to hijack this thread - and the London Embassy response so far has been less than helpful - which is an understatement, to say the least.

So winding back, are you a proactive, helpful Mod, knowledgeable in these matters or do you have an inside take on what the application rules really are (if indeed there is one set of rules)? Many thanks.

For whatever reason the Thai embassy in London has found it necessary to restrict the availability of Multi-Entry non "O" visas from the Hon. Consulates.

Ubonjoe offers good advice.

[ubonjoe]

It is a world wide policy that embassies and official consulates will not issue a non immigrant O visas based upon being 50 or over if you are a citizen or resident of the country where they are located because they can issue non immigrant OA visas for retirement.

The info that they will issue one if 65 or over is a rarity specific for the embassy in London.

You can apply through one of the honorary consulates such as Hull for a non immigrant O for being 50 or over for retirement if you can meet the financial requirements mentioned in the OP. The embassy will then approve the application because it was applied for through a honorary consulate.

I suggest though that if you can be meet the financial requirements for a multiple entry visa you should consider getting an extension of stay at immigration here or a OA visa from the embassy.

[rreddin]

It is a world wide policy that embassies and official consulates will not issue a non immigrant O visas based upon being 50 or over if you are a citizen or resident of the country where they are located because they can issue non immigrant OA visas for retirement.

The info that they will issue one if 65 or over is a rarity specific for the embassy in London.

You can apply through one of the honorary consulates such as Hull for a non immigrant O for being 50 or over for retirement which in the info in the OP states.

The OP does not say on what basis his previous Non-O visas were issued. Is it based on marriage to a Thai citizen? Mine is. I could not get it renewed at Hull last summer when I was in the UK. All they could give me was a 60 day triple entry tourist visa, which gave me 180 days. When that expired, I went to the Royal Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos and got a new Non-O visa without any proof of income. There is a thread about it on this forum and my post is here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/644443-thai-consulate-savannakhet/ . Hope this helps the OP.

edited to correct typos.

[ubonjoe]

It is a world wide policy that embassies and official consulates will not issue a non immigrant O visas based upon being 50 or over if you are a citizen or resident of the country where they are located because they can issue non immigrant OA visas for retirement.

The info that they will issue one if 65 or over is a rarity specific for the embassy in London.

You can apply through one of the honorary consulates such as Hull for a non immigrant O for being 50 or over for retirement which in the info in the OP states.

The OP does not say on what basis his previous Non-O visas were issued. Is it based on marriage to a Thai citizen? Mine is. I could not get it renewed at Hull last summer when I was in the UK. All they could give me was a 60 day triple entry tourist visa, which gave me 180 days. When that expired, I went to the Royal Thai Consulate in Savannakhet, Laos and got a new Non-O visa without any proof of income. There is a thread about it on this forum and my post is here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/644443-thai-consulate-savannakhet/ . Hope this helps the OP.

edited to correct typos.

The OP is clear that it is for retirement based upon info from embassy and Hull consulate posted.

You got caught up in the mess shortly after after the embassy forced the consulates to get approval from them for all multiple entry visas. At the same time that you could not get one another person was able to get one from one of the other consulates.

Now you would not have a problem getting a non-o based upon marriage,

[sub101uk]

Thanks guys for the feed back my current O class runs out the Middle of March , But I have never had any problems in the past getting a class but the whole system seems a bit screwed up regarding what the requirements are .

Is it as London states :-For people over 65 years or married with Thai nationality only. or are the requirements from Hull state :-

Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged between 50 and 65 years
Evidence required:
a) Copy of latest 3 months Bank Statements showing regular income from employer of minimum 65,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) per month. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant and address on Bank Statements must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form. Please bear in mind that it may be necessary to check this information with the employer.
OR

Copies of latest Bank Statements showing minimum lump sum amount of 800,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) in a bank account. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant (address on statement must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form).
Either a single or multiple entry visa may be granted in these circumstances.

The money side is no problem , Going to London or Hull in Person and is no problem but I need to know what I need to take with me as at the moment I have no Idea , I only know that I am 62 years old and not married to a Thai nation .

But I know in the 19 years I have been living there they have been making it harder for farang to live there we only have to look back over the years its been harder to get visa .

But as soon as I hear back from Hull or London I will let you know but I hate to think whats going to be the requirement for next year .

[partington]

Thanks guys for the feed back but current O class runs out the Middle of March , But I have never had any problems in the past getting a class but the whole system seems a bit screwed up regarding what the requirements are .

Is it as London states :-For people over 65 years or married with Thai nationality only. or are the requirements from Hull state :-

Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged between 50 and 65 years

Evidence required:

a) Copy of latest 3 months Bank Statements showing regular income from employer of minimum 65,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) per month. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant and address on Bank Statements must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form. Please bear in mind that it may be necessary to check this information with the employer.

OR

Copies of latest Bank Statements showing minimum lump sum amount of 800,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) in a bank account. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant (address on statement must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form).

Either a single or multiple entry visa may be granted in these circumstances.

The money side is no problem , Going to London or Hull in Person and is no problem but I need to know what I need to take with me as at the moment I have no Idea , I only know that I am 62 years old and not married to a Thai nation .

But I know in the 19 years I have been living there they have been making it harder for farang to live there we only have to look back over the years its been harder to get visa .

But as soon as I hear back from Hull or London I will let you know but I hate to think whats going to be the requirement for next year .

Sorry, have I missed something here?

If you currently have a non-Imm O visa, and are 62 , and have the ability to deposit 800,000B in a bank account you can apply within Thailand for your permission to stay to be extended annually every year on the grounds of retirement. There is no need to involve Hull at all.

Of course if you don't have the cash in a bank, and have not for 60 days before your first extension application you may not be able to do it this time round.

edit to correct terminology

[ubonjoe]

Thanks guys for the feed back my current O class runs out the Middle of March , But I have never had any problems in the past getting a class but the whole system seems a bit screwed up regarding what the requirements are .

Is it as London states :-For people over 65 years or married with Thai nationality only. or are the requirements from Hull state :-

Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged between 50 and 65 years

Evidence required:

a) Copy of latest 3 months Bank Statements showing regular income from employer of minimum 65,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) per month. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant and address on Bank Statements must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form. Please bear in mind that it may be necessary to check this information with the employer.

OR

Copies of latest Bank Statements showing minimum lump sum amount of 800,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) in a bank account. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant (address on statement must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form).

Either a single or multiple entry visa may be granted in these circumstances.

The money side is no problem , Going to London or Hull in Person and is no problem but I need to know what I need to take with me as at the moment I have no Idea , I only know that I am 62 years old and not married to a Thai nation .

But I know in the 19 years I have been living there they have been making it harder for farang to live there we only have to look back over the years its been harder to get visa .

But as soon as I hear back from Hull or London I will let you know but I hate to think whats going to be the requirement for next year .

if you apply at the Hull, Liverpool, Birmingham or Cardiff honorary consulates it the requirements will be what Hull shows. If London it will be their rules.

As said before you could also get an extension of stay here at immigration. Or you could apply for a OA visa at the embassy.

[sub101uk]

Thanks for the feed back on the requirement yes the money is in the bank well over what the requirements are but its a not a Thai Bank account but its in the area .I have a feeling you mean have the money in a Thai Bank Account .

Cheers

[ubonjoe]

Thanks for the feed back on the requirement yes the money is in the bank well over what the requirements are but its a not a Thai Bank account but its in the area .I have a feeling you mean have the money in a Thai Bank Account .

Cheers

For an extension of stay it has to be in a Thai bank account.

To apply for a OA visa it can stay in the UK. A OA gives you multiple one year entries for one year and can be stretched to two years by doing an entry before it expires. Info here on embassy website: http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/51

[sub101uk]

Hi UbonJoe

Yes I just received a email from London :- You can apply for the O-A long stay further information can be found at http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/51

So looks like its a new type of visa Non-Immigrant Visa ‘O-A’ (Long Stay) Well I will pop down to London with both "O" and OA forms with all the required paper work like Bank Statements and see how we get on from there .

There are some new requirements that are not the same as the " O " class .

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1. Validity of passport at least 1 year
2. Three (3) visa application forms and 3 passport size recent photographs
3. Non-Immigrant “O-A” (Long Stay) Form
4. Copy of bank statement having in possession of annually income equivalent to Thai currency at
   least 800,000 Baht or monthly income 65,000 Baht. (approximately GBP 14,000.00/annum)
5. In case attached copy of bank statement, the original reference letter from the banking concerned is necessary.
6. Criminal Record from own country and country of permanent residence with validity of at least 3 months. Applicants residing in the United Kingdom will need to have a police clearance issued only from the Scotland Yard.
7. Medical Record proving applicant has never been infected with contagious disease with validity at least 3 months (in accordance with Immigration Act B.E.2522)
8. In case wishing to be accompanied by spouse, the marriage certificate will be attached. But spouse will be granted Non-Immigrant “O” instead of “O-A”(Long Stay)

Note: Documents as stated in 4 - 8 must be certified by Notary Public or from the competent authority concerned of the country of application.

I have no idea were I go to get Item Number 6 : Criminal Record from own country and country of permanent residence with validity of at least 3 months. Applicants residing in the United Kingdom will need to have a police clearance issued only from the Scotland Yard.

So looks like I have to go to Scotland Yard , Now I can see why they say Amazing Thailand !

Well I thought I had heard it all " Go To Scotland Yard " ?

[Maestro]

The non-immigrant visa ‘O-A’ (Long Stay) is not something new, but not listed on the same page on the the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the other visa types, but quite easy to find on the site of the Thai Embassy in London, which has apparently been spruced up recently.

[ubonjoe]

I think this is what most people get for the visa. http://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx

Scotland yard does not do them as far as I know. Perhaps reply back to the embassy giving the above link to see what they say.

[sub101uk]

This is starting to turn into a nightmare what started as a simply visa renewal , I could jump on a train and head to London with all the paper work that I have and see what they make of it , The problem is I get very little feed back from the embassy in London .

For starters for this OA visa you need to provide them with a medical I just had a full medical in Bumrungrad Hospital only last month same as I do every year for my work , So will this be acceptable or do I need to fill out there form and go for a yet a second medical ?

As for the police check well like you say Scotland Yard no longer do them , I went to the link http://www.acro.poli...rtificates.aspx and will see they can tell me however since I dont live here . As soon as I tell them , " Yes I am a british subject but I dont live here " I think there going to say " If you dont live in England how can we give you a cert " But I will email this address enquiries@acro.pnn.police.uk and see what they have to say .

I did email the Thai embassy in London last night regarding this Police Check so I will see what they say .

I think at the end f the day its all what the Thai embassy in London will accept and wont accept , I have all originals certs , Bank statements , Doctors cert .But it sounds like a very large can of worms .

I only know I got back from Thailand just over a week ago and thought while I was here I would renew my old " O " and found this mess but its clear what is on the Hull web site is wrong .

Yes my current " O " expiry's on the 18th of March and my bank account is in Malaysia but I do not wish to open up a Thai bank account I see no point as I can use my cards in Thailand but that is one more new Topic 150 Baht extra ! on on farang cards.

Thanks again but I have a feeling I maybe one of many who have the same problem .

[partington]

Yes my current " O " expiry's on the 18th of March and my bank account is in Malaysia but I do not wish to open up a Thai bank account I see no point as I can use my cards in Thailand but that is one more new Topic 150 Baht extra ! on on farang cards.

Thanks again but I have a feeling I maybe one of many who have the same problem .

Well all I can say is , the point of opening a Thai bank account would be to save yourself problems in the future if you intend to live in Thailand.

Opening a bank account here would enable you to extend your permission to stay, indefinitely, every year, without needing a medical or police certificate, in a single visit to an immigration office within Thailand that takes a couple of hours!

( Edit: Unfortunately you are too late to do it this year, as the money needs to be in the account a full 60 days before you apply for the extension. One possibility would be to apply for a tourist visa when your O expires, and convert that to an O then a retirement extension, having previously seasoned money in a Thai account. Even that sounds like less hassle than you are going through now.)

[sub101uk]

Hi Patington

Well after living in the south of Thailand for the past 19 years nothing surprises me as they seem to change the goal post as Hull are still telling me the requirements are

5) Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged between 50 and 65 years
Evidence required:
a) Copy of latest 3 months Bank Statements showing regular income from employer of minimum 65,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) per month. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant and address on Bank Statements must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form. Please bear in mind that it may be necessary to check this information with the employer.
OR
Copies of latest Bank Statements showing minimum lump sum amount of 800,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) in a bank account. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant (address on statement must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form).
Either a single or multiple entry visa may be granted in these circumstances.
PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ALL CASES PASSPORT MUST HAVE MINIMUM 6 MONTHS
VALIDITY ON DATE OF ENTERING THAILAND.

But London are telling me :-

1. Validity of passport at least 1 year
2. Three (3) visa application forms and 3 passport size recent photographs
3. Non-Immigrant “O-A” (Long Stay) Form
4. Copy of bank statement having in possession of annually income equivalent to Thai currency at
   least 800,000 Baht or monthly income 65,000 Baht. (approximately GBP 14,000.00/annum)
5. In case attached copy of bank statement, the original reference letter from the banking concerned is necessary.
6. Criminal Record from own country and country of permanent residence with validity of at least 3 months.? ?Applicants residing in the United Kingdom will need to have a police clearance issued only from the Scotland Yard.
7. Medical Record proving applicant has never been infected with contagious disease with validity at least 3 months (in accordance with Immigration Act B.E.2522)
8. In case wishing to be accompanied by spouse, the marriage certificate will be attached. But spouse will be granted Non-Immigrant “O” instead of “O-A”(Long Stay

I only know I live about 70 miles from London I hate to go all the way down to the Embassy in London only to find out that I am missing some document because at the moment I am getting zero information from the embassy there .

As for opening a Thai bank account I think once you start having to put money into a interest free account the sky is the limit , This year it could be 800,000B whats it going to be next year its a bit like the extra ATM charge of 150 Baht or in some cases its even more .

Its very clear they do not want farang living in Thailand , Tourist yes but living there no so looks like I will have to go to London and find out what the requirements are .

I live and work all over the place but I dont think I have ever had so much hassle over renewing a visa , If I knew this I would have gone into the main office in Bangkok and seen what the requirements were .

I wonder how all the other guys who use " O " visas are getting on applying for a new visa .

[sub101uk]

Update on the Criminal Record cert requirement from own country and country of permanent residence with validity of at least 3 months.? ?Applicants residing in the United Kingdom will need to have a police clearance issued only from the Scotland Yard.

I emailed ACRO and this is what they had to say :-

Dear Mr ***************

Thank you for your email.

ACRO can issue you with a Police Certificate but you should confirm with the requesting organisation that they will accept it. You must clearly state on the application form that you have confirmed with the relevant organisation that the Certificate is fit for purpose. Failure to do so will delay your application.

ACRO cannot be held responsible, and will not refund, in any case where the Certificate is later found to be unacceptable.

You should be aware that when we produce a Police Certificate we apply the Step Down model as outlined in the Retention Guidelines for Nominal Records on the Police National Computer. A link to the document is included below.

http://www.acpo.police.uk/documents/PoliceCertificates/SubjectAccess/Retention%20of%20Records06.pdf

When we operate Step Down we have to take into account three factors:

1. The type of offence
2. The age of the offender at the time of sentencing
3. The sentence given (Disposal)

Please note that it is not a full disclosure and Step Down rules are applied. Therefore it may not be suitable for your requirements.

If you and the requesting organisation consider a Police Certificate from ACRO to be fit for purpose, an application form for a Police Certificate, along with guidance notes and instructions, is available to download from the following web address:

http://www.acro.police.uk From here click on the “Police Certificates” link

If an ACRO Police Certificate is not considered fit for purpose you may apply for the following:

Section 7. Data Protection Act 1998 (Subject Access Disclosure)

For further information you will need to go to the following web address and follow the links to your relevant Police Force. If not living in the UK, the Police Force you need to contact would be the one with authority over the area where you last lived within the UK.

http://www.acro.police.uk/subject_access.aspx

If your Force is not listed here you will need to contact them via their force website.

CRB clearance – Now Disclosure and Barring Service

DBS is required for persons working within an organisation in the public, private and voluntary sectors to identify candidates who may be unsuitable to work with children or other vulnerable members of society. Applications must be made by registered bodies, not by individuals. You will find further information regarding the Disclosure and Barring Service from the following website

http://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check

Disclosure Scotland

This is a disclosure which can be applied for by anybody. It is the recommended document for employment purposes in the UK if a CRB is not being obtained. It may also be acceptable to an overseas employer.

Disclosure Scotland produces a Basic Disclosure (termed as a 'criminal conviction certificate' in Part V of the Police Act 1997) which is the lowest level of Disclosure and is available to anyone for any purpose. It contains details of convictions considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 or states that there are no such convictions. This type of Disclosure is only issued to the applicant. It is not job-specific or job-related and may be used more than once.

More information can be found at the following web address.

http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact this department if you have any further queries and we will be happy to assist you.

Please note our office opening hours are 0830 - 2300 Monday to Friday.

Yours sincerely

*******************

I am waiting to hear back from the Thai Embassy in London to see if this is acceptable or even if it is required .

[John 1]

Hi Patington

Well after living in the south of Thailand for the past 19 years nothing surprises me as they seem to change the goal post as Hull are still telling me the requirements are

5) Visiting Thailand as Retired Person aged between 50 and 65 years

Evidence required:

a) Copy of latest 3 months Bank Statements showing regular income from employer of minimum 65,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) per month. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant and address on Bank Statements must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form. Please bear in mind that it may be necessary to check this information with the employer.

OR

Copies of latest Bank Statements showing minimum lump sum amount of 800,000 baht (or equivalent in another currency) in a bank account. Bank Statements must include name and address of visa applicant (address on statement must be same as “Present address” on Visa Application Form).

Either a single or multiple entry visa may be granted in these circumstances.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ALL CASES PASSPORT MUST HAVE MINIMUM 6 MONTHS

VALIDITY ON DATE OF ENTERING THAILAND.

But London are telling me :-

1. Validity of passport at least 1 year
2. Three (3) visa application forms and 3 passport size recent photographs
3. Non-Immigrant “O-A” (Long Stay) Form
4. Copy of bank statement having in possession of annually income equivalent to Thai currency at

   least 800,000 Baht or monthly income 65,000 Baht. (approximately GBP 14,000.00/annum)

5. In case attached copy of bank statement, the original reference letter from the banking concerned is necessary.
6. Criminal Record from own country and country of permanent residence with validity of at least 3 months.? ?Applicants residing in the United Kingdom will need to have a police clearance issued only from the Scotland Yard.
7. Medical Record proving applicant has never been infected with contagious disease with validity at least 3 months (in accordance with Immigration Act B.E.2522)
8. In case wishing to be accompanied by spouse, the marriage certificate will be attached. But spouse will be granted Non-Immigrant “O” instead of “O-A”(Long Stay

I only know I live about 70 miles from London I hate to go all the way down to the Embassy in London only to find out that I am missing some document because at the moment I am getting zero information from the embassy there .

As for opening a Thai bank account I think once you start having to put money into a interest free account the sky is the limit , This year it could be 800,000B whats it going to be next year its a bit like the extra ATM charge of 150 Baht or in some cases its even more .

Its very clear they do not want farang living in Thailand , Tourist yes but living there no so looks like I will have to go to London and find out what the requirements are .

I live and work all over the place but I dont think I have ever had so much hassle over renewing a visa , If I knew this I would have gone into the main office in Bangkok and seen what the requirements were .

I wonder how all the other guys who use " O " visas are getting on applying for a new visa .

After you say you have lived in Thailand for 19 years and you are asking all these silly question's. Please explain what exactly you don't know. I've been here over 20 years I don't have a problem nor do people that do there home work.

[OJAS]

Section 7. Data Protection Act 1998 (Subject Access Disclosure)

For further information you will need to go to the following web address and follow the links to your relevant Police Force. If not living in the UK, the Police Force you need to contact would be the one with authority over the area where you last lived within the UK.

http://www.acro.police.uk/subject_access.aspx

If your Force is not listed here you will need to contact them via their force website.

This is what I provided the Royal Thai Embassy in London as part of my successful O-A visa application in 2008.

[sub101uk]

Thanks OJAS

For the information well to date I have heard very little back from the Thai Embassy in London given any details of the requirements for the OA visa so looks like its going to be a trip down to London even find any details so looks like the cost of train fares back and forward to London is going to cost more than the visa .

I did however today get 2 emails from Hull explaining that they could do very little for me and that I should apply in person to London so I will head down there on the train to London and take with me all the paper work , Should they need this police check cert like you I will contact ACRO and get the cert the cert from them that's if they still accept a cert from ACRO . How much did the check cost and how long did it take to get I wonder ?

As for my local police force the problem is I am all over the world but I do hold a British Passport but don't live here .

Yes John I have been living in Thailand since 1995 and until now never had any problems getting a new visa , However in the passed 9 years its been getting harder and harder but my dealings have all ways been via Hull .

Hull no longer can issue a O or OA if you apply to Hull they just pass on your documents to London , Where as before to get a O class visa you just filled out the form with credit card details , 2 pictures , Signed some other form regarding you had the funds if you had a problem and had to return to your own country , I think 2 years ago they started asking for Bank Statements .

But now for the OA visa you need a Doctors cert I only had a medical 3 weeks ago in Bangkok so thats no problem if they accept it ?

At the end of the day getting a visa should be nice and straight forward if only the Thai Embassy in London was the same as Hull .

[OJAS]

Thanks OJAS

For the information well to date I have heard very little back from the Thai Embassy in London given any details of the requirements for the OA visa so looks like its going to be a trip down to London even find any details so looks like the cost of train fares back and forward to London is going to cost more than the visa .

I did however today get 2 emails from Hull explaining that they could do very little for me and that I should apply in person to London so I will head down there on the train to London and take with me all the paper work , Should they need this police check cert like you I will contact ACRO and get the cert the cert from them that's if they still accept a cert from ACRO . How much did the check cost and how long did it take to get I wonder ?

As for my local police force the problem is I am all over the world but I do hold a British Passport but don't live here .

Yes John I have been living in Thailand since 1995 and until now never had any problems getting a new visa , However in the passed 9 years its been getting harder and harder but my dealings have all ways been via Hull .

Hull no longer can issue a O or OA if you apply to Hull they just pass on your documents to London , Where as before to get a O class visa you just filled out the form with credit card details , 2 pictures , Signed some other form regarding you had the funds if you had a problem and had to return to your own country , I think 2 years ago they started asking for Bank Statements .

But now for the OA visa you need a Doctors cert I only had a medical 3 weeks ago in Bangkok so thats no problem if they accept it ?

At the end of the day getting a visa should be nice and straight forward if only the Thai Embassy in London was the same as Hull .

My pleasure! I personally wouldn't be too worried that you may not have been living in your local police force's area all that frequently in recent times. The important thing, I think, is that you provide a subject access request disclosure obtained from them, to enable the Embassy official to tick the appropriate box in their O-A visa application checklist.

And I wouldn't advise you to rely on the official ticking the medical box in their checklist on the basis of a check-up performed in Bangkok - particularly if you wish to avoid risking a wasted trip to London. In any event, based on my experience in 2008, you shouldn't need another full-blown medical check-up for this purpose. I merely trotted round to my doctor's surgery with the Embassy form (having made an appointment first), and the GP gave me a cursory examination which lasted all of 10 seconds before signing the form. Still had to pay £10 for the "privilege", though.

The most awkward (and expensive) part of the O-A visa application process for me was getting all the documentation notarised as required by the Embassy. Not any old solicitor can perform this function, but only one who has been designated as a "Notary Public". Fortunately I was able to track down a suitably-qualified solicitor in my neck of the woods, who did land me with a £140 charge for their services, however!

You should be able to find a Notary Public near you by following the links on the Notaries Society website: http://www.thenotariessociety.org.uk/find-a-notary

[sub101uk]

Thanks OJAS for the feed back for when you applied for the OA , Well since I will be going down there in person I will take all my original Bank Statements and other paper work and just see what they accept and wont accept .

I have heard nothing back form London on what they will accept or wont accept but I as soon as I know I can let the others know as I think I must be one of the many who are over 50 and under 65 who live in Thailand under the " O " class visa .

As for the police cert its pointless me getting a cert from ACRO if the Thai Embassy in London no longer accept it as ACRO state "

ACRO can issue you with a Police Certificate but you should confirm with the requesting organisation that they will accept it. You must clearly state on the application form that you have confirmed with the relevant organisation that the Certificate is fit for purpose. Failure to do so will delay your application.

ACRO cannot be held responsible, and will not refund, in any case where the Certificate is later found to be unacceptable.

As for the doctors cert yes my own thoughts I was just going to send in a copy of my offshore medical from Bumrungrad Hospital that was only a few weeks ago so that should be ok .

I wonder if I need to do this every year ? But I have had over the years made all strange visa applications but nothing like this . Well I will get all my paper work together and head down to London , Then join all the others trying to apply for visas and permits but it cant be any worse than applying for a work permit for India or Nigeria .

Thanks again for all your help

[partington]

Thanks OJAS for the feed back for when you applied for the OA , Well since I will be going down there in person I will take all my original Bank Statements and other paper work and just see what they accept and wont accept .

Thanks again for all your help

No offence, but I predict you won't have much success, because despite thanking everyone for their help you have stated that you are not going to follow any of the advice you have been given!

Firstly, as you are applying at the London Embassy, you need to follow the London Embassy requirements to the letter. Forget Hull if you are going to London. You are also applying for an O/A visa in London, and always in the past you have applied for an O visa from Hull. These are completely different things and so of course have different requirements, it's that simple.

1. In post #23 OJAS tells you you need to get all your documents NOTARISED, or the Embassy will reject them.

You do not say you have done this, so they are likely to be rejected.

2. In post #23 OJAS also tells you NOT TO RELY on the medical you just got in Bangkok, but to download the specific medical question form the Embassy themselves provide, and get your GP to fill in the answers to the specific and limited medical questions it asks.

You have stated you are going to take your Bangkok medical, so it is likely to be rejected.

3. In post #21 OJAS tells you that the police certificate he knows is acceptable for the O/A in London is the section 7 Subject Access Disclosure, because he has done it. (What ACRO say on their website is not relevant as they do not consult with anyone to find out what is acceptable.) You should apply for the Subject Access Disclosure version, and tick the fit for purpose box as he has told you.

You say you are not applying for one, so your application will likely be rejected.

Again, to be successful in an application, read and follow the instructions exactly: this will allow the bored and hassled Embassy official dealing with your application to tick the boxes on the form he has to fill in showing you have exactly fulfilled the requirements.

If they can point to one of the instructions on the website and say "you have not done this", your application is unlikely to succeed!

[sub101uk]

Many thanks for your reply Partington but at the end of the day its down to the lack feed back from the Thai Embassy in London if they replied to peoples questions .

Do you still accept a Police cert from ACRO , All they need to say is ( Yes ) or ( No ) , Yes back in 2008 OJAS applied for his OA they accepted the ACRO cert but this is 2014 What about now as they state in there form that this check needs to be done by Scotland Yard ?

As for the doctors cert that is no problem but all people applying for a OA visa need feed back from the London Embassy I am sure there all rushed off there feet but no more than all the other embassy's that I deal with .

As for Hull they did a first rate job for many years and if there was a problem they all ways had the time to email or phone you but every body is cutting back on staff levels .

But I will let you and the other forum members know what the outcome is but I hate to waste money , But I understand that the Police check cert done via ACRO is about £40.00 .

So I will let you know how I get on

[steve187]

my head hurts reading this..............

[partington]

Many thanks for your reply Partington but at the end of the day its down to the lack feed back from the Thai Embassy in London if they replied to peoples questions .

Do you still accept a Police cert from ACRO , All they need to say is ( Yes ) or ( No ) , Yes back in 2008 OJAS applied for his OA they accepted the ACRO cert but this is 2014 What about now as they state in there form that this check needs to be done by Scotland Yard ?

As for the doctors cert that is no problem but all people applying for a OA visa need feed back from the London Embassy I am sure there all rushed off there feet but no more than all the other embassy's that I deal with .

As for Hull they did a first rate job for many years and if there was a problem they all ways had the time to email or phone you but every body is cutting back on staff levels .

But I will let you and the other forum members know what the outcome is but I hate to waste money , But I understand that the Police check cert done via ACRO is about £40.00 .

So I will let you know how I get on

You have to accept that you are unlikely to get a reply back from the Thai Embassy, so you will have to deal with the problem yourself. It is of no use at all to you to moan about not getting a reply at this stage.

All you have to do is ask yourself what is the course of action that is most likely to succeed in getting a visa:

1. Ignoring the instructions given on the Embassy website

2. Obeying the instructions given on the Embassy website.

In addition you have received all the information you need to make a successful application from people here who have done it. It is just stupid to go to the Embassy with the wrong documents just for the sake of it. Even if you have doubts about the Police certificate, what use do you think it will be to turn up with no Police certificate at all???!!

As a final futile attempt to help you, (which you will also ignore):

The police certificate you should be applying for is, as OJAS has told you, is the Section 7. Data Protection Act 1998 (Subject Access Disclosure). You get this by applying to the local Police Force in the area where you lived in the UK, using a form that the force provides you, or sometimes that you can download from the Police authority for your area.

When you fill this in and return it to the Police authority they apply to the police national computer at Scotland Yard for you. This is where the Scotland Yard bit comes in.

Here is some information and a link:

https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q542.htm

"- the police can make checks of what is held on their computer systems about individuals and it is known as a subject access request. This is not a criminal records check. The police check will either provide a certificate stating that there is currently no information held about you on the police computer systems or it will provide a list of convictions.

There are three possible ways of obtaining the form. You can write/telephone the force involved and they will post one out to you, if you are outside the UK you can ask a friend or relative to collect one from the local police station in the force area concerned or some forces may have the form on their website that you can download.

By law these checks have to be done in a maximum of 40 days"

You do not need to tell us how you got on if you don't do these things - you will fail and then complain that it is someone else's fault!

[sub101uk]

Thanks Partington for the reply but like I have all ready said if the embassy replied we would not be having this conversation now but I will head down there next week and let you know how I get on .

I have one more question , On the application form for a OA Visa Under the heading " ONCE ARRIVED IN THE KINGDOM "

Once having been in the Kingdom up to 90 days, applicant must report himself / herself to the authorities concerned and every 90 days, also report can be made by post by fill up the form TM.47 which can be obtained from immigration office.

Does this mean a trip down to the boarder for a visa run the same as a " O " ?

So watch this space about the middle of next week and I can tell you fist hand .Thanks again for all the information .

[ubonjoe]

It is 90 day reporting to immigration by completing a TM47 form. You can do it in person or by mail at most immigration offices.