US Citizen applying for Retirement Visa for the First Time

[Nolster]

Which is the best way to apply for a multiple entry retirement visa for Thailand? I have visited Chiang Mai and would like to retire there. I meet all the age, income and other requirements. Is it easier to apply for the visa in the USA at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. or should I first get a 90-day visa then apply for the Retirement Visa in Chiang Mai? Also, I need to have multiple entry visa to visit my family back in the US as needed as well as visit other countries. Anything else I should keep in mind? Would I need to go to the US Consulate in Chiang Mai to have my documents certified?

Thanks!

[ubonjoe]

The embassy or any of the 3 official consulates will only do a multiple entry OA long stay visa for retirement. It requires a medical certificate and police back ground check. Requirements are here on embassy website: http://www.thaiembdc.us/dcdp/Non_Immigrant_Long_Stay

To get a single entry non-o visa to apply for the extension here you would have to apply in person at one of the honorary consulates listed here: http://www.thaiembdc.us/dcdp/Thai_Consulate_Directory2

If you cannot get the single entry non-o visa you could get a single entry tourist visa and change it to a non immigrant visa entry at immigration. Then apply for the extension of stay based upon retirement,

To get the the change of visa status or extension you need 800k baht in a Thai bank for the change and then 60 days for the extension.or 65k baht income proven by an income affidavit from the US consulate in CM or a combination of the two totaling 800k baht.

A police or medical certificate is not required here,

After getting the extension you can apply for a multiple re-entry permit (3800 baht).

The only thing you will need from the US consulate will be the income affidavit,

[JimGant]

If you're going to be kicking around in the States for another month or so, I'd recommend a mail application to the Thai Embassy DC for a multi entry O-A visa. Yes, you'll have the additional requirement of a medical and police report. But, this can easily be handled with a letterhead report from your local sheriff, and the medical form is a pro forma downloadable pdf that asks whether you have such things as elephantitis or last stage syphilis. If you have a regular doctor, he can fill this in without, probably, needing to go in person.

Since you say you meet the income requirement, just attach a copy of proof to the application (thus no need to go to CM Consulate for income letter, whose cost is probably greater than what you'll pay your Stateside doctor). Thai Embassy also no longer requires the burdensome notarization of documents.

With the O-A visa you can come and go to Thailand as many times as you want for nearly two years (I'll let you read the threads on how this is done). You'll never have to visit Immigration during these two years, except for 90 day reporting (which can be done by proxy), and to get a re-entry permit for the period after your Visa expires.

Getting a Non Imm O visa to come to Thailand to retire is harder to get these days than getting a Non Imm O-A visa (unless you're married to a Thai). Thus, if you want to get the retirement process done in Thailand, you'll probably have to get a tourist visa -- or just enter on the 30-day visa exempt process. Either way, you'll need to get that income letter from CM Consulate, go to Immigration, convert to a 90-day stay, then come back in 60 days to get your one-year retirement extension of stay, plus re-entry permit. Oh, might need to get a second income letter, as they'll hold your first original upon the conversion (this, possibly, has recently changed.....). So, two possible visits to CM Consulate, two visits to Immigration, then one year later, another visit to the Consulate (unless you go the bank route), and another visit to Immigration for your second year of retirement extension. So, I add up 6 visits related to two years of retirement extension. I won't even add up the fees.

O-A visa? Deal with the Doc and Cop, mail it in, then forget Immigration, for the most part, for the next two years (again, 90 day reports, same as if you got an in-country extension, and the need to get a re-entry permit in year two). I add up -- one visit total for two years. No brainer, right?

Good luck.

[moe666]

If he gets the multi entry Non O-A he will need to go to immigration for a re-entry permit for the second year. If you are going to be coming and going as you say why not figur out your trips and plan around a 2 or 3 entry tourist visa save some money and time. If you go back to the states as planned then you can get another tourist visa on return. Dealing with the immigration office in Chiang Mai can be a challenge as the have a huge work load, short of staff and office space

[Langsuan Man]

Like others above I would suggest a O-A Multiple Entry from the U.S. Embassy in Washington DC or Consulate in New York because these two locations don't require the documentation to be notarized ( LA and Chicago do)

This will give you two years to decide on things like bank accounts, living arrangements (rent or own), and other life style choices. You may end up not liking CM and want to go somewhere else. No reason to tie yourself down to one location

[ubonjoe]

This will give you two years to decide on things like bank accounts, living arrangements (rent or own), and other life style choices. You may end up not liking CM and want to go somewhere else. No reason to tie yourself down to one location

An extension of stay does not tie you to one location either. You can still move around Thailand with it.

[Langsuan Man]

This will give you two years to decide on things like bank accounts, living arrangements (rent or own), and other life style choices. You may end up not liking CM and want to go somewhere else. No reason to tie yourself down to one location

An extension of stay does not tie you to one location either. You can still move around Thailand with it.

Who said anything about an extension of stay ?

I just advised the OP to get it in the US for the reasons cited in my post

[ocean268]

Hello Nolster, You said, "Which is the best way to apply for a multiple entry retirement visa for Thailand?". You can simply fly into BKK, receive a thirty day visa on arrival, and then contact a THAILAND law firm. Good Luck!

http://www.thaivisa.com/content/gsearch.html?cx=partner-pub-8062882927723374%3A743sve-i02s&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Retirement+visa

from my iPad in Cha-Am

[ubonjoe]

This will give you two years to decide on things like bank accounts, living arrangements (rent or own), and other life style choices. You may end up not liking CM and want to go somewhere else. No reason to tie yourself down to one location

An extension of stay does not tie you to one location either. You can still move around Thailand with it.

Who said anything about an extension of stay ?

I just advised the OP to get it in the US for the reasons cited in my post

An extension was mentioned earlier in the topic.You were comparing the two options.

Reading your post could lead somebody to believe that an extension would tie you down to one location.

[TerryLH]

" You can simply fly into BKK, receive a thirty day visa on arrival, and then contact a THAILAND law firm."

The OP is an American. He's not eligible for a 'visa on arrival'.

For most immigration things you don't need a lawyer. You can easily do them yourself.

[ubonjoe]

Hello Nolster, You said, "Which is the best way to apply for a multiple entry retirement visa for Thailand?". You can simply fly into BKK, receive a thirty day visa on arrival, and then contact a THAILAND law firm. Good Luck!

ImageUploadedByThaivisa Connect Thailand1399435724.690244.jpg

http://www.thaivisa.com/content/gsearch.html?cx=partner-pub-8062882927723374%3A743sve-i02s&cof=FORID%3A11&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Retirement+visa

from my iPad in Cha-Am

You cannot apply for a multiple entry visa of any kind.in Thailand

You can do a conversion to a 90 day non immigrant visa entry. Then apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement. Then you can apply for multiple re-entry permit.

Why pay a lawyer when you can easily do it yourself.

[umbanda]

Easy way is to just arrive in Thailand with your USA valid passport, get 30 days tourist visa at the airport, go to the Chiang Mai Immigration Department close to Airport Central Plaza mall, and get all the information to start the process (first NO visa for 3 months, and later retirement extension for one year) Total cost 1900THB in immigration and $50 US for the income certification at the USA Consulate in Chiang Mai (making an appointment on its web site) Also a proof of address like a rental agreement. Some hotels and service apartments places will provide that if you still looking for a rental.

DO NOT DO ANYTHING IN BANGKOK, ONLY WHERE YOU WILL LIVE. DO NOT ASK FOR INFO OR HELP FROM ANY VISA SERVICE COMPANY OR LAWYER OR ANY STRANGER SPECIALLY IF IT IS NOT AMERICAN. EVERY COUNTRY HAVE DIFFERENT RULES AND PAPERWORK. CHIANG MAI IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ARE GREAT PEOPLE. CHIANG RAI EVEN BETTER.

[NancyL]

It would be nice if the OP checks back in to clarify something. He says he meets all the "age, income and other requirements". OK -- I'm going to assume he can attest that has a monthly income in excess of 65,000 baht.

The advice that Umbanda gave above is basically correct, although the terminology he used isn't and it could cause problems for the OP if he used Umbanda's terminology. So here's the explanation with correct terminology. I'm not just being pedantic here.

Arrive in Thailand with valid U.S. passport. Be sure it won't expire for at least a year, 16 months is better. You may have trouble coming in without a return ticket and no visa. The airline may refuse to board you. That subject's been covered elsewhere on this forum. (Did you know Korean Air has great connections straight into Chiang Mai from many U.S. cities via the fabulous airport at Seoul, Korea? Totally avoids Swampy.) Upon arrival in Thailand, your passport will be stamped with a 30 day visa-exempt permission to remain. (it's not a 30 day tourist visa)

Get an appointment on-line at the U.S. Consulate CM to get an Income Letter. Cost $50 Make a copy. Go to CM Immigration near Central Airport Plaza early in the morning and apply for an 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa (not a NO visa). You'll need your passport, 1900 baht, that income letter from the consulate, rental agreement or proof of where you live (yes, guesthouse or hotel OK) and photos and copies. The folks in the little shack behind Immigration can fix you up with the right photos and copies -- no sense sweating those details.

Then during the final 30 days of the 90 day O visa you return to Chiang Mai Immigration to get your 12 month retirement extension, only this time even earlier and repeat the process of the above paragraph. I know someone who did this last month and it was OK to use a copy of the Consulate Letter. They didn't have get a fresh one, but the policy could change.

It's OK to use a visa agent to help. Adds about 6000 baht to the cost. But, the Immigration people in CM are great. Sure, it's a busy, confusing place, but they want to help people. Never any hint that they want tea money. They really do want people to get their visas.

[ubonjoe]

You forgot to mention that to do the conversion you must have at least 15 days remaining on your entry. That means if coming in without a visa you will only have 15 days to get it done. That is why I suggested at least getting a single entry tourist visa. Also with a visa there in no need for a return or onward ticket within 30 days.

[JimGant]

Two year scenario:

Get multiple entry Non Imm O-A visa ($200), board flight for Thailand (with no fear of denied boarding due to no visa), arrive Thailand with immediate one-year permission of stay stamp, hop scotch in and out of Thailand for one year on this multi entry O-A, then in year two, make one trip to Immigration for a re-entry stamp (3800bt) -- continue hop scotching at your leisure.

Or, enter on visa exempt entry (need out bound ticket to thwart off denied boarding), go to Consulate ($50) for income letter. Go to Immigration for conversion to Non Imm O (2000bt), come back in 60 days for one-year retirement extension stamp (1900bt), plus 3800bt for multiple re-entry stamp. In year two, get another income letter ($50), go to Immigration for one-year extension (1900bt) and another multiple re-entry stamp (3800bt).

In two years, the OP will have to go to the Consulate twice (maybe three, if another original income ltr needed for retirement extension), plus three times to Immigration!! (all day affairs possibly). If on an O-A visa -- one trip to Immigration in year two, to get just the re-entry permit (which is, presumably, less burdensome than getting a one-year extension).

Cost for 2 years?

-- O-A visa: $200 plus 3800bt re-entry permit in year two. Total: $320.

-- No visa entry conversion: $50 Consulate income ltr, 2000bt conversion, 1900 extension, 3800 re-entry fee. Year two: $50 Consulate ltr, 1900 extension, 3800 re-entry fee. Total: $470 (and this assumes a third visit to Consulate isn't required).

To me, just not having to go to Immigration and the Consulate so much would seal the deal -- the cost savings are just serendipity.

And, as several have pointed out recently, getting a Non Imm O-A visa in the States (at least in DC and NY) is not that big a deal (unless you're wanted for armed robbery, and/or your doctor wants to run a full test for elephantitis).

[ubonjoe]

You forgot to include the cost of getting the medical certificate for the OA visa. It can be cost into the hundreds of dollars if you don't have a physician that you have seen on a regular basis.

And the police certificate is certainly not free.

And then there is notary fees if the embassy or consulate you go to requires them.

Not sure about the OP.but the OA visa is a very bad option if married unless the both can qualify for OA because the spouse will need to make border runs every 90 days because a dependent extension of stay is not possible for an OA visa entry.

[Langsuan Man]

You forgot to include the cost of getting the medical certificate for the OA visa. It can be cost into the hundreds of dollars if you don't have a physician that you have seen on a regular basis.

And the police certificate is certainly not free.

And then there is notary fees if the embassy or consulate you go to requires them.

Not sure about the OP.but the OA visa is a very bad option if married unless the both can qualify for OA because the spouse will need to make border runs every 90 days because a dependent extension of stay is not possible for an OA visa entry.

JimGant gave the OP enough information on costs for him to make the decision based upon his situation

My primary physician, which everyone should have if they are over 50, had no problem signing the medical form for free

Have previously gotten three Police reports from the local Sheriff's office also for free (I now pay $10 for a police certificate from my State Police)

The OP was told not to use LA or Chicago so no notarization fee would be required

Since the OP wants a multiple entry to visit my family back in the US I would feel safe in guessing that he is not married

[ubonjoe]

You forgot to include the cost of getting the medical certificate for the OA visa. It can be cost into the hundreds of dollars if you don't have a physician that you have seen on a regular basis.

And the police certificate is certainly not free.

And then there is notary fees if the embassy or consulate you go to requires them.

Not sure about the OP.but the OA visa is a very bad option if married unless the both can qualify for OA because the spouse will need to make border runs every 90 days because a dependent extension of stay is not possible for an OA visa entry.

JimGant gave the OP enough information on costs for him to make the decision based upon his situation

My primary physician, which everyone should have if they are over 50, had no problem signing the medical form for free

Have previously gotten three Police reports from the local Sheriff's office also for free (I now pay $10 for a police certificate from my State Police)

The OP was told not to use LA or Chicago so no notarization fee would be required

Since the OP wants a multiple entry to visit my family back in the US I would feel safe in guessing that he is not married

I pointed out the costs that were not mentioned. Also the OP certainly will not be the only one reading this topic.

It is best to point out all possible costs. Making people aware of the problems with the OA visa for married couples is also is important.

Your costs are not relevant because other peoples could be substantially different.

[Nolster]

It would be nice if the OP checks back in to clarify something. He says he meets all the "age, income and other requirements". OK -- I'm going to assume he can attest that has a monthly income in excess of 65,000 baht.

The advice that Umbanda gave above is basically correct, although the terminology he used isn't and it could cause problems for the OP if he used Umbanda's terminology. So here's the explanation with correct terminology. I'm not just being pedantic here.

Arrive in Thailand with valid U.S. passport. Be sure it won't expire for at least a year, 16 months is better. You may have trouble coming in without a return ticket and no visa. The airline may refuse to board you. That subject's been covered elsewhere on this forum. (Did you know Korean Air has great connections straight into Chiang Mai from many U.S. cities via the fabulous airport at Seoul, Korea? Totally avoids Swampy.) Upon arrival in Thailand, your passport will be stamped with a 30 day visa-exempt permission to remain. (it's not a 30 day tourist visa)

Get an appointment on-line at the U.S. Consulate CM to get an Income Letter. Cost $50 Make a copy. Go to CM Immigration near Central Airport Plaza early in the morning and apply for an 90-day Non-Immigrant O visa (not a NO visa). You'll need your passport, 1900 baht, that income letter from the consulate, rental agreement or proof of where you live (yes, guesthouse or hotel OK) and photos and copies. The folks in the little shack behind Immigration can fix you up with the right photos and copies -- no sense sweating those details.

Then during the final 30 days of the 90 day O visa you return to Chiang Mai Immigration to get your 12 month retirement extension, only this time even earlier and repeat the process of the above paragraph. I know someone who did this last month and it was OK to use a copy of the Consulate Letter. They didn't have get a fresh one, but the policy could change.

It's OK to use a visa agent to help. Adds about 6000 baht to the cost. But, the Immigration people in CM are great. Sure, it's a busy, confusing place, but they want to help people. Never any hint that they want tea money. They really do want people to get their visas.

Thanks NancyL! Sorry I did not have my laptop with me and it is difficult to do much on the smartphone

1. My monthly income is in excess of 65,000 baht;

2. My new US Passport with the computer chip is valid until 2024. Also when I returned back to Houston from Chiang Mai at the end of March I experienced the new terminals that read your passport and fill out the necessary form to reenter US as well as print your snapshot on a thermal paper receipt. In the end you do have to show all that to the immigration officer though;

3.I did get the 30 day visa-exempt entry the last time. I am visiting CM again for 29 days in June to explore more of CM and Thailand. Both of these require a return ticket, or I booked return tickets.

So the problem with arriving in Thailand would be that I would have to book the return fare within the 30-day period, or risk being questioned by the immigration upon arrival. Although I was not asked to show either the return ticket or having enough money with me but one never knows, right? If I book the return fare within the 30-day limit then I'd have to do something about extending the return date if the air ticket is changeable or simply let it expire and by a new ticket. I find that the optimal time for getting the best airfare is about 2 months in advance.

4. I don't mind going to New York Royal Thai Consulate and apply for the O-A visa with multiple entry, however, I am a bit confused here as the Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C. states as following;

"Recommendations for foreigners with Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) while staying in the Kingdom

Upon arrival, holder of this type of visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for 1 year from the date of first entry. During the one-year period, if he or she wishes to leave and re-enter the country, he or she is required to apply at the Immigration office for re-entry permit (single or multiple) before departure. In the case of leaving the country without a re-entry permit, the permit to stay for 1 year shall be considered void."

It seems that I will need to apply and get the re-entry permit- hopefully multiple in my case, at the CM Immigration Office before I leave Thailand initially on my O-A visa. Can someone clarify this issue? or is the Washington D.C. Royal Thai Embassy is wrong??

5. One final question:

What is the difference between the O-A visa for one year and the '12 month retirement extension'?

Thanks a million to all the members who have taken the time to answer my question.

Cheers!

Nolster

[ubonjoe]

The info on the website would be correct if you had a single entry OA visa. But all OA visas are now issued as multiple entry visas. You would not need to get a re-entry permit until the visa experiences which will be one year from the date of issue.

If you read my post at #2 on this topic you will see the difference between the OA and the extension of stay.

The biggest difference that if you are using the money in the bank option you can leave it a Thai bank which is not a concern for you since you can use the income method. Plus there is no need for the medical and police certificate.

I suggest you get a single entry non-o visa from the honorary Thai consulate in Houston for your next trip.. It is downtown in the Chase tower (was Texas commerce bank building). See the link I posted earlier for honorary consulates for contact info. A single entry non-o would give you a 90 day entry and no need for a return ticket. Cost is $80.

[Nolster]

You forgot to include the cost of getting the medical certificate for the OA visa. It can be cost into the hundreds of dollars if you don't have a physician that you have seen on a regular basis.

And the police certificate is certainly not free.

And then there is notary fees if the embassy or consulate you go to requires them.

Not sure about the OP.but the OA visa is a very bad option if married unless the both can qualify for OA because the spouse will need to make border runs every 90 days because a dependent extension of stay is not possible for an OA visa entry.

JimGant gave the OP enough information on costs for him to make the decision based upon his situation

My primary physician, which everyone should have if they are over 50, had no problem signing the medical form for free

Have previously gotten three Police reports from the local Sheriff's office also for free (I now pay $10 for a police certificate from my State Police)

The OP was told not to use LA or Chicago so no notarization fee would be required

Since the OP wants a multiple entry to visit my family back in the US I would feel safe in guessing that he is not married

I pointed out the costs that were not mentioned. Also the OP certainly will not be the only one reading this topic.

It is best to point out all possible costs. Making people aware of the problems with the OA visa for married couples is also is important.

Your costs are not relevant because other peoples could be substantially different.

OP is blissfully divorced! Me and my ex are good friends; but yes it is a relevant issue.

I just want to make the best decision about my intended 'retirement' in CM. It is very important for me to be able to travel in and out as our extended family members live in many countries around the world. Having a US passport certainly helps.

For me travelling to Washington, D.C. was a bit problematic but NY/NJ region is perfect since I have family and friends +++ the Royal Thai Consulate does not require documents to be translated. Also, I understand that the normal validity of the visa is 3 months for traveling to Thailand.

I have a primary physician in the US that I can get the medical certificate from. Getting the police certificate from the local Sheriff should not be a problem. Am I required to have one from the State Police also, where would this end?? Do I need to go to the FBI also???? I mean the Thai Authorities need to be specific about which police jurisdiction's certificate is required.

Thanks!!!

[Nolster]

The info on the website would be correct if you had a single entry OA visa. But all OA visas are now issued as multiple entry visas. You would not need to get a re-entry permit until the visa experiences which will be one year from the date of issue.

If you read my post at #2 on this topic you will see the difference between the OA and the extension of stay.

The biggest difference that if you are using the money in the bank option you can leave it a Thai bank which is not a concern for you since you can use the income method. Plus there is no need for the medical and police certificate.

I suggest you get a single entry non-o visa from the honorary Thai consulate in Houston for your next trip.. It is downtown in the Chase tower (was Texas commerce bank building). See the link I posted earlier for honorary consulates for contact info. A single entry non-o would give you a 90 day entry and no need for a return ticket. Cost is $80.

Thanks UbonJoe, seems like a good plan. Which documents / bank statements would suffice for the US Consulate in CM? I get monthly 'not for deposit' check statement for my State Pension and also get the bank statement for the direct deposit.

[ubonjoe]

In my opinion since you apparently live in Houston which has a honorary Thai consulate I suggest you get a single entry non-o visa and do the extension of stay here.

You can apply for the non-oa visa by mail to the embassy or official consulates.

[JimGant]

I suggest you get a single entry non-o visa from the honorary Thai consulate in Houston for your next trip

Several years ago I asked Houston (Julie Richardson's the visa lady) if they issued Non Imm O visas just for being retirement eligible. The answer was "no." Maybe things have changed.....

For me travelling to Washington, D.C. was a bit problematic

This can all be done by mail (info on website), and, in fact, is less hassle than going in person. Yes, there's a cost for Priority Mail, or other tracking mail options.

Getting the police certificate from the local Sheriff should not be a problem. Am I required to have one from the State Police also,

Local sheriff is all you'll need, based on reports on this forum.

[NancyL]

You forgot to mention that to do the conversion you must have at least 15 days remaining on your entry. That means if coming in without a visa you will only have 15 days to get it done. That is why I suggested at least getting a single entry tourist visa. Also with a visa there in no need for a return or onward ticket within 30 days.

Actually Chiang Mai Immigration seems to have no problem converting a visa-exempt entry into a 90 day O visa any time during the 30 days. I know someone who did it on day 29. They understand that sometimes it can be difficult to get an appointment to get an Income Letter at the U.S. consulate.

[NancyL]

Nolster, the problem with trying to come to Thailand without a visa isn't that Thai Immigration is going to stop you, but the airline may refuse to board you in the U.S. if they see you don't have a visa in your passport or evidence of onward travel. Doesn't have to be a return ticket -- just evidence that you're leaving Thailand within 30 days. Some people get around this by booking a cheapie ticket they have no intention of using. Some just allow a lot of time for flight check-in and hope their airline doesn't care. If they do, then they have time to buy a cheap ticket to somewhere at the airport. Frankly, it's a stupid "rule", because many people exit Thailand overland, using tickets they buy in Thailand.

If it were me, knowing what I know today, I wouldn't obsess as much as Hubby and I did when we retired here in 2008. We'd just book the airline tickets and make an appointment at the U.S. Consulate and go the route previously described to convert visa-exempt entry into an O visa and then a retirement extension. We had way to much drama trying to get an O-A visa at a time when we were selling our home and business and getting rid of our stuff in the U.S. (In the end, the Chicago Consulate gave Hubby an O-A and me a multi-entry 12-month O as his wife, even though I fully qualified for my own O-A, grrr!)

[JimGant]

Also, I understand that the normal validity of the visa is 3 months for traveling to Thailand.

As Ubonjoe said, O-A visas are only issued in the multi-entry variety. And this means they are valid for one year from date of issue. Thus, you can come and go to Thailand as many times as you like during this one year validity. And each time you enter Thailand, you are stamped-in (permission of stay) for one year. Thus, returning to Thailand right before the visa expires will get you another one year permission of stay. Ipso presto, your O-A visa gets you nearly two years of hassle free visits/stays to Thailand (if you remember to get a re-entry permit in year two).

Anyway, it would seem you now have enough information from which to make a decision. Not sure why this comparison info has not been pinned to this forum....... Would certainly cut back on carpal tunnel syndrome injuries.

[ubonjoe]

You forgot to mention that to do the conversion you must have at least 15 days remaining on your entry. That means if coming in without a visa you will only have 15 days to get it done. That is why I suggested at least getting a single entry tourist visa. Also with a visa there in no need for a return or onward ticket within 30 days.

Actually Chiang Mai Immigration seems to have no problem converting a visa-exempt entry into a 90 day O visa any time during the 30 days. I know someone who did it on day 29. They understand that sometimes it can be difficult to get an appointment to get an Income Letter at the U.S. consulate.

I mentioned the 15 days because it is immigration policy. There may be exceptions made but I would prefer to advise not to count on it being possible.

If getting a single entry non-o is not possible I suggest getting a single entry tourist visa because it will give more time to get things done plus it eliminates the need for a ticket out of the country within 30 days.

[NeverSure]

-snip-

Getting the police certificate from the local Sheriff should not be a problem. Am I required to have one from the State Police also, where would this end?? Do I need to go to the FBI also???? I mean the Thai Authorities need to be specific about which police jurisdiction's certificate is required.

Thanks!!!

Someone is going to check you through NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) and then issue the clearance. In most states that is the state police.

The quick way to find out for your state is to call a gun dealer and ask who they call to get that before they sell a gun.

Costs $10 in most states.

[Langsuan Man]

Someone is going to check you through NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) and then issue the clearance. In most states that is the state police.

The quick way to find out for your state is to call a gun dealer and ask who they call to get that before they sell a gun.

Costs $10 in most states.

All that is required is a local criminal records check, be it state, county, or local police. No one, not even the state police, are going to bother with a NICS check for a routine background check for a visa

Gun dealers don't call anyone they submit the data electronically and it comes back with an electronic clearance which they will not give you, since it is just a Yes or No