When do I need to apply for/renew an extension for stay for a "retirement visa"?

[gskimbrell]

I have a non-immigration O-A "retirement" visa issued by the Thai Embassy in Washington, DC on 23 July 2013, and valid until 22 July 2014.

I entered Thailand on 7 September 2013, and have a permission to stay date of 6 September 2014 stamped in my passport.

I do not plan on departing Thailand between now (3 June) and 6 September.

When do I need to go to the immigration office (Jomtien) to apply for an extension of stay/renew my extension of stay...prior to 22 July or prior to 6 September?

Also, since I plan on departing Thailand in December 2014 and return in January 2015, I understand I will need to get a re-entry permit after I receive an extension of stay/renewed extension of stay.

Greatly appreciate any clarification that can be provided.

[Suradit69]

If you were to leave Thailand and come right back in again before the July expiration of the visa, you'll get another year before needing to apply for an extension of stay. Just make sure you do that before the July expiration. Since you have a valid visa (before the July expiration) you need not worry about crossing a border to get the extra year. The current brouhaha is only regarding people getting visa exempt entries.

If you're sure you don't want to do that, you can apply for an extension of stay as much as 30 to 45 days before your current September permission ends. They'll add the year's extension onto the end of your current permission to stay. Just make sure you've got the money seasoned in a Thai bank & the bank manager's letter AND/OR an affidavit from the embassy regarding monthly income.

Yes, whether you get a second year's permission using the visa or you get an extension of stay at Jomtien you'll need a re-entry permit. The multi-entry feature of the original visa ends when the visa expires in July and you always need an re-entry permit when you are on an extension of stay from Immigrations ... if you want to go out and return without killing the extension of stay.

[gskimbrell]

Suradit69 -- thanks for the response. To play this out, if I were to go to the immigration office on say 20 August to apply for an extension of stay (for the purposes of retirement) beyond my current 6 September 2014 date, would my new permission to stay date be changed to 22 July 2015?

Separately, I have a question about the 90 day address reporting. My next 90 day report is due on 31 August 2014. If I use the same scenario and go to immigration on 20 August and receive an extension of stay through 22 July 2015, do I still need to do the 31 August 90 day report or does that date change as a result of the new extension to stay?

[Suradit69]

Suradit69 -- thanks for the response. To play this out, if I were to go to the immigration office on say 20 August to apply for an extension of stay (for the purposes of retirement) beyond my current 6 September 2014 date, would my new permission to stay date be changed to 22 July 2015?

Separately, I have a question about the 90 day address reporting. My next 90 day report is due on 31 August 2014. If I use the same scenario and go to immigration on 20 August and receive an extension of stay through 22 July 2015, do I still need to do the 31 August 90 day report or does that date change as a result of the new extension to stay?

You would be applying for a year's extension to your current permission to stay, so they should tack the year onto the end of your current permission to stay that ends in September regardless of what day you apply. My extension of stay ends each year in mid January and I always apply for the new one in early December, but the next extension is still from January to January. Some offices will only allow you to apply for the extension of stay 30 days before the expiration of your current permission, but Jomtien seems to allow up to 45 days.

The 90 day report is completely separate. You need to report any time you are in the country for 90 uninterrupted days regardless of other things you may do at Immigrations. That said, you are allowed some leeway. I believe it's 15 days before and 7 days after the 90 day report date stamped on the paper in your passport. So, if you go in on August 20th, apply for your extension of stay, once you've got your passport back you can do the 90 day report since you'll be 10 or 11 days early, which would be allowed. Just remember that starts the 90 day clock again, so your next 90 day report will be 90 days from this one ... unless you break your uninterrupted stay in the country.

PS: Don't forget to get the re-entry permit too.

[gskimbrell]

appreciate the info

[ataloss]

Suradit69 ^ ^^

Extremely well explained, especially the "be sure to"s. Excellent!

[soisanuk]

Apply for your Re-Entry permit AFTER you receive your extension of stay - otherwise, it would expire at the time your current permission to stay expires - after the extension, it will expire on your new permission to stay date.

[fxe1200]

appreciate the info

There are two different applications for your reentry permit, yours is the TM 8 (1.900 THB). I was given the TM 13 (3.800) THB, but this applies for those with Permanent Residence status only. The TM 8 is right for you.

[ubonjoe]

A single re-entry permit costs 1000 baht the 1900 baht number is for extensions of stay. A multiple re-entry permit costs 3800 baht.

[Jimbolai]

I hope I post this in the right place, if not please forgive me.

The latest US consulate outreach day this year in Pattaya is Oct 8, 2014 to get my income verification affidavit. My retirement extension expires Dec 22, 2014.

I have a re-entry permit good until Dec 22, 2014

I plan to be overseas from Oct 15, 2014 but back before Dec 8 2014.

Can I obtain the income letter from the consulate outreach on Oct 8, 2014 and get a year retirement visa in Jomtien, using that letter during or after Nov 8, 2014?

Thanks, and one more....if I get an answer to this how do I know it is answered and where can I find the answer?

ps: on my last address reporting date in Jomtien they told me that no paperwork or form is needed from me on my next reporting date. Just bring the passport to Jomtien. The required form is already stapled in the passport. Now, that is progress.

The office is moving though and we need to find the new location.

[ubonjoe]

Immigration will accept a income affidavit (or letter) that is up to 6 months old.

[Jimbolai]

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Immigration will accept a income affidavit (or letter) that is up to 6 months old.

Thanks for your reply.