Early extension of O-A

[pPaulo]

My 1-year Retirement extension comes up in Sept but I am interested in moving it up to this March. I had asked an Immigration Officer a couple years ago at Chiang Wattana if this is possible and she said no problem - you just have to submit all the std apps and docs and of course pay the full amount. But I realize as an avid reader of TV that rules/regs change.

Has anyone had any experience doing this? I live/work in the States but have kept my O-A 9 years running to sort of lock myself into the system. I appreciate anyone's advice who's tried this. Thank you.

[Jingthing]

You want to apply for an annual extension based on retirement about SIX MONTHS before the expiration of your current permission to stay?

I seriously doubt that is going to happen!

30 days early should never be a problem.

Some offices are OK with 45 days early.

60 days earlier might be accepted at some offices with evidence of a special reason for being so early.

[Maestro]

A new retirement extension six months before the expiration of the current extension is unheard of, but in the end it is up to the immigration officer dealing with you. There are no published rules about it. Please keep us posted how it goes for you.

[Jingthing]

I think it would be wise to assume such a request will be rejected.

You didn't say precisely how you worded that question, years ago.

Did you ask a general question about "early" applications for extensions or did you explicitly say SIX MONTHS early?

I would be extremely surprised if you said six months early, were clearly understand, and got the answer ... no problem.

I would expect the answer would be more like ... no way.

I've read this forum for many years ... I don't recall even one report of approval for an early application earlier than two months out.

[ubonjoe]

The only way you can change the date when you extension of stay ends is to leave without a re-entry permit and re-enter with a non-o visa and apply for a new extension.

[pPaulo]

Thank you for your responses and my apologies for not being clearer. I don't want to apply to extend six months early but rather move my renewal date earlier (March) as I would rather tour then than during the rainy season. I'd also rather not leave without a re-entry permit and start over as I've heard there is some value in the longevity of maintaining proper extensions, re-entry permits etc. I'll swing by CW next week and see what they have to say and would also appreciate any other comments.

Thank you again. pP

[Jingthing]

Immigration won't be able to help you and you'd be wasting your time to ask. If you want to do that, your only choice is to follow Ubonjoe's advice. The only risk you have by "starting over" with a new O is if the rules change on you between that time and the first extension from that as far as financial requirements. Then you would be subject to new levels. But that's a short time period you'd have to worry about with that. Other than that, there are no other benefits to be on continued extensions for many years. I've been on continuous retirement extensions for several years. I have absolutely no greater status here than the first year and there is no path to ever increase the status. I don't like that situation, but that's the reality.