Change of status from tourist to non-O

[GreasyFingers]

I have friends (65+) that have been coming to Samui for 3-4 months for over 10 years. They previously obtained Non-O visas from Brisbane consulate but as that is closed they are having problems getting the Non-O visas. They have been refused by Tasmania, Adelaide and Melbourne consulates.

They do not want to do a border run and my understanding is that if they have a single entry tourist visa they can:

1. get a 30 day extension at Nathon

2. do a change of status from the tourist visas to Non-O visas if they want to stay for longer than 90 days.

Can option 2 be done at Nathon and will they need any finacial proof of funds, income or any other documents/requirements.

[ubonjoe]

If they have not left Australia yet they should get tourist visas. A single entry tourist visa gives a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days. The could get 2 entry visas that would give them almost 6 months of stay by doing one border run to use the 2nd entry.

2. Samui immigration can longer do conversions to a non immigrant visa entry. They can only be done in Bangkok and it requires the financial proof needed to get an extension of stay based upon retirement.

[nzexpat]

Your friends can certainly extend their initial 60 day stay which a tourist visa provides by 30 days at a cost of 1900 Bht .

They cannot a "do a conversion" or change of visa status for "staying longer than 90 days" Such changes of status are only done for very specific reasons and only (I believe) in Bangkok .

If your friends wish to stay longer they will have to obtain a new visa from a Thai consulate in a nearby country.

Edited April 14, 2015 by nzexpat

[GreasyFingers]

Thanks for the information. My thinking was wrong about the change of status so they will need to do the 30 day extension.