Changing From A Tourist Visa To Non-imm (o)

[mjochim]

I live in Phuket. My double-entry tourist visa's last 30-day extension expires October 1st. I married a Thai woman in August so I would like to change to a Non-Imm (O).

I understand that I need to have 400,000 baht in a Thai bank account (showing the money came from overseas). I understand I'll need to take my marriage certificate with me.

Which consulate would be my best bet from Phuket? I originally thought Penang would be possible but I've been told that Non-Imm (O)'s are becoming more difficult to obtain there. So, what's the process like in KL or Singapore?

Also, is it possible to just change my visa at the local immigration office? If so, which one is "easier" -- Patong or Phuket Town?

Any other documentation I might need to take?

Thanks in advance.

[geoffphuket]

Hi mjochim,

Providing your tourist visa is still valid you should be able to have it changed for a non imm 'O' visa at the immigration office in Phuket town...go prepared with everything you can think of - inc' the wife!

There is no problem obtaining non imm visas in Penang on the basis of marriage or business but you'll only need to do this if you're applying after Oct 1st

Hope this helps

geoffphuket

Edited September 6, 2006 by geoffphuket

[lopburi3]

But you need to do it this week as believe conversion of tourist to non immigrant can only be done if there is at least 21 days remaining on your permitted to stay stamp.

You need bank passbook/copies, bank letter or account balance over 400k/copy, marriage certificate/copy, passport/copy, TM6 copy, photos 4x6cm current, wife, her id card/copy, her home register or proof of residence/copy, photos together may also be requested. Cost is 2,000 to convert and 1,900 baht to extend your stay for one year period (from last date of entry).

[mjochim]

But you need to do it this week as believe conversion of tourist to non immigrant can only be done if there is at least 21 days remaining on your permitted to stay stamp.

My bank in the USA has been taking their time transferring money into my Thai bank account. The funds probably won't show up here until the middle of this week.

So, it looks like I'll have to do this in Penang at the end of the month. How long does the conversion to Non-Imm (O) take at the consulate there? My wife probably won't be able to go with me.

Also, can someone e-mail me a copy of Form TM6?

[Maestro]

Also, can someone e-mail me a copy of Form TM6?

Are you sure it is the TM.6 (arrival/departure card) you want? See attachment. If you are in Thailand at the moment, you should have the departure portion of the TM.6 stapled in your passport. If you leave Thailand, you will on your return receive a new TM.6 to be filled out.

You say that your current permission to stay, based on your entry on a tourist visa, will expire on 1 OCT. If this date is 59 days after your entry into Thailand, i.e. you entered on 3 AUG, you can apply for a 30-day extension (cost of 1,900 Baht). This will give you permission to stay until 31 OCT and if your money arrives by 10 OCT you can apply for the change of visa status with form TM.86 (print on one sheet, two-sides) not later than 10 OCT and don’t need to go outside Thailand for a new visa.

If you do have to go to Penang for a non-O visa, it’s only the multiple-entry visa that is difficult to get; no problem for a single-entry if you bring copies of your marriage certificate and wife’s ID card. The presence of your wife is not required for the visa application at the consulate, only later for the application for extension of stay at the immigration office in Thailand.

---------------

Maestro

TM_6_Arrival_departure_card___new.pdf

[lopburi3]

1. TM.6 is a numbered form and copies are not allowed. You will receive it upon your return to Thailand at the immigration check point or on the plane.

2. Penang Consulate submit application in morning and pick up next workday afternoon about 2 PM. It is not a conversion but an application for non immigrant O visa to visit wife.

3. Take photos, marriage certificate/copy, wife ID card copy and wife home register copy (home register is a new requirement that may not be for all but safer to have than not have). If the money is in your account I would also take the bank book with you.