Non Immigrant O -- Retirement: When can I apply?

[Tundra]

Hoping to get some advice concerning my upcoming application for a Non Immigrant O for the purpose of retirement. It’s a little complicated so here is the background.

- I previously had a Non Immigrant O (Retirement), which expired on 13 October 2015.

- My plans were uncertain so I did not renew the Non Immigrant O before it expired.

- Before the Non Immigrant O expired in October, I left the country and returned on 20 October on a 30 exemption, which I subsequently extended for another 30 days until 18 December.

- I left the country again before the expiry of the extension. I went to Vientiane, obtained a 60 day tourist visa, and re-entered Thailand. The expiry date for this visa is 14 February 2016.

- In December I transferred 900,000 baht into my Thai bank account from abroad. Funds arrived on 15 December 2015

- I am Canadian – 59 years old.

I would now like to obtain another Non Immigrant O for the purpose of retirement. Accordingly, could someone advise on the following please.

I would like to apply for and receive the permit on the day I apply, if possible. What is the earliest date I can do that?

I will be applying in Bangkok. Thank you

[ubonjoe]

You can aptly for a change of visa status to get a 90 day non-immigrant visa entry at Chaeng Wattana immigration now since you already have the money in the bank. You will need to make 2 trips to immigration to get the visa/entry stamp.

Then during the last 45 days of the 90 entry you can apply for the one year extension of stay.

[Tundra]

Hi Ubonjoe. Thank you very much for your reply. Am wondering, however, if there is any way that I can avoid having to go Chaeng Wattana Immigration twice? For example, if I went their with all the requisite forms and documentation 60 days after the funds were deposited in my Thai account -- the 12th or 13th of February, I think -- would it not be possible to do it all in one day? Thanks.

[ubonjoe]

You will not be able to do it all in one day. It requires two trips to get the visa entry and then another one to apply for the extension.

CW will not do everything at one time,

[Tundra]

Ok. That is clear. Thanks again for your helpful advice. I very much appreciate it. Best Regards.

[IMA_FARANG]

Hi Ubonjoe. Thank you very much for your reply. Am wondering, however, if there is any way that I can avoid having to go Chaeng Wattana Immigration twice? For example, if I went their with all the requisite forms and documentation 60 days after the funds were deposited in my Thai account -- the 12th or 13th of February, I think -- would it not be possible to do it all in one day? Thanks.

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

That would be more logical, but it probably won't be possible.

Their standard procedure is to stamp you with a 30 day return stamp which requires you to return 30 days later for s final approval

Almost always, when you return in that 30 days you will get the approval with no problem.

Thinking outside the box, and making decisions quickly and efficiently is not something done by any government in the world, and Thailand is no exception to that rule.

I know it seems silly but government offices have procedures, and that is often more important than logic or efficiency to

government functionaries.

And I say that having worked as a civilian for the U.S. military for over 40 years before I retired.

[ubonjoe]

Hi Ubonjoe. Thank you very much for your reply. Am wondering, however, if there is any way that I can avoid having to go Chaeng Wattana Immigration twice? For example, if I went their with all the requisite forms and documentation 60 days after the funds were deposited in my Thai account -- the 12th or 13th of February, I think -- would it not be possible to do it all in one day? Thanks.

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

That would be more logical, but it probably won't be possible.

Their standard procedure is to stamp you with a 30 day return stamp which requires you to return 30 days later for s final approval

Almost always, when you return in that 30 days you will get the approval with no problem.

Thinking outside the box, and making decisions quickly and efficiently is not something done by any government in the world, and Thailand is no exception to that rule.

I know it seems silly but government offices have procedures, and that is often more important than logic or efficiency to

government functionaries.

And I say that having worked as a civilian for the U.S. military for over 40 years before I retired.

What 30 day approval, For the visa application it is 15 days. For the extension based upon retirement there is none.

[OJAS]

OP - the only way of avoiding 2 trips to CW in your case would most likely be a return trip to Vientiane for a fresh single-entry non-O visa.

[snawa]

I have a Non Imm O working visa which expires April 20. I want to apply for a Retirement visa. Which form do I download to apply for the retirement class visa? I have the 800,000 in the bank etc. Thx

[Eclipse]

If you are asking about an Extension of Stay from Immigration you need the TM7 Form