Proof of funds for O-A visa application in London

[ifjsrussell]

I'd be very grateful for some clarification on the requirements for proof of funds (800,000 THB equivalent in pounds). I will be applying for an O-A visa based on retirement (I'm over 50). I've sorted both the medical and police records, so I just have to provide evidence of funds in my bank account. I can print off a statement showing adequate funds but I am confused as to the wording on the embassy website which states: " In case attached copy of bank statement, the original reference letter from the banking concerned is necessary." What does that mean? If anyone has successfully done this in London, I'd be pleased to hear from you. Many thanks in advance.

[ubonjoe]

You will need a letter from your bank confirming your account and balance. They should also put a stamp on the statement.

[ifjsrussell]

Thanks. Obviously getting a letter from the bank will have to be done in advance of turning up at the embassy. Is there going to be an issue regarding the dates? As in they will be confirming a balance perhaps several days before I arrive?

[ifjsrussell]

In addition it's a telephone and Internet account. I can't use a branch

[BritTim]

I think you will need to phone the bank to discuss this. Either you need to be able to go to their office to receive a letter in person, or they will need to mail it to you.

I do not think the embassy will be anal about the letter and statement being a few days old (unlike immigration offices in Thailand) but it is possible they will not like you using an Internet bank as opposed to a bricks and mortar one.

[OJAS]

... it is possible they will not like you using an Internet bank as opposed to a bricks and mortar one.

All the more so if the bank do not have a postal address for inclusion in any letter of theirs. As I recall from my own OA visa application there 8 years ago, the Embassy attach considerable importance to this.

[ifjsrussell]

The bank is Santander but it's a business account (my old business and I use it as my personal account) they have an address, but I'm not allowed to use the bench network.

[sunnyjim5]

The bank is Santander but it's a business account (my old business and I use it as my personal account) they have an address, but I'm not allowed to use the bench network.

Help & Support

http://www.santander.co.uk/uk/business/current-accounts/help-support

[ifjsrussell]

Thanks, I'm about to call them. Lines open 8:00 am uk time (3:00 pm here)

[ifjsrussell]

Thanks for all advice, bank will issue letter, I'll take statement and print out a balance enquiry on the day I go to embassy. Hopefully that should cover it (oh I'll get letter, medical certificate and police check notarised too). If that's still not good enough.. Then I give in... I've more or less had enough of this country anyway! Talk about making legitimate visitors feel like unwelcome criminals!

[sunnyjim5]

Thanks for all advice, bank will issue letter, I'll take statement and print out a balance enquiry on the day I go to embassy. Hopefully that should cover it (oh I'll get letter, medical certificate and police check notarised too). If that's still not good enough.. Then I give in... I've more or less had enough of this country anyway! Talk about making legitimate visitors feel like unwelcome criminals!

Which country are you referring to ?

If Thailand you are under no obligation to come.

[ifjsrussell]

Ahh thanks for that, now I realise I don't have to come I shall stop worrying! I already live here in Thailand, I'm just changing my visa type.

[OJAS]

Ahh thanks for that, now I realise I don't have to come I shall stop worrying!

But, should you still feel under any such obligation, you should not experience any obstacles to obtaining an OA visa provided that you follow all the Embassy's stated requirements to the letter, based on my experience in 2008.

And you'll soon discover after your move to Thailand that our "beloved" government back in the UK don't give a toss for us retiree expats in any event (through e.g. refusing to pay us State Pension annual increases and forcing us to submit ourselves to the vicissitudes of the dreaded "With-It Tower Experience" at passport renewal time)!

[sappersrest]

Don't forget you will have to get your bank statement and letter notarised, as well as well as medical police check etc in fact all supporting documents have to be notarised..

[D3030]

Thanks for all advice, bank will issue letter, I'll take statement and print out a balance enquiry on the day I go to embassy. Hopefully that should cover it (oh I'll get letter, medical certificate and police check notarised too). If that's still not good enough.. Then I give in... I've more or less had enough of this country anyway! Talk about making legitimate visitors feel like unwelcome criminals!

Agree of the things required to apply for an O-A visa, it's so simple, but also you're not sure what you provide will get you that stamp in your passport.

My issue was finding a damn doctor to sign off on the medical clearance form.. I had 2 doctors straight out say hell no, to one saying they would scratch out the Leprosy - Elephantiasis, then sign it. Anyway finally found a doctor with common sense.

Everything else was good to go, until I actually submitted my application.

As the person was going thru my required documents, he stops at my monthly pension statement and says where is your bank statement? Told him I'm using my monthly retirement pension statement as proof of income.

Then he floors me with "You Don't Make Enough!"

What can I say, but "Yes I Do!" I make more than 65000 baht per month!

So he calls another person to look at what I submitted.. Damn if she didn't make it worse by saying are you retired and this is your income? As if I was lying..

Anyway, I said I'm retired and that's my monthly retirement statement. She said "okay" - they printed out a receipt and said return the follow day.

All night if I don't get the visa, to give up on it for a few months and try other options available..

Surprisenly, the following morning, first in line, hand in my receipt, was told it all looked good, and he handed me my passport with my very first O-A visa stamp in it..

[ifjsrussell]

Thanks for sharing that. You summed up my concerns exactly, in that one can make every effort to comply strictly to the rules published on the relevant website. Yet, because of poor translation (the English doesn't actually always make sense so is open to interpretation) different embassies/ consulates interpret the rules differently as shown in the variation of documentation required, and ultimately as in so much to do with Thai beaurocracy outcomes depend on the general mood/apptitude of the individual official! That's the route of my previous stated frustration .

[OJAS]

My issue was finding a damn doctor to sign off on the medical clearance form.. I had 2 doctors straight out say hell no, to one saying they would scratch out the Leprosy - Elephantiasis, then sign it. Anyway finally found a doctor with common sense.

Interesting! I had no such problems at my local surgery 8 years ago, even though I was seen by a doctor with whom I had not dealt before. She signed the Embassy certificate without any hesitation after a "thorough medical examination" which consisted of her eyes moving from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet!

[D3030]

My issue was finding a damn doctor to sign off on the medical clearance form.. I had 2 doctors straight out say hell no, to one saying they would scratch out the Leprosy - Elephantiasis, then sign it. Anyway finally found a doctor with common sense.

Interesting! I had no such problems at my local surgery 8 years ago, even though I was seen by a doctor with whom I had not dealt before. She signed the Embassy certificate without any hesitation after a "thorough medical examination" which consisted of her eyes moving from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet!

I heard it was like that in Thailand and also heard it was no problem back in the States..

Then after hearing no, or would do just part of the test, I was getting worried.

Then went to visit my father that had an appointment to see his doctor, so he asked them if they cGot the camera... And yes, you sent it as a gift to a relative, saving at least $200..ould. The answer was yes!!!

Pays to visit your parents.... If lucky enough to still have them still kicking...