Best visa assistance agency for retirement

[stargazer9999]

I finally gave up on going to Promanada this year and started using Assist Visa for 90 day stamps. 1000 baht for four stamps doesn't seem too unreasonable. I know someone is going to say just mail it but I don't like that method.

Retirement visas through Assist visa are over 7000 baht for some reason. I don't need help with the forms, financials, or pictures...I just want them to deal with the immigration office early in the morning. I apparently can go back the next day in the afternoon to finish the procedure.

Star visa wants 6,400 baht for the same thing. Has anyone used either of these services or another one for a retirement visa renewal recently? Is there are better choice?

[stuurman]

The visa agent next door to immigration at promenada charged me 3000 Baht a few weeks ago. I was satisfied with their service and would use them again. Btw. I'm aware about the rumors the agent is just a front for the immigration office. To be honest if so I can't blame them if I had to run a company so understaffed I would try to outsource as well.

[worgeordie]

If you are quibbling about the cost,and you can fill in the forms and know what is

required,why not just do it yourself,its not rocket science,and you will save 7K

But if you really must have someone do it for you the cheapest would be, G4T

or whatever they are called,few doors down from Immigration Promenada

they charge 4K. or maybe its 3K as poster said bove

regards worgeordie

Edited June 26, 2016 by worgeordie

[NancyL]

The two visa agencies that many retirees use are Assist Thai Visa and O.S. Thai Visa. Google can help you find them. I think you'll find their prices similar and that a year's worth of 90 day reports will be included in the price.

You can apply for your retirement extension up to 45 days before expiration in CM province. Why not go out to Imm. Prom. about 44 days before expiration with all your documents in order, at a reasonable time, and just see what happens? That's what I did, showing up at 8:30 am and was surprised to find the queue short that day. I got a queue number and even was seen before lunch. You never know.

Then, if if that doesn't work and you don't want to come back another day, I suppose you can go see the queue jumping outfit next door to Immigration and they'll magically get you in that day to take care of your business.

[hml367]

The two visa agencies that many retirees use are Assist Thai Visa and O.S. Thai Visa. Google can help you find them. I think you'll find their prices similar and that a year's worth of 90 day reports will be included in the price.

You can apply for your retirement extension up to 45 days before expiration in CM province. Why not go out to Imm. Prom. about 44 days before expiration with all your documents in order, at a reasonable time, and just see what happens? That's what I did, showing up at 8:30 am and was surprised to find the queue short that day. I got a queue number and even was seen before lunch. You never know.

Then, if if that doesn't work and you don't want to come back another day, I suppose you can go see the queue jumping outfit next door to Immigration and they'll magically get you in that day to take care of your business.

With Assist Thai Visa I don't think the 90 day reports are included. It is lower priced if they also do your extension. That was my experience, of course things could have changed.

I wonder if G4T loses any business because you call them, "the queue jumping outfit next door to Immigration". Maybe they don't care what you call them, they do, apparently, get the job done.

Edited June 26, 2016 by hml367

[FolkGuitar]

As we all seem to realize, filling out the forms and assembling the required document (all three of them...) doesn't seem to present too much of a problem for most people. But standing in the queue at Zero Dark:30 does. There is an agent right next to the Taiwan Restaurant (down the soi across from Shell Gas on Huay Kaew Rd) that will send a "Line Stander" at 4:00 am to get you an early queue number. You arrive at 8:30, take your number, and are finished with Immigration by 9:30. You will have to return later in the day to pick up your passport, but that's simply a matter of showing up and taking it away. About 300 baht for the service.

Edited June 26, 2016 by FolkGuitar

[hml367]

As we all seem to realize, filling out the forms and assembling the required document (all three of them...) doesn't seem to present too much of a problem for most people. But standing in the queue at Zero Dark:30 does. There is an agent right next to the Taiwan Restaurant (down the soi across from Shell Gas on Huay Kaew Rd) that will send a "Line Stander" at 4:00 am to get you an early queue number. You arrive at 8:30, take your number, and are finished with Immigration by 9:30. You will have to return later in the day to pick up your passport, but that's simply a matter of showing up and taking it away. About 300 baht for the service.

Does the line stander need to have the passport to get a queue number? I am just wondering, I am not interested in this service. However, someone that may be interested may want to know.

It used to be that the visa agencies did not need the passport to do the 90 day reports. Obviously, that has changed.

[Sparkles]

The visa agent next door to immigration at promenada charged me 3000 Baht a few weeks ago. I was satisfied with their service and would use them again. Btw. I'm aware about the rumors the agent is just a front for the immigration office. To be honest if so I can't blame them if I had to run a company so understaffed I would try to outsource as well.

Well that's a new turn of phrase to describe GT4.... "outsourcing". What you might not have considered is whether you go through the front door, as a privateindiviual, or the "back door" method, with GT4, it still takes the same amount of time for the Officer INSIDE Immigration to process the paperwork so nothingis gained in relation to time taken up by Immigration staff.

That you choose to go through GT4 at 3,000 b is your perogative, as is not trusting the mail or online for 90 day reporting.

I just got my receipt yesterday for my 90 day mail in,returned in 7 working days.Total cost 37 baht.Sent EMS/back ordinary mail.

Edited June 26, 2016 by Sparkles

[opalred]

these days do it yourself

if you dont know ask what papers required one day and go next day

i did mine last week came 11am get number for after lunch

as wanted to do lunch and shop there

back at1pm out at 2 with passport

not bad once a year

i dont know why there is all the whinging and b/s about a zoo

[Thailand]

G4T 3000 baht and they will do all the paperwork.

Everybody now knows their association with immigration, it's not going to change anytime soon, they are the cheapest and most conveniently located.

However, a previous poster says you can go at 11am and still get a ticket for the "retirement" extension. I don't think many are risking that one unless there have dramatic changes at Prom?

[FolkGuitar]

As we all seem to realize, filling out the forms and assembling the required document (all three of them...) doesn't seem to present too much of a problem for most people. But standing in the queue at Zero Dark:30 does. There is an agent right next to the Taiwan Restaurant (down the soi across from Shell Gas on Huay Kaew Rd) that will send a "Line Stander" at 4:00 am to get you an early queue number. You arrive at 8:30, take your number, and are finished with Immigration by 9:30. You will have to return later in the day to pick up your passport, but that's simply a matter of showing up and taking it away. About 300 baht for the service.

Does the line stander need to have the passport to get a queue number? I am just wondering, I am not interested in this service. However, someone that may be interested may want to know.

It used to be that the visa agencies did not need the passport to do the 90 day reports. Obviously, that has changed.

Yes, they do need your passport. My wife and I used this service two weeks ago, and they needed BOTH passports to hold seats in the queue. We arrived at 8:30, were given our passports and queue numbers, and were out by 9:30, home by 10:00.

[hml367]

Thanks, FG.

[cyberfarang]

I have mentioned this countless times that I have copied and pasted my comments from another one of my posts.

Here it is in the simplest way I can explain regarding the ancient one`s going for their retirement extensions.

1. The first timers, people that are not sure how to complete or don`t know what paperwork is needed, or too knackered to travel to the promenade themselves are best to use the private agencies, like Thai Assist or some others like it. They will sting you for almost 8000 baht or maybe more now that includes the 1900 baht visa fee for the privilege of holding your hand during the process. Not sure whether it takes one day or two days in total.

2. The people that are still fairly mobile and can travel reasonable distances without the aid of a nurse and the chance of ending up in intensive care that know what is required having everything prepared before hand can use the G4T agency located next door to immigration. They will assist but is limited. For 4900 baht that includes the 1900 baht visa fee guarantees a slot and can all be done in a matter of a few hours, maybe much less on a good day. 90 day reports take about 10 minutes - 300 baht a pop.

3. Going directly to immigration could Involve hours and hours of masochistic pleasure that requires the mental and physical stamina of a champion. With immigration their policy is, the meek shall not have their passports stamped in one day. It`s every man for himself and the winners may manage to get the business done before the witching hour. For what I have read, they only dish up 20 retirement slots a day, so better get there early, I mean REAL EARLY, even before the early Farlang rises. The process could be drawn on the lines of the Nazi death marches where only the fittest survive.

There you have it, stinks to high heaven. All this for the pleasure of staying one more year in paradise. The Hobson's choice is yours.

[Lizard2010]

At the moment i believe if you have all your paperwork correct and photocopied with your photos

it will be a easy proces

But by the end of the rainy season

It will be a different storey

More people around more tourists

I will wait to see how this progresses in the months to come

[stuurman]

The visa agent next door to immigration at promenada charged me 3000 Baht a few weeks ago. I was satisfied with their service and would use them again. Btw. I'm aware about the rumors the agent is just a front for the immigration office. To be honest if so I can't blame them if I had to run a company so understaffed I would try to outsource as well.

Well that's a new turn of phrase to describe GT4.... "outsourcing". What you might not have considered is whether you go through the front door, as a privateindiviual, or the "back door" method, with GT4, it still takes the same amount of time for the Officer INSIDE Immigration to process the paperwork so nothingis gained in relation to time taken up by Immigration staff.

That you choose to go through GT4 at 3,000 b is your perogative, as is not trusting the mail or online for 90 day reporting.

I just got my receipt yesterday for my 90 day mail in,returned in 7 working days.Total cost 37 baht.Sent EMS/back ordinary mail.

I do my 90 day reports online for free.

[Sparkles]

The visa agent next door to immigration at promenada charged me 3000 Baht a few weeks ago. I was satisfied with their service and would use them again. Btw. I'm aware about the rumors the agent is just a front for the immigration office. To be honest if so I can't blame them if I had to run a company so understaffed I would try to outsource as well.

Well that's a new turn of phrase to describe GT4.... "outsourcing". What you might not have considered is whether you go through the front door, as a privateindiviual, or the "back door" method, with GT4, it still takes the same amount of time for the Officer INSIDE Immigration to process the paperwork so nothingis gained in relation to time taken up by Immigration staff.

That you choose to go through GT4 at 3,000 b is your perogative, as is not trusting the mail or online for 90 day reporting.

I just got my receipt yesterday for my 90 day mail in,returned in 7 working days.Total cost 37 baht.Sent EMS/back ordinary mail.

I do my 90 day reports online for free.

I would too if it worked for me.Perhaps like others, who have the same problem, it may get in the "system" if I travel outside the country.

Meanwhile a 5 min trip to the PO and 37 baht does not seem to be having a detrimental effect on my life.

[cyberfarang]

The visa agent next door to immigration at promenada charged me 3000 Baht a few weeks ago. I was satisfied with their service and would use them again. Btw. I'm aware about the rumors the agent is just a front for the immigration office. To be honest if so I can't blame them if I had to run a company so understaffed I would try to outsource as well.

Well that's a new turn of phrase to describe GT4.... "outsourcing". What you might not have considered is whether you go through the front door, as a privateindiviual, or the "back door" method, with GT4, it still takes the same amount of time for the Officer INSIDE Immigration to process the paperwork so nothingis gained in relation to time taken up by Immigration staff.

That you choose to go through GT4 at 3,000 b is your perogative, as is not trusting the mail or online for 90 day reporting.

I just got my receipt yesterday for my 90 day mail in,returned in 7 working days.Total cost 37 baht.Sent EMS/back ordinary mail.

I do my 90 day reports online for free.

I would too if it worked for me.Perhaps like others, who have the same problem, it may get in the "system" if I travel outside the country.

Meanwhile a 5 min trip to the PO and 37 baht does not seem to be having a detrimental effect on my life.

I would not suggest that anyone does the 90 day report postal option. It worked for me the first few times although one of them took over 2 weeks before I was sent a receipt. And then on my 4th try waited 3 weeks no sign of my receipt. Had to visit immigration at the airport and go through a load of crap and stress to get it done, they kept me hanging about for over 3 hours. Never again, not even if the postage was free.

[HenryB]

G4T 3000 baht and they will do all the paperwork.

Everybody now knows their association with immigration, it's not going to change anytime soon, they are the cheapest and most conveniently located.

However, a previous poster says you can go at 11am and still get a ticket for the "retirement" extension. I don't think many are risking that one unless there have dramatic changes at Prom?

I do known once again everyone in that Business needs Connections

If you did not need Connection many of us BF GF will be in that business

[amexpat]

I would not suggest that anyone does the 90 day report postal option. It worked for me the first few times although one of them took over 2 weeks before I was sent a receipt. And then on my 4th try waited 3 weeks no sign of my receipt. Had to visit immigration at the airport and go through a load of crap and stress to get it done, they kept me hanging about for over 3 hours. Never again, not even if the postage was free.

There's one Nay. I'd say the Ayes have it.

[FolkGuitar]

G4T 3000 baht and they will do all the paperwork.

Everybody now knows their association with immigration,

Hmmm..... Just how is it that everyone knows?

[teacherofwoe]

I give a Thai that I know well B500 to camp out all night. I turn up at 7.45 and take my place first in the queue. Easy.

[teacherofwoe]

I give a Thai that I know well B500 to camp out all night. I turn up at 7.45 and take my place first in the queue. Easy.

[Thailand]

G4T 3000 baht and they will do all the paperwork.

Everybody now knows their association with immigration,

Hmmm..... Just how is it that everyone knows?

Sorry, I forgot about those in the upper reaches of the uncharted Amazon.

[MissAndry]

But by the end of the rainy season

It will be a different storey

More people around more tourists

Do tourists apply for retirement VISAs?

[MissAndry]

G4T 3000 baht and they will do all the paperwork.

Everybody now knows their association with immigration, it's not going to change anytime soon, they are the cheapest and most conveniently located.

However, a previous poster says you can go at 11am and still get a ticket for the "retirement" extension. I don't think many are risking that one unless there have dramatic changes at Prom?

Wouldn't the obvious route be to turn up at 11am, ask for a ticket, then if they didn't have one go to the G4 office 10m away.

Am I missing something?

[FolkGuitar]

G4T 3000 baht and they will do all the paperwork.

Everybody now knows their association with immigration,

Hmmm..... Just how is it that everyone knows?

Sorry, I forgot about those in the upper reaches of the uncharted Amazon.

Sorry that I wasn't clear. How is it that YOU know? Or did you just hear it from the friend of the cousin of the woman who's brother delivers water to the building...

[NancyL]

G4T 3000 baht and they will do all the paperwork.

Everybody now knows their association with immigration, it's not going to change anytime soon, they are the cheapest and most conveniently located.

However, a previous poster says you can go at 11am and still get a ticket for the "retirement" extension. I don't think many are risking that one unless there have dramatic changes at Prom?

Wouldn't the obvious route be to turn up at 11am, ask for a ticket, then if they didn't have one go to the G4 office 10m away.

Am I missing something?

Or better yet, turn up at 8:30 am 44 days before your extension expires, join the back of the queue and if it's short that day you'll get a ticket. If not come back another day, earlier. That's what I did this year, fully prepared just to enjoy a nice Rim Ping breakfast and go home without a queue ticket and come back another day. (I'm not using the services of "you know who") Lo and behold, I was given a queue ticket, still got to enjoy a nice Rim Ping breakfast, was interviewed before lunch and got my passport returned around 1:30 pm.

I thought about staying around to get a re-entry permit, but decided to see a movie instead. Why blow a chance to come to Imm. Prom. another date to see what's going on?

[amexpat]

G4T 3000 baht and they will do all the paperwork.

Everybody now knows their association with immigration,

Hmmm..... Just how is it that everyone knows?

Hmmmm..... Do you think O.J. will find the real killer?

[Thailand]

G4T 3000 baht and they will do all the paperwork.

Everybody now knows their association with immigration,

Hmmm..... Just how is it that everyone knows?

Sorry, I forgot about those in the upper reaches of the uncharted Amazon.

Sorry that I wasn't clear. How is it that YOU know? Or did you just hear it from the friend of the cousin of the woman who's brother delivers water to the building...

Almost from day one back end of last year, first hand, read a few posts from back then and maybe it will sink in.

But you know very well that there are huge limitations on what one can know here and what one can say, convenient is it not?

And you can't seriously be trying to say you believe there is no association between the agency and immigration?

All that aside, thanks for the info on the stand in's just across the road from my bank! Did you pay 2 x 300 for 2 tickets?

Edited June 28, 2016 by Thailand