Which type of Non-immigrant Visa

fotowinter · December 21, 2016

Wife, daughter and I want to go to Thailand for birth of our second child. Non-Thai. We have comprehensive health insurance, we both have well above embassy stated $7000 each in bank accounts.

We wish to be able to stay for awhile, using Thailand as our base, and then perhaps moving to BKK after about 6 months.

We are both professionals, but will be not working, taking maternity leave, and do not wish to have to show 6 months of bank statements to show our worth.

What can we do? Is it possible to get a 90 single entry, then renew for an additional 90 days? If so, where and how?

We need to leave the States mid-March 2017 in order to be able to fly, as per air carrier regulations.

A 90 day visa would get us through mid-June 2017.

Kiwi, Japanese family.

ubonjoe · December 22, 2016

It does not appear that you qualify for a non immigrant visa of any kind.

You can get single entry tourist visas that allow a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days. The $7000 for 6 months is a requirement for a multiple entry tourist visa.

I you got single entry tourist visas you could go to a nearby embassy or consulate after the the total stay from it and get another one.

When your wife is close to giving birth she could get an extension for medical care at an immigration office

fotowinter · December 22, 2016

21 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

It does not appear that you qualify for a non immigrant visa of any kind.

You can get single entry tourist visas that allow a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days. The $7000 for 6 months is a requirement for a multiple entry tourist visa.

I you got single entry tourist visas you could go to a nearby after the the total stay from it and get another one.

When your wife is close to giving birth she could get an extension for medical care at an immigration office

Thanks for your response, Im curious though why we should not apply for a longer term visa? Also some words are missing from your response.

If we go where? And would that apply to myself and our toddler daughter?

So even though we still have to either report or leave every three months, would not a longer term visa be more appropriate?

Also, as she gets closer to giving birth, we will not be able to take any flights, or bus trips, too dangerous and not allowed.

Conundrum? Surely there is an option other than single entry 60 day visas, renew for thirty days then leave again?

Doiger · December 22, 2016

if you do not wish to show bank statements then the only visa you can get is a single entry tourist visa, with that you get 60 days, you can then extend this visa for 30 days at an immigration office for 1900 baht.

you will then need to leave the country to apply for another visa after this.

As mentioned above by ubonjoe, I don't think you qualify for any Non immigrant type visa.

ubonjoe · December 23, 2016

2 hours ago, fotowinter said:

If we go where? And would that apply to myself and our toddler daughter?

So even though we still have to either report or leave every three months, would not a longer term visa be more appropriate?

Also, as she gets closer to giving birth, we will not be able to take any flights, or bus trips, too dangerous and not allowed.

Conundrum? Surely there is an option other than single entry 60 day visas, renew for thirty days then leave again?

I have edited my original post (not enough coffee then).

There is no long term visa you can qualify for.

As I wrote when you wife gets close to giving birth and her doctor states she can longer travel she could get an extension at immigration for medical treatment.

fotowinter · December 23, 2016

Thanks guys.

I'm still not clear on why we do not qualify for a longer term visa? What disqualifies us?

We are going to apply for a one year Multiple Entry from here in the US.

We have comprehensive health insurance, bank statements, we are happy to show return air tickets, and a hotel reservation on arrival.

We have new 10 year passports from our respective countries (Japan, NZ). We are both professionals with UN LP's.

You have stated that we do no qualify for multiple entry, non-immigrant visa, but no reason why given.

Is it not possible for us to stay for awhile, leaving every 90 days to travel the region using Bangkok as a base, with the appropriate multiple entry?

We have the time and the inclination to be able to take a year off from working. Surely with the correct documentation (and funds), we would not be rejected.

Thailand is not a new destination for us, we both have a lot of friends there. I do understand that some people have abused the earlier less restrictive visa regulations, and the current government has put in place a lot more restrictions to prevent abuse.

I also understand that as a NZ passport holder with a multiple entry non-immigrant visa, I am able to open a bank account and rent an apartment, both things I would do to ensure we have a place to stay, and access to funds without paying heavy ATM penalties.

Please clarify why we are not eligible for a multiple entry?

Cheers, and happy holidays.

Doiger · December 23, 2016

i may be wrong and I am sorry if I am but I am assuming you are under the age of 50 since you are having children. ( this rules out the non immigrant oa visa).

Tha non immigrant o visa is for people who are married to a Thai national or has a Thai child.

and you have said that you are not going to be working so it pretty much rules out all the other non immigrant type visas

Lite Beer · December 23, 2016

You do not qualify for a Non Imm Visa because you don't it is as simple as that.

You don't have Thai family.

You are not going to work.

You are not over 50.

LivinLOS · December 24, 2016

11 hours ago, fotowinter said:

I'm still not clear on why we do not qualify for a longer term visa? What disqualifies us?

We are going to apply for a one year Multiple Entry from here in the US.

Rather than what disqualifies you.. What qualifies you for a non immigrant class visa ??

Retirement.. No

Marriage to a Thai.. No

Support of a Thai child.. No

Employment.. No

Study at an accredited university.. No
Entering the monkhood.. No

Volunteering with a registered charity.. No

I struggle to see why you seem to assume you qualify, rather than established what grounds you do qualify for.

Spicychili · December 24, 2016

METV 6 mounths (multi entry turist visa)

Is possiable to get if you got following info

Invitation from a person your are gonna stai whit

copy of the persons thai ID and Deed

Bank stantment you got over 7000$(200000baht)

Fligt ticket + return ticket

Passport valid whitin the time ur gonna be in thailand(6 mounths minium)

Ps you have the leave thailand every 2 mounth whit 6 mounth visa

3 mounth visa the same just amount off money is less

Thise are the new rules changed

7-8mounth

Allways check visa rules as they change offen on there homepage of the ambassade in ur contry

fotowinter · December 25, 2016

23 hours ago, LivinLOS said:

Rather than what disqualifies you.. What qualifies you for a non immigrant class visa ??

Retirement.. No

Marriage to a Thai.. No

Support of a Thai child.. No

Employment.. No

Study at an accredited university.. No
Entering the monkhood.. No

Volunteering with a registered charity.. No

I struggle to see why you seem to assume you qualify, rather than established what grounds you do qualify for.

Dear LivinLOS,

Thanks so much for your response.

What makes you wake up in the morning?

Being nasty?

Thanks again for your comprehensive list of "no".

Just what I needed.

What I am looking for is support, assistance, not shit.

We are coming to Thailand to have a baby, this is not illegal, we are also coming for tourism.

This as far as I can gather, is entirely legal, and valid with a one year multiple entry visa.

So, we are coming for tourism.

There.

Bye

fotowinter · December 25, 2016

6 hours ago, Spicychili said:

METV 6 mounths (multi entry turist visa)

Is possiable to get if you got following info

Invitation from a person your are gonna stai whit

copy of the persons thai ID and Deed

Bank stantment you got over 7000$(200000baht)

Fligt ticket + return ticket

Passport valid whitin the time ur gonna be in thailand(6 mounths minium)

Ps you have the leave thailand every 2 mounth whit 6 mounth visa

3 mounth visa the same just amount off money is less

Thise are the new rules changed

7-8mounth

Allways check visa rules as they change offen on there homepage of the ambassade in ur contry

Thanks for your response.

I think all of what you have stated is valid, though we will stay in hotels, not private residences.

We have the required bank info, air tickets, and hotel reservation for initial stay.

At the Thai Embassy although somewhat evasive in clearly answers, they were supportive of us have a baby in Thailand.

Both our passports are brand new 10 year books, so no worries there either.

Cheers.

fotowinter · December 25, 2016

On 12/23/2016 at 6:47 PM, Lite Beer said:

You do not qualify for a Non Imm Visa because you don't it is as simple as that.

You don't have Thai family.

You are not going to work.

You are not over 50.

Am over 50, but still working, but taking time off with wife to have the baby, and travel.

We are not looking at non-immigrant visas, we are looking at Tourist Visa METV.

so, seems Spicychilli is the only one that got it.

Actually don't know where it came in that I was looking for non-immigrant O?

I did not ask about this, I asked what type of visa I should apply for.

So, it seems everything went off track from there.

According to the list I have from the Thai Embassy with their requirements, we should be fine.

Cheers to all.

Snarky comments or not.

NancyL · December 25, 2016

10 minutes ago, fotowinter said:

Dear LivinLOS,

Thanks so much for your response.

What makes you wake up in the morning?

Being nasty?

Thanks again for your comprehensive list of "no".

Just what I needed.

What I am looking for is support, assistance, not shit.

We are coming to Thailand to have a baby, this is not illegal, we are also coming for tourism.

This as far as I can gather, is entirely legal, and valid with a one year multiple entry visa.

So, we are coming for tourism.

There.

Bye

They're not being nasty, they're simply trying to explain that you don't qualify for a one-year multiple entry visa. That visa isn't issued for the purpose of tourism. It is issued for for one of the SPECIFIC reasons listed in Post. No. 9. Tourism isn't one of them.

Edit: OK, now I see that you're over age 50. That means you could possibly qualify for one of the SPECIFIC reasons a one-year visa is granted -- retirement.

Sophon · December 25, 2016

4 minutes ago, fotowinter said:

Am over 50, but still working, but taking time off with wife to have the baby, and travel.

We are not looking at non-immigrant visas, we are looking at Tourist Visa METV.

so, seems Spicychilli is the only one that got it.

Actually don't know where it came in that I was looking for non-immigrant O?

I did not ask about this, I asked what type of visa I should apply for.

So, it seems everything went off track from there.

According to the list I have from the Thai Embassy with their requirements, we should be fine.

Cheers to all.

Snarky comments or not.

It came from the title you gave your topic:
"Which type of Non-immigrant Visa"

Sophon

Lite Beer · December 25, 2016

4 minutes ago, fotowinter said:

Actually don't know where it came in that I was looking for non-immigrant O?

The topic title might give you a clue.

Upnotover · December 25, 2016

4 minutes ago, fotowinter said:

Actually don't know where it came in that I was looking for non-immigrant O?

Possibly from the title of this thread...."Which type of Non-immigrant Visa"

fotowinter · December 25, 2016

Thanks to all for your learned experience.

Its amazing the attitudes.

We do not know the lingo, or that this type of Visa I asked about, does not include a multiple entry tourist visa.

Given that I am not going to retire in Thailand, still working, and not going to retire any time soon, I was not aware that I was using incorrect language.

So I was looking for advice on a longer term visa other than one month, or 60 days.

Jesus. Who can keep up with the snarky responses.

Remember people come here looking for assistance, not looking for attitude.

Clearly I got the name of the visa wrong, so what.

Im looking for the right visa, for assistance.

Thanks all, I will go to the Thai embassy and do what they asked. simple.

Hope you all have a lovely Christmas, whatever your disposition.

Doiger · December 25, 2016

I don't really think there were many negative replies to your thread.

all replies were based on the information given.

I understand that you may have gotten the terminology wrong for the title but you also stated in your OP that you were not willing to show bank statements, due to that statement from yourself the only visa available for you was the SETV which was stated in a couple of replies.

having seen the rest of your posts there is no reason why you wouldn't get a METV. (a METV is valid for 6 months, you could activate another 60 days on or before the last day of visa and also extend the last entry by 30 days at an immigration office for 1900 baht, effectively giving you approx 9 months)

hope everything works out fine for you and your family.

lopburi3 · December 25, 2016

Indeed you asked a question and people here tried to advise accordingly. Bite the hand that feeds comes to mind.

JackThompson · December 25, 2016

Some of your confusion, and seemingly unfriendly responses, may be due to the archaic laws regarding visas for visitors to Thailand. Unlike most nations in the region, you cannot apply for consecutive extensions in-country for a year or more. Instead, you have to run in and out of the country for "new entries," unless you fall into a specific category which allows you to apply for an annual extension.

If you are over 50, and you are worried about having to travel during your time in Thailand (understandable), then one possibility would be a Non-O based on retirement, followed by a retirement-extension, then bring your family into this as dependents. That would, however, require showing funds to qualify (income or money in a Thai account).

If you go the METV route (Multi-Entry Tourist Visa - only valid for 6 months, btw, not a year), you will need to leave every 90-days, assuming you extend each 60-day entry at immigration for an additional 30 days at 1900 Baht each. Each adult applicant will need to show they have the money (in the bank for 6 months prior to application, never falling below the threshold). Applicants at some Thai Consulates may also need to show they "have a job" to qualify. Yes, really - show you have an ongoing job, so could not possibly use the visa, in order to qualify for the visa. Consulates in some nations are more lenient than others on this point - there is little consistency between different consulates, or at any particular one over time, on the rules they apply.

UJ correctly pointed out that your wife can get a medical-extension when close to birth, but the rest of you would still need to do border-bounces for extra days (anywhere except the Poipet-Aranyaprathet border-point will work - border-posts also make up their own rules). It would be a bummer if the timing put you on the road as the baby's arrival was imminent.

Spicychili · December 25, 2016

3 hours ago, JackThompson said:

Some of your confusion, and seemingly unfriendly responses, may be due to the archaic laws regarding visas for visitors to Thailand. Unlike most nations in the region, you cannot apply for consecutive extensions in-country for a year or more. Instead, you have to run in and out of the country for "new entries," unless you fall into a specific category which allows you to apply for an annual extension.

If you are over 50, and you are worried about having to travel during your time in Thailand (understandable), then one possibility would be a Non-O based on retirement, followed by a retirement-extension, then bring your family into this as dependents. That would, however, require showing funds to qualify (income or money in a Thai account).

If you go the METV route (Multi-Entry Tourist Visa - only valid for 6 months, btw, not a year), you will need to leave every 90-days, assuming you extend each 60-day entry at immigration for an additional 30 days at 1900 Baht each. Each adult applicant will need to show they have the money (in the bank for 6 months prior to application, never falling below the threshold). Applicants at some Thai Consulates may also need to show they "have a job" to qualify. Yes, really - show you have an ongoing job, so could not possibly use the visa, in order to qualify for the visa. Consulates in some nations are more lenient than others on this point - there is little consistency between different consulates, or at any particular one over time, on the rules they apply.

UJ correctly pointed out that your wife can get a medical-extension when close to birth, but the rest of you would still need to do border-bounces for extra days (anywhere except the Poipet-Aranyaprathet border-point will work - border-posts also make up their own rules). It would be a bummer if the timing put you on the road as the baby's arrival was imminent.

METV is 6 mounth visa where u need to leave the contry after 6 mounth to apply for new METV but u have to leave/cross the border every 2 mounth.

JackThompson · December 25, 2016

4 minutes ago, Spicychili said:

METV is 6 mounth visa where u need to leave the contry after 6 mounth to apply for new METV but u have to leave/cross the border every 2 mounth.

"... you will need to leave every 90-days, assuming you extend each 60-day entry at immigration for an additional 30 days at 1900 Baht each."

So, yes, 60 days, unless you extend your entry for another 30 days.

If you re-enter just before the "enter before" date, and extend that last 60-day entry for 30 more days, you can actually squeeze nearly 9 months out of it. Still, when a child coming into the world is a factor, and you do not know exactly when that day will be, a visa of this sort may not be ideal

If it were me, I would do this in the Philippines, where good private medical is available, you would not have to leave the country for over a year, and if you missed your renewal-date in the immigration-office by a few days, due to a child being born, they would smile and congratulate you - not fine you.

Spicychili · December 25, 2016

8 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

"... you will need to leave every 90-days, assuming you extend each 60-day entry at immigration for an additional 30 days at 1900 Baht each."

So, yes, 60 days, unless you extend your entry for another 30 days.

If you re-enter just before the "enter before" date, and extend that last 60-day entry for 30 more days, you can actually squeeze nearly 9 months out of it. Still, when a child coming into the world is a factor, and you do not know exactly when that day will be, a visa of this sort may not be ideal

If it were me, I would do this in the Philippines, where good private medical is available, you would not have to leave the country for over a year, and if you missed your renewal-date in the immigration-office by a few days, due to a child being born, they would smile and congratulate you - not fine you.

yeah its a pain in the but and suddenly rules changes does help hehe

LivinLOS · December 26, 2016

23 hours ago, fotowinter said:

Dear LivinLOS,

Thanks so much for your response.

What makes you wake up in the morning?

Being nasty?

Thanks again for your comprehensive list of "no".

Just what I needed.

What I am looking for is support, assistance, not shit.

We are coming to Thailand to have a baby, this is not illegal, we are also coming for tourism.

This as far as I can gather, is entirely legal, and valid with a one year multiple entry visa.

So, we are coming for tourism.

There.

Bye

I am not being nasty... You seem to believe your eligible for a 1 year multiple entry visa.. When your told your not you say why should we not be given a long stay visa..

The issue is not why should you not be given one.. The issue is why do you think you qualify for one ?? Long stay visas are not simply given to anyone who asks for them. There are categories who qualify, and so far I dont see which category you believe you fit into.

LivinLOS · December 26, 2016

20 hours ago, JackThompson said:

If you are over 50, and you are worried about having to travel during your time in Thailand (understandable), then one possibility would be a Non-O based on retirement, followed by a retirement-extension, then bring your family into this as dependents. That would, however, require showing funds to qualify (income or money in a Thai account).

If you go the METV route (Multi-Entry Tourist Visa - only valid for 6 months, btw, not a year), you will need to leave every 90-days, assuming you extend each 60-day entry at immigration for an additional 30 days at 1900 Baht each. Each adult applicant will need to show they have the money (in the bank for 6 months prior to application, never falling below the threshold). Applicants at some Thai Consulates may also need to show they "have a job" to qualify. Yes, really - show you have an ongoing job, so could not possibly use the visa, in order to qualify for the visa.

Solid advice..

Personally I would be attempting the >50 route as a non imm has additional aspects which help (bank accounts, drivers licenses, etc).

fotowinter · December 26, 2016

22 hours ago, JackThompson said:

Some of your confusion, and seemingly unfriendly responses, may be due to the archaic laws regarding visas for visitors to Thailand. Unlike most nations in the region, you cannot apply for consecutive extensions in-country for a year or more. Instead, you have to run in and out of the country for "new entries," unless you fall into a specific category which allows you to apply for an annual extension.

If you are over 50, and you are worried about having to travel during your time in Thailand (understandable), then one possibility would be a Non-O based on retirement, followed by a retirement-extension, then bring your family into this as dependents. That would, however, require showing funds to qualify (income or money in a Thai account).

If you go the METV route (Multi-Entry Tourist Visa - only valid for 6 months, btw, not a year), you will need to leave every 90-days, assuming you extend each 60-day entry at immigration for an additional 30 days at 1900 Baht each. Each adult applicant will need to show they have the money (in the bank for 6 months prior to application, never falling below the threshold). Applicants at some Thai Consulates may also need to show they "have a job" to qualify. Yes, really - show you have an ongoing job, so could not possibly use the visa, in order to qualify for the visa. Consulates in some nations are more lenient than others on this point - there is little consistency between different consulates, or at any particular one over time, on the rules they apply.

UJ correctly pointed out that your wife can get a medical-extension when close to birth, but the rest of you would still need to do border-bounces for extra days (anywhere except the Poipet-Aranyaprathet border-point will work - border-posts also make up their own rules). It would be a bummer if the timing put you on the road as the baby's arrival was imminent.

Thanks for your response Jack.

Seems that there is still one thing I am not clear on.

I have spoken in person with Thai embassy staff here in Washington DC.

They say, I can apply for a ONE YEAR METV, and report or leave every 90 days. This was said at least twice, both ways, you have to report, you have to leave.

They did not say anything about 60 days + 30 days (and an additional 1900bht per person per 30 day extension).

Also, the comprehensive list embassy staff have given me, says I must show the bank statements, (which I don't get in the mail, but have online I suppose, but could print something out I guess every month for 6 months, not going below $7000US).

Must have return ticket reservation in my name, a hotel reservation in my name, two photos (for each applicant), valid passports (ours are all 10 year/5 year with lots of time left).

Employment verification, which we can provide, but we will be on maternity/paternity leave.

And finally notarized documents for our daughter and our marriage certificate.

I can appreciate your suggestion of Phils, but given the current state of affairs there, and having just been there working, my wife says no chance. Too dangerous. I may disagree but no arguments.

We are going to look for alternative destinations, Thailand with its excellent and inexpensive health care makes it a great option, but the visa requirements are crazy, no doubt made more difficult by the current regime.

We would honestly like to stay awhile, I have a great group of friends there, they all have their visa stories, but most are married to Thais so its difficult enough, but easier than for us.

Cheers to all for input. Cheers to you Jack Thompson for yours in particular.

JackThompson · December 26, 2016

3 hours ago, fotowinter said:

Thanks for your response Jack.

Seems that there is still one thing I am not clear on.

I have spoken in person with Thai embassy staff here in Washington DC.

They say, I can apply for a ONE YEAR METV, and report or leave every 90 days. This was said at least twice, both ways, you have to report, you have to leave.

They did not say anything about 60 days + 30 days (and an additional 1900bht per person per 30 day extension).

Also, the comprehensive list embassy staff have given me, says I must show the bank statements, (which I don't get in the mail, but have online I suppose, but could print something out I guess every month for 6 months, not going below $7000US).

Must have return ticket reservation in my name, a hotel reservation in my name, two photos (for each applicant), valid passports (ours are all 10 year/5 year with lots of time left).

Employment verification, which we can provide, but we will be on maternity/paternity leave.

And finally notarized documents for our daughter and our marriage certificate.

It would appear that at least two different types of visas are being mixed-up here in the information you were given.

Unless there has been a change, an METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) has an "enter before" date 6 months after it is issued, so the last day you can enter with it is on that day. On an METV you must leave after 90-days, and that is only if you extend the 60-day entry you receive for another 30-days at a local immigration office.

The option of "report OR leave every 90 days" would only apply to a Non-OA visa offered by your consulate. To qualify for the Non-OA, the applicant would need to be 50 years old or older and show income and/or savings, as well as a criminal-background check and other things (which vary by consulate). A Non-OA gives you a 1-year "permission of stay" stamp upon entry up to the "enter before" date, which is 1 year from issuance. You need to do a "90-day report" for staying in the kingdom over 90-days - OR - leave the country and return. The 90-day count begins on the day when you last entered.

Perhaps what the consulate was discussing, was you getting the Multi-OA, based on retirement, and your wife and child getting the METV? I can only guess - and I can see why their instructions and what you are hearing here do not make sense.

Assuming your wife could extend her METV entry for medical reasons, your NonOA visa would ensure that you could be at her side when the new addition to your family arrives. I do not know if it is possible to add dependents to a Non-OA visa - perhaps someone else can answer that possibility. The other path to you being able to avoid forced border-runs, would be an "extension of stay based on retirement," which I described earlier (applied for in Thailand). You can definitely add dependents using that scheme.

fotowinter · December 27, 2016

On 12/26/2016 at 2:09 AM, JackThompson said:

It would appear that at least two different types of visas are being mixed-up here in the information you were given.

Unless there has been a change, an METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) has an "enter before" date 6 months after it is issued, so the last day you can enter with it is on that day. On an METV you must leave after 90-days, and that is only if you extend the 60-day entry you receive for another 30-days at a local immigration office.

The option of "report OR leave every 90 days" would only apply to a Non-OA visa offered by your consulate. To qualify for the Non-OA, the applicant would need to be 50 years old or older and show income and/or savings, as well as a criminal-background check and other things (which vary by consulate). A Non-OA gives you a 1-year "permission of stay" stamp upon entry up to the "enter before" date, which is 1 year from issuance. You need to do a "90-day report" for staying in the kingdom over 90-days - OR - leave the country and return. The 90-day count begins on the day when you last entered.

Perhaps what the consulate was discussing, was you getting the Multi-OA, based on retirement, and your wife and child getting the METV? I can only guess - and I can see why their instructions and what you are hearing here do not make sense.

Assuming your wife could extend her METV entry for medical reasons, your NonOA visa would ensure that you could be at her side when the new addition to your family arrives. I do not know if it is possible to add dependents to a Non-OA visa - perhaps someone else can answer that possibility. The other path to you being able to avoid forced border-runs, would be an "extension of stay based on retirement," which I described earlier (applied for in Thailand). You can definitely add dependents using that scheme.

Jack Thompson...it is all so confusing. We will try and sort the 'language' this week. I will not apply for a non-o-visa as I do not have the funds they want to see. Anyway, think we will apply for the 6 month METV, it is a nuisance to say the least. Any way. Much obliged for your assistance.

Cheers, and Happy New Year.

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