B-Visa (extension of stay) vs O-Visa (Marriage Visa)

[Eaglekott]

Hi

 

I tried to search for an answer here but I could not find it. 

Currently, since 5 years I'm in Thailand on a B-Visa (extension of stay). I guess I can apply for a permanent recency this year,  and Im also getting married to my Thai girl.

 

What is the best option for me? Stay on B-Visa aka (extension of stay), apply for permanent recidency, or change to O-Visa based on marriage and hopefully a kid 

 

What benefits would the different options give me? What is needed from my side on the different options? By the way, I could get a retirement Visa, but I want to continue to work in Thailand.

 

Please advice.

 

 

[ubonjoe]

You could change the reason for your extension of stay from working to marriage. There would be no need to leave the country to get a non-o visa since you cannot change non immigrant categories without going out for a new visa.

It is up to you whether you want to change the reason for your extension.

After you get married you could apply for Thai citizenship instead of permanent residency. The overall cost is much less than permanent residency for citizenship and the paperwork requirements are little less also.

[Eaglekott]

I have just learned that I have to be married to my Thai Girl for 3 years before I can have a WorkPermit based on a O-Visa.

[ubonjoe]

12 minutes ago, Eaglekott said:

I have just learned that I have to be married to my Thai Girl for 3 years before I can have a WorkPermit based on a O-Visa.

There is no such requirement. Who told you there was one?

[Eaglekott]

A law firm that I have consulted.

 

[ubonjoe]

31 minutes ago, Eaglekott said:

A law firm that I have consulted.

 

They gave you incorrect information.

If you get a job or start a company or a partnership you can get a work permit at any time with a non-o visa entry or an extension of stay base upon marriage.

[Eaglekott]

Thank you, I'll consult them again, 

 

Another question, I'm a bit confused over your first answer.

Quote

There would be no need to leave the country to get a non-o visa since you cannot change non immigrant categories without going out for a new visa.

 

Must I leave Thailand to change? First part say "would be no need" and then I have to?

[ubonjoe]

22 minutes ago, Eaglekott said:

Must I leave Thailand to change? First part say "would be no need" and then I have to?

You can change the reason for your extension based upon working to one based upon marriage without leaving the country.

You cannot change visa categories at immigration. That means that you cannot change from a non-b visa to a non-o visa.

[Mattd]

18 minutes ago, Eaglekott said:

Must I leave Thailand to change? First part say "would be no need" and then I have to?

As far as I am aware you should be able to change the reason for your extension of stay from work to marriage whilst using the original non b category without having to go and get a new non-o visa.

You may continue to work, as you still hold a non immigrant visa extension and there should be no reason why this would affect your PR application, so long as the period in Thailand and the number of years of tax payments / work permits are unbroken as per the rules.

In fact, leaving the Country, applying for a non-o visa and then an extension may well jeopardise the PR application.