long term viits (revisited)

[Guest Steve1903]

Ok chaps, following on from discussion a couple of weeks back on what visa I can apply for...

The concensus seemed to be that I should apply for a Non Immigrant 'O' Visa.

Well having been in touch with the Thai consulates/embassy both in Glasgow and in Hull I was told flat out that the rules have changed and I am not able to apply for this now.

 

So before I do anything else I wondered if anyone had a different opinion from the info I have been given and if so what is it based on.

Also, so where do I go from here?

The best option given from the embassy people is to get the 60 day tourist visa, get a month extension then start visa hopping until I'm out of entry visas. The way they put it 8 months is about as long as I can do.

Thoughts and opinions please.

 

NB

just to clarify, not interested in pretending to be going to study, volunteeer or teach etc.

[Bob]

Not sure why (I was just curious) but I just checked the Thai website in the UK and, from what I can see, there must have been some changes as the 90-day Non-Immigrant "O" visa (the I got a couple of years ago) is not even on the list of available visas except where you qualify for special things (business, study, etc.). Based on that website's list, your only choice is the 60-day Tourist Visa (which is extendable for another 30-days while you're in Thailand). And I believe you can get a second one when that expires but you might have to go to a neighboring country for a day to get that done (I'm not sure about that so don't rely on me for that question).

 

I also checked the Thai embassy website in the US and same thing - it just isn't there any more. I have one (since expired and replaced by the "0-A" long term visa) dated February of 2009 (and I had no obligation to qualify for any of those special categories when I got it) but it looks like it just isn't available any more.

[Gaybutton]

If the rules have changed, I was not aware of it. If 8 months is the best you can get, there may not be a way around that if you wish to stay longer. I think your best move would be to get the best visa you can obtain, and then once you are in Thailand talk to Immigration and see if there is anything they can do for you.

 

Also, it seems that different Immigration offices have their own perceptions of the rules. If you don't get anywhere at one Immigration office, I would try one or two others before giving up.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

I think GB has given you good advice. I have found that the immigration offices away from the big tourist areas seem to more helpful.

 

I live in Ubon Ratchatathani, 300+ miles east of Bangkok. Our immigration office is very small, never had a line to wait for, and the people are helpful. They will take the time you need to solve your problems.

 

Good Luck!!!

[Guest Steve1903]

Cheers guys.

As it was told to me, best I can do is get triple entry visa and have two 1 month extensions while there.

[Gaybutton]

Cheers guys.

As it was told to me, best I can do is get triple entry visa and have two 1 month extensions while there.

I don't have any idea if this would work, but see if you can find out whether, during the last month of the triple entry visa, instead of doing something like an extension or a visa run to Cambodia or Laos, getting a reentry permit from Immigration and then going to Cambodia or Laos would extend the validity of your visa upon return to Thailand.

 

Other than that, I can't think of anything else to try.

[pong]

I don't have any idea if this would work, but see if you can find out whether, during the last month of the triple entry visa, instead of doing something like an extension or a visa run to Cambodia or Laos, getting a reentry permit from Immigration and then going to Cambodia or Laos would extend the validity of your visa upon return to Thailand.

No-this will not work. The duration of the stay stamped in will not be extended (the clock keeps on counting while you are away), but you do not have to pay a new fee-that is all (unless this has also changed). Indeed, for up to 8 month (or 9 with a 3d extension), the triple 60-day tourist+local extension each (or just 2) time looks like best option. If you happen to stay in PTY anyway (or BKK) those ''borderruns'' are easily done in a nice van all-escorted in a short day. or -why not take that opportunity-and see a little more of those surrounding countries? Thailand can get pretty boring after a longer time to some-even if you now do not believe that.

IMHO it may very well be that some CONSULS are now banned from issuing the more precious type O or whatever visa and you have to see the real (1 and only 1 in each country-in the capital) Royal Thai Embassy. I also (and I have to follow these news items due to profession) have not read anything about changes being made recently. But it may be yet another case of rules being tidied up or strengthened in their application. Or sometimes the ambassador himself acts like that-maybe some family member has been refused a visa by the Brits or so.......

[Gaybutton]

No-this will not work.

That brings to mind another potential problem. There is a risk that Immigration will refuse to grant extensions. While that is unlikely to occur, it is still a possibility. Immigration is under no obligation to grant extensions at all. In most cases they do without any problems, but I do know of people who applied for extensions and were refused.

[Guest]

There is a risk that Immigration will refuse to grant extensions.

If that happens, both Cambodia & Laos are lovely countries to visit.

[Guest Steve1903]

Update.

The conclusion of my visa search ended thus.

Asked about the Non Immigrant O Visa from Glasgow, Hull and London consulates/embassies. All three said I didnt qualify for any of the year long visas. On the net though, there were lagal firms advertising that they can get them if you apply through them.

So scratched my head a bit as to why they can get one when I'm told I dont qualify but decided to go ahead and try them out.

Result - I now have a year long visa. On one hand happy enough to have one but not so delighted that I had to pay a legal firm for the pleasure. Obviously still got to nip out and in again every 90 days but its multiple entry so if I do fancy a bit of travel at least I have that option too.

12 days and counting (...slowly)! Bring it on!!

[Guest anonone]

Update.

The conclusion of my visa search ended thus.

Asked about the Non Immigrant O Visa from Glasgow, Hull and London consulates/embassies. All three said I didnt qualify for any of the year long visas. On the net though, there were lagal firms advertising that they can get them if you apply through them.

So scratched my head a bit as to why they can get one when I'm told I dont qualify but decided to go ahead and try them out.

Result - I now have a year long visa. On one hand happy enough to have one but not so delighted that I had to pay a legal firm for the pleasure. Obviously still got to nip out and in again every 90 days but its multiple entry so if I do fancy a bit of travel at least I have that option too.

12 days and counting (...slowly)! Bring it on!!

 

Hi Steve. Appreciate the update. I hope you really enjoy the extended trip. I will admit to being quite envious....

 

Out of curiosity, how much did the legal assistance cost you for the visa? If you don't mind saying....

 

All the best.

[Smiles]

" ... The concensus seemed to be that I should apply for a Non Immigrant 'O' Visa.

Well having been in touch with the Thai consulates/embassy both in Glasgow and in Hull I was told flat out that the rules have changed and I am not able to apply for this now ... "

No idea what's going on in Britain regarding applying for various visas (in your case, a 90-day Non Imm), but I don't think the visa itself is not available any more.

It is in fact, front and centre at the Thai Consulate in Vancouver (and I assume the Embassy in Ottawa as well as other Consulates in Canada).

 

Go to: http://www.thaicongenvancouver.org/cms/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=121

Under 'Travel Visas' click on 'Visa Information: 'Non Immigrant Visas'. Once there, scroll down the list of Non Imms and come to the last one, 'Other Activities'. That's the Non Immigrant 'O' visa. After that you'll find the particulars for applying and receiving it.

 

I've dealt with the Vancouver Consulate a number of times over the years and their website has always been spot on information-wise.

 

So, it seems that for some countries, the Non Imm 'O' may not be available. Don't ask me why, but at least you can be fairly certain that they still exist.

________________________

 

 

But ... he says as he reads all the way to the end of the thread I see that you have found your nirvana after all. Happy holiday!

[Guest Steve1903]

Cost me

[2lz2p]

I doubt the rules have changed for Non-Immigrant "O" Visa - it is more likely the main Embassy instructing their Honorary Consuls to more diligently follow the rules. I received a Non-Immigrant "O" Multiple Entry Visa in 2002 from the Honorary Consul in Dallas, Texas (no paperwork whatsoever was required) - I just told them I wanted to visit for a while to see if I really wanted to retire here. I know of others that used the Honorary Consul in El Paso, Texas - likewise minimum or no documentation required. I read that Hull in UK was also very easy to get one. If you go to the Thai Embassy's website for USA, UK, Canada, etc. they will list several reasons for being granted the "O" Visa - but, they also list the documents that are required to support the application. The Embassies and Thai Consulates (staffed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs personnel) tend to be very strict about the documentation; whereas in the past, as mentioned, the Honorary Consuls were very very loose and issued the visas. So, again, IMO it is the Embassy's requiring their Honorary Consuls to be more strict in following the rules for issuing such visas.

 

As to the Lawyer angle -- don't doubt it - they are probably very familiar with the paperwork required including what constitutes adequate documentation and provide it with the application (legitimate documents?? or tea money involved??). The fee may be well worth it to avoid the hassles involved with the Tourist visa and having to get other ones from neighboring countries -- if you read messages on Thaivisa.com you will see several where the applicant was refused another tourist visa because they had "too many already."