Whats Happening re "O" Visas

[mike the rat]

Just been in touch with Thai Embassy in Hull. Been told that the rules have now changed and it looks like it will have serious consequences for people who are living in Thailand on "O" Visas...Before you could get a 1yr "o" Visa to visit "Friends & family" in Thailand. This has now changed to "Family living in Thailand proof must be provided by a photocopy of their visa for thailand" IN OTHER WORDS THE "FRIENDS" eg girlfriend NO LONGER COUNT TO QUALIFY!! So if you think your'e going to get a years O visa to live with the girlfriend for a few months in Thailand forget it! I know this will cause me problems in the future and I'm quite sure a lot of people are going to get stopped by this change in the rules. Looks like its getting even harder for farangs to stay in the land of smiles for any length of time.....

[Scumbag]

I don't think there has been any change in the rules. I suspect that they have been told to issue the visas in line with the policies at the embassy in London. They (like a few other consulates) where issuing the visas for purposes other than what they are intended for.

[L.O.S Lyle]

Thanks for the info!

[PepeLePew]

I don't think there has been any change in the rules. I suspect that they have been told to issue the visas in line with the policies at the embassy in London. They (like a few other consulates) where issuing the visas for purposes other than what they are intended for.

 

Something has changed, whether it is 'rules' or 'guidelines' 'O' types were available for 'friend' visits before as the OP said. There is no mention of friends now.

 

Below is what Hull say about 'O's now. If you rely on 'O's as I used to it might be worth marrying someone there just to get a cert!

 

Category “O”

 

 

Married to a Thai national

 

Evidence required: Copy of marriage certificate (in English).

 

 

or

 

 

Visiting family working/living in Thailand

 

Evidence required: Birth/Marriage Certificate to show relationship plus letter from relative confirming

 

they are in Thailand together with copy of valid entry visa in their passport or copy of valid work

 

permit.

 

 

 

or

 

 

Volunteer work

 

Evidence required: Suitable letter from recognised charity.

 

 

or

 

 

Visiting Thailand as Pensioner

 

Evidence required: Copy of bank statement showing receipt of pension.

 

 

or

 

 

Visiting Thailand as retired person aged 50 years and over

 

Evidence required: Copy of bank statement showing income of minimum £900.00 per month.

 

 

 

[Scumbag]

Something has changed, whether it is 'rules' or 'guidelines' 'O' types were available for 'friend' visits before as the OP said. There is no mention of friends now.

As I stated I think it is the policies of the Hull consulate that have changed to bring them in line with other embassies/consulates. They appear to be now using the same policies as London (and most other offices).

[merlin99]

ive had 2 O type visa issued in Hull , when i had my last one granted which was last year i was told then that if i wanted another issuing to me when that one ran out then i would need to provide an address in Thailand though i wasnt told what would be needed as proof of address ie chanot v scrap of paper with any address written on it

 

i guess that the staff knew changes were being made and were forewarning me ?

 

the original O visa i got was the easiest thing in the world to get LOL

[pubstud]

I've noticed on a few other forums people who were living in Thailand on certain visas have recently run into problems satisfying the requirements for these visas. Which makes me think there is a general tightening up on Thai visas everywhere. The Thais do this periodically, have a farang-bashing spree, then it settles down, only to crop up again down the track. That's my observation anyway. Lets face it guys, they don't want us living here. They really want the tourists to come, spend as much money as possible, and then fuck off back where they came from. So it makes perfect sense that they'll keep making these long-stay visas more difficult as a deterrent.

[Thaihot]

It was all ok & now they make it a ball ache.

[Laawman]

Yes indeedy, 10 years of O visas and now I'm back to 3x entry tourist.

[pubstud]

I also been on the multi-entry non-imm O visas for the past decade, but this year all I could get in Australia was a single entry tourist visa. I haven't been on a tourist visa since the last 1970s. After 30 years in Thailand I was banged back to being a tourist again with one fell swoop. Anyway, fortunately I satisfy the current requirements for a retirement visa so I paid an agent to sort that out for me.

 

And, great news here boys, with Takky calling the shots again soon, we can all look forward to increases in visa fees and and even further tightening up of the visa regulations - higher amounts needed in bank accounts and other harsh regulations that will make living in LOS on a FT basis very difficult for all except the wealthy investors and retirees.

[bestmate]

There is another option for those who are currently in Thailand.

 

The Hull embassy told me that they would also accept a photocopy of a 1 year tennacy agreement stating you are renting an apartment in Thailand. So evidence of long term stay in Thailand.

 

Since i was in the UK at the time i could not get this so came over on a triple entry visa. Going to try to sort out the tenancy agreement before i head back to the UK so i get an O visa next time around.

[Laawman]

There is another option for those who are currently in Thailand.

 

The Hull embassy told me that they would also accept a photocopy of a 1 year tennacy agreement stating you are renting an apartment in Thailand. So evidence of long term stay in Thailand.

 

Since i was in the UK at the time i could not get this so came over on a triple entry visa. Going to try to sort out the tenancy agreement before i head back to the UK so i get an O visa next time around.

 

Unfortunately, this is no longer an option as from last April.

[bestmate]

Unfortunately, this is no longer an option as from last April.

 

Ha too bad....this is what i was told back in March. Guess things change quickly and stuck with the Tripe entry visas. At least its free for now!

[yogi100]

Something has changed, whether it is 'rules' or 'guidelines' 'O' types were available for 'friend' visits before as the OP said. There is no mention of friends now.

 

Below is what Hull say about 'O's now. If you rely on 'O's as I used to it might be worth marrying someone there just to get a cert!

 

Category “O”

 

 

Married to a Thai national

 

Evidence required: Copy of marriage certificate (in English).

 

 

or

 

 

Visiting family working/living in Thailand

 

Evidence required: Birth/Marriage Certificate to show relationship plus letter from relative confirming

 

they are in Thailand together with copy of valid entry visa in their passport or copy of valid work

 

permit.

 

 

 

or

 

 

Volunteer work

 

Evidence required: Suitable letter from recognised charity.

 

 

or

 

 

Visiting Thailand as Pensioner

 

Evidence required: Copy of bank statement showing receipt of pension.

 

 

or

 

 

Visiting Thailand as retired person aged 50 years and over

 

Evidence required: Copy of bank statement showing income of minimum £900.00 per month.

 

 

 

I received that same letter from Hull in May '11 but got the multiple entry 'O' visa with no questions asked from Birmingham so try them or Liverpool.

Previously I'd been getting the same visa for the last 5 years from Hull with no problems. I discovered that the consulates are self financing so that may have some bearing on the matter.

[PepeLePew]

I received that same letter from Hull in May '11 but got the multiple entry 'O' visa with no questions asked from Birmingham so try them or Liverpool.

Previously I'd been getting the same visa for the last 5 years from Hull with no problems. I discovered that the consulates are self financing so that may have some bearing on the matter.

 

Thats interesting and useful Yogi. Did you submit any documents. Although the requirements appear to be the same between Hull and Brum the Brum site does come across as less rigid. Nevertheless it does state

 

NON IMMIGRANT VISA. THIS IS AVAILABLE TO VISITORS TO THAILAND FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN TOURISM. E.G. BUSINESS, TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT, ALIENS MARRIED TO THAI NATIONALS AND PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 50 ETC.

 

 

 

THE VISA ALLOWS A STAY OF UP TO 90 DAYS FROM DATE OF ARRIVAL. APPLICANTS HAVE TO SUBMIT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS I.E. LETTER FROM COMPANY, COLLEGE, EMPLOYERS ETC. STATING PURPOSE OF VISIT OR COPY OF MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE ETC.

 

 

 

And

 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED **

 

The applicants must submit the following documents;

 

- Correct Fee - Visa application form completely filled out & signed - Passport with not less than 6 months after your return. - Two passport sized photographs taken within the past six months - Prepaid self addressed envelope (we recommend Special Delivery) - Certificate of Marriage or its equivalents ("O")

 

Did you just ignore this and hope for the best or did you send other docs?

[ben666]

I received that same letter from Hull in May '11 but got the multiple entry 'O' visa with no questions asked from Birmingham so try them or Liverpool.

Previously I'd been getting the same visa for the last 5 years from Hull with no problems. I discovered that the consulates are self financing so that may have some bearing on the matter.

 

just an update regarding this topic, i was told the following today.

 

I have also been using the hull office for 5 years and been given the O visa no problem, i tried to get one a few months ago and was only allowed a 6 month visa but would have to do visa run every 60 days,

 

i spoke with the hull office today on the phone, i had a copy of tenancy agreement and copy of the motorbike/car i own, which i was going to use but they still said no, unless you are married or retired they will not be issuing visas.the only other option is if you have family staying in thailand you can get a visa for visiting them but need all there paperwork too.

 

i didnt know about the other offices in birmingham and liverpool so will try them

[Thaihot]

There is another option for those who are currently in Thailand.

 

The Hull embassy told me that they would also accept a photocopy of a 1 year tennacy agreement stating you are renting an apartment in Thailand. So evidence of long term stay in Thailand.

 

Since i was in the UK at the time i could not get this so came over on a triple entry visa. Going to try to sort out the tenancy agreement before i head back to the UK so i get an O visa next time around.

 

Now thanks for that info.

 

That is a good point to know for many of the guys here I am most sure.

 

[Thaihot]

I received that same letter from Hull in May '11 but got the multiple entry 'O' visa with no questions asked from Birmingham so try them or Liverpool.

Previously I'd been getting the same visa for the last 5 years from Hull with no problems. I discovered that the consulates are self financing so that may have some bearing on the matter.

 

Good point each Embassy does it same same but different. LOL.

 

[yogi100]

Thats interesting and useful Yogi. Did you submit any documents. Although the requirements appear to be the same between Hull and Brum the Brum site does come across as less rigid. Nevertheless it does state

 

NON IMMIGRANT VISA. THIS IS AVAILABLE TO VISITORS TO THAILAND FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN TOURISM. E.G. BUSINESS, TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT, ALIENS MARRIED TO THAI NATIONALS AND PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 50 ETC.

 

 

 

THE VISA ALLOWS A STAY OF UP TO 90 DAYS FROM DATE OF ARRIVAL. APPLICANTS HAVE TO SUBMIT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS I.E. LETTER FROM COMPANY, COLLEGE, EMPLOYERS ETC. STATING PURPOSE OF VISIT OR COPY OF MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE ETC.

 

 

 

And

 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED **

 

The applicants must submit the following documents;

 

- Correct Fee - Visa application form completely filled out & signed - Passport with not less than 6 months after your return. - Two passport sized photographs taken within the past six months - Prepaid self addressed envelope (we recommend Special Delivery) - Certificate of Marriage or its equivalents ("O")

 

Did you just ignore this and hope for the best or did you send other docs?

 

All Birmingham wanted was my passport, two photos, the completed application form and the money, just the same requirements that Hull has always had until recently. Of course you must be over 50. It was 100 quid plus 12 quid special delivery and return postage and was dealt with by return of post.

 

No proof of income, family ties or property ownership were even mentioned.

 

To avoid any complications I told them on the phone what Hull had stipulated but that had no bearing on the ease with which they dealt with my application.

[Scumbag]

All Birmingham wanted was my passport, two photos, the completed application form and the money, just the same requirements that Hull has always had until recently. Of course you must be over 50. It was 100 quid plus 12 quid special delivery and return postage and was dealt with by return of post.

 

No proof of income, family ties or property ownership were even mentioned.

 

To avoid any complications I told them on the phone what Hull had stipulated but that had no bearing on the ease with which they dealt with my application.

I just wanted to highlight that yogi100 is talking about a visa based on retirement. If you are not 50 or more you will be applying for a non-imm O visa rather than a non-imm OA (ie retirement visa). From what has been posted it appears that they have tightened up on the non-imm O visas.

[riki]

Help!!!

 

Just rung Hull to get an application form for a multi o visa..

 

Was told as of January it has all changed and cannot get one!...unbelivable

 

I'm booked from 1st sept until may of next year (8months)....Any advice would deffinatly be greatly recieved.

 

ps I'm 47 years old......

 

Sweating a little. :-(

[riki]

Have now spoken to Birmingham and they confirm the same..

 

Advised to purchase a "Tourist visa" with 3 entrys. And to my understanding I then

 

1. Have 60 days on entry which I then extend at immigration office for 7-30 days (depending on the mood of the immigration officer.

 

2. Have then to do a boarder run of sorts

 

3. If I then to repeat the above a futher two times and get 30 days extension each time it will take me to end of May.... If I only get 7 days each time at immigration then Middle of March!. (overstay 1 month)

 

Questions ---- 1.can I just do a land crossing at cambodia or do i have to fly out?

2.Can I apply for ED visa whilst out there?

 

I'm starting to wish my life away here and wish I was 50 and could be looking at a retirement visa then..

[PepeLePew]

Have now spoken to Birmingham and they confirm the same..

 

Advised to purchase a "Tourist visa" with 3 entrys. And to my understanding I then

 

1. Have 60 days on entry which I then extend at immigration office for 7-30 days (depending on the mood of the immigration officer.

 

2. Have then to do a boarder run of sorts

 

3. If I then to repeat the above a futher two times and get 30 days extension each time it will take me to end of May.... If I only get 7 days each time at immigration then Middle of March!. (overstay 1 month)

 

Questions ---- 1.can I just do a land crossing at cambodia or do i have to fly out?

2.Can I apply for ED visa whilst out there?

 

I'm starting to wish my life away here and wish I was 50 and could be looking at a retirement visa then..

 

Don't panic, multi entry tourist visa works just as well, only difference is you get 60 days instead of 90 days. You can also get a small extension on the 60 days at Jomtien immigration office, usually about 15 extra days I think. Then you simply do a border run. No planes needed!

[Laawman]

I was under the impression that a 30 day extension from immigration was the norm rather than 15 days. Just make sure you use up your last entry before the visa expires - it's normally 6 months on a 3x entry.

[pubstud]

They're closed the de facto loophole, got to be legally married or over 50 to get the O now.

 

I was getting the Os in Oz for some years without ever having to give a reason. Then about 5 years ago they started asking for copies of GFs ID card, then last trip (early this year) no more GFs ID - got to be married.