With just two days left until the Philippines' POGO ban, some people are already thinking about when to return.
Don't panic! The next steps of the Philippine government are still unclear, and the government has also announced that it will continue to intensify the cleanup of the remaining POGOs, so returning now is like running into the muzzle!
A few days ago, netizens revealed that some who had obediently downgraded their visas and then re-entered the Philippines on a tourist visa were blacklisted when they tried to apply for a work visa for white-collar jobs. This move by the Philippine officials was totally unexpected!
According to official statements, there are still about seven to eight thousand POGO workers who have not left the country, and more than a thousand are unaccounted for. To fulfill the tasks and ensure KPIs, some officials might arbitrarily blacklist Chinese people to reach these numbers. Moreover, the current head of the immigration bureau is anti-Chinese, and there seems to be a tacit approval of such random actions.
Therefore, just to be safe, it's better to wait for the next move from the Philippine government before making any plans!
Moreover, Thailand is beautiful, with low living costs and a relaxed lifestyle, and importantly, there are many beautiful Thai girls, so it might be worth staying a bit longer!
So, here comes the question, everyone has different visas, what if they expire, how to extend them? Is there a limit on the number of extensions?
This article will analyze several types of Thai visas suitable for long-term residence, as well as how to extend them and maintain legal status.
1. Types of visas suitable for long-term residence
1. Tourist Visa (Two types)
- Single Entry Tourist Visa:
Stay duration: Up to 60 days.
Extension possible: Apply for a 30-day extension at the Thai Immigration Bureau.
- Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV):
Validity: 6 months.
Each stay: Up to 60 days.
- Extension rules
- Single Entry Tourist Visa
Initially allowed a stay of up to 60 days upon entry.
A 30-day extension can be applied for. After using the extended stay, you cannot extend again directly.
After the extension, you must leave within 30 days or choose another method (such as visa run) to continue staying.
- Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)
Each entry allows a stay of up to 60 days.
A 30-day extension can be applied for during each stay period.
Within the validity period (usually 6 months), you can leave and re-enter Thailand multiple times.
- Extension process
Application location: Thai Immigration Office. In Bangkok, mainly at Chaeng Wattana Immigration Office.
- Required documents
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months, including visa page and entry stamp page).
- Immigration card (TM.6): Obtained upon entry.
- Visa extension application form (TM.7): Available at the immigration office or can be downloaded and filled out in advance.
- A passport photo (4x6cm).
Application fee: 1,900 Thai Baht (cash payment).
Proof of address: Such as hotel reservation, utility bills, or a proof of address issued by the landlord.
- Application process
- Go to the local immigration office.
- Submit the materials and pay the fee.
- Wait for processing (usually 1-2 hours).
- Once approved, an extension stamp will be placed on the passport.
2. Education Visa (Non-Immigrant Visa "ED")
- Features: Suitable for those studying language courses, vocational skills, or higher education in Thailand.
- Validity: Usually 90 days, each extension also up to 90 days, but can be extended up to 1 year or longer depending on the course duration.
- Required materials:
- Admission proof from the educational institution.
- Receipts for course fees.
- Other documents required by the immigration bureau (such as passport copies, etc.).
- Conditions for applying for an education visa
Applicants need to attend courses provided by Thai recognized educational institutions (schools, universities, or language training centers).
Education visas are suitable for the following purposes:
Academic research or degree courses (university, graduate courses).
Learning Thai language courses.
Vocational training courses or professional training.
- Extension process
- Report to the immigration bureau every 90 days to ensure the study status remains valid.
- Submit proof of study and course participation records.
3. Spouse Visa (Non-Immigrant Visa "O")
- Features: For foreigners married to Thai citizens.
- Validity: Initially issued for 90 days, then you can apply for an annual extension.
- Required materials:
- Thai ID card and household registration copies of the spouse.
- Marriage certificate and its Thai translation documents.
- Financial proof (bank deposit of at least 400,000 Thai Baht or proof of monthly income).
- Extension process
- Go to the immigration office to submit the extension application.
- Each extension requires a payment of 1,900 Thai Baht.
- During the extension period, you need to report your residential address to the immigration bureau every 90 days.
- If you meet the requirements, there is no fixed limit on the number of extensions, but you need to provide complete application materials each time.
- Materials needed for extension
- Applicant materials
Original and all visa record pages copies, TM.7 extension application form filled out with a passport-sized photo (4x6cm), the small white card obtained upon entry, original marriage certificate and a certified copy translated into Thai (must be certified by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs), marriage photos (including daily life photos with the spouse, such as at home, traveling, etc., used to prove the authenticity of the marriage) financial proof (a deposit in a Thai bank account of no less than 400,000 Thai Baht→at least 2 months in advance, or a monthly income of no less than 40,000 Thai Baht→need to provide income proof documents).
- Spouse materials
Spouse ID card copy, Thai national ID card copy, spouse's household registration book (Tabien Baan) original and copy, proof of marriage authenticity (can be provided by the local community or village committee).
4. Investment Visa
- Features: For foreigners investing at least 10 million Thai Baht in Thailand.
- Validity: Initially 90 days, then you can apply for a 1-year extension.
- Required materials:
- Investment proof documents, such as real estate contracts, company share certificates, etc.
- Bank statements and tax proof.
- Extension process
- Provide the latest investment proof documents.
- Apply for an extension once a year.
PS: This visa is more suitable for wealthy tycoons.
Additionally, investments used for purchasing real estate or non-transferable assets are non-refundable, but if it is a deposit in a Thai bank account that meets the investment visa requirements, the principal can be refunded after the investment period ends.
5. Permanent Residency Visa (Permanent Residency, PR)
Features: Suitable for those who wish to live in Thailand long-term and stably.
- Application conditions
- Holding a long-stay visa (such as work, spouse visa) continuously for over 3 years.
- Meeting specific qualifications, such as legally working or investing in Thailand.
Validity: Long-term valid, no need for renewal, but you need to report your residential address annually.
- Application process
1. Prepare materials
Passport: Original and all visa pages copies.
Work permit (if applicable): Proof of continuous work for over 3 years.
Tax documents: Personal income tax returns for the past 3 years.
Financial documents: Bank statements, pay slips, or investment proof.
Marriage certificate (if applicable): Original and translation documents (need certification).
Criminal record certificate: No criminal record certificate from the country of residence and Thailand.
2. Submit application
Submit the application at the Thai Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau) and pay the application fee (usually about 7,600 Thai Baht).
Submit fingerprints and photo collection.
3. Interview
Pass the language interview and related questions to assess Thai language skills and application purpose.
Work-related applications may require an additional employer recommendation letter.
4. Wait for results
The approval process usually takes 6-12 months, and once approved, you will receive a permanent residency certificate.
PS: Permanent Residency Visa (Permanent Residency, PR) is only open for application once a year, usually from October to December.
2. General steps for visa extension
1. Confirm visa type and extension conditions:
- Check the current visa extension policy through the immigration bureau's official website www.immigration.go.th or consult an agent.
2. Prepare necessary documents:
- Original passport and copies.
- Current visa and entry card.
- Financial proof, marriage certificate, or school certificate, etc.
3. Go to the immigration office to submit the application:
- Fill out the extension application form (TM.7 form).
- Pay the extension fee (1,900 Thai Baht).
4. Wait for approval:
- Usually, the approval can be completed on the same day, but special cases may require additional time.
5. Receive the extension approval:
- Ensure the new extension date matches the immigration bureau's records.
3. Thai visas can be converted to each other
One of the most convenient aspects of Thai visas is that they can be converted to each other, here are the common convertible types:
*Note*
Visa validity requirements: Visa conversion must be done within the current visa's validity period, and the remaining validity period generally needs to be at least 15 days.
Application process: All visa conversions must be applied for through the Thai Immigration Bureau, submit relevant proof documents, and pay the conversion fee (about 2,000 Thai Baht).
Visa restrictions: Some visa types cannot be directly converted to certain target visas, such as tourist visas cannot be directly converted to permanent residency visas.
It is recommended to thoroughly understand the specific requirements of the current visa and target visa before converting visas, and prepare complete documents in advance to avoid affecting the application process.
Finally, no matter what visa, the editor advises everyone to strictly abide by the legal regulations during this time, keep a low profile, and don't waste all previous efforts!
