Non-Immigrant Visa(O) 2023

    The K-bank branch that I went to also wanted a Thailand phone number and they setup the bank app on my cellphone before I left.I do no know if it was really required or just a service they did for me.  I use the cellphone app.So it was good for me.         -@Walnutcharles

Of course they need a phone number. That's why I mentioned it earlier in this thread. Without it they can't send OTP's = One Time Password. They also ask for an email-address. Every transfer you do or payment using your mobile app is confirmed via an email as proof of being a success or if it failed.

"You can only send amounts larger than ฿50k via Wise if you're banking with Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank or SCB. With these banks the maximum amount is ฿2million. Bangkok Bank is imo the best bank when transferring money using Wise."

Yes, you posted about this in another thread which is why I'm using Wise and hoping to get an account at Bangkok Bank. Thanks!

Leeds Forever says:

"At Bangkok Bank they will ask for either a Residence Certificate from the local immigration office or the equivalent from the Canadian Embassy or consulate."

I called SCB yesterday and they also said I needed a "Residence Certificate" from the Canadian consulate. I then called the Canadian consulate in Chiang Mai and they didn't seem to know what that was and said we should get clarification from the bank. Does anyone know?

Scbrock, was there anything you had to get from the US consulate?

I think I read somewhere here that this is supposed to be some sort of declaration from the consulate that my passport is real.

Thanks for any ideas

    Leeds Forever says:"At Bangkok Bank they will ask for either a Residence Certificate from the local immigration office or the equivalent from the Canadian Embassy or consulate."I called SCB yesterday and they also said I needed a "Residence Certificate" from the Canadian consulate. I then called the Canadian consulate in Chiang Mai and they didn't seem to know what that was and said we should get clarification from the bank. Does anyone know?

Scbrock, was there anything you had to get from the US consulate?I think I read somewhere here that this is supposed to be some sort of declaration from the consulate that my passport is real.Thanks for any ideas        -@rbakker

The US Embassy or consulates don't issue the equivalent to the Residence Certificate since Q2 this year. The notarization of a passport is not the same thing. It's just a stamped and signed copy.

A Residence Certificate shows your official address  (hence the name "Residence Certificate") incl your name and some other info and it's stamped and signed by an embassy/consulate. Check out the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok online and see what kind of documents they do issue. Consulates are very often ignorant and sometimes don't know what they are doing.

    Leeds Forever says:
"At Bangkok Bank they will ask for either a Residence Certificate from the local immigration office or the equivalent from the Canadian Embassy or consulate."

I called SCB yesterday and they also said I needed a "Residence Certificate" from the Canadian consulate. I then called the Canadian consulate in Chiang Mai and they didn't seem to know what that was and said we should get clarification from the bank. Does anyone know?

Scbrock, was there anything you had to get from the US consulate?

I think I read somewhere here that this is supposed to be some sort of declaration from the consulate that my passport is real.

Thanks for any ideas
   

    -@rbakker

Calling SCB HQ and ask about requirements isn't actually what you're after. Like I said earlier,branches don't always follow protocol. Every Bangkok Bank branch will "probably" ask for a Residence Certificate from immigration or an embassy/consulate. If they are ok with a RC from immigration,then you're home free. Kasikorn Bank branches might not ask for a RC. I would always go for a K-Bank savings account instead of one with SCB. If I were you in CM, if you can't get hold of a RC from your consulate or immigration,try the closest K-Bank from where you're staying. If it doesn't work,go to the second closest branch and then the third. You get it? Just open up google maps on your phone,enable location and then just type Kasikorn Bank. Every branch will show up. It of course depends on where in CM you're staying. There are more branches in downtown CM. IF, you're not lucky,then go for SCB branches and do the same. It used to be easier to open accounts in malls, especially in Bangkok, I don't know about CM. You can always try it if there's a mall or two close by.(Some malls open 11am, especially in Pattaya,and that's a (minor) problem if you're going to immigration in the morning and you need a bank letter.)

"A Residence Certificate shows your official address"

Sorry for the dumb question but which address - my Canadian one or my Thai one?

In order to get that (whichever it is) I would have to bring along proof of that address to the consulate.

The Canadian consulate has these authentication services:

Details    Fee (CAD)    Fee (THB)    Fee (USD)

Administering an oath or receiving a statutory declaration or affirmation. The fee shown is per document.    50.00    1250.00    40.00

Attesting any document bearing a signature (affidavit, declaration, affirmation, etc.). The fee shown is per document.    50.00    1250.00    40.00

Authenticating (witnessing) a signature. The fee shown is per document.    50.00    1250.00    40.00

Authenticating the signature and seal of a foreign authority. The fee shown is per document.    50.00    1250.00    40.00

Authenticating signatures of Canadian authorities or notaries.    50.00    1250.00    40.00

Certifying a true copy of a document. The fee shown is per copy.    20.00    500.00    15.00

Transfer of private or public funds from Canada or elsewhere to the mission. The fee shown is per transfer.    75.00    1875.00    60.00

Providing a Passport Canada CTC. The fee shown is per set of three copies.    45.00    1125.00    35.00

Issuing a letter of income    50.00    1250.00    40.00

Yes, I see what you mean, you've said that before about every branch having their own rules. I called SCB head office to see what sort of thing I could expect so I can make an appointment at the consulate in advance so as not to waste time - I want that account open as soon as possible. I might try all three banks when I am there and go with the one that gives me the shortest list of requirements.

In other news, I got the Non-Immigrant(O) visa! It took 4 days but two of those were the weekend so not bad.

I notice that in the visa email it does not say anything about some of the details I filled in - what day I'm arriving, what flight I'm on, my address in Thailand (a hotel for the first night). Does this mean I have some flexibility there?

I was also at no point asked to provide any proof of insurance. It's just not on the form anymore, it disappeared along with the requirement to make a selfie of yourself with your passport. I think I will get the (previously) required insurance anyway for the first 3 months in case the guys at Chiang Mai Airport demand it.

The reason I (initially) chose SCB was because I used to live in Chiang Mai (10 years ago, as a student) and had a bank account there. I called up to ask if it was still active or able to be reactivated but it is permanently shut down (as expected). Still, maybe it gives me a leg up being a former client.

I emailed SCB and asked what I need in order to open a bank account, they replied:

Regarding to your email for open a bank account, your request to open an account must be approved by another authorized department not the branch so please provide documents at SCB branch nearby where is nearest you so they will send to another authorized department for consideration and approve the branch to open the bank account so the branch will contact to customer once they get approved.

Documents required as following;

1. Passport.

2. Non-Immigrant Visa valid at least 1 year.

3. Letter confirm of do not have any criminal background and confirm the nationality issued from embassy in Thailand or consulate. (if any)

4 Residence certificate letter or House registration in Thailand for foreigner.

5. Thailand mobile number.

----

This is the first I've heard of a criminal background check. It can take weeks to get one of those in Canada. I hope I can find a bank that doesn't insist on that.

    "A Residence Certificate shows your official address"
Sorry for the dumb question but which address - my Canadian one or my Thai one?
In order to get that (whichever it is) I would have to bring along proof of that address to the consulate.
The Canadian consulate has these authentication services:
Details    Fee (CAD)    Fee (THB)    Fee (USD)
Administering an oath or receiving a statutory declaration or affirmation. The fee shown is per document.    50.00    1250.00    40.00
Attesting any document bearing a signature (affidavit, declaration, affirmation, etc.). The fee shown is per document.    50.00    1250.00    40.00
Authenticating (witnessing) a signature. The fee shown is per document.    50.00    1250.00    40.00
Authenticating the signature and seal of a foreign authority. The fee shown is per document.    50.00    1250.00    40.00
Authenticating signatures of Canadian authorities or notaries.    50.00    1250.00    40.00
Certifying a true copy of a document. The fee shown is per copy.    20.00    500.00    15.00
Transfer of private or public funds from Canada or elsewhere to the mission. The fee shown is per transfer.    75.00    1875.00    60.00
Providing a Passport Canada CTC. The fee shown is per set of three copies.    45.00    1125.00    35.00
Issuing a letter of income    50.00    1250.00    40.00

Yes, I see what you mean, you've said that before about every branch having their own rules. I called SCB head office to see what sort of thing I could expect so I can make an appointment at the consulate in advance so as not to waste time - I want that account open as soon as possible. I might try all three banks when I am there and go with the one that gives me the shortest list of requirements.
   

    -@rbakker

The Residence Certificate shows your official address in Thailand. The proof is a contract/lease.

    I emailed SCB and asked what I need in order to open a bank account, they replied:
Regarding to your email for open a bank account, your request to open an account must be approved by another authorized department not the branch so please provide documents at SCB branch nearby where is nearest you so they will send to another authorized department for consideration and approve the branch to open the bank account so the branch will contact to customer once they get approved.

Documents required as following;

1. Passport.

2. Non-Immigrant Visa valid at least 1 year.

3. Letter confirm of do not have any criminal background and confirm the nationality issued from embassy in Thailand or consulate. (if any)

4 Residence certificate letter or House registration in Thailand for foreigner.

5. Thailand mobile number.

----
This is the first I've heard of a criminal background check. It can take weeks to get one of those in Canada. I hope I can find a bank that doesn't insist on that.
   

    -@rbakker

Forget about any criminal background check. No bank has as far as I know never ever asked for it. The only time it's needed is when applying for the O-A Visa.

    In other news, I got the Non-Immigrant(O) visa! It took 4 days but two of those were the weekend so not bad.
I notice that in the visa email it does not say anything about some of the details I filled in - what day I'm arriving, what flight I'm on, my address in Thailand (a hotel for the first night). Does this mean I have some flexibility there?

I was also at no point asked to provide any proof of insurance. It's just not on the form anymore, it disappeared along with the requirement to make a selfie of yourself with your passport. I think I will get the (previously) required insurance anyway for the first 3 months in case the guys at Chiang Mai Airport demand it.
   

    -@rbakker

Your visa is valid 3 months,it should be mentioned in the visa email. Immigration knows nothing about the details in your application,like date of arrival or flight number etc etc.

Hi LeedsForever,

"Forget about any criminal background check. No bank has as far as I know never ever asked for it. The only time it's needed is when applying for the O-A Visa."

Thanks for the reassurance! That would be a hassle.

"Your visa is valid 3 months,it should be mentioned in the visa email. Immigration knows nothing about the details in your application,like date of arrival or flight number etc etc."

Yes, it says 90 days. Once again, thanks for the confirmation.

I've been looking into sending the 800K B as soon as I get the bank account set up but it's not as simple as I hoped. I understand from this forum that Wise is a good choice but I've had some problems with them when I was trying them out. Firstly it keeps saying my bank account has a $9500 daily limit when it does not (I had it changed to $17500 and the bank has confirmed it twice).

I tried with another bank account and no problem there but I got a warning that sending 800K B "could" trigger checks where I "might" have to provide proof of where I got that money from. I contacted Wise and they said that The System decides when and what checks are necessary and they can't predict what they will be, I just have to wait and see. Anyone else run into these problems? Otherwise I think Wise is great. Are there any alternatives to Wise that have such a great exchange rate?

If WISE states that, it means it is commonly used rule (which it is) and all funds could be subject to checking from any source.   But with the check comes a question related to the purpose of the funds. Is you state long term stay/visa or for example house/car purchase they are fine and nothing will happen

USD is a little bit more different. I had to set up a USD account (multi currency with THB and EU) at Wise in order to let it pass smoothly

Any transfer of USD outward is screened for all kind of purposed

    I've been looking into sending the 800K B as soon as I get the bank account set up but it's not as simple as I hoped. I understand from this forum that Wise is a good choice but I've had some problems with them when I was trying them out. Firstly it keeps saying my bank account has a $9500 daily limit when it does not (I had it changed to $17500 and the bank has confirmed it twice). I tried with another bank account and no problem there but I got a warning that sending 800K B "could" trigger checks where I "might" have to provide proof of where I got that money from. I contacted Wise and they said that The System decides when and what checks are necessary and they can't predict what they will be, I just have to wait and see. Anyone else run into these problems? Otherwise I think Wise is great. Are there any alternatives to Wise that have such a great exchange rate?         -@rbakker

Almost every bank in the western world have limits when transferring money abroad and they do trigger for example checks. I used to divide larger amounts in two to get below the limit. (You had to fill out a form describing the purpose of the transfer.) Amounts below the limit were no problem. I guess it's the same in Canada. But when I started to use Wise,no more problems. Can't you just send smaller amounts,like 400k twice? Only Wise offers the mid-market rate. Which transfer option did you pick? It's important. Isn't the Low cost transfer option available in Canada. That's the option where you transfer the money to Wise's local account in Canada and then they do the rest. I sent 667k to my balance account at Wise 2 months ago via Wise's local bank account back home. No questions asked. That's an option you can use.

    If WISE states that, it means it is commonly used rule (which it is) and all funds could be subject to checking from any source.   But with the check comes a question related to the purpose of the funds. Is you state long term stay/visa or for example house/car purchase they are fine and nothing will happen
USD is a little bit more different. I had to set up a USD account (multi currency with THB and EU) at Wise in order to let it pass smoothly
Any transfer of USD outward is screened for all kind of purposed
   

    -@martinoo2002

This guy doesn't have a Thai bank account. He won't come to the part where you chose the reason for the transfer. The solution is to use either the Low cost transfer option (if available) or the Balance account.

    I've been looking into sending the 800K B as soon as I get the bank account set up but it's not as simple as I hoped. I understand from this forum that Wise is a good choice but I've had some problems with them when I was trying them out. Firstly it keeps saying my bank account has a $9500 daily limit when it does not (I had it changed to $17500 and the bank has confirmed it twice). I tried with another bank account and no problem there but I got a warning that sending 800K B "could" trigger checks where I "might" have to provide proof of where I got that money from. I contacted Wise and they said that The System decides when and what checks are necessary and they can't predict what they will be, I just have to wait and see. Anyone else run into these problems? Otherwise I think Wise is great. Are there any alternatives to Wise that have such a great exchange rate?         -@rbakker

I checked out Wise's transfer options when sending CAD. You must chose the "Manual Bank Transfer" option. That's seems to be the equivalent to the Low cost transfer option which is available in Europe. I went for 32000 CAD which was ฿825743.81.  No warning popped up.

You said you've been "trying" Wise. How is that possible? You can't try Wise when sending Baht without having a receiving account.

You need to understand how Wise works. Don't do rookie mistakes and go for options where you allow Wise to withdraw money from your account. That option is what's called Fast Transfer option in Europe. Always go for,in your case,the Manual Bank Transfer option or add CAD to your Balance  account and follow instructions step by step. I've been using Wise since 2017 and I've never had a problem incl delayed transfers. Use it the correct way which normally means low fees.

You seem to worry a lot. Don't panic everytime there's a problem, (in this case it's not a problem).

Log in to Wise and do as I did and see what happens. You can't go to the next step without having a receiving account. Check out the Balance account,where you actually just click on Add and then transfer CAD manually to Wise's local account. It's actually very simple and straight forward.

One more thing, don't listen to clueless people about how to send money the best way to Thailand. They don't understand anything about exchange rates and fees. I have read hundreds of posts online,and 99% were incorrect.

Thanks as always for your advice, LeedsForever.

I'm not panicking, I just like to be prepared so I can avoid delays later. I'm glad I found out about the daily limit Wise is imposing on my bank and their warning about large amounts possibly being delayed while they demand documents about the source of the money. I'll try sending two smaller amounts, as you suggested.

I tried out Wise by sending a small amount of money from my Canadian account to another account I have in another country just to see how it works and how long it takes (I was surprised to find that the money didn't move at all during the weekend).

"Don't do rookie mistakes and go for options where you allow Wise to withdraw money from your account."

Why is that a mistake? That's what I did in my test and it seems to work fine (from my other account, without the daily limit). Is it more expensive?

Thanks as always for your valuable advice.

    Thanks as always for your advice, LeedsForever.I'm not panicking, I just like to be prepared so I can avoid delays later. I'm glad I found out about the daily limit Wise is imposing on my bank and their warning about large amounts possibly being delayed while they demand documents about the source of the money. I'll try sending two smaller amounts, as you suggested.I tried out Wise by sending a small amount of money from my Canadian account to another account I have in another country just to see how it works and how long it takes (I was surprised to find that the money didn't move at all during the weekend). "Don't do rookie mistakes and go for options where you allow Wise to withdraw money from your account."Why is that a mistake? That's what I did in my test and it seems to work fine (from my other account, without the daily limit). Is it more expensive? Thanks as always for your valuable advice.        -@rbakker

You obviously don't understand a word I'm saying. There are normally no limits when doing domestic transfers and they are normally free. That's why you shall NOT use the transfer option when Wise is withdrawing money from your account when sending large amounts to Thailand. You must in your case go for the Manual Bank Transfer option (meaning transferring money to Wise's local account in Canada) OR adding money to your Balance (you transfer money to Wise's local account) and from the Balance send money to your Thai bank account. Why is this so hard for you to understand? You're for some strange reason making everything complicated.

Trying Wise by sending a small amount to another country isn't the same as sending a large amount to a thai bank. Rules/regulations and limits are not the same. Understand? And you won't receive any money during weekends and public holidays. Initiate transfers Sun-Thursday and you'll always receive the money the next day the latest. In my case when sending money to my Bangkok Bank account, my money always shows up next day 2pm Mon-Friday.

On another matter, when I applied for the Non-Immigrant(O) Visa there was no mention of health insurance.

I will be getting my own travel insurance, of course.

When I arrive in Thailand with my visa, I wonder whether the immigration officials will ask to see my insurance. Anyone have recent experience with that? Or will the fact that I have the visa be enough for them.

No insurance is required by immigration for the visa you are on.

Indeed,  nobody asked about insurance at Immigration. I made it to Chiang Mai! Thanks everybody for your help, especially LeedsForever. now I have to get working on the extension.

I arrived in Chiang Mai at Friday midnight and by Monday morning I'd got myself a Thai phone and rented a condo for 3 months. Had to make 2 trips to Immigration to get the official statement of my residence and left that with the bank on Wednesday morning - all they wanted was that and my passport and drivers licence. Nobody has asked for anything from the Canadian consulate. So far so good. I hope the bank doesn't come up with more conditions and that account is opened quickly so I can get the 800k in there.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Update: the bank account was open and I got the 800k in there (via Wise) within 11 days of arriving in Thailand. I could have done it quicker if I had simply (as LeedsForever once suggested, I believe)  gone from bank branch to bank branch until I was able to find one who would open my account then and there. I waited instead for one (SCB) who said they needed to check with head office and they then proceeded to do nothing.

So, two months from that date I will be applying for the one-year extension and I will have lots of questions then again I'm sure.

Once more, thanks for all the assistance and I hope this thread helps others.

Life in Thailand is great!

I also got the run  the   Around trying  to open a bank account, first call Kasi korm bank , they looked for ways NOT to open my Ac

next Bangkok bank ,

i open ed a ac there but a stuff around d

@petercurr55

I guess they're doing it in order to encourage you to use an agent. They probably get some kick backs from the agents ..

@Leeds forever!  "There are no questions about money in Thailand, just about having a certain amount of money in a bank back home the last 3 months."

Is this correct?? Do you only need an 800K Baht equivalent amount in your bank account in your own country? So you don't need to open a Thai Bank account at all? 

I just checked on https://thaievisa.go.th and started filling in everything for a Retirement visa (90 days). For supporting documents it asks for "Financial evidence showing monthly income of no less than 65,000 THB or having the current balance of 800,000 THB, e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings" but it doesn't give any further details. (I haven't tried actually submitting yet because now I don't want to do that).

Interestingly, it further only ask for a "Document indicating current location" (besides the passport and photograph) so only 4 documents are required. (This is even less than when applying for a 60 day tourist visa).

No it needs to be in a thai bank

@markmorris9 Can you use a THB balance in Wise?

And does the money need to be there 3 or 2 months in advance of the application date (or the requested entry date??).

I hear so many conflicting stories, it's very confusing...

@rbakker

"Thanks for your response LeedsForever.

I'll be going through the consulate in Vancouver. Indeed, I shall just follow what the site says, I'm glad they have simplified things.

I did indeed pick the Non-Immigrant O visa. The wording now is slightly diferent. Under Purpose of Visit I had to choose "Retirement (aged 50)" and then it fills in for you Visa Type: Non-Immigrant Visa(O)."

What kind of evidence of financial means did you provide? From the rest of the discussion I understand that you were still planning to open a bank account in Thailand once you were there. So does this mean that for getting the initial Non-immigrant O visa (for 90 days) you could just show a bank balance in your own country?

@Pete-bkk711

If you are requesting a non 0 3 months visa or tourist visa from home country your local bank is fine.

For.extension in Thailand balance needs to be in Thailand bank.

Income sometimes is accepted with a certified letter of income by embassy

@Pete-bkk711

No. Never heard of that

@Pete-bkk711

2 months in advance is sufficient

@Pete-bkk711

When applying for the Non-Immigrant O you have to show that you have at least 800K B in your bank account in your home country (because if you don't have that, there's no point in coming!). Then when you enter Thailand you open a Thai bank account (not Wise) and put that 800K B in there. After it's been in the bank for two months you can apply for the 1-year extension to your visa.

Note that to open a Thai bank account you need a fixed address in Thailand, hotel or airbnb won't do. I rented a condo.

...
Note that to open a Thai bank account you need a fixed address in Thailand, hotel or airbnb won't do. I rented a condo.
   
    -@rbakker

Does it have to be an annual rental contract or are shorter term contracts also accepted?

@Pete-bkk711

wha t happens if you move from a condo to an air bnb after you have your bank account?  i know they needed one to set up the account. i am not sure how long i can live in thailand. 

    @Pete-bkk711
wha t happens if you move from a condo to an air bnb after you have your bank account?  i know they needed one to set up the account. i am not sure how long i can live in thailand. 
   

    -@ronstaff

You will need an address for your extension as well

You will need a fixed address every time you come for annual extension

@martinoo2002 Can you define "fixed" address. Does it need to be on an annual lease?