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How Can I Get Government Approval for a Full Extension of My Non-O Visa?

Non-O Visa Visa Extension Immigration Rules

Mar 25, 2020

5 years ago

Philip *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I extended my non-immigrant O (volunteer) visa yesterday but they refused to extend for the full three months, instead pretending everything was normal they only gave me the first month extension and I have  to come back in a month (21 April) to extend for the next two months. They kept saying I needed “government approval” to get the full 90 days of the extension approved at once. Does anyone know how to get that approval? It’s too late for me this time but would be good to know in the future. 

What happens if we enter a total shutdown during this period? There’s nothing I can do at this point and obviously no point in worrying but if immigration is shutdown on 21 April would I be charged for overstaying my visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user recently encountered issues extending their non-immigrant O (volunteer) visa and received only a 30-day extension instead of the full three months due to a requirement for 'government approval'. They are seeking advice on how to obtain this approval in the future and express concern about the potential for overstaying if immigration services shut down.

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Tod *********

Please realize I mean no disrespect to the O/P (

@Phi***

) or anyone who responded. 30 day under consideration stamps are TOTALLY normal and are nothing out of the ordinary AT ALL..

5 years ago

Philip *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

As for what to do if everything shuts down, I am a bit worried about that but there’s no point in worrying too much. If immigration is shut down on 21 April I’ll assume I’m ok to overstay until I can get it renewed I guess

5 years ago

Philip *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

no disrespect taken and I appreciate the response. I should have been a bit clearer but your points still stand. I’m not panicked and understand this is totally normal. I’ve been in Thailand a year so I’ve done this several times now. I guess my question is, since this is NOT normal times is it really not possible to get the full 90 day extension at once? Seems like they would want to reduce the number of trips people have to make to immigration during this time.

5 years ago

Reply to

Philip *********

Tod *********

The 30 day under consideration stamp is the first month of your next extension AND there have been many times when the immigration offices up country didn't get the paperwork back in time for the person to get the rest of their extension by the date in their passport BUT they were called by the immigration office and told don't worry you're not on overstay and then called again to come in and get the rest of their extension inked into their passport too

5 years ago

Tod *********

In a semi-related story, I know a guy, his wife and two kids who are here on Non-O volunteer visas (for missionary work) and EVERY extension they all go apply for the next 90 days (because that's all he can get with his paperwork), and they ALL get the 30 day under consideration stamp and then after a month he takes all the passports back and gets the additional two months stamped in. He's done it like that for YEARS now.

5 years ago

Bob **********

Wait for an admin but I would have to say if immigration is shut down you should be fine

5 years ago

Tod *********

if you notice (as in read the stamp) you will see you got a typical 30 day "under consideration" stamp that is given to people who apply for various extensions.

It is NOT uncommon to send the paperwork up the food chain to get it approved.

As I said happens on a LOT of extensions (ED, O for marriage, raising children, missionary/volunteer work, B for teaching,

Totally normal.

How about we dial back the panic a bit and leave the "what if scenarios" at the door when you come into the group?

5 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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What should I do if my Non-O retirement visa application is still pending and my exemption visa is about to expire?

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