BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s immigration authorities outlined how the routine ‘Under Consideration’ stamp works for foreigners extending their marriage-based Non-Immigrant O stay.
Temporary ‘Under Consideration’ stamp bridges visa gap
Applicants seeking an annual extension of stay based on marriage to a Thai national first received a passport stamp marked “Under Consideration”, which allowed them to remain in the country for around 30 to 45 days. Officials stressed that this status formed part of the normal administrative procedure and did not indicate problems with the application.
The stamp functioned as a temporary measure while immigration staff checked submitted documents and, if needed, carried out a home visit. Once this review period ended, successful applicants obtained the final one-year stamp, a process described as standard for almost all marriage-based extensions.
Financial proof: lump sum or monthly income
To secure an extension, applicants had to provide financial evidence under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and Police Orders No. 327/2557 and 777/2564. One option required at least 400,000 THB on a Thai bank account held solely in the foreign spouse’s name, with the funds in place for a minimum of two months before filing; joint accounts were generally not accepted.
There was no legal obligation to keep the 400,000 THB on the account after the extension had been granted, meaning the money could in principle be used once the annual stamp was in the passport. Some immigration offices nevertheless advised applicants not to touch the funds during the “Under Consideration” phase, a recommendation described as local practice rather than a nationwide rule, provided the full amount was restored at least two months ahead of the next extension.
Alternative income route and changing consular practice
Instead of a lump sum, applicants could show a regular monthly income of at least 40,000 THB, derived from legal employment in Thailand or pensions from abroad. For work inside Thailand, tax records, an employment contract and social security documents were required as supporting evidence.
Since 2025, many embassies reportedly stopped issuing income certification letters, prompting immigration offices to accept documented monthly transfers to a Thai bank account over 12 consecutive months as an alternative proof. Several local offices were said to recognise such bank records as sufficient to demonstrate stable income.
What happens during the 30-day review
The “Under Consideration” status signalled that the local immigration office had accepted the application but had not yet granted final approval. For marriage extensions, the decision-making authority often rested with a higher-level office or the central headquarters in Bangkok.
The standard review period was around 30 days, which could be extended in densely populated areas with high volumes of applications. During this time the stay remained legal even if the original visa had already expired, with the stamp serving as an interim authorisation within the normal administrative process.
Regional differences in enforcement
While the national legal framework applied across Thailand, procedures varied between local immigration offices. Processes in major centres such as Bangkok and Pattaya tended to be highly standardised due to heavy caseloads, whereas in rural provinces checks could be more detailed.
These differences often led to conflicting reports in online forums, as practices accepted in one province could be rejected in another. Applicants were therefore advised to focus primarily on the specific instructions issued by their responsible local office.
Home visits to verify cohabitation
Immigration officers could appear at the couple’s residence, either announced or unannounced, to verify that a genuine shared household existed. They looked for indications such as family photos, clothing belonging to both partners and evidence of shared use of the bedroom.
In many cases, a scheduled appointment was arranged or the couple was asked to bring witnesses, such as the village head or neighbours, to the immigration office. Sometimes self-taken photos of the house submitted by the couple were deemed sufficient, and where the marriage and shared life were genuine, this step was usually described as straightforward.
Photo evidence and appropriate clothing
Couples were required to provide photos showing both partners together in and in front of their home. Standard images included one in front of the house number, one in the living room and one in the bedroom featuring both spouses.
The photos served as visual proof of the domestic community within the case file, and applicants were advised to wear appropriate, not overly casual or beach-style clothing. A well-prepared set of images could help avoid follow-up questions and speed up processing.
Interviews testing the relationship
During the application process or at a home visit, interviews could be conducted to test the authenticity of the relationship. Typical questions covered how the couple met, the names of in-laws and who handled household responsibilities.
Both partners were expected to be prepared and answer openly, as officers were trained to read body language and hesitation. A cooperative and friendly attitude was said to make this part of the procedure considerably easier.
Travel rules during ‘Under Consideration’
Domestic travel within Thailand remained straightforward while the application was under review, with the passport or a copy of the ID page and current stamp serving as sufficient proof of legal stay. The “Under Consideration” mark therefore did not restrict movement inside the country.
However, applicants were warned against leaving Thailand during this phase, as departure could be interpreted as abandoning the request. In cases of absolute emergency, travellers were advised to coordinate in advance with immigration to find a solution such as a re-entry permit.
Visa agents: help and hazards
Private visa agencies offered to handle communication with authorities and prepare documentation, typically charging between 15,000 and 30,000 THB. This support could be useful for applicants lacking language skills or with physical limitations.
Officials cautioned that risks existed with unscrupulous providers who relied on bribes or forged documents, and applicants were urged not to hand over their passports for long periods and to understand each step taken on their behalf. Even when using an agency, a legal visa usually still required the applicant’s personal presence at immigration.
Extensive documentation requirements
The list of required documents included a passport, TM.7 application form, marriage certificate in original and copy, a Kor Ror 2 marriage registry extract issued within the last six months, as well as the Thai spouse’s ID card and house registration book. Financial documents and photos of the couple also formed part of the file.
Additionally, a hand-drawn map to the residence had to be submitted, and at least two copies of each document were recommended. These copies were expected to be signed in blue ink by the applicant and, where applicable, by the Thai spouse, with an orderly file helping to streamline processing.
Common mistakes and 90-day reporting
One of the most frequent errors during the waiting period was failing to submit the mandatory 90-day address report. The TM.47 notification remained compulsory even under “Under Consideration” status whenever a stay in Thailand exceeded 90 days.
The Kor Ror 2 marriage registry extract also had to be newly obtained from the district office and could not simply be reused from the previous year. Applicants were further reminded that appropriate dress at the immigration office played a role in Thailand’s hierarchical society, where outward appearance carried weight.
Collecting the final one-year stamp
After roughly 30 days, applicants had to return to immigration with their passport to collect the final extension. In most cases, the document was then ready for the one-year stamp, which extended the permitted stay by a year counted from the expiry date of the previous visa.
If the review had not yet been completed, the “Under Consideration” stamp was extended by a further 30 days, usually indicating that the file remained under assessment. Missing this follow-up appointment could be treated as an overstay, with the associated legal consequences.
Coping with uncertainty during the wait
The waiting period was described as psychologically demanding for many, accompanied by fears of potential refusal. Experienced expatriates reported, however, that rejections were extremely rare when all requirements were met and the marriage was genuine.
Applicants were encouraged to continue their normal daily routines and to keep perspective, as authorities were said to have no interest in expelling well-integrated, financially secure spouses. The checks were presented as quality control tools rather than deliberate harassment.
Extensions inside Thailand versus fresh visa abroad
Officials drew a clear distinction between an in-country extension of stay and applying for a new visa. Those who accidentally left the country or missed deadlines might be forced to travel to a neighbouring state such as Laos or Malaysia to apply for a new Non-Immigrant O visa at a Thai embassy.
This route was considered significantly more cumbersome and costly than renewing inside Thailand, making close attention to the expiry date of the current stamp the most important responsibility. A calendar reminder set four weeks before the deadline was recommended as a simple safeguard.
Digitalisation drive and tighter data links
Thailand was working on digitalising bureaucratic processes, with early steps towards an “e-Extension” system aimed mainly at tourists. For marriage-based visas in 2026, the physical folder of documents remained the standard, as personal assessment of the relationship was considered hard to replace with online tools.
A trend toward centralised databases was nonetheless visible, enabling officers to check more quickly whether applicants had negative records at other locations. Growing inter-agency connectivity was expected to make procedures more transparent while also tightening responses to violations.
Costs and financial burden of capital lock-up
The official government fee for an extension of stay stood at 1,900 THB, with only minor additional costs for documents such as the Kor Ror 2 extract, passport photos and photocopies. Bank charges for issuing financial certificates generally ranged between 100 and 300 THB.
The main financial strain lay in tying up the 400,000 THB on a bank account, where it typically earned no or very low interest. This capital requirement was highlighted as a significant practical burden for some applicants.
Thorough preparation seen as key to success
Authorities emphasised that the marriage visa process and the “Under Consideration” phase were manageable with careful preparation and a clear understanding of requirements. Those who met the rules, kept their finances in good order and treated officials with respect were said to have little to fear.
“Thailand wants families to stay together. The checks are there to make sure marriages are real, not just a way to obtain residence rights by deception.”
said immigration authorities, according to the editorial note.
Note on changing rules
The overview of procedures reflected the situation as of January 2026, with immigration rules in Thailand subject to interpretation by local officers and potential short-notice adjustments. For binding information, applicants were directed exclusively to the Thai Immigration Bureau or a Royal Thai Embassy.