Changing Tourist Visa Into Non-immigrant B (teaching) - Help!

[hyls]

Hello my friends,

At the moment I'm staying in Thailand on a tourist visa (3 entries) and on January 17th 2007 my second entry will expire. The visa itself is valid until February the third, exactly 6 months from the date it was issued.

Since I have found a school that is going to employ me as a foreign English teacher, I want to change my tourist visa into a non-immigrant B visa, single entry as is common (for three months).

First:

- Can I change my visa in Bangkok or do I have to go to Penang (or perhaps Vientiane)?

I've already found out from some sources of information that a change can be done at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok, but I'm not sure. I'd like to hear your opinions or better: previous experiences.

Second:

Because I'm staying upcountry and probably will have to travel to Bangkok, I really want to make sure that I prepare all the necessary documents.

- What documents do I need?

Only a letter from my school in which they state they are going to employ me?

Third:

- Is a criminal record clearance certificate already a neccessity?

If so, how to obtain that certificate? I'm a Dutch citizen, so does that mean I will have to apply for it in The Netherlands?

Me and my school also have prepared all the documents and forms for the application of a work permit. Do you think I can both get a non imm B visa and apply for the work permit in a single trip to Bangkok?

Please help me asap, since the Immigration Bureau cannot be reached by phone at all (at least I haven't succeeded yet) and I don't wanna work illegally. It makes me rather desperate, because I don't know what to do and don't want risk travelling back and forth to Bangkok many times.

Thanking in advance,

Hyls Hiddema

Edited January 11, 2007 by hyls

[lopburi3]

You are too late to change your current entry but after you exit and return on your 3rd tourist visa entry you could use the procedure below - I don't know how exact the requirements are but it is the current information on web site.

All teachers require a background check but if you are currently in Thailand that can be done at the police office in Bangkok that those working here use I believe.

The work permit has nothing to do with Bangkok or Immigration if you are working upcountry. That is done at the local labor office.

I would suggest you ask in the teaching forum as they are likely to have the experience you need for your specific questions and probably don't read here that often.

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR VISA STATUS ALTERATION. (NON-B )

Application for Visa Status Alteration. (TM.86)

Copy of passport entries.

4 X 6 cm. Photograph.

Application fee of 2,000 baht.

To be a teacher in a government school or university.

A letter from the rector of university, requesting visa status alteration.

A letter from the department concerned under the Ministry of Education or in the case of lower academic levels, a letter from the governor, requesting for visa or visa status alteration.

A letter of employment and a copy of employment contract.

Diploma and Resume of the applicant.

To be a teacher in a private school or university.

A letter from the rector of university, requesting for visa or visa status alteration.

A letter from the department concerned under the Ministry of Education or in the case of lower academic levels, a letter from the governor, requesting visa or visa status alteration.

A letter of employment and a copy of employment contract.

Diploma and Resume of the applicant.

A certified copy of the registration papers of the educational institution.

A certifed copy of the license of the school or university administrator.

Remarks

The Applicant must sign every page of application.

Document of the university or private school must be certified by the proper authority.

The visa applicant must arrange the documents in proper order and must prepare the originals as proof.

Call 02-2873101-10 ext.2237 for details.