Convert Non-Imm O retirement to Non-Imm B (business)

[leddie]

Sorry for starting multiple parallel threads but I am separating out ideas to try and find the ultimate path to working in Thailand with a firm offer in hand.

 

In the past, I know working people who have converted from non-imm B (with extension of stay) to Non-Imm O retirement(extension granted until end of non-Imm B extension date) at Chaeng Wattana.  Is it possible to do the reverse process and convert from Non-Imm O (on retirement extension) to Non-Imm B for business.  Work permit application would follow later.

Edited March 20, 2018 by leddie

[Mattd]

Very few offices will make the conversion in this direction, you may need to apply for a non-b visa out of the country.

Even if the local immigration office will consider it, another issue may be that immigration could want to see the work permit or at least the application for one beforehand and the labour department may not accept the application for a work permit because of the current reason for extending your permission to stay.

[JackThompson]

Will need to get the "work permit application letter" from the Labor office first, in any case.  Then take that to the local Immigration office and try.  They may, but probably will not do it, in which case you can use the same letter from Labor to get your single-entry Non-B at a nearby consulate.  Then back to the Labor office with a Non-B in your passport for the Work-Permit.

[Mattd]

1 minute ago, JackThompson said:

Will need to get the "work permit application letter" from the Labor office first, in any case.  Then take that to the local Immigration office and try.  They may, but probably will not do it, in which case you can use the same letter from Labor to get your single-entry Non-B at a nearby consulate.  Then back to the Labor office with a Non-B in your passport for the Work-Permit.

A WP.3 approval letter can only be issued if the OP is outside of Thailand.

[ubonjoe]

3 minutes ago, Mattd said:

A WP.3 approval letter can only be issued if the OP is outside of Thailand.

I think he meant the application approval letter from a WP1 application.

People often mix up the WP3 receipt with the approval letter for a WP1 application.

[JackThompson]

7 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

I think he meant the application approval letter from a WP1 application.

People often mix up the WP3 receipt with the approval letter for a WP1 application.

Yes - the letter which indicates that the applicant qualifies for the WP, pending having the proper visa-entry to get one - as required by consulates to issue the Non-B - but please correct me if wrong. 

[Mattd]

43 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

I think he meant the application approval letter from a WP1 application.

People often mix up the WP3 receipt with the approval letter for a WP1 application.

OK, in that case can that be used at an embassy if needed?

The issue will be if the labour office accepts the application, I don't see that there is anything written down whereby they can refuse, as the entry is non-immigrant, however, it depends on how they view the extension basis.

 

Does anybody know which immigration offices will actually make the conversion?

 

I do know in my case, which was getting new WP in Bangkok, whilst cancelling the other WP in Chonburi area and cancelling one extension in Sriracha and re-extending in Bangkok. Then the new work permit was applied for (WP.1) and the WP issued on 21st March, the extension part was done on 28th March with the WP in hand, according to the agent the WP has to precede the extension of stay for the first time on a new WP, after that the extension of stay must come before the WP extension.

This is applicable if you are in the country and already on an extension.

As I've stated in another thread, I do not entirely trust the agent though, so not sure if this is correct?

Edited March 20, 2018 by Mattd