My colleague is currently here on a Non-IB visa which expires April 15. The company that originally sponsored his visa has closed down, but luckily, he's found a new company that wants to hire him.

 

The problem is that HR has asked him to fly back to India and come in on a new visa in order to process his WP as Phuket labour department wants at least 21 days left on his stay. His current visa is valid until April 15.

 

I was under the impression that as long as a WP application is submitted, immigration would be able to extend his permission to stay pending approval of the WP application. Perhaps it's just a Phuket rule, but if anyone can offer any insight on this, it would be much appreciated.

 

Maybe there's another option for him other than having to fly out to India? The new company is not a BOI, so this might make a difference. He lives in Bangkok, so a visit to Chaeng Wattana is no problem - and going to Phuket immigration is also no problem if needed.

 

If he did a border run and got 15 days or extended his current non-IB for 7 days, would this make it possible to give him enough time to sort out the WP process? For example, the company applies for the WP on his existing visa, then during this time he could cross the border and get a VOA. After, he could perhaps convert the VOA to a none B and then extend that stay along with the WP?

 

Sadly, I might be posting this only to get the answer to which we both already assume is the only way -- catch a flight to India asap and return on a tourist or non B. Since he's been living in Thailand for many years (previously on a dependency visa as his father worked here for many years), do you think that Thai immigration will want to see a flight ticket out if he comes back on a TV? If so, would a bus ticket from BKK to Cambodia be accepted? He's tight on funds so the cheapest and easiest option is what he'll need to pursue. Thanks, everyone!

Immigration requires a valid work permit to apply for an extension of stay based upon working. They will not accept a work permit application approval letter.

Immigration will not do a conversion to a non immigrant while on visa on arrival entry. Another problem is at least 15 days must be remaining on an entry to do the application.

If he was able to get enough time he might be able to apply for the visa at the embassy in Kuala Lumpur. The will accept an application from an Indian national but it takes 4 weeks to get the visa application approved. The paperwork and application can be sent to them by mail.

37 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Immigration requires a valid work permit to apply for an extension of stay based upon working. They will not accept a work permit application approval letter.

Immigration will not do a conversion to a non immigrant while on visa on arrival entry. Another problem is at least 15 days must be remaining on an entry to do the application.

If he was able to get enough time he might be able to apply for the visa at the embassy in Kuala Lumpur. The will accept an application from an Indian national but it takes 4 weeks to get the visa application approved. The paperwork and application can be sent to them by mail.

Amazing! Once again, Thanks UbonJoe and the amazing people at TV! Your expertise on the subject of visas and EPs is remarkable ????

Edited April 7, 20197 yr by Bkkdee
Additional question

Also, do you know if Indian nationals can get a tourist visa from KL?

Just now, Bkkdee said:

Also, do you know if Indian nationals can get a tourist visa from KL?

Yes but the paperwork and application would have to be sent to them 4 weeks in advance.

I suggest he contact them to confirm what is required. http://www.thaiembassy.org/kualalumpur/en/services/99126-Contact-the-Consular-Section.html

 

17 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Yes but the paperwork and application would have to be sent to them 4 weeks in advance.

I suggest he contact them to confirm what is required. http://www.thaiembassy.org/kualalumpur/en/services/99126-Contact-the-Consular-Section.html

 

Super - thanks again, mate!