Convert ED Visa to Non-B + Work Permit

[Somchair]

I'm currently on an ED visa and have a job offer for work here in Thailand. I would need to convert my ED visa to a Non-B in-country and apply for a work permit.

 

I understand that the 'process' is to switch to a 60-day covid extension and then ask the employer to support me with the Non-B application.

 

The employer is stating that it can be done but with a fee of ~10,000 baht, which sounds to me like an agent fee, but the employer has been told by a third party that this is the only way to do it during covid times.

 

1. Does anyone have recent experience of doing the above and was there a huge fee involved in order to get it done?

 

2. How common is it to be expected to begin working whilst you have the Non-B visa already but are still waiting for the work permit to be approved?

 

3. How long does it usually take for a work permit to be ready from application date until it's ready to collect?

 

I ask this because the employer wants me to begin work as soon as the Non-B is ready, even if the work permit isn't approved yet. I'm trying to understand whether this is what 90% of employers expect in reality or whether my case is exceptional.

 

 

[ubonjoe]

1. You cannot change from a non-ed to a non-b visa while in the country. You can only change the reason for your extension to one for working.

2. You need the work permit application done and a approval letter for it issued by the Labor Ministry to apply for the new extension.

3. It only takes a short period to time to have a work permit after the application is done. At the most it should be done within 2 weeks.

Most of the time when it is not done in short period of time it is due to the employer not doing the application.

[hereforgood]

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

. It only takes a short period to time to have a work permit after the application is done. At the most it should be done within 2 weeks.

Most of the time when it is not done in short period of time it is due to the employer not doing the application.

Yes I had the WP in hand in less than 2 weeks when i went to work twice. If the employer really wants you they will get the paperwork done for you and at their expense. I assume they are covering the 10k for you ?

[Somchair]

3 hours ago, hereforgood said:

I assume they are covering the 10k for you ?

Sadly not. I will be expected to pay it in order to do the conversion.

[hereforgood]

5 hours ago, Somchair said:

Sadly not. I will be expected to pay it in order to do the conversion.

I would take a good look at your employer. I may be wrong but pretty sure you can not start working till the WP is in your hand