I am currently on a family extension (visa exempt) with 50 days left, and have been hired by a Satit (remote area), and would like some up to date information about the process of a obtaining a non-B visa through the Thai Embassy in Laos. Even though the Satit is under the next door Rajabhat, they don't seem too knowledgeable about the process. I  know the process is done online, but how it's done and the list of documents needed to apply are my concern. I do not feel like being stuck in Laos because the application was incomplete. Thanks in advance for any help in this matter. 

you can change from a visa-exempt status to a non-B visa while in Thailand, but you must meet the requirements and get approval from Thai immigration authorities. This process requires securing a job offer, collecting specific documents like your passport, a completed application form, a letter from your employer, and evidence of funds, and submitting them to an immigration office. The change is granted at the discretion of the immigration officer. 

 

Requirements for visa conversion

• Passport: Must have at least six months of validity remaining.
• Visa-exempt status: Your current visa-exempt entry must have at least a few days left before its expiration.
• Documents from employer:
  • A letter from the new Thai employer confirming your hiring, position, and job description.
  • An employment contract.
• Required forms: Completed non-B visa application form and the WP3 pre-work permit approval application form.
• Passport photos: Two passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of funds: Evidence of sufficient funds (20,000 Baht per person).
• Other documents: The employer may need to provide company registration documents and tax filings. Educational qualifications and a certificate from previous employers might also be requested. 

 

How to apply

1. Secure a job offer: Find and secure employment with a Thai company that is willing to sponsor your visa.
2. Gather documents: Collect all the required documents, including the ones from your employer, your passport, photos, and the application forms.
3. Go to an immigration office: Visit a local immigration office, such as the one in Chiang Mai, to submit your application.
4. Pay the fee: Pay the visa fee, which is 2,000 THB for a single-entry visa.
5. Wait for approval: The granting of the visa change is at the discretion of the immigration officer. 

Thanks- I have been telling them that it's possible to change my visa status in-country because I have more than 20 days left on my visa exempt, but they are inexperienced with the process. There's another teacher that's willing to make the drive with me to immigration here to see if it's possible. That being said, if I have to go to Laos, how (which portal) are documents supposed to be uploaded to. Once I am in Laos, I understand that my Laos entry stamp must then be uploaded. Again, which portal?

Update question. On the evisa website it now lists a 30K statement is needed or a sponsorship statement. My question is this - Has anyone had a school do their sponsorship letter (it's different from than the invitation letter) and have a successful application in lieu of a personal 3 month bank statement? If so, what information was on the sponsorship letter ( the Satit is very inexperienced with the procedure and I am just trying to navigate the process)? Everything else is fine.