Hi all,

I've been reading through some topics that relate to the question I have however, they are from a year or so ago and I'm led to believe that situations have changed. Anyone who can confirm the current rules for me, I would be much obliged.

Basically, I currently have a Non Immig 'O' Visa that I obtained from the UK Consulate in Hull, it's not a retirement Visa, it's based on my marriage to a Thai, and I also have a 3 year old boy, born here in Thailand.

I have since been offered a Job in Thailand, and have been told that my current Visa will not allow me to apply for a Work Permit, so I need to go to Singapore (or KL) to obtain a Non Immig 'B' then apply for the permit. All costs and paperwork are being taken care of by the company, so that's not a problem.

I have read on here that you can apply for a work permit on any Non Immig Visa, as long as it's not a retirement Visa (despite the 'Work Prohibited' stamp under the Visa stamp).

So my question is, have the rules changed recently that will only allow you to apply for a work permit on a Non Immig 'B' Visa or can I save the company money by applying for a work permit with my current Non Immig 'O' Visa?

Many thanks in advance.

A work permit can be issued on the O visa but if company has no experience and are paying the bills best to do what they want. You still have the option to extend your stay for a year at a time from either visa entry on the basis of family if you can prove the 40k family income.

The downside of the B visa route is that on work permit return you have to leave the country within 7 days so if you extend on the family basis you avoid that. But even then it is not a big deal for most people as you can easily obtain a non immigrant O visa for return.

I too am about to start a new job and was told that they wanted me to change to non-b. Luckily they contacted immigration and the labor department and were told that they can proceed with my non-o and there is no need for me to change.

Maybe you should suggest to your new employers that they check this too. It will save you a bit of time and money.

Thanks lopburi & garro, all very helpful.

Just for a bit of further information:

I have 2 months left on my current 1 year non immig 'O' visa before it expires. Obviously if I do a border run before it expires I can get a further 3 months, so 5 months before I have to renew. If I apply for a work permit on this Visa, how will that be affected? Will the work permit be valid only up until the visa expiry date?

I suppose I'm asking if I'm going to have to renew my Visa in 2-5 months anyway, which will probably be for a Non Imm 'B', may I as well do the trip to Singapore now and get a single entry Non B, which I understand can be renewed easily to a 1 year Non B through the company after 3 months?

Many thanks,

BC

A work permit follows the visa so it must be re-activated on each change of permitted to stay date. With a one year visa (90 day entry) you face the same requirement to re-activate after each border run. Now if you as saying you can obtain one year extension of stay from Immigration from work that would eliminate the 90 day visits to re-activate work permit - but you then have the loss of permission to be in Thailand if you lose employment and would have to leave within 7 days.

Great, ok. Many thanks Lopburi for your time.

And thanks for such quick responses.

BC.