Non-imm B Visa In Singapore And Malaysia Questions

[mrducky]

Hi All

I really need your help with some questions related to getting a non-immigrant B visa.

Basically, here is the scenario:

a.) I have been offered a job by a Thai company (I used to work for them in the past) and I am now in Malaysia.

b.) They asked me to get a non-immigrant B visa OR a tourist visa at the KL embassy.

c.) They said that regardless of which I get, it can be converted to a multiple entry non-immigrant B visa when I get into BKK.

My questions:

a.) The company said that they will just provide me a letter of invitation which should be enough without all the other documentation associated and that this is enough for a non B. HOWEVER, the embassy in KL sent me the attached document that indicates the requirements. Has anyone from personal experience been able to get away with just giving a letter of invitation at the embassy?

b.) If I decide to get a tourist visa instead, will the embassy ask for a proof of a return ticket? I don't want to have to pay just for the sake of having a tourist visa.

c.) Furthermore, how easlity will the KL, Singapore of Penang embassies grant visas?

Thanks in advance for the clarification!!!

DOCUMENTS_REQUIRED_FOR_IMMIGRANT__B_.doc

[lopburi3]

a. Do not believe any Consulate in the area will issue a B visa of any type without more than an invitation letter. Normally a receipt for work permit application is a requirement.

b. They might but it is unusual at most places for first world or home country nationals.

c. Consulates business is to issue visas - not hard to obtain a tourist visa.

You can not obtain a visa in Thailand unless your employment qualifies for one year extensions of stay from Immigration. Believe that is what company is saying - you can convert visa (2,000 baht) then extend one year (1,900 baht) and then obtain multi re-entry permit (3,800 baht).

[mrducky]

a. Do not believe any Consulate in the area will issue a B visa of any type without more than an invitation letter. Normally a receipt for work permit application is a requirement.

b. They might but it is unusual at most places for first world or home country nationals.

c. Consulates business is to issue visas - not hard to obtain a tourist visa.

You can not obtain a visa in Thailand unless your employment qualifies for one year extensions of stay from Immigration. Believe that is what company is saying - you can convert visa (2,000 baht) then extend one year (1,900 baht) and then obtain multi re-entry permit (3,800 baht).

lopburi3 thanks for the reply.

a.) Its strange. I spoke with an ex colleague who managed to get in with just an invitation letter 3 years ago and yet the embassy confirmed themselves this is not possible.

Yeah, I am not worried about the process once I am in Thailand. Just how to get in without having any visa issues.

b.) I suppose the embassy will not bother, though I have read that some airlines may not allow a passenger to board as a tourist without a return ticket.

Furthermore, I am not sure if there may be an issue, even if I am able to get into Thailand on a tourist visa, then convert it to a 1 year non-imm B. The last thing I want is to be black listed or something as I plan to apply for a PR after the 3rd year...

I don't want to fudge around with a issues related to visas. Its just not worth the risk.

[lopburi3]

You are not going to get into trouble having a tourist visa as long as you change before you start working.

You do not need a ticket for travel to Thailand if you have any type of visa. Only when you travel without a visa do you have to worry about airlines.

[Lite Beer]

mrducky. Is there a mrsducky? If there is and she is Thai you can get a Non Imm O Visa in KL. Maybe even a Multi Entry. This would enable you to enter Thailand and work if you have a Work Permit.

A single would give 90 days. A Multi would give up to 15 months with border runs every 90 days.

If there is not a mrsducky disreguard the above.

[mrducky]

Lopburi3 - As I am Malaysian, I don't need a visa, but I guess no harm in getting a 60 day visa or something.

I suppose I am stressing a lot about this visa issue especially when I see all the posts in this forum of the troubles fellow travellers face.

Now comes the only problem. I think the officer who deals with visa may recognise my name, given that I had emailled her several times about the non-imm B visa issue. So it may look fishy if she sees my name again while I apply for a tourist visa!!

Ah well, I may have to end up applying in Penang or Singapore!

Lite beer - That's a valid question! But no, Mrs Ducky is still a Miss and she's waiting in Thailand!! Thanks for the suggestion anyway.

[lopburi3]

People arrive all the time with tourist visas and then change when the have the qualifications/paperwork available. There really should not be any issue - but a short trip to Penang would take care of your worries. You would only get a 30 day visa exempt stay so a visa will give you extra time - although if you/job can not qualify for one year extension of stay you may end up making a quick trip to Penang to get the B visa (with paperwork) later anyhow.

[mrducky]

People arrive all the time with tourist visas and then change when the have the qualifications/paperwork available. There really should not be any issue - but a short trip to Penang would take care of your worries. You would only get a 30 day visa exempt stay so a visa will give you extra time - although if you/job can not qualify for one year extension of stay you may end up making a quick trip to Penang to get the B visa (with paperwork) later anyhow.

Ok then. Penang or Singapore it is... any idea how long it takes to process the visa? I've been trying to call both embassies with no luck (engaged)...

[Lite Beer]

People arrive all the time with tourist visas and then change when the have the qualifications/paperwork available. There really should not be any issue - but a short trip to Penang would take care of your worries. You would only get a 30 day visa exempt stay so a visa will give you extra time - although if you/job can not qualify for one year extension of stay you may end up making a quick trip to Penang to get the B visa (with paperwork) later anyhow.

Ok then. Penang or Singapore it is... any idea how long it takes to process the visa? I've been trying to call both embassies with no luck (engaged)...

Usually it is submit in the morning and pick up the next day afternoon.

I think you will have more success with Penang or KL. Singapore is not that helpful.

[mrducky]

People arrive all the time with tourist visas and then change when the have the qualifications/paperwork available. There really should not be any issue - but a short trip to Penang would take care of your worries. You would only get a 30 day visa exempt stay so a visa will give you extra time - although if you/job can not qualify for one year extension of stay you may end up making a quick trip to Penang to get the B visa (with paperwork) later anyhow.

Ok then. Penang or Singapore it is... any idea how long it takes to process the visa? I've been trying to call both embassies with no luck (engaged)...

Usually it is submit in the morning and pick up the next day afternoon.

I think you will have more success with Penang or KL. Singapore is not that helpful.

Thanks. Btw does anyone know whether the Penang consulate will be open over Songkran? I have tried calling so many times wihtout luck.

Cheers.

[Lite Beer]

Thanks. Btw does anyone know whether the Penang consulate will be open over Songkran? I have tried calling so many times wihtout luck.

Cheers.

They should be closed 13th, 14th, 15th .

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Public-Holid...09-t156175.html

It is not a holiday in Malaysia.

[mrducky]

Thanks. Btw does anyone know whether the Penang consulate will be open over Songkran? I have tried calling so many times wihtout luck.

Cheers.

They should be closed 13th, 14th, 15th .

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Public-Holid...09-t156175.html

It is not a holiday in Malaysia.

Thanks so much for your quick response!!