Extending A N0n-b Based On Work Permit

[QED]

Hi all,

I have been working for the last 9 months in Thailand, I have a multi-entry 1 year non-b visa from the UK which was issued independently of my work. I haved retained it as a standalone visa as I do alot of travelling anyway, and didn't want to link it to my work permit 'just in case'.

The job now looks secure for the long term, and as I only have 3 months left I need to think about getting an extension. The problem is I will need to be travelling several times whilst the extension application is processed.

So will this be a problem? Do they hang on to your passport whilst processing the extension? Do they put any restrictions on travel whilst it is being processed? I understand that they give you a date to go back and get your extension, what would be the consequence if I happened to be overseas when this date came around?

Sorry for so many questions, I tried asking the girl in the office who does all this and she had no idea.

Thanks,

QED.

[lopburi3]

You can not leave without a re-entry permit to keep the extension alive and each will cost 1,000 baht.

[QED]

You can not leave without a re-entry permit to keep the extension alive and each will cost 1,000 baht.

But that is after the extension is granted, right? (I would need a multi-entry anyway). I am just interested in what happens during processing, which I am told will take 1 month.

Thanks

[Mario2008]

The extension of your stay based on employment will only take a few hours at immigration. Only when you go for an extension based on marriage, there is a 1 month period where they keep your application under consideration.

[QED]

The extension of your stay based on employment will only take a few hours at immigration. Only when you go for an extension based on marriage, there is a 1 month period where they keep your application under consideration.

Wow, really? There is a girl who deals with all of this at my office (granted she is a bit clueless), and she was insistent it would take 1 month. If what you say is correct then I have no problem - I have a colleague who needs to do this before me so I will see what happens with him.

Thanks

[QED]

OK this is the official line I have received from the girl at my office - fact or fiction? Thanks in advance.

if you apply visa at Maptaphut office on February 1, 2010 the immigration office will stamp receive date on March 01, 2010 (approx. 30 days)

The immigration office will send the document to the immigration office at Bangkok to process the visa after that we have to go to Maptaphut office on March 01, 2010 for receive 1 year visa.

You will have extension of stay permitted up to February 01 2011.

1. February 1, 2010 is Application date should take a couple of hours to apply (like you know).

2. March 01, 2010 (extension of stay approx. 30 days from application date) is a processing time

3. February 01 2011 is extension of stay permit (approx. 11 months).

[lopburi3]

You are not making an application for a visa - it is for a one year extension of stay for bushiness reasons. And yes that may the be processing time-line for that office.