Non B 12 Month Multiple Entry - Local Embassy Recommendations

[Bodger22]

Hi

I entered Thailand on a 3 month non B Visa (expires March 11 2010) but my work permit documents will not be ready before the Visa expires.

I have all the correct documentation from the company lawyers for a renewal of a Non B Visa but now need to leave the country to renew.

This time I would like to get a multiple entry 12 month Non B as my work permit documents could take a while (the company I am going to be working for needs to apply for some seperate licenses which are required before my work permit can be issued).

I dont want to keep renewing the 3 month non B at an embassy, but rather get a 12 month non B first time then just simply leave and return going forward.

So what would be the closest and best choice embassy to get the the multiple entry 12 month Non B??

I heard that Singapore and KL would not issue the 12 months, but maybe Hong Kong would.

Feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[thaiphoon]

Without a work permit you will not obtain Non-B visa within the region. KL and Penang will issue multiple entry Non-B visa against WP showing at least 8 months remaining and, in the case of Penang, the company's registered share capital must be at least 8M baht. Have not seen a report of multiple entry Non-B visa being issued in Hong Kong.

Given the delays your choices seem to be:

1) Obtain further single entry Non-B visa. KL would be a good place to go. Your employer will need to start the process of applying for your WP and obtain Form WP3 receipt from local labour office (showing that WP has been applied for). This receipt will need to be shown to the consulate to issue your visa. Then when your employer provides the licence papers to labour office plus sight of your Non-B visa the WP will be issued. Then you can obtain multiple entry visa or, if you meet the requirements, apply for extension of stay based on employment at Thai immigration. Your employer would need to provide 2 years audited accounts/tax receipts and you would need to meet minimum salary requirements - 50k/month for westerner (but varies on nationality) for most professions.

2) Obtain multiple entry visa from consulate outside the region. Perth is the nearest consulate to Thailand that will issue. You will need to provide employment contract and company registration documents. More information can be found here.

[Bodger22]

Thanks for the reply.

Just to confirm, can I get a single entry Non B from Singapore (as I can stay with friends) WITHOUT the WP3 as it will definately be a while before we can submit the Work permit application.

Thanks

[thaiphoon]

Unlikely. This link list the MFA's requirements for Non-B visa issue within the region. Singapore is not the easiest of consulates to deal with, which is why most people go to KL if they have a choice.

[Bodger22]

Thanks again

1. If I can get the WP3, is there any reason I shouldnt go to Singapore or do you still recommend KL?

2. If I can't get the WP3, do you think it is worth trying in KL or is it still very unlikely?

3. Only other option is to go to Perth, Hull (where I was born!) or back to South Africa where my first Non B was issued?

[thaiphoon]

WP3 receipt is key within the region. Outside the region some honorary consulates are more liberal with their interpretation of the rules. Perth and Hull being on that list. Suspect you will not obtain multiple entry Non-B at the consulate in Pretoria as appears they want WP pre-approval (WP3 receipt) - see here.

If you can get WP3 receipt, then personally I would choose KL. The embassy there is very helpful and you should have no problems. With Singapore the rules can change very quickly, and often without notice . But as you are planning to go to Singapore anyway I suggest you try there. Here is their website document list, which may not be up to date, so go fully prepared. Without WP3 receipt you are realistically looking at 'outside the region' options.

Good luck to you.