Lttp: Non-Immigrant Ed & Work

[theusedversion]

I apologize for another thread about working in Thailand but I am getting conflicting information about this. Search didn't seem to help much but maybe I am searching for the wrong terms.

I will be attending Bangkok University (B.U.I.C. to be specific) as a full-time student in August. I would like the ability to have a part-time job to supplement my meager income from the States if at all possible. The general consensus seems to be that you cannot work on a Non-Immigrant ED Visa; however, I have seen some information that suggests that full-time students can get a work permit for part-time work (under 20 hours) or possibly work without a permit if under 20 hours a week. Is this true or false? Is there any way for me to get any kind of part-time work while I am there as a student?

It seems wrong to me that an international student who is honestly trying to get his degree cannot work in Thailand to help support themselves.

[lopburi3]

You can not obtain a work permit on an ED visa. But you do not need an ED visa to study so if you want to work use the visa for the work and study on your own time.

Easier said than done I know - jobs allowing the issue of a work permit are not that easy to find and it is very unlikely to be for part time work.

Work without a work permit could put you in jail and deportation. So think carefully before going down that path.

[theusedversion]

You can not obtain a work permit on an ED visa. But you do not need an ED visa to study so if you want to work use the visa for the work and study on your own time.

Easier said than done I know - jobs allowing the issue of a work permit are not that easy to find and it is very unlikely to be for part time work.

Work without a work permit could put you in jail and deportation. So think carefully before going down that path.

No I definitely want to do things legit since my degree is top priority. Once I get over there with my ED visa and I possibly find work and an employer willing to do all the paperwork will I have to come back to the US to get a Non-Immigrant B visa or can I change it there in Bangkok?

Btw, thanks for the info.

[lopburi3]

More likely you would be advised to visit Vientiane or another nearby Consulate to obtain a non immigrant B visa. That would normally require an overnight trip - submit morning and pick up next afternoon.

[theusedversion]

More likely you would be advised to visit Vientiane or another nearby Consulate to obtain a non immigrant B visa. That would normally require an overnight trip - submit morning and pick up next afternoon.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I really appreciate the help.

[Mario2008]

When you have found an employer, apply for a work permit. To apply for a work permit your visa doesn't matter. But they will not issue the work permit, till you have the right visa . Instead they will give you a WP3 form, which you will need to show to a consulate in a neighbouring country to get the non-B. Once you have the non-B you go back to the labour department and you get the work permit.

Do note that having a work permit doesn't mean that you will get extensions of stay from immigration, for that there are stricter rules. It might mean you will have to leave the country every 90 days. That will depend on your job and income.

[monty]

Indeed as per Mario's observation, unless you meet minimum salary (50,000 Baht/month for most Westerners), and the employer meets certain minimum qualifications, you would not be getting a 1 year extension based on employment.

Unlike when you are studying a full time course at a major university, where you would get 1 year in one go...

So you'd need to go get the non immigrant B visa in a neighboring country after applying for your WP, but it will be a single entry, meaning you'd need to go get one again after 90 days.

The second time round (when you actually hold a valid work permit, valid for at least 8 more months, you'd be able to get a multiple entry visa, meaning you'd only require a quick border run every 90 days.

[theusedversion]

You guys are awesome. Thank you so much. That really cleared up a lot.