Convert Non B To Non O

[dthomasss]

I will be ending a job at the end of this month (after eight years) and starting a new one a week later.

I am also married to a Thai with all the necessary funds etc. Is there a way I can go with my wife to Jomtien Immigration (our home is there) and switch to a Non O so I don't have to leave the country. My work permit and extension of stay were issued at One-Stop in Bangkok.

My current employer is fine with putting whatever date I need as last day of employment in order the help. I understand a new Work Permit can be issued with my O Visa extension based on marriage.

[Mario2008]

The only thing you do is to fill in the application form for an extension of stay, but this time you fill in something like to live with your wife instead of employment. That is all there is to it, next to all the documents and interviews for the extension itself.

You do that in the last 30 days before your current permission to stay ends (or when your job ends, whatever is first).

[dthomasss]

The only thing you do is to fill in the application form for an extension of stay, but this time you fill in something like to live with your wife instead of employment. That is all there is to it, next to all the documents and interviews for the extension itself.

You do that in the last 30 days before your current permission to stay ends (or when your job ends, whatever is first).

I tried that and was told that if they cancel the B visa they have to cancel the work permit at the same time...

[Mario2008]

In the first place you don't cancel your visa, but your permission to stay. Your visa only allowed you to travel to Thailand and at the border you got a permission to stay. It is this permission to stay you extend every year.

While on an extension to stay based on marriage, you are allowed to work. Many of our members do.

But in your case it could be one of two problems:

- The officer was confused because if you have a non-O visa and apply for an extension of stay based on retirement you are not allowed to work. But as said, that is not so based on marriage.

or

- you are on an extension of stay and have a work permit from the one stop service center, so you would have to cancel your work permit there first and apply for a new one so Jomtiem immigraiton would have "jurisdiction" over your case.

You can contact the immirgaiton call center 1178 or the One-Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits At Chamchuri Square Building, Tel. 0-2209 1100

[dthomasss]

In the first place you don't cancel your visa, but your permission to stay. Your visa only allowed you to travel to Thailand and at the border you got a permission to stay. It is this permission to stay you extend every year.

While on an extension to stay based on marriage, you are allowed to work. Many of our members do.

But in your case it could be one of two problems:

- The officer was confused because if you have a non-O visa and apply for an extension of stay based on retirement you are not allowed to work. But as said, that is not so based on marriage.

or

- you are on an extension of stay and have a work permit from the one stop service center, so you would have to cancel your work permit there first and apply for a new one so Jomtiem immigraiton would have "jurisdiction" over your case.

You can contact the immirgaiton call center 1178 or the One-Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits At Chamchuri Square Building, Tel. 0-2209 1100

Yes it is : - you are on an extension of stay and have a work permit from the one stop service center, so you would have to cancel your work permit there first and apply for a new one so Jomtiem immigraiton would have "jurisdiction" over your case.

But here is the problem. If I cancel at one stop, then I no longer can stay in the country. Even if I get a 7-day extension, I have no guarantee Jomtien will allow me to apply and approve an extension of stay because I no longer have any visa. It is very confusing.

[Mario2008]

To make it clear, I'm not sure that is the problem. It might be the problem, but I'm not sure what the rules are regarding the One Stop Service Center. But ignore my post no. 4, it should not be of consequence in your case.

The last day you work you cancel both your permission to stay and workpermit at the One Stop Service center, you will get 7 days and should have no problem getting a new extension of stay in Jomtien as you would still have a valid permission to stay.

But if you need to get a new work permit, that would take some time. That is however not important for the extension of stay based on marriage, as long as it is not based on your income but on 400,000 in the bank.

Your work permit is than also canceled because as it only allows you to work for the employer mentioned in the work permit and you will get a new employer. That means a new work permit. Maybe the immigration officer was just telling you that, or if they do it before you stop working you lose your WP and would be working illegally.

[dthomasss]

To make it clear, I'm not sure that is the problem. It might be the problem, but I'm not sure what the rules are regarding the One Stop Service Center. But ignore my post no. 4, it should not be of consequence in your case.

The last day you work you cancel both your permission to stay and workpermit at the One Stop Service center, you will get 7 days and should have no problem getting a new extension of stay in Jomtien as you would still have a valid permission to stay.

But if you need to get a new work permit, that would take some time. That is however not important for the extension of stay based on marriage, as long as it is not based on your income but on 400,000 in the bank.

Your work permit is than also canceled because as it only allows you to work for the employer mentioned in the work permit and you will get a new employer. That means a new work permit. Maybe the immigration officer was just telling you that, or if they do it before you stop working you lose your WP and would be working illegally.

OK let me make sure I understand. I ask my current employer to make my last day of work Monday, January 24. On that day I go to one stop and cancel my WP and extension of stay and get a 7-day extension. On Wednesday the 26th I go with my wife to immigration in Jomtien with all the necessary paperwork to apply for a one-year extension of stay Non O based on marriage. They grant it hopefully and then my new employer applies for the Work Permit for me to start work Tuesday February 1.

[Mario2008]

Correct. That would be the right procedure.

Have your new employer start with the paperwork for getting a new work permit, so you don't have to wait too long for it.

[dthomasss]

Correct. That would be the right procedure.

Have your new employer start with the paperwork for getting a new work permit, so you don't have to wait too long for it.

Thank you. I will try this and hope that Jomtien doesn't deny my application!

[Mario2008]

Tip: When you cancel your permission to stay and work permit at One Stop , take with you your marriage certificate. Based on that you might even get a 60 day extension based on having a Thai wife instead of the usual 7 days, if the BOI does that.

Taking the wife and household book with you would even be better.

[dthomasss]

Tip: When you cancel your permission to stay and work permit at One Stop , take with you your marriage certificate. Based on that you might even get a 60 day extension based on having a Thai wife instead of the usual 7 days, if the BOI does that.

Taking the wife and household book with you would even be better.

Great idea.. I will give it a try.