Dwi, Teaching, And My Wife'S Options?

[rtwilli4]

I have read several times that a DWI will not affect my ability to get a Non-Immigrant B Visa, and then a work permit. These posts were years old and I am looking for current info.

I have spent a lot of time in Thailand over the last few years, all on Tourist Visas. I am American and my fiance' is British. She last spent nearly a year on a "Friends and Family" Visa... a non-immigrant O issued at Hull. We are to be married in the UK in May.

We are then thinking about moving back to Thailand to teach English. I have a degree and a bit of tutoring experience among other things and think I'll find a descent job. My wife on the other hand does not have a degree, but does have A LOT of experience working with children both academically and otherwise. We think she can find a job, but maybe not one that will sponsor her to get a work permit.

So, first off, I do have a DWI conviction in 2006 and an "underage possession of a malt beverage" conviction from 2003. Otherwise clean record. Will these affect my ability to get a work permit? Is it just up to that particular immigration agent? Is there anyone out there that has recently obtained a job/work permit with a similar record?

I have read that if I was not fingerprinted, than it is possible that the charges won't even show up on an FBI level CBC. I realize that this is not the place to ask that question but I was NOT fingerprinted... anyone have any experience with this?

Secondly, IF I do get a job/work permit, will my wife then be able to apply for another "O" Visa at Hull? I know that the requirements have changed since she received her last visa. If I am legally permitted to work in Thailand, will that be enough for her to get an O?

Neither of us are opposed to getting the Education Visa, as we plan to learn Thai for real this time around anyways. But obviously I'd like to avoid the large fees associated with that visa and I would also like to work legally.

Thanks for the help!!

[Mario2008]

Some consulates/embassies will require a criminal background check.

If you get a job and WP with a 1 yearn extension of stay, your wife can apply as a dependent of you.

You have a degree, but don't say if that is in teaching. If not, don't expect more than around 30,000 baht a month for an income. You might want to look around in the teaching section of the forum for more information:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/46-teaching-in-thailand-forum/

[metisdead]

A person asks a question, seeking information. If you can't answer, please refrain from posting frivolous remarks.

Post deleted.

[troehr]

One of the required forms is the criminal backgrounds check from your home country. Won't that information show up on that form? Might give you problems trying to find a job as appearances are very important here.

[rtwilli4]

Some consulates/embassies will require a criminal background check.

If you get a job and WP with a 1 yearn extension of stay, your wife can apply as a dependent of you.

You have a degree, but don't say if that is in teaching. If not, don't expect more than around 30,000 baht a month for an income. You might want to look around in the teaching section of the forum for more information:

http://www.thaivisa....thailand-forum/

Thanks for the advice. It seems that I could just apply at an embassy that does not require a CBC?

I do not have a teaching degree, but if I can make 30,000 a month I'll be find. We don't plan to stay for ever. We've lived on less than that in some of the more expensive places in Thailand and if we decide to stay there this time it will be somewhere like Krabi Town, Chiang Mai, of maybe Bangkok if that's where most of the jobs are.

That's good to know about my wife's options to apply as a dependent.

The DUI will show up on a CBC... at least I assume that it will. I'm not sure how the Thai government will view the charge, but I have a feeling that it will cause me some problems with the work permit... maybe even with finding a job but I know Thailand well enough that I think the job thing will be less of an issue than the work permit.

Anyone else have any first hand knowledge (or legitimate advice at least)? Thanks a ton!

[Mario2008]

As said, more information in the teaching section. I think you will find the answer to most of your questions there.