Non-Immigrant (B) Visa + Work Permit

[justinbridoux]

Hi !

I'm currently working in Bangkok since March, but my work permit is in process. I enterred thailand with a Non Immigrant Category B Visa, which expires after 90 days, so June 4th.

From my understanding, once I get my Work Permit, the Visa will be useless ? A Work Permit is basically a multiple entry visa letting you stay one year starting from issuing ?

If i'm not correct, does this means I also need to ask to renew my visa ? Also, my visa is non re-entry, but in the future I would like it to, so does a work permit indeed is like a one year re-entry visa?

Thanks !

[PoorSucker]

You are working illegally.

A non-B visa does not give you right to work, only a work permit does.

A work permit does not allow you to stay in Thailand.

You must get a new B-visa or get a extension of stay at immigration witch requires a work permit.

[lopburi3]

1. You can not legally work without a work permit.

2. You can not stay in Thailand to work without a valid non immigrant visa entry or extension of stay from immigration.

3. They are totally separate items and both required.

[justinbridoux]

Thanks for the details. As I read on the web and other expats told me, it's fairly common for the first months to work without work permit, but I understand it is illegal. So When I'll receive my work permit I'll renew my Visa. Is it possible to renew a non-immigrant B visa single-entry to a non-imigrant B visa multiple-entries or do I need to do a special request ?

[lopburi3]

You can not renew a visa - you can obtain a new visa from a Consulate with proper paperwork or obtain an extension of stay for one year from Immigration with different paperwork (not everyone qualifies).

[justinbridoux]

Ok ! Thanks a lot. I'm suppose to meet BOI staff today, who are they exactly ? Do I need to prepare documents/answers ?

[justinbridoux]

I was quick actually ^^ They just wanted me to sign all the paperwork.

Thank you all for the help