Can/How I Extend My Non Immigrant B Visa?

[hilarymae]

I'm hoping someone can help me clarify the rules for extending a non immigrant b visa. I've been in Bangkok for 9 months now, leaving the country every 90 days to get another 90 day extension. In 3 months my 1 year multiple entry visa will expire and I'm really hoping there is a way I can extend it for another year so I don't have to leave this beautiful country. Does anyone know if and how I can do this and what the requirements would be please? I've heard and read so many different things now, has anyone been in the same situation? Thanks

[Lite Beer]

If you do a border run just before the Visa expires you will get another 90 days.

Giving a total of 15 months.

[Mario2008]

It depends on why you have a non-B visa. I presume it is because of work, in that case do you have a work permit? If yes, you might be able to get a 1 year extension of stay, but that also depends on the company, the job and your salary.

[hilarymae]

If you do a border run just before the Visa expires you will get another 90 days.

Giving a total of 15 months.

Thank you, that's really good to know. Just out of interest, do you know why this is possible when my visa from the UK is only 12 months?

[Lite Beer]

If you do a border run just before the Visa expires you will get another 90 days.

Giving a total of 15 months.

Thank you, that's really good to know. Just out of interest, do you know why this is possible when my visa from the UK is only 12 months?

Because it is valid for 12 months. Enter Thailand before 12 months are up and get 90 days.

[hilarymae]

It depends on why you have a non-B visa. I presume it is because of work, in that case do you have a work permit? If yes, you might be able to get a 1 year extension of stay, but that also depends on the company, the job and your salary.

That would be ideal, thank you very much. With a work permit do you know how I would begin the process of applying for a 1 year extension?

[InterestedObserver]

For starters, you can get another 90 days if you exit and re-enter Thailand immediately before the visa expires. As for a one-year extension we need some more information such your age, if you are married to a Thai, have a job with work permit, have 10 million baht to invest here etc.

[Mario2008]

If you have a work eprmit, it is best to let the company contact immirgation, to see if you qualify and what documnts you need. As said, that depends on the job.

For a teacher there are for instance minimal requirements and no minimum salary, while when you work for a business you must earn a minimum salary of 50,000 a month. Also the company must show tax documents over the last 2 years.

The official rules are here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/redirect.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.immigration.go.th%2Fnov2004%2Fdoc%2Ftemporarystay%2Fpolicy777-2551_en.pdf

See if you qualify under one of the rules.

[hilarymae]

Thanks so much for all the help, really appreciated. I'm 24 and I've been travelling for my time here, however I'm looking at extending my visa to work. I have found a job opportunity, not in teaching and there would be reason to hire me instead of a Thai national. I'm not sure if the salary would be 50,000 or above, this is unlikely. So, I'm not sure where to start, if i manage to get the job and a work permit etc I don't know if I would definitely be able to get the visa extension, therefore I'm not sure where to start? It's all a bit confusing.

[IMA_FARANG]

Since you have a multi entry visa them if you leave Thailand and re-enter (basically another border run again) the day BEFORE your visa expires when you return they will stamp you back in for a 90 day stay. That entry is then good for 90 days, even if the next day your multi entry visa expires. Just don't let the visa expire before you make that border run, and you get that 90 day final entry. Once that 90 day period is over however, your time is done; unless there is a reason you can use to qualify for an extension during that last 90 days.

The two usual reasons for an extension are:

1. You are over 50 and qualify for an extension based on retirement or

2. You are married to a Thai and qualify for an exension based on marriage.

Each of these have certain requirements you must meet to qualify for an that extension. I am NOT sure about what they are for a multi entry B visa like you have...so I'll leave that to those on here who do rather than give you wrong information.(I have a multi entry O visa which is different but basically the same idea)

But what I told you about making a border run with your multi entry visa the day before (or possibly two days before to be safe) your visa expires is how you stretch a one year multi entry visa into a legal 15 month stay. (15 months equals 1 year plus 90 days)

[hilarymae]

For starters, you can get another 90 days if you exit and re-enter Thailand immediately before the visa expires. As for a one-year extension we need some more information such your age, if you are married to a Thai, have a job with work permit, have 10 million baht to invest here etc.

I'm 24, I'm not married to a Thai, no job or work permit but am hoping to stay to work and get a work permit if I can get the non immigrant b extension. I definitely don't have a million baht to invest here. Thank you!

[hilarymae]

Brilliant, I will definitely go out the day before my visa expires so I can get the extra 90 days! I will continue finding out my options for after that :-)

[digitalchromakey]

Required criteria and documents for Extension of Permission to Stay based on Business such as Employment in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Visa extension on the basis of employment 777 2551 Case 2.1t.pdf