Special Visa For Software Professionals ?

[srini]

Hi folks !

Im a software engineer, and planning to work in Thailand.

Is there a special visa for software guys, if not...what kind of visa I need to apply ? Can I apply on my own or I need a sponsor ?

Is there any way to go there first and get a job and then apply for VISA.

Help me pls...

Cheers,

...Srini

[Gumballl]

1. no, there is not a special visa for software weenies (engineers or IT specialists).

2. no, you cannot apply for yourself (you need a sponsor).

3. yes, you can come to thailand without a job... come as a tourist. look for work, and once you have a job offer, get offer letter on company letterhead, leave the country, apply for work visa, and re-enter with a different type of visa and work permit. The company of course, will have to do some "work" on its own to ensure that you have all of your ducks in a row to get the work permit.

If #3 sounds easy, it's not. Best of luck.

P.S. I am not an authority on this subject. If you would like more details, google the TV site, or browse the website of your nearest Thai Embassy or Consulate for details on obtaining a work permit/visa.

P.S.S. You probably will have better luck starting your own business.

[srini]

Thanks for the info !

Sounds ike not an easy task... To go there & look for the job , guess I can use "15 days VISA on arrival" or its must I should use "Non-Immigrant VISA" ?

Is it compulsory to be holding "Non-Immigrant VISA" before applying fo "WP" ?

Thanks again.

Chsers,

...Srini

[trt]

Hi folks !

Im a software engineer, and planning to work in Thailand.

Is there a special visa for software guys, if not...what kind of visa I need to apply ? Can I apply on my own or I need a sponsor ?

Is there any way to go there first and get a job and then apply for VISA.

Help me pls...

Cheers,

...Srini

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why would there be any special visas for software engineers? Not like they are hard to find.... IT bubble is over mate..

[astral]

You should be aware that there are many well qualified Thai software experts.

For you to get a job here you will need to show that you have

something "extra" that cannot be found in the local labour market, in addition to your

degree and other qualifications.

A working knowledge of spoken and written Thai will also be useful.

If you get a job offer, you will definitely need a Non Immigrant visa before your employer

can apply for a work permit for you. However you can worry about that once you have the job.

Good luck

Edited December 24, 2005 by astral

[srini]

I am not sure how many Thais are software experts. There are many aspects like domain of expertise ( Ex: telecom solutions where I am in ).

There are consultants(3rd parties) out there, deploying foreign software consultants in BKK.

I do have possibility via that channel..but trying my luck directly with BKK companies...to save the margin that goes to 3rd parties....

Anyway thanks for the info. guys !

Cheers,

Srini

[easy_jim]

There is no special visa for IT experts but there is an agency that will help sort out your visa & work permit. Have a look at the Software Industry Promotion Agency website - http://www.sipa.or.th/en/index.php

Of course you need to find a job first.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Thanks for the info !

Sounds ike not an easy task... To go there & look for the job , guess I can use "15 days VISA on arrival" or its must I should use "Non-Immigrant VISA" ?

Is it compulsory to be holding "Non-Immigrant VISA" before applying fo "WP" ?

Thanks again.

Chsers,

...Srini

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

IF you got work you'd need a Non-Immigrant visa. Persons of your nationality can only get that visa in your homeland.

[BkkTechie]

Decent software jobs in Thailand are not easy to find. That said, there is always demand for seasoned professionals. Most of the local IT people in Thailand lack proper software development/process exposure.

The ones who do have this kinda exposure have often studied/worked abroad and they are almost as expensive to hire as the foreigners.

Two things you should consider -

Wages in Thailand are not as high as any decent country in the west/aus/nz. You cant make any real money in Thailand, unless ofcourse you are gunning for the very top expat positions.

Also, Thai software industry is very backward compared to any part of the real world. You will get obsolete very quickly and thai work ex is not valued that higly outside of thailand. Soon, you might realise that Thailand is the only place you can get a job. Even getting a job back home in India might be hard.

I have noticed that wages for IT in real terms are much higher in Thailand compared to places like singapore atleast. Demand and supply at work there.

Try your luck mate. Bangkok is certainly a place where you would like to live for atleast an year.

Note: Visa etc are pretty easy to get arranged - if u get a decent job offer. Thailand has probably got the easiest work visa regulations in the world. You can always come here on a tourist visa..which can be converted into a Non B (provided u hav thirty days remaining). Dont come on a 15 day visa on arrival.