[Can't find this addressed in my searches, so excuse the posting if it's already been discussed.]

I have been teaching since 2008 at the university level and I have been on a work permit from the university since that time. I have a current work permit and visa through September, and am still doing some part-time work for the university. I am not sure if they will renew my work permit (thus visa) after September.

In September, I become eligible to draw US Social Security, which should net about 60K baht per month. I'm married, so that's sufficient for a marriage visa. However, I have several institutions and individuals that use me for one-off classes, tutoring, and editing, mostly at the graduate and professional level. I'd like to keep doing this work since I enjoy working with these students. As I understand it, I can't legally do this work on a marriage visa.

Any suggestions on what I need to do to maintain a visa and keep working?

Thanks.

You can not legally do it without a work permit, for which you need to be hired by a company/institution. On an extension of stay a work permit is no problem, but you will not get one as freelancer and need to set up a company, which might not be worth the trouble for ocasional work.

"As I understand it, I can't legally do this work on a marriage visa."

As Mario said, It's the wprk permit that makes working legal.

In the past, the labor office in KKC has had no problem issuing WP's for Non O visa/extensions based on marriage.

Be aware if you are taking early SS at 62, you cannot work full time if living and working overseas. If you do, you could lose benefits. Also there is a limit on the number of hours of part time work in a month you can work, and all details must go through SS.

Once you reach the full retirement age you may work again full time with no problem. The rules are different for one working and living oversea from someone taking early SS and working and living in US.

They should advise you of these conditions when they process your SS. If living here, your SS will be processed through SSA in Manila at the US Embassy. All copies of documents you need can be reproduced free of charge and certified by US Embassy in Bangkok or Chiangmai Consulate.

Social Security Administration

United States Embassy

1201 Roxas Blvd., Ermita

0930 Manila, Philippines

Phone: (63)(2) 301-2000 ext. 9

Fax: (63)(2) 708-9723 & (63)(2) 708-9714

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact them and they will assign someone handling your claim if you are living over in Thailand.

Good Luck

Also, if you have a child who is a US citizen by birth, you can apply at the same time for benefits paid to him based on your eligibility. It is paid until he is 18 and amounts to approx 75% of your benefits. Be sure to find out what docs and paperwork is needed to apply.

Be aware if you are taking early SS at 62, you cannot work full time if living and working overseas. If you do, you could lose benefits. Also there is a limit on the number of hours of part time work in a month you can work, and all details must go through SS.

Once you reach the full retirement age you may work again full time with no problem. The rules are different for one working and living oversea from someone taking early SS and working and living in US.

They should advise you of these conditions when they process your SS. If living here, your SS will be processed through SSA in Manila at the US Embassy. All copies of documents you need can be reproduced free of charge and certified by US Embassy in Bangkok or Chiangmai Consulate.

Social Security Administration

United States Embassy

1201 Roxas Blvd., Ermita

0930 Manila, Philippines

Phone: (63)(2) 301-2000 ext. 9

Fax: (63)(2) 708-9723 & (63)(2) 708-9714

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact them and they will assign someone handling your claim if you are living over in Thailand.

Good Luck

Also, if you have a child who is a US citizen by birth, you can apply at the same time for benefits paid to him based on your eligibility. It is paid until he is 18 and amounts to approx 75% of your benefits. Be sure to find out what docs and paperwork is needed to apply.

Thanks for the info, but I'm clear on it all. I'll be 66 when I start drawing, minimum age for full benefits (with no penalties) for me. Thai wife who has never lived in the US and my only US child is 36. Best they can do after I check out is a few bucks for funeral expenses. Since they'll incinerate me here (in Thailand), that's not a factor. My son can get the money and buy a few beers to celebrate.