I have a work permit that I need to collect. My Non-B expires in 12 days. My employers say that they cannot provide me with the paperwork to extend my visa to a 12 month one, and that I need to head to KL to apply for a new visa. Can I use my work permit to apply for a 12 month Non-B? Will my work permit still be valid when I re-enter the country? Do I need to get a re-entry permit for my current visa when I leave the country

Hi Juice,

You can make an application for a one-year multiple entry B visa in KL with the standard sponsorship documents from your employer and by presenting your valid work permit. Do not attach a re-entry to your existing visa. You will be making the application for a new visa at the embassy.

The work permit is usually issued for one year and will not be tied to your existing visa, so there will be no effect when you leave the country to renew the B visa.

Feel free to contact us with additional questions or to review your documents before traveling to KL.

Cheers. Would I be able to do the same in Penang or are they too strict for that?

I would not recommend using the Thai consulate in Penang as they do no generally issue the one year multiple entry.

Technically all embassies and consulates can issue the one year multiple entry B visa. However, in Asia, most do not. If Penang is a part of an existing travel itinerary you could certainly attempt the application, but the odds are very high it will be denied. Regionally, the most reliable option continues to be KL.

Cheers. Would I be able to do the same in Penang or are they too strict for that?

Penang, in particular, currently require 8 Million Company Capitalisation (along with the usual other paperwork) to issue a One Year Multiple Entry Non Immigrant B Visa.