Renewal/Extension Of Non-Immigrant B Visa (Work Permit Pending)

[krummi]

Hi all,

I am in a tricky situation and wonder whether anybody can help (it is a quite particular situation).

I arrived in Thailand on a non-immigrant B visa (90 days, multiple entries). I am working for a non-profit organization registered under the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. When I wanted to apply for the work permit I was told since I am the new director of the organization, the registration of the organization needs to be changed into my name. Alright, after discussions with the responsible office for non-profits in the Ministry of Labour, all relevant documents requirred for the change of registration/directors have been submitted. The problem is that this process will take around 2-3 months. I am already here for 1.5 months (basically putting all the documents together for the change of directors) meaning my non-immigrant B visa will expire before the new registration with my name will be issued and hence before I can apply for the work permit (since the work permit office requires the registration certificate with my name).

My question now is can I get an extension of the non-immigrant B visa? Do I have to leave the country for this? What about my dependents who are here on a single entry non-immigrant O visa?

[TerryLH]

Since you have a multiple entry B, you can leave and re-enter the country and get another 90 days.

Your dependents will need a new visa from a consulate. They can't extend their visa based on yours until you have an extension from immigration.

You won't get that until you meet all their requirements, including having a work permit.

[krummi]

So you are saying if I leave and re-enter, I will get new 90 days? I travel frequently already and every time I re-enter I only get stamped in until the expiry of my current 90 day non immigrant B visa.

Regarding dependents, will they be able to apply for an O visa at a consulate? Which consulate is recommended, i.e easiest and quickest keeping in mind the dependent is of African origin, which sometimes is a problem?

[Mario2008]

So you are saying if I leave and re-enter, I will get new 90 days? I travel frequently already and every time I re-enter I only get stamped in until the expiry of my current 90 day non immigrant B visa.

Regarding dependents, will they be able to apply for an O visa at a consulate? Which consulate is recommended, i.e easiest and quickest keeping in mind the dependent is of African origin, which sometimes is a problem?

That raises the question what you have. A single non-B visa with a multiple re-entry permit or a multiple non-B visa. Seems you don't have a multiple non-B visa, but a single with a multiple re-entry permit.

Simply look at your visa from the Thai consulate, is should say S(ingle) or M(ultiple).

In that case you don't have another option than to apply for a new visa for yourself as well, unless you have children under 20 going to school in Thailand. Then there might be another option.

[krummi]

Indeed it is a single non B visa with a multiple re-entry permit. I have a child in a private kindergarden.

Assuming I have to make the visa run for me and the dependents, I use my old sponsor letter to apply for the B visa? Or tell the whole above story and show the suppporting documents?

[Mario2008]

Private kindergarten is normally not enough to be considered education.

Best is to get a new sponsor letter, with an explanation of the situation and showing that the change of director is being processed, but takes longer then anticipated. Can't tell how a consulate will react in this situation, suggest you call one or two of them, like Penang and see what they say.

Another option is to simply leave whent he 90 days are up and re-enter by flight you will get a 30 days, or you can apply for tourist visas in a neighbouring country, good for 60 days and extandeble with 30 days. Once you can apply for the work permit, you get a wp3 form from labour and get the paperwork to apply for a new non-B visa abroad.

[krummi]

One more point: saw an ad on the net - company offering a 1 year multiple entry non B extension WITHOUT work permit for 68,000 THB. Possible? Or this involves some bakshish....

[Mario2008]

Possible, but it is for exploring business opportunities. If you want to spent money on it, do it with a reputable law firm. Having looked at some internet ads I would not trust them all to do a good job.

Without a work permit, you would not be allowed to work.

Getting a tourist visa for you and the family till you can process a new non-B and work permit might be cheaper option.

But first see if you can persuade labour to issue you a WP3 form, indicating you have applied for a work permit, this might convince immigration to give you an extension of stay.