Double Entry Visa Ending, Now Want To Convert To Non-Immigrant B Visa For Work

[CherDavid]

Hello,

Need some quick support. I entered Thailand 5 months ago from the UK, my second entry extension ends October 3rd, I had been looking for work and yesterday was offered a job working for a company in Bangkok from home in Chiang Mai.

I entered on a Double Entry Tourist Visa, and now would like to convert it to a Non-Immigrant B visa for work. The company said they can provide any documents but where in Chiang Mai or close can I take the employment contract/documents and do this? Fast answers would be amazing! Thank you!

David

[ubonjoe]

Changes from tourist to B visa are rarely done. You would also have to have an application made for the work permit.

You will probably have to make visa run to a nearby embassy or consulate to get the visa after the company applies for the work permit.

[Mario2008]

You might need to go abroad and get a non-B visa at a consulate. But you can try.

First apply for the work permit at the labour office and get a wp3 form from them. You will need the wp3 form anyway. it shows immigration that you will get the work permit once you have the right visa and would be instrumental if wanting to convert to a non-immigrant visa.

[CherDavid]

Thanks guys.

@mario2008

Which specific labour office sorry? I can check with the company if they can call them and apply for the work permit/get the WP3 form for me and fax it, I can use that as the proof also? Can I go to the immigration office in Chiang Mai to process the conversion? Thank you.

[ubonjoe]

Bangkok if that is where the job is at. If not then at labor office for Provence where job is at.

A WP3 and a letter of approval will be required from the labor office for the visa plus a lot more paperwork from the company.

You could contact Chiang Mai immigration about the change of visa status but I am quite sure the answer will be no.

[Mario2008]

As said, you probably need to go abroad for the visa.

For the WP you have to apply in Bangkok, in person. You have to apply yurself, with paperwork from you and the company.

[CherDavid]

Bangkok if that is where the job is at. If not then at labor office for Provence where job is at.

A WP3 and a letter of approval will be required from the labor office for the visa plus a lot more paperwork from the company.

You could contact Chiang Mai immigration about the change of visa status but I am quite sure the answer will be no.

As said, you probably need to go abroad for the visa.

For the WP you have to apply in Bangkok, in person. You have to apply yurself, with paperwork from you and the company.

Thanks guys. Appreciate the replies. If I have to apply in person, I could go when I return after probably going to Laos? and obtaining an Immigrant B visa from there with the right documents.

I was told I would need a letter on company letterhead that states the following:

• the applicant has been offered a job

• the company requests that the applicant be given a non-immigrant visa so the company may apply for a work permit for them

• The company knows the person to be dependable, upstanding and law abiding and that they will respect the laws and customs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Also employment contract? Could you please let me know what else you think I may need? Thanks.

David

[Mario2008]

My personal advise is to get a wp3 form from labour first. It increases you chances of getting a non-B visa.

Most consulates will want to see more company papers. Have a look here about reports on getting a non-B in the region: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/189375-latest-reports-of-getting-a-visa-in-the-region/

Look under non-B.

[ubonjoe]

You will not get a non B visa at any nearby consulate without the work permit application being made already. Some also want a letter of approval from the labor office.

[lopburi3]

Do not believe such a letter will obtain a non immigrant B visa in the immediate area of Thailand - you do not need such a visa to apply for a work permit and indeed having done so is normally required (unless a teacher). Below is the official MFA requirements for a B visa (they control Consulates):

(1) Foreigners who wish to work in Thailand must provide the following documents:

- Passport or travel document with validity of not less than 6 months.

- Completed visa application form.

- Recent passport-sized photograph (4 x 6 cm) of the applicant taken within the past 6 months.

- Evidence of adequate finance (20,000 Baht per person and 40,000 Baht per family).

- Letter of approval from the Ministry of Labour. To obtain this letter, the applicant’s prospective employer in Thailand is required to submit Form WP3 at the Office of Foreign Workers Administration, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour Tel. 02-2452745, or at the Provincial Employment Office in his or her respective province. More information is available at www.doe.go.th/workpermit/index.html

- Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and alien income tax or Por Ngor Dor 91 (only in the case where applicant has previously worked in Thailand).

- Corporate documents of hiring company in Thailand such as:

1) business registration and business license

2) list of shareholders

3) company profile

4) details of business operation

5) list of foreign workers stating names, nationalities and positions

6) map indicating location of the company

7) balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and Business Tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor Dor 30 of the latest year)

8) value-added tax registration (Por Por 20)

- Document indicating the number of foreign tourists (for tourism business only), or document indicating export transactions issued by banks (for export business only).

N.B.

- An alien who receives a Non-Immigrant visa can work in Thailand once he or she is being granted a work permit. An alien in violation of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) concerning taking up employment without work permit or the Royal Decree B.E. 2522 (1979) concerning holding employment in certain restricted occupations and professions shall be prosecuted and imprisoned or fined, or shall face both penalties.

- It is recommended that the applicant should apply for visa at the Thai Embassy/ Consulate in the country where he/she has the residence

[CherDavid]

Do not believe such a letter will obtain a non immigrant B visa in the immediate area of Thailand - you do not need such a visa to apply for a work permit and indeed having done so is normally required (unless a teacher). Below is the official MFA requirements for a B visa (they control Consulates):

(1) Foreigners who wish to work in Thailand must provide the following documents:

- Passport or travel document with validity of not less than 6 months.

- Completed visa application f...

Wow, I have heard of people who have entered on a Non-B providing less than that? Or is that for the work permit application? I am sure I can get all documents.

Can I just make sure with you guys, the WP3 form. Does this form have to be filled in? and then handed in/shown to get a Non-B visa when entering. I read this: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/148799-the-wp3-form/

A WP3 receipt also? Thank you, I am new to this and just need to know what my employer would need to give me before I leave to come back if I cannot just convert.

[Mario2008]

It depends a lot on where you apply. In the region a ltter from employer is normally not enough.

Yes the wp3 form has to be handed in at the labour office, in return you get the wp3 receipt since you don't have the correct visa yet. The wp3 receipt you show to the Thai consulate, together with the other mentioned paperwork, and you return in to the labour office on return to Thailand with the non-B visa.

[CherDavid]

It depends a lot on where you apply. In the region a ltter from employer is normally not enough.

Yes the wp3 form has to be handed in at the labour office, in return you get the wp3 receipt since you don't have the correct visa yet. The wp3 receipt you show to the Thai consulate, together with the other mentioned paperwork, and you return in to the labour office on return to Thailand with the non-B visa.

Aha! That makes a lot of sense now. So this WP3 form, needs my personal signature? I have to go to Bangkok and sign?

I am communicating with the company now also to make sure they know.

[Mario2008]

You have to sign it and provide certain ducuments and details, like about your education.

You also need to have a simple medical check from a hospital. Any government hopsital can do this, just tell them you need one for a work permit. (But some labour offices want an extensive one, with blood check for syphilus stage 3).

[Colabamumbai]

Ask your employer how many foreigners have they hired previously. Unless none, they will be familiar with all the paperwork necessary and you should not have to do the running around.

My guess is you will have to leave to get your Non B.

Having said that I have had to do all the work to get the paperwork for a Non B also, labor office, without the help of my employer. I started working in May, Got the Non B in Vientiane last week and submitted documents to the Labour Office here yesterday, it has only been four months, whats the rush?

[CherDavid]

You have to sign it and provide certain ducuments and details, like about your education.

You also need to have a simple medical check from a hospital. Any government hopsital can do this, just tell them you need one for a work permit. (But some labour offices want an extensive one, with blood check for syphilus stage 3).

Yes I will get my medical check soon.

Ask your employer how many foreigners have they hired previously. Unless none, they will be familiar with all the paperwork necessary and you should not have to do the running around.

My guess is you will have to leave to get your Non B.

Having said that I have had to do all the work to get the paperwork for a Non B also, labor office, without the help of my employer. I started working in May, Got the Non B in Vientiane last week and submitted documents to the Labour Office here yesterday, it has only been four months, whats the rush?

@Colabamumbai & mario2008

I am working for a company in Bangkok from Chiang Mai, I cannot go to the Labour office in Chiang Mai can I? Maybe I can get to Bangkok and back. If I fly to by AirAsia to KL they could do it there? Did you have to provide a lot of documents Colabamumbai?

I think they said they have one expat but under different rules I think, I am the first asking for a work permit as a foreigner.

EDIT: Also I know that I have to apply then return next day. So can I arrive and apply any day and return next day? I mean when applying for Non-B in Malay.

[Mario2008]

Your job seems to be in Bangkok, so that is the place where you have to apply.

[CherDavid]

Another check or info, does anyone have a map or best transport when arriving by plane in Kuala Lumpur to get to the nearest embassy I apply for the Non-B?

[happynthailand]

just ask a taxi driver they know were the embassy is

[dddave]

Another check or info, does anyone have a map or best transport when arriving by plane in Kuala Lumpur to get to the nearest embassy I apply for the Non-B?

It's been a while but as I recall, you may only apply for visas during morning business hours in KL. Most taxi's knew the Thai Embassy when i went there. You can Google for the exact address.

I remember it as being a difficult experience there. Business was conducted thru glass security windows in a very crowded and noisy waiting room so it was difficult to communicate clearly. You should probably plan on overnighting there so you can be at the Embassy first thing.

[Gone]

Why would you go to KL Malaysia for your visa? If you live in Chiang Mai why not go to Vienteine ?

[CherDavid]

Another check or info, does anyone have a map or best transport when arriving by plane in Kuala Lumpur to get to the nearest embassy I apply for the Non-B?

It's been a while but as I recall, you may only apply for visas during morning business hours in KL. Most taxi's knew the Thai Embassy when i went there. You can Google for the exact address.

I remember it as being a difficult experience there. Business was conducted thru glass security windows in a very crowded and noisy waiting room so it was difficult to communicate clearly. You should probably plan on overnighting there so you can be at the Embassy first thing.

Yeh I tried reading others experience some were fine with it. I guess that would mean a 2 night stay correct if I need to arrive in morning? As my flight may arrive at 13:00

Why would you go to KL Malaysia for your visa? If you live in Chiang Mai why not go to Vienteine ?

I have only looked at AirAsia for travel. They do Chiang Mai to KL. Who does Chiang Mai to Vienteine, Nok Air? Thanks.

[lopburi3]

You would want to fly to Udon for making the crossing into Vientiane from Chiang Mai.

[CherDavid]

You would want to fly to Udon for making the crossing into Vientiane from Chiang Mai.

Oh Udon Thani? I can't see many flight connections to there and then from there with ease?

[Lite Beer]

Chiang Mai to Udon with Nok Air.

From Udon by Bus, Mini Bus or Taxi.

[CherDavid]

Chiang Mai to Udon with Nok Air.

From Udon by Bus, Mini Bus or Taxi.

Ahh right, but just for my understanding, where do they stamp me out of Thailand if I take a Bus from Udon to Vienteine?

You are all being extremely helpful, sorry for my noobish questions.

[lopburi3]

Nong Khai (the bridge into Laos) is where you travel/stamp out - it is about 45 minute drive from Udon.

[CherDavid]

Nong Khai (the bridge into Laos) is where you travel/stamp out - it is about 45 minute drive from Udon.

Ahh ok, so I presume the coach would stop along there to process passengers?

[ubonjoe]

The bus will go a the bus station in Nong Kai and you then can get a Tuk Tuk to the bridge.

There is also a mini bus service from the airport that goes directly to the bridge.

At the bridge there is shuttle bus that crosses the bridge to Lao side.

You could also check with Nok Air about their bus service to the bridge which they offer for flights from Bangkok.

Info about Vientiane visa runs can be found here: Latest Reports Of Getting A Visa In The Region

[CherDavid]

The bus will go a the bus station in Nong Kai and you then can get a Tuk Tuk to the bridge.

There is also a mini bus service from the airport that goes directly to the bridge.

At the bridge there is shuttle bus that crosses the bridge to Lao side.

You could also check with Nok Air about their bus service to the bridge which they offer for flights from Bangkok.

Info about Vientiane visa runs can be found here: Latest Reports Of Getting A Visa In The Region

I just read this:

Just got my Non imm ED-visa this week as well from vientiane (single entry)

needed my passport, paperwork from school, 2000 baht, signed copies of info page of passport, page with laos entry stamp, copy of laos visa and departure card, 2 pictures.

showed up at 8am. they opened the gates at 8.30, i got queue number 20 and was out at 9.30. I saw people with queue numbers of 95 etc. they showed up after gates were opened.

the touts can't get queue numbers anymore. the consulate stuff hand them out one by one and also put the number on your application so you can't jump queue

my paperwork was browsed through in 30 seconds as I had everything in order (it took some people 5mins) and i was off to pay. one woman was rejected for having too many visas in her passport. i assume she was applying for tourist visa. i left before seeing what happened to her eventually.

next day i showed up at noon (they open at 1pm). already about 15 people waiting. got my passport back only couple of mins after gates opening

He says he showed up the next day and they opened at 1pm, are there different days for application and collection? Thanks.