Multiple Non B Visa Implications When Changing Jobs?

[jkinbkk]

I started a job with ' Company A' last September 2012

I undertook the normal Immigration Non B process of first applying for the single entry (undertaken in Singapore) and then applying for the multiple entry at the Immigration Dept in Bangkok.

This first multiple entry visa expires next month (Feb 2013)

At the end of this month (January 2013) i will quit working for 'Company A' and join ' Company B' on the 1st February 2013

I need to understand the my options for renewing my multiple entry non B?

Is it:

1. Start again the whole process with 'Company B', meaning obtain single entry outside of Thailand and then apply of multiple upon return to Bangkok?

2. Go to the immigration Dept in Bangkok, to apply for a new multiple entry Non B, but explaining i have changed companies and apply using all the ''Company B' related documents?

3. At which stage can i apply for 1 year Multiple Non B?

Basically I want to know if I can utilise my existing multiple Non B and the process so far even if i change companies?

Thanks

[lopburi3]

Unless companies are working together suspect you will have to apply for new work permit and then exit with receipt to obtain a new non immigrant B single entry visa to start work/obtain new work permit. If your new position allows extension of stay from immigration you can then extend for a year presenting the required documents and any travel would require re-entry permits.

You can not apply for a multi entry B visa inside Thailand and it is not likely to be issued outside Thailand for work anymore (at least in the local area). You extend your stay for employment at immigration or will likely have to obtain a new non immigrant B visa every 90 days for a new entry.

[digitalchromakey]

Pretty sure you don't have a Multiple Entry Non Immigerant Category 'B' Visa, as these are only issued at Thai Consulates outside of Thailand.

You almost certainly have an Extension of Permission to Stay (Police Order 777/2551), not sure as to the basis or why it expires in Feb 2013 if you extended some time after Sept 2012; it may be you do not have an Extension based on Working in the Kindom of Thailand (Case 2.1) which is normally issued for 12 months from the most recent 'Enter Until' date in your passport, or the expiry date of a prior Extension.

If you have an extension this always requires a Single/Multiple Re-entry Permit to leave/re-enter Thailand, else the extension is lost.

When you leave you current employer your WP will be cancelled and your Extension is then immediately invalidated, cancellation must be notified to immigartion plus you must exit Thailand within that the day of cancellation (procedure depends on if you work for a BOI Company or not).

It is technically possible to cancel one WP/Extension and successfully re apply back to back for a new set if you/your employer are eligible but it requires a lot of planning, leg work and the support of both employers.

Chances are, as Lopuri posted, that if you are on an extension you will need to leave Thailand and get a fresh Single Entry Non Immigrant Category 'B' visa to proceed.

[Sunbelt Asia]

I agree with the previous poster, you must have a one year extension of stay based on your job with a multiple entry re-entry permit.

You cannot transfer a work permit to company B from company A which this visa is based on but you can add a work permit location to your existing work permit. This way if the company A cancels your work permit, your work permit is still valid because of company B

The extension of stay is then not cancelled as you still have a work permit with company B.

However, as you said the extension is coming up and it takes ten days to add a second work permit to the existing one, you would also have to get approval from Company A and since you are leaving in two weeks they would most likely drag their feet with the letter or refuse to cooperate entirely. Every case is different but we have to talk in generalities.

If company "A" was cooperative and you were our client we could try asking the Labor department a favor. But as it stands at this late date you will need to travel outside the country and obtain a new non-B, return and get a new work permit and new extension of stay with a re-entry permit.

[sunbelt][/sunbelt]

[digitalchromakey]

I agree with the previous poster, you must have a one year extension of stay based on your job with a multiple entry re-entry permit.

You cannot transfer a work permit to company B from company A which this visa is based on but you can add a work permit location to your existing work permit. This way if the company A cancels your work permit, your work permit is still valid because of company B

The extension of stay is then not cancelled as you still have a work permit with company B.

However, as you said the extension is coming up and it takes ten days to add a second work permit to the existing one, you would also have to get approval from Company A and since you are leaving in two weeks they would most likely drag their feet with the letter or refuse to cooperate entirely. Every case is different but we have to talk in generalities.

If company "A" was cooperative and you were our client we could try asking the Labor department a favor. But as it stands at this late date you will need to travel outside the country and obtain a new non-B, return and get a new work permit and new extension of stay with a re-entry permit.

[sunbelt][/sunbelt]

For reference In my area (Phuket) - what is outlined above is not possible as in my experience, Phuket Labour will insist that the WP is cancelled if Company 'A' (the 'primary' employer) is cancelled, but you may be ok of Company 'B' is cancelled.

To summarise, Phuket Labour will certainly allow you to add a new employer to the WP with the support of the first employer, but would then cancell the whole WP and expect you to reapply for a new WP with the second employer, if you stop working for the first.