Work Permit Without O-business Visa?

[sleepyjohn]

I just looked at Sunbelt's website under Work Permit and all it says on the page is:

"Prerequisite: Non-Immigrant Business Visa"

I have a non-immigrant O-M which I have extended the last two years as a "retirement visa".

Is it possible to use this as my starting point without leaving the country?

thanx one and all....

[Totster]

I just looked at Sunbelt's website under Work Permit and all it says on the page is:

"Prerequisite: Non-Immigrant Business Visa"

I have a non-immigrant O-M which I have extended the last two years as a "retirement visa".

Is it possible to use this as my starting point without leaving the country?

thanx one and all....

I have seen Sunbelt post that they have succesfully managed to obtain a Work Permits with an O visa.

totster

[astral]

I am not sure what O-M means.

Non Imm O visa with multi-entry?

As I understand it, if your visa is for retirement then you cannot work.

Logical really.

If the Non Imm O is for marriage, then you are OK.

I am not sure what O-M means.

Non Imm O visa with multi-entry?

As I understand it, if your visa is for retirement then you cannot work.

Logical really.

If the Non Imm O is for marriage, then you are OK.

[sleepyjohn]

Yes O-M means multiple entry but the M is irrelevant to me now. The O is not.

HOT NEWS:

I actually went to CM Immigration today and asked what I wanted to know.

They told me that yes it was possible to convert to a B visa in CM. they would cancel the "retirement "visa simultaneously I believe.

They said I would need a work permit which leads me to believe the work permit is obtainable with any visa, and one works from there.

I am now told I need to obtain the WP through a company and as I am considering starting my own, I am now wondering how that would work....and do I need to employ anyone....I wouldn't be willing to.

Any experience anyone greatly appreciated?

[Sunbelt Asia]

I have a non-immigrant O-M which I have extended the last two years as a "retirement visa".

Is it possible to use this as my starting point without leaving the country?

Yes but you need to change it to a "B" visa. This can be done without leaving the country if you have your original College/University diploma which is certified by your Embassy and then certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You will also need letters of references by your former employers. Please note this criterion is ONLY for changing to a "B" visa inside Thailand. If you arrive with a non immigrant visa (besides an extension of stay permit based on retirement... which you have) then you can apply for a work permit without doing a change and no need for the original College/University diploma and letters of references from your former employers. .

They told me that yes it was possible to convert to a B visa in CM. they would cancel the "retirement "visa simultaneously I believe.

They said I would need a work permit which leads me to believe the work permit is obtainable with any visa, and one works from there.

Sorry but you need to change the extension of stay permit based on retirement before you apply for the work permit. That is what they meant by you canceling the "O" visa and applying for the "B" visa.

I am now told I need to obtain the WP through a company and as I am considering starting my own, I am now wondering how that would work....and do I need to employ anyone....I wouldn't be willing to.

In Bangkok the answer is no Thai employees are needed. In Chiang Mai, it depends on the time of the month and the officer with the criteria being I Thai required or none for the work permit.

www.lawyer.th.com