Non-Immigrant B Visa (Single Entry) - extension / renewal / change? Advice needed please.

[RobbyB]

Hi all,

I hope that you can offer some advice and be of assistance in my perusing of a new VISA.

I am currently studying a TEFL certification in Thailand and have a Non-Immigrant B Visa (Single Entry) as I was unable to obtain a Non-Immigrant B Visa (Multiple Entry) due to restrictions from the Thai Embassy in the UK.

My current VISA expires on the 30th January 2014, therefore I have a little time to decide the best options; From what I understand, my only realistic options are to obtain a 'Non-Immigrant Ed-VISA' which will last for 1 year, or to obtain a work permit. Obviously I would need a job first to get a work permit and as my TEFL course does not finish until the 19th December, this would leave me little time to obtain a work permit under my current VISA.

Can you please advise if my above thoughts are correct and what other options I may have to extend / change my current Non-Immigrant B Visa (Single Entry) to something more permanent e.g. 1 year or more.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Rob.

[ubonjoe]

You would have to enroll in a school first and then get an extension of stay (not a visa) based upon attending classes.

[RobbyB]

Thanks ubonjoe,

When you say enrol in a school first, do you mean working as a 'teacher' after I have completed my TEFL course? ... if so, could prove difficult as the time between finishing the TEFL course and my current VISA expiring is rather short and I would hate to end up overstaying my current VISA.

Thanks again ..

[ubonjoe]

You mentioned a ED visa and the only to get that is to attend classes at a school. For teaching you need the B visa. It should only take a week or so to get the work permit after you find a job. Your only choice may be to get a tourist visa when the 90 day ends,

[RobbyB]

Thanks again ubonjoe, however I am still slightly confused ..

I already have a B Visa and am currently attending classes at the Text and Talk Academy to obtain my TEFL Certificate. They academy supported me in getting the Non-Immigrant B Visa which I have now.

Are you saying the school I am currently studying at and undertaking the TEFL with should be able to help me get the Ed Visa also? or alternatively, I can use my current B visa (if I get a job before it expires) and get a work permit without needing to get the Ed VISA?

Thanks again and sorry for sounding dumb!

[ubonjoe]

You would have to still be attending classes to get an extension for study when your current entry runs out if they were qualified to get you one.

If you can get the job and work permit before your entry ends you certainly would not need the education extension.

[magicwheel]

The ED visa gives you 12 months, but you would have to register to take thai language lessons or another eligible course to get it (eligible courses are roughly 12 months long, but may only be afew hours aweek). I dont believe your tefl with apply in this instance, but it would take the pressure off you until you complete your course and find work.

[Sceptict11]

The Text and Talk Academy provides "Guaranteed Jobs!"

Why are you in a state of "confusion"

Just ask the "Academy"

[Daniel Boon]

It appears the business of educating - an over abundance of - teachers in Thailand is the same as Australia; unable to cite the source but in NSW (Sydney) some 10,000 a year of which about 500 get a job teaching ...

A 'guaranteed position' should contain the words 1) 'or your money back' 2) minimum salary level and 3) acceptable living arrangements etc ...

[NoshowJones]

The Text and Talk Academy provides "Guaranteed Jobs!"

Why are you in a state of "confusion"

Just ask the "Academy"

The Text and Talk Academy is great at helping it's students, nothing is too much trouble for them. They even help you years after you have graduated. I know from experience.

[RobbyB]

Thanks for your feedback everybody,

Sceptict11, Yes the Text and Talk Academy do state that they provide "Guaranteed Jobs" however I hold little confidence it their ability to actually provide this.

Without going into too much detail, so far they have not come through on any promises / commitments that they state, e.g 120 hours training inc. 6 Hours practical teaching as part of the TEFL course. In fact, the T & T Academy we are studying at are looking to close / will be closing as of next year or at least not providing TEFL training any more, therefore I am 'concerned' that they will not be able to provide a job, let alone a Work Permit or VISA assistance.

I will approach them again and try to speak with them in more detail about this tomorrow, however because of the above possible closure, they appear to be somewhat reluctant in providing much assistance.

Again, I appreciate the feedback and understand if I can get a job prior to my current VISA expiring then hopefully I can obtain a work permit. If not, then my only other options appear to be a Non-Immigrant B Ed Visa at the cost of 25,000 - 28,000 baht for 1 year or alternatively, go back to a tourist VISA which is not ideal.

Thanks again.

[michelleinthailand]

Hey RobbyB, how did you go with your visa?