I am an American currently living in Thailand on an Ed visa extension that expires 1 March. Late last year I was offered a job here and the company is currently (and slowly) sorting out the work permit. I understand that I need to leave the country by 1 March and return on a tourist visa which can then be converted to a Non B. For you pros, have I been given correct information?

Also, does leaving the country automatically cancel my extension of stay or do I need to do something more “formal” with Immigration? Is changing visas (ED to tourist) going to raise any red flags in Vientiane or Phnom Penh? In truth, I have not been seeking employment while on an ED visa — this job literally found me.

Thanks for your help.

Edited February 12, 201412 yr by ubonjoe
Changed to default font

Conversion is possible, but try to have the company the paperwork in order to directly apply for a non-B visa in Laos. For that you need to apply for a work permit first.

Yes, leaving the country will cancel your extension of stay, unless you have a re-entry permit.

If you are no longer studying you would need to inform immigration with a letter from the school and leave the country the same day

You do not need to do anything before leaving with an extension based upon going to school. No problem to get the tourist visa.

Not sure if you will be able to do a conversion to a non-b from a tourist visa or not. It depends upon the company qualifications and the immigration office you go to. Thee is a good chance you will need to go out again for the B visa.

You may not get work permit application done until you get the tourist visa. Many work permit offices will not accept an an ED visa or extension of its entry for an application.