New Locations For Obtaining Non Immigrant Visas Based Upon Working And Etc

[ubonjoe]

Immigration has announced new locations other than Bangkok for doing applications for a non immigrant visa for those with visa exempt or tourist visa entries based upon working. investment, on an organization or agency mission, studying, teaching or research.

You will not be allowed to change employers, schools and etc during the 90 day entry the non immigrant visa will give you. Your extension application will be denied if you do.

After a transition period those from the regions served by the new offices will not be able to apply at Chaeng Wattana.

The new offices other than Chaeng Watanna are as follows.

Chiang Saen Immigration Office

Amphoe Chiang Saen

Changwat, Chiang Rai 57150

Kap Choeng Immigration Office

Amphoe Kap Choeng

Changwat, Surin 32210

Padang Besar Immigration Office

Amphoe Sadao

Changwat, Songkla 90240

Download full text of announcement here: 27102014ann_imm.pdf

[paz]

Cam we make examples as to whom is this useful ?

For example someone in Chiang Mai has entered visa exempt, enroll into university, he can now obtain a non-imm 'ED' visa in Chiang Rai.

Someone in Hat Yai came in with a tourist visa, got a teacher job, now he can obtain a non-imm 'B visa in Padang Besar.

Whereas all these had to be done in Bangkok before, or by leaving country. Correct ?

[ubonjoe]

Cam we make examples as to whom is this useful ?

For example someone in Chiang Mai has entered visa exempt, enroll into university, he can now obtain a non-imm 'ED' visa in Chiang Rai.

Someone in Hat Yai came in with a tourist visa, got a teacher job, now he can obtain a non-imm 'B visa in Padang Besar.

Whereas all these had to be done in Bangkok before, or by leaving country. Correct ?

Yes and Yes

But somebody from Loei could not go to Chiang Saen they would have to go to Kap Choeng.

Previously the only location was Bangkok to do the conversion or change of visa status for the mentioned reasons.

[wcoast]

I have a 1yr Non O multi entry visa expiring Nov 21, based on NGO volunteer, I have been offered a volunteer position for a year at a government school. The school director accompanied me to the Labor dept to request a work permit where the officer said I must change my visa to Non B before he issues work permit. Can I change visa type at immigration here in Chiang Rai or must I leave the country and apply at Vientiane? I have not exited the country for my final 90 day on this existing visa before it expires.

[ubonjoe]

I have a 1yr Non O multi entry visa expiring Nov 21, based on NGO volunteer, I have been offered a volunteer position for a year at a government school. The school director accompanied me to the Labor dept to request a work permit where the officer said I must change my visa to Non B before he issues work permit. Can I change visa type at immigration here in Chiang Rai or must I leave the country and apply at Vientiane? I have not exited the country for my final 90 day on this existing visa before it expires.

You cannot change non immigrant visa classes at immigration.

The labor ministry should issue you a work permit with the non-o you have, You will still be working as an unpaid volunteer so you already have the proper visa.

You may not get a non-b visa as an unpaid volunteer at an embassy or consulate.

[wcoast]

Let me clarify, I'm getting the work permit based on Advisor/Expert computer ability. Its essentially volunteer except for minimum expenses stipend. What we qualifies me for a Non B then?

[wcoast]

Or better question, would I just apply for an extension of my Non O?

[ubonjoe]

Or better question, would I just apply for an extension of my Non O?

Once you have the work permit you can apply for an extension as a volunteer.

I am not sure you can qualify sure you could qualify for the non-b or even the extension for teaching.

As a volunteer it is allowed for you to be paid for your expenses.

[wcoast]

So how do I inform/convince the labor dept officer that the visa I have qualifies for the work permit?

[ubonjoe]

So how do I inform/convince the labor dept officer that the visa I have qualifies for the work permit?

I think somebody from the school should do the convincing.

[wcoast]

Mae Sai immigration told me I would need a non B, they also told me they cannot convert a non O to B, is this conversion possible at Chaeng Wattana, or must I go to an embassy outside Thailand and apply for a Non B? If I must apply outside what paperwork is required BT Vientiane? Passport, photos, visa application and job offer from school..or do they also require all the school documents such as what the labor dept required? Signed copies OK? Anyone have a working phone number for the Vientiane embassy? The one I have just rings with no answer.

[ubonjoe]

Mae Sai immigration told me I would need a non B, they also told me they cannot convert a non O to B, is this conversion possible at Chaeng Wattana, or must I go to an embassy outside Thailand and apply for a Non B? If I must apply outside what paperwork is required BT Vientiane? Passport, photos, visa application and job offer from school..or do they also require all the school documents such as what the labor dept required? Signed copies OK? Anyone have a working phone number for the Vientiane embassy? The one I have just rings with no answer.

Non immigrant visa classes cannot be changed.

Dependent upon what basis the non-o was issued on you should be able to apply for an extension based upon teaching without going out for a non-b.

You can find info for getting a non-b here on embassy website; http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/vientiane/en/consular/consular_check/