Hello,

I am a non-native English speaker currently looking for a teaching job in Thailand. I got some offers online, but the employers want me to come on a tourist visa and then convert to the proper non-immigrant B visa after I begin working for them. I'm in two minds about this since I would like to work legally. I worry that once I come to Thailand they will refuse to process my documents to get the non-immigrant visa and work permit.

My question is: is it a common practice to ask teachers to come on a tourist visa and then make their stay legal once they're already working in Thailand or should I definitely expect a different process (applying for the non-immigrant visa in my country and then coming to Thailand)? Would I be naive to come on a tourist visa? I am a fully qualified teacher with master's degree in English, a teaching certificate from my country and a TESOL certificate. I also have two years of experience so with TOEIC exam I think I should qualify for legal employment.

I would appreciate any help.

My advice is to refuse any and all job offers which encourage illegal behavior/activity.

Where these online offers from schools or agencies ?

Thank you for your reply. I got these offers mostly from agencies.

Thank you for your reply. I got these offers mostly from agencies.

Just my opinion but I believe you are unlikely to secure a "good" job via an agency.

You may get more informative answers by posting in the Teaching in Thailand forum

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/46-teaching-in-thailand-forum/

The common practice is to come here and then find a job and then get the necessary paperwork to make it legal.

Certificates and degrees mean less than colour and self presentation.