Change from Non-Imm 'O' to 'B' visa

[gounta]

I am currently in Thailand on a Non-Imm 'O' visa, valid until Jan 2017.

I have been offered a position teaching at an International school, and now need to change my visa to a Non-Imm 'B' visa for teaching.

Does anyone know if I can change my Visa at the Immigration office in Chiang Mai (which is where I'll be teaching), or must I leave Thailand and apply at a Thai Embassy in another country?

Thanks!

[elviajero]

• Do you have a 1 year extension of stay or a multiple entry non 'O' visa?

If you have an extension of stay what basis was is granted?

Are you married?

[gounta]

1 year multiple entry.

Married but not to a Thai, to a farang.

Have a non-imm O based on our son being adopted from Thailand.

My son and husband have 1yr multi entry non-imm O as well.

[ubonjoe]

It is not possible to change non immigrant visa classes. Immigration might allow you to apply for an extension based upon teaching with the non-o you have.

Another problem might be that the work permit office will not accept the application for a work permit with the non-o visa you have.

All you can do is check with the local offices to see what they will do.

[gounta]

Thanks for that info, looks like I'll have to head to another country then to apply at a Thai Embassy.

Do I need the work permit first to apply for the non Imm B, or can I get the non Imm B and then apply for the work permit before my employment commencement date?

[sunnyjim5]

Thanks for that info, looks like I'll have to head to another country then to apply at a Thai Embassy.

Do I need the work permit first to apply for the non Imm B, or can I get the non Imm B and then apply for the work permit before my employment commencement date?

If you are teaching the WP application letter is not a prerequisite for obtaining the visa but it would be wise to encourage your employer to apply for the WP before the visa is applied for, then once you have the visa the WP will be issued with the minimum of fuss.

You will, however need documentation from your employer to support the application.

The school should be aware of what is needed.

[gounta]

Ok great thanks for clarifying.

The school are happy to provide everything I need and to assist as much as possible, however if I am applying at an Embassy office in another country the school want to make sure they have everything I need in place so I don't get there and get stuck (as I'll most likely be applying I'm Europe when we are there in a months time).

I was hoping I could just change visa types but unfortunately that's not to be.

[sunnyjim5]

Ok great thanks for clarifying.

The school are happy to provide everything I need and to assist as much as possible, however if I am applying at an Embassy office in another country the school want to make sure they have everything I need in place so I don't get there and get stuck (as I'll most likely be applying I'm Europe when we are there in a months time).

I was hoping I could just change visa types but unfortunately that's not to be.

If you re applying outside SE Asia it might be a good idea to have the WP letter available.

You may also need a Police clearance letter (sorry I forgot to mention before)

[gounta]

Yep, I have the police clearance letter.

[gounta]

After speaking with the Thai consulate in France they have advised they only process visas for French citizens.

As I'm not a French citizen it appears it's going to be simpler to apply at a SE Asian country (was trying to save myself a trip).

For anyone who has applied for a non-Imm B visa for teaching, which SE Asian country have you found to be the most reasonable to deal with (ie require the least amount of paperwork). I am considering Myanmar as friends live there and I can visit them as well.

Thanks fir your help.

[ubonjoe]

Most people go to the embassy or consulate in Laos or the consulate in Penang Malaysia.

This file has the requirements to get the visa at Vientiane Laos most other locations will have the same requirements. http://vientiane.thaiembassy.org/upload/pdf/Visa/Non-B%20teacher.pdf

Not sure about the embassy in Yangon since there are not many reports for there. They only show info for getting a non-b visa if working for a company. Is suggest you contact them for info about getting one for teaching. http://www.thaiembassy.org/yangon/en/organize/18982-Address.html

[gounta]

Thank you.