Visa and work permit application made on my behalf legit?

[Thomastomasson]

Hi,

 

I will be starting work at a high school in Bangkok  through a teaching agency... I know, I know agencies should be avoided like the plague, but I ended up here still. Anyway, the agency are ready to transfer my tourist visa to a non - b ready for work but their process seems fishy.

 

The agency have told me that they finally received the MoE letter authorising my employment in a government school. Now, they want me to take my passport to their office and leave it with them for about 3 - 5 days. During this time they will go to the labour ministry, I assume this is to apply for the WP bit I can't be sure since they are reluctant to tell me much. There was mention about getting my non b for me at this time too which is concerning. 

 

My understanding is, in order to get my non b or WP I have to make a trip to immigration myself. My concern at this point is the lack of info from the agency and the potential that I'd end up with a fake visa stamp or permit. 

 

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks 

[Mark T]

Try getting the name of the agency first, just in case to protect yourself. After they have returned your passport, a check with immigration is in order i would think. 

 

Most agencies probably know of shortcuts but are legit in my experience. Most would require you to just collect after the stated time. My brother's WP had him go to the immigration with the agent and they just handed him his passport with completed WP no questions asked. And now my brother swears by that agency!

[anthony0339]

Work permits can be applied for on your behalf but you need to go pick it up with your passport (original) and sign when it's finished. As for your visa, you must go in person to apply.  They will most likely go with you. As for the agency, the fact they got you that letter instead of asking you to go out to get the visa first which does not require that letter, the agency seems pretty legit to me so far. They did a little extra work and saved you a visa run in Laos.