Reliable Agent Required in Bangkok - Non-imm B Visa

[game4shame]

Im looking for some recommendations for agents in Bangkok to process a Non-imm B Visa.

 

Ive had a work permit since new year however there have been various delays, complications etc in finalising the Non-imm B Visa.  I work overseas often so have been coming in on tourist stamps which Ive never thought was ideal and now immigration have started questioning it.

 

The company Im working for has opted to use in-house staff to try to process the visa which has been a total disaster - Ive been to Immigration Div 1 approx 15 times with colleagues to try to process this but each time turned away for a various reasons - ''documehn no right mista'' etc etc.  To me this is completely ridiculous but my colleagues just remain tight-lipped and accept it.  

Also due to the bizarre 'face' saving that runs through the culture nobody in my office is prepared to just admit they cant do it and to call on a professional.  In view of this Im looking at sourcing an agent myself.

 

Immigration have been extremely unhelpful and rude the majority of the times we have tried to process the visa - our office have tried to avoid using bribes but personally I think this is part of the problem.  When in Rome etc.... 

 

Anyway, I need this situation resolved asap - if anyone has any recommendations for a reliable agent it is appreciated, preferably fluent in English.  

 

Also, please advise on approx costs.  The majority of the documentation for the visa is complete - only need someone to get it over the finishing line (and Id assume advise on the bribe required to do so).

 

Game

[ubonjoe]

How did you get the work permit without a non-b visa.

You apparently are trying to apply for a change to a non-b visa if you have been using visa exempt entries. It takes extra paperwork for that verses applying for an extension of stay based upon working.

Perhaps easier to go out for another non-b visa if you have a valid work permit. 

You could get a multiple entry non-b visa in Penang if you have at least 8 months remaining on your work permit. That would allow unlimited 90 entries for a year from the date of issue.

[game4shame]

30 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

How did you get the work permit without a non-b visa.

You apparently are trying to apply for a change to a non-b visa if you have been using visa exempt entries. It takes extra paperwork for that verses applying for an extension of stay based upon working.

Perhaps easier to go out for another non-b visa if you have a valid work permit. 

You could get a multiple entry non-b visa in Penang if you have at least 8 months remaining on your work permit. That would allow unlimited 90 entries for a year from the date of issue.

 

I had a 3 month Non-B to apply for the work permit.  Once the work permit was obtained we were due to return to get a 1 year non-B extension.  

However due to various delays, complications, Thainess, the company didnt complete the non-B visa extension by the deadline.  So Ive been on tourist visas since.

 

Current work permit expires in 7 weeks so your Penang idea is not possible.  Thanks anyway.

 

The majority of the paperwork is done - I just need someone with a bit of knowledge to finalise the process.  

 

Reliable agent recommendations and approx costs welcome.

 

     

[Mattd]

I might be wrong here, however, the first year extension of stay based on work would require the work permit to be valid for longer than 7 weeks.

I do remember last year, when I changed jobs, the work permit application had to be made and work permit issued prior to the extension of stay application, whereas this year for both of the renewals it was reversed, the explanation the agent gave me for that was that for extension one Immigration needed to see the work permit prior to issuing the extension and the reverse this year, i.e. the labour department needed to see the extension of stay prior to renewing the work permit.

 

If I was you I'd be definitely looking at going out and getting one more SE Non B visa, technically you should not be working on visa exempt entries, if, for whatever reason, this was discovered it could well cause you issues going forward.

[game4shame]

3 minutes ago, Mattd said:

I might be wrong here, however, the first year extension of stay based on work would require the work permit to be valid for longer than 7 weeks.

I do remember last year, when I changed jobs, the work permit application had to be made and work permit issued prior to the extension of stay application, whereas this year for both of the renewals it was reversed, the explanation the agent gave me for that was that for extension one Immigration needed to see the work permit prior to issuing the extension and the reverse this year, i.e. the labour department needed to see the extension of stay prior to renewing the work permit.

 

If I was you I'd be definitely looking at going out and getting one more SE Non B visa, technically you should not be working on visa exempt entries, if, for whatever reason, this was discovered it could well cause you issues going forward.

 

Yes - Im well aware this could cause me problems and thats why Im looking for a solution.  Unfortunately the potential problems this could cause me doesnt seem to register with my colleagues or sr management - actually it probably does register but they dont give a s**t.  Fair enough.  

 

Either way - I need to get some closure on this.

 

We applied for initial 3 month non-imm B at the tail end of last year to allow the work permit to be applied for.  

My work permit was issued at the end of December - valid for 6 months.  The 1 year non-B extension should have been processed by mid-Jan but - despite me reminding colleagues almost daily - it wasnt done on time.  

 

 

[Mattd]

15 minutes ago, game4shame said:

My work permit was issued at the end of December - valid for 6 months

May I ask why only 6 months? 

 

[game4shame]

Just now, Mattd said:

May I ask why only 6 months? 

 

My colleagues implied this was the norm - then a 1 year extension could be made after the 6 months.  But Im certainly no expert.

 

I put my faith in the company to sort this out, unfortunately that hasnt worked.

 

 

[Mattd]

3 minutes ago, game4shame said:

My colleagues implied this was the norm

Certainly isn't in my experience, though it may well depend on the type of job and criteria of the employer.

For example, when I applied for the first work permit of this current job, it was issued for 12 months despite of only having a 3 month employment contract at that time.

for my previous job the first permit was also 12 months duration and for the last 6 years the extensions were 2 yearly by virtue of being issued under IEAT.

 

If the extension is not forthcoming, then really, the only option would be to try and get one more SE Non B visa, this should then give you enough time to get the work permit extended and all the ducks in a row for the extension of stay.

[game4shame]

4 minutes ago, Mattd said:

Certainly isn't in my experience, though it may well depend on the type of job and criteria of the employer.

For example, when I applied for the first work permit of this current job, it was issued for 12 months despite of only having a 3 month employment contract at that time.

for my previous job the first permit was also 12 months duration and for the last 6 years the extensions were 2 yearly by virtue of being issued under IEAT.

 

If the extension is not forthcoming, then really, the only option would be to try and get one more SE Non B visa, this should then give you enough time to get the work permit extended and all the ducks in a row for the extension of stay.

I see - did you do all your applications yourself?

 

Ideally I want to talk to an agent with some industry knowledge.  Ive heard various views from colleagues, friends etc so Id prefer to get some professional guidance.

 

As original post states - agent recommendations welcome. 

[Mattd]

No, with the first employment all was handled in house by an excellent HR department and second employment by agents here in BKK.

These agents do seem to know their stuff, TMF Group and are based at Capital Tower, All Seasons Place

Edited May 2, 2017 by Mattd

[IMA_FARANG]

I don't mean to be critical, but every year hundreds if not thousands of people seem to be able how to get retirement visa/ or extensions  or Non O work visas and work permits.

Why is it then you seem to think you need an agent to do the paperwork?

O.K. so we are all different, with different skills and talents, but if others manage to thread their way through the maze to success, then why can't you.

I will tell you a true story.

In 1982 I got a job offer through a friend of a possible job for me in Turkey.

So I traced down the company's address in Turkey, and flew there, took a bus halfway  across the length of Turkey, had a job interview, and was hired.

I was working in Saudi Arabia at that time.

I am an American citizen., just so you know.

 

Edited May 2, 2017 by IMA_FARANG
correct a typo

[game4shame]

2 minutes ago, IMA_FARANG said:

I don't mean to be critical, but every year hundreds if not thousands of people seem to be able how to get retirement visa/ or extensions  or Non o work visas and work permits.

Why is it then you seem to think you need an agent to do the paperwork?

O.K. so we are all different, with different skills and talents, but if others manage to thread their way through the maze to success, then why can't you.

I will tell you a true story.

In 1982 I got a job offer through a friend of a possible job for me in Turkey.

So I traces down the company's address in Turkey, flew there, took a bus halfway  across the length of Turkey, had a job interview, and was hired.

I was working in Saudi Arabia at that time.

I am an American citizen., just so you know.

 

If you had read my initial post you would see we have already tried to process the visa (without an agent) approx 15 times.  Each time turned away for a different reason with regards to the documentation.  Some documents they accept on one occasion then reject the next time - ridiculous.  

 

If you think asking for professional guidance on one of the most corrupt, bureaucratic and farcical immigration systems in the world means I cant 'thread my way to success' then you are welcome to your opinion.

 

Your nationality and 'true story' is of no relevance whatsoever.