Answered2 years ago
Can I apply for a Non-O volunteer visa in Thailand before securing a volunteer position?
Hey everyone and thanks in advance for your advice. My partner and I are in a fortunate position where we are moving to Thailand, and have the means to support ourselves while we explore our dreams on what we want to do with our lives career wise.
I'm an ecologist, and want to be able to volunteer my time and expertise but also learn from the various conservation projects going on around Thailand. I see Chiang Mai Uni has a great forest ecology department so I'll be dropping in there for a chat with the staff. If I've done my homework correctly I will need the Non immigrant business visa with a work permit to do any of this kind of hands on volunteer work. The question is, am I able to apply for this before I go to Thailand and before I've actually secured any of these volunteer ideas?
We're looking at a longer term visa option with the ability to become residents in the future
I'm an ecologist, and want to be able to volunteer my time and expertise but also learn from the various conservation projects going on around Thailand. I see Chiang Mai Uni has a great forest ecology department so I'll be dropping in there for a chat with the staff. If I've done my homework correctly I will need the Non immigrant business visa with a work permit to do any of this kind of hands on volunteer work. The question is, am I able to apply for this before I go to Thailand and before I've actually secured any of these volunteer ideas?
We're looking at a longer term visa option with the ability to become residents in the future
Answer summary
The user is inquiring about applying for a visa to volunteer in conservation work in Thailand, specifically if they can secure a Non-Immigrant Business Visa without having a confirmed position. It's clarified that for volunteer work, a Non-O Volunteer Visa is required, and generally, one needs to have a position lined up with supporting paperwork before applying for any visa. Entering Thailand as a tourist to explore opportunities with universities is suggested, but converting to a work visa afterward can be complex and may require leaving the country.
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Jo **********
I work with both CMU and Mae Jo in the field of environmental engineering. I am not employed there but involved in joint projects. Best you visit both and discuss they could possibly offer you a position. Salaries are very low but at least it’s a possible way in.
Chris **********
OPWonder if I could get a supervisor and do a PhD then 🤔
Jo **********
@Chris *********
worth discussingChris **********
OP@Jo *********
g'day! Thanks for the info. I'll definitely be trying to get in contact with the group at FORRU to see if there's anything I can get my hands dirty with. Not really after a salary at all as I'm retired here in Australia, just not over 50 so can't get the retirement visa for Thailand. It's a tricky thing to navigate, and I think it would be a shame if I can't legally volunteer my time
Kool *******
@Chris *********
the biggest problem you will have is that ecology comes under the department of agriculture, and that is a very restricted field. You literally can not get your hands dirty. You theoretically could consult, but not do any actual work. If you have a degree, a Master's at a minimum, and preferably a PhD, you could teach, or lecture, but as far as volunteering you don't have any options.Chris **********
OP@Kool ******
I just have undergrad, but decades of experience in the field. Its looking more likely I wont be able to do anything in that field which is a shameJo **********
@Kool ******
that’s true. my friend who did this had a PhD at mae jo
Jeffrey **********
I think it's wonderful you spent the time to learn Thai so that you can go to these places and have conversations with these people
Chris **********
OPSlowly getting there
Brandon ************
It's almost correct. You would not be applying for a non-B work visa if you were volunteering. You would be applying for a non-O volunteer visa. A non-B is only for paid work, and you must make a minimum salary to qualify for it.
You cannot apply for either of those without already having a position and the paperwork from your employer though. You would need to get all of that in place before you can apply for a visa. You can enter Thailand as a tourist and go speak to the university. If they are willing to support you, they will tell you if you can do an in-country conversion (rare, requires mountains of paperwork) or if they want you to leave to a nearby Thai embassy/consulate and apply there (much less paperwork).
You will not qualify for residence based on volunteer work. The only way to qualify for residence is to have a work visa and pay taxes for at least 3 years, and then continue working for the 3-5 years afterwards that it takes to process your application.
You cannot apply for either of those without already having a position and the paperwork from your employer though. You would need to get all of that in place before you can apply for a visa. You can enter Thailand as a tourist and go speak to the university. If they are willing to support you, they will tell you if you can do an in-country conversion (rare, requires mountains of paperwork) or if they want you to leave to a nearby Thai embassy/consulate and apply there (much less paperwork).
You will not qualify for residence based on volunteer work. The only way to qualify for residence is to have a work visa and pay taxes for at least 3 years, and then continue working for the 3-5 years afterwards that it takes to process your application.
Kevin *******
Worth noting that the "non-O" we all talk about is actually a "non-IMMIGRANT O" meaning people on retirement, marriage, Muay Thai, etc extensions are not collecting any time towards permanent residency. Same is true of DTV and even the Elite, but I *think* you are on track if you get the LTR visa, which in your case would require setting up a company and other expenses. But if you can afford it and that's really your long-term goal, maybe look into it.
FWIW most Western foreigners here long-term never get PR, because it's super easy to get by on one of the easier visa/extensions, and during Covid we all saw how much PR was worth when push came to shove. But there are other advantages to LTR if, again, you qualify or can afford to make yourself qualify.
FWIW most Western foreigners here long-term never get PR, because it's super easy to get by on one of the easier visa/extensions, and during Covid we all saw how much PR was worth when push came to shove. But there are other advantages to LTR if, again, you qualify or can afford to make yourself qualify.
Chris **********
OP@Kevin ******
thanks mate. All great info there. I think we have hit some road blocks and it may be easier to get the DTV and set ourselves up pretty much doing what we are doing here in Aus, but online.
Geoff **********
@Chris *********
DTV allows you to work online for clients outside of Thailand, but work for Thai based companies is not permitted and you cant volunteer in Thailand either with this visa (cant get a work permit) unfortunatelyKevin *******
I see you already knew about the "non-imm" part, sorry, but you did say you want to become "residents." Best of luck to you, sounds like living the dream!
Chris **********
OP@Brandon ***********
thank you for that! Great info.Activity
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