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Can I change my Non-B visa to a Covid visa and then back to Non-B without leaving Thailand?

Non-B Visa Covid Visa Visa Extension Thailand Immigration Visa Change Process Teaching Visa Issues

Mar 15, 2021

5 years ago

Paweł ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm currently on a Non-B visa, which expires on 31st of March. I decided not to renew my contract. Can I change Non-B to Covid visa? If so, what should I prepare? Should I go on 31st of March or earlier?

Also, is it possible to change Covid visa to Non-B later on without leaving Thailand?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is currently holding a Non-B visa expiring on March 31 and is considering switching to a Covid visa without renewing their contract. They inquire about the necessary steps for this switch and whether they must act immediately or can wait until the expiration date. The discussion indicates potential risks in changing visas, especially for teachers, who may face difficulties obtaining a Non-B visa later if they switch to a Covid extension. Key considerations include that the 60-day extension related to Covid is available until March 30, and transitioning back to a Non-B visa may require leaving Thailand.

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Benjamin ******

I'm closing comments.

1. *FOR TEACHERS*, there is no minimum wage to get a work permit/ extension of stay based on employment. You can continue your employment even if you are not being paid.

2. It's illegal to work on a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19.

3. IF you go on a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19, it may be very very difficult to get off of it without leaving Thailand.

Good luck!

5 years ago

Laurie ***********

Difficult mate, not a good time to quit, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the school doesn't realise this and tries to take the Pi#* though...

5 years ago

Paweł ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Laurie **********

if I stayed, it would mean 2 months without getting paid, because they start the next term in June. They probably know that I don't have much choice but to accept 555

5 years ago

Reply to

Paweł ********

Ellie *******

Are you on entry (or first 90days) from Non-B visa itself or on extension of stay based on employement?

5 years ago

Paweł ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

the latter

5 years ago

Reply to

Paweł ********

Benjamin ******

Are you a teacher? IF you are, read this from the Bangkok Post:

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*****

51/govt-to-be-stricter-over-work-permits-for-foreign-teachers

5 years ago

James ********

Be very careful in quitting a job at this time...if you are a teacher...you may have significant difficulty getting the Non B for teaching after you go on COVID EXTENSION....without first leaving Thailand and applying for a new Non B teaching at a Thai Embassy.

5 years ago

Paweł ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

thank you for your advice, i'll reconsider

5 years ago

James ********

@Paweł *******

please do reconsider your situation.

These COVID times have placed added difficulties for changing jobs as borders are closed...no longer easy to go to neighbor Thai Consulate and get a new Non B for teaching.

FYI...here is what a teacher outside of teacher has to do to get a Non B teacher visa:

My advice given to many via the stranded expats forums:

"As a teacher do yourself a favor...

Get a teachers contract..

Get the WP3 Thai work permit in cooperation with your school employer...

Have your school contact the Thai Ed Ministry to get your name placed on a list of teachers managed by the Thai Foreign Ministry...

Make application for the Non B visa for teaching ...

The Thai Embassy will look at the approved list and issue you a Non B for teaching and a CoE to enter Thailand."

5 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Benjamin ******

AS OF RIGHT NOW, the last day they are selling the 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19 is March 30. You can cancel your existing extension of stay based on employment (if you have one), and apply for a 60 day extension of stay based on unable to travel due to COVID-19.

>Also, is it possible to change Covid visa to Non-B later on without leaving

That'll be between you and the immigration office.

5 years ago

Paweł ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

thank you for explaining.

5 years ago

Reply to

Paweł ********

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