Can I Change My Non-B Visa to Non-O Visa Based on Marriage Without Cancelling My Work Permit?

January 21, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I got a Non B visa in November then a WP but immigration have asked me to have some educational documents 'stamped' in my (UK) embassy. They informed me that the Thai authorities have told them they could no longer do this. Instead I have to sent these docs back to the UK and get them notarised then a 3-step process would get them back to me one day. I have decided I don't want to do this and instead apply for a non O based on marriage. Because of the rush I have only had the 400k in my bank for a few days. My Non B will expire on 4th Feb. Can I extend the Non B based on marriage or do I have to leave and start again at a consulate or can I cancel my Non B, cross the border (Mae Sai/Tachilek) and do the non O in Mae Sai as a tourist? Do I have to cancel my WP as I intend to carry on working? Thanks in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user has a Non-B visa and a work permit but wishes to switch to a Non-O visa based on marriage, as they face challenges with their educational documents at the UK embassy. They inquire whether they can change their visa without leaving Thailand or if they must cancel their Non-B and work permit and reapply for a Non-O visa after leaving the country. Multiple community members provide insights, stating that the user can cancel the Non-B, leave the country temporarily, and apply for the Non-O visa without having to meet the usual two-month bank statement requirement. However, there are discussions about the implications for their work permit, suggesting it becomes invalid upon leaving.

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Rob ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Also, what about my WP. Will immigration ask for proof that its been cancelled or can it ride?

5 years ago

Rob ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Tod. The 400k is in my Thai account now. How do I show that it came from outside Thailand? I assume visa exempt is what I incorrectly refer to as a tourist visa?

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Rob *******

, your "friendly agent" is correct, CANCEL the current extension you have based on employment at the immigration office (remembering that just stamping out of the country does NOT officially cancel an extension).

Bounce out of the country and back to get a new 30 day visa exempt entry stamp.

GO immediately to the immigration office and apply for a 90 day in country Non-O visa based on marriage by meeting the documentation requirements and the proof of funds

There is NO seasoning in effect for people applying for an in country Non-O visa at most immigration offices, you only have to prove the money came from abroad and is in a thai bank account in your name only on the date you apply.

You pay the 2000baht and your application will go under consideration for a period of time (in bangkok it's 14 days, in Chiang Mai it's 21 days). on that date you go back and get the Non-O visa inked into your passport along with a new 90 day entry stamp. THEN you wait until you have 30 day left on that new 90 day stamp and apply for a yearly extension based on marriage <- by that time the funds WILL have seasoned the two months so you can apply for the extension.

5 years ago

Rob ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Robert/Scott. Thank you for your knowledge. i am definitelyt not questioning your advice but it's amazing the different advice you get. I have a friend of a friend who is an agent. She called her 'friendly' IO, who said " He can cancel Non B then cross and come back (bounce) the same day and apply for Non O marriage. He only needs to have 400k but not necessary to have been in for 2 months (as it's not an extension), no need to cancel WP." I double checked as I was previously advised to get extension based on visiting family whilst waiting for 2 months maturity of money, (I have 2 kids with Thai wife). I too thought I'd have to cancel WP but she says I am not quitting the job but as you say technically I am. I guess I'll have to reapply.

5 years ago

Scott *******

if you have a work permit you can get another 90 day non-b with the relevant documents from your employer and continue working while arranging to change to non-o

5 years ago

Robert *******

To go to a border and bounce out and back in as a Tourist means you can not work, your work permit becomes invalid that same day and you have to start all over again. Tourist are NOT allowed to work in Thailand.

5 years ago

Robert *******

a Difficult way to tell that the UK Embassy does not provide a service and that you have to send the documents to the UK to get them notarized. It is new since a few years.

But okay, You need at least 2 months prior the application date a minimum of 400.000 Thb in your Thai bank account to apply for an Extension of Stay based on marriage with a Thai National.

You can apply for a 60 day Extension of Stay based on visiting family, to get the at least 2 months banked money and then apply for the 1 year Extension of Stay based on being married.

5 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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Can I change my Non-O visa based on marriage to a Non-B visa without leaving Thailand?

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