Can I change my tourist visa to a Non-B visa while in Thailand?

September 8, 2018
6 years ago
Meez ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone. I need your expertise again with something. Is it possible to change your visa type from tourist visa to non b from inside the kingdom? I don't know why but I think I so something written at Chiang Mai promenada immigration stating that you can change visa types. Thanks in Advance
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post inquires about the possibility of changing a tourist visa to a Non-B visa while remaining in Thailand. Users discuss the legal prerequisites for this process, indicating that individuals must have a certain number of days remaining on their current visa and possess the necessary documentation from employers. There are also considerations regarding nationality restrictions, specifically if Chinese nationals can apply.
Yang *****
Also. Do they limit nationalities? Can Chinese apply?
Yang *****
@Tod ********
oh sorry. I won’t mention agencies again.
Tod *********
@Yang ****
I will caution you NOT to mention agencies inside the country that push-paper and get visas for people. I deleted some of your comments that referenced them.

Mentioning agencies inside the country is a good way to be 'invited to leave' the group :O

Good Luck
Yang *****
@Robert ******
yeah the reason I asked all of these is because I’m afraid that Chiangmai immigration will refuse to xfer for me for whatever reason. Applying for a non-B in China now takes 1-2 months long.
Robert *******
It is common that people cancel the Extenion of Stay, leave Thailand and come back with Tourist Visa, get all the papers done with new employer and apply than for a new Non Immigrant B visa. It should be no problem if you employer can meet all the requirements.
Yang *****
I’m currently on Non-B visa extension of stay based on working and report every 90 days. My current contract with my employer will be completed on 30th this month and we will go cancel my work permit and extension of stay. After cancelling, I’m going back to China on the same day. And in China, I will apply for a new tourist visa and want to xfer to non-B in Chiangmai coz I’ll be working in Chiangmai next.
Robert *******
@Yang ****
It is a board of an agency.
Yang *****
Thank you so much for all these info. It really made everything easier for me.
Robert *******
Yang Dan I never used an agent, but if you ask agent they will tell you that only they can do it for you. Every Immigration Office can be visited by any person to apply for Visa or Extension of Stay, you do NOT need agents.
Yang *****
That’d be great. I just thought immigration don’t accept personal application.
Robert *******
@Mazen *****
If you want to know the requirements you pay a visit to the Immigration Office and ask for the hand out with requirements to change from tourist visa into Non Immigrant B visa.
Robert *******
@Yang ****
The application for the new Non Immigrant B visa cost 2.000 Thb and you get 90 days of stay, after 60 days you can apply for the 1 year Extension of Stay cost 1.900 Thb. You can count yourself if it is cheaper.
Meez ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
if thats the case how can someone know the requirements for changing to non b at promenada? My employer will call and Handel everything or should we also know something about this
Robert *******
You can walk in, take a queue number if busy and apply when it is your turn.
Meez ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Yang ****
I'm assuming your employer would know everything regarding the change from tourist to non b?
Yang *****
@Robert ******
thank you. Another question sorry. Can I just walk in with prepared documents or do I have to go through an agency?
Robert *******
No limit, anybody with a Visa Exempt entry or a Tourist Visa can apply with support from their Employer for the Non Immigrant B visa at your local Immigration Office. But not every Immigration office can or will do this and the requirements are more than the application of this visa at a Thai Consulate or Embassy.
Robert *******
@To**
is correct, BUT if you stay in Chang Mai you need 21 days left on your current stamp.
Meez ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
I see thanks alot Robert.
Robert *******
Why wait, you can apply for Extension of Stay 45 days before the last day in Chang Mai.
Meez ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
so on the last month of my visa I can go extend my visa for 1 more month and that would give me enough time to change from tourist to non b
Robert *******
Because that is a requirement in Chang Mai.
Meez ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Why 21 days
Toby ********
in order to do the conversion from a 30 day visa exempt entry or a 60 day tourist visa entry to a 90 day Non-B visa you need at least 15 days left on your current stamp. That's because the application goes under consideration for 14 days before you go back get the Non-B visa and the new 90 day stamp inked into your passport.
Yang *****
How long will the process take to transfer (if anyone has done it before)?
Toby ********
Yes you can if you have all the required paperwork from your employer
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