Answered9 years ago

Can I change my visa exemption on arrival to a Non-Immigrant O visa without leaving Thailand?

Thailand Visa Non-O Visa Visa Extension Visa Exemption Immigration Process Chiang Mai

Enrico ************

asked Feb 8, 2018

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Hello. I would like to know if, by any chance, I'm allowed to change my extension (will do it tomorrow) of a visa exemption on arrival to a non Immigrant-O visa (non paid volunteer) without having to leave the country? 

I'm based in Chiang Mai and I hold an Italian passport 

Thanks for the answers

(I checked on the "search bar" but I can't see any previous question/answer about this)

Answer summary

The user inquires about the possibility of converting a visa exemption on arrival to a Non-Immigrant O visa (for unpaid volunteer work) without exiting Thailand. Responses suggest that it is possible, but the applicant needs at least 21 days remaining on their visa exemption stamp after applying for an extension of stay. Documentation from the volunteering organization is also required, and the final visa may take a few weeks for processing.

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Ashley ***************

U need 21 days not including day of application. So actually 22. But the que to hand in application is a further 2-3 weeks on top of that. So get ur extension. Then go to thr 3rd floor and make an appt with them to hand in ur application. They will give u the papers and list of dkccuments needed and shcedule you in to come back to hand it in. ***so ull need more like 40-50 days remaining on stamp ... not just the 21 ad that is required for processing time only

9 years ago

Ashley ***************

Just reading what shane read... this was the case for my non o based on marriage though changing from 30 day exempt..... volunteer may be different. Call and ask

9 years ago

Shayne **********

You would be a first in Chiang Mai! They don't know about it.

You can't get a work permit without having a non o volunteer visa from outside of Thailand.

Change of status for non o retirement is 3 weeks.

Volunteer is out of the country and back.

I was volunteer coordinator for up to 170 volunteers in one foundation. No one ever got it in country in Chiang Mai.

9 years ago

Shayne **********

Your organization should know this. But if you can good luck to you.

9 years ago

Enrico ************

Okay thanks Shayne, so my only option is to get out and apply in another country... I'll try to have the organization call at the immigration office anyways, just to see if something has changed recently. Thanks again

9 years ago

Shayne **********

I have done it 3 times personally. Always out to Vientiane to change foundations.

9 years ago

Tod *********

well, that's some disconcerting news :/ But I knew you'd know what's what up there :)

Thanx (y)

9 years ago

Tod *********

@Sha***

, you know quite a lot about Non-O visas for volunteering up in that neck of the woods. Any suggestions?

9 years ago

Shayne **********

I was on the case.

9 years ago

Tod *********

You can indeed. Up in Chiang Mai you'd need at least 21 days remaining on your current visa exempt entry stamp

You would supply documentation from the place you're volunteering at and the application will go under consideration for a couple weeks (hence the reason you need 21 days on your existing stamp) then you go back and get the Non-O visa and a new 90 day stamp inked into your passport.

9 years ago

Enrico ************

Thanks Tod! I'll have the organization call the immigration to know exactly which documents we need to provide them, would be great if I can avoid to go out of the country !

9 years ago

Tod *********

@Enr***

, yep no problem, most people that burn up the time on their initial entry stamp get the 30 day extension so that they have the required 21 days remaining when they apply.

9 years ago

Enrico ************

Thanks Tod, you said 21 days on my exempt entry stamp, will it work also on the extension of the entry stamp? I mean if I extend it tomorrow as I have to because it will expire, can I still apply for it like next week ?

Thanks !

9 years ago