Can I change my visa from visa exempt to a non-B visa while remaining in Thailand?

Visa Change Non-B Visa Visa Exempt US Citizens in Thailand Thailand Immigration COVID-19 Visa Issues

Apr 3, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am a US citizen. I am currently in Thailand on a visa exempt. I have already extended this by 30 days. Is it possible for me to change to a non-b visa without leaving the country? Has anyone successfully done this in the past? Is anyone else currently trying to change their visa type in the country due to covid-19? Thank you!

886

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The question pertains to whether a US citizen currently in Thailand on a visa exempt status can change to a non-B visa without leaving the country. Responses indicate that it is indeed possible to switch from a visa exempt or tourist visa to a non-B visa while staying in Thailand, provided certain conditions are met, such as having a job offer. However, the situation may vary by immigration office. The discussion also touches upon the complexities for dependent visas, particularly for family members.

Jim **********

I was in Si Racha Immigration today. They said you can change visas without leaving the country. I had friends change a tourist visa to marriage visa without leaving thailand last year.

Leaving the country was the old rule several years ago.

Also I posted about banks closing where I am in Bang Saen-they are going to limit bank access only to mall areas here. Seems stand alone banks will close this weekend.

Thais get much more info on changes than we do. Take it for what it's worth.

5 years ago

Jim **********

François Brightside but be aware that each Imm. Office may do things differently.

5 years ago

Reply to

Jim **********

Alice ********

Your school should be doing all the paperwork and have a relationship with the local authorities.

5 years ago

Alice ********

Gotcha

5 years ago

Reply to

Alice ********

Tod *********

okay the short answer to this question is

YES it is possible to change from a 30 day visa exempt or a 60 day tourist visa entry OR a 30 day extension on one of those to an in country 90 day non-B visa.

You need to have at least 15 to 21 days left on your current stamp when you apply because depending on the office the application goes under consideration between 14 and 20 days before you go back and get the Non-B visa and a 90 day entry stamp inked in.

Get a JOB and have your employer give you the documentation to apply for the 90 day Non-B inside the country.

5 years ago

Tod *********

That is gonna be a LOT harder, and you're going to have to go to the immigration office where you live and ask them.. Sorry. IF I had to guess, I'd say nope, you're NOT gonna get an in country Non-B, followed by a Non-O for your husband and child, BUT that's me guessing only because I've never seen it done.

5 years ago

Bekah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

I know you said it is possible....but do you think it is likely?

5 years ago

Bekah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

thank you. My husband and 4 year old son are also here following me. Is it "possible" for them to switch to a non o dependant visa?

5 years ago

Reply to

Bekah *********

Julian *****

I had to leave personally and i own a business. However i am due for a checkin or new non b and am speaking to attorney on how to handle it. Ill keep you posted.

5 years ago

Bobby ********

You mean you have a visa exempt stamp. VOA not available to US citizens. A B visa means you have to have a business of which there are a number of conditions, not least that you have to employ four Thai people. What business are you looking at?

5 years ago

Bekah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bobby *******

I received a job offer at a school. Yes, I meant to say visa exempt. I just corrected my post. Thank you 😀

5 years ago

Reply to

Bekah *********

Jonas *********

I would like to know as well

5 years ago

Reply to