Can I convert a tourist visa to a non-B visa in Thailand for a job at an international school?

NON-B visa tourist visa visa conversion Chiang Mai employment in Thailand international school police check visa process expat visas

Apr 15, 2024

8 months ago

Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone, I would really appreciate some clarity...

I have accepted a job at an International school in Chiang Mai starting August 1st. I currently live in Hong Kong and the visa process here takes a long time (police check wait time is 2 plus months) I'm not sure I'd be able to make it to Thailand by August 1st. 

Can I go to Chiang Mai mid July on a tourist visa and have it converted to a non B visa? If so, how long is the approval time and would a Thai police check be sufficient?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is considering traveling to Chiang Mai on a tourist visa in mid-July and converting it to a non-B visa due to a job starting on August 1st. Community members emphasized that conversion depends on employer support and appropriate documentation like police checks. While some schools assist with the conversion, others may prefer to send applicants to a nearby Thai embassy. It's noted that Thai police checks take about 15 working days. Users advised caution and recommend securing the visa before relocating.

Jon ********

That’s what I did. But I got all of my clearances in the USA before I went to Thailand.

8 months ago

David **********

I would wait for the visa before moving, one cannot always rely on employers. Even international schools.

8 months ago

Alison **********

I am from South Africa and I had South African police clearance but for my Non B visa they only wanted Thai police clearance. I am not sure what the rules are and if it will be the same for you. This was just my experience.

8 months ago

Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ali***

, that's interesting. I'll look into it! Thank you

8 months ago

Reply to

Donna *********

Jonathan ***********

Police check in Chiang Mai takes 15 working days if the sign on the wall is to be believed.

8 months ago

Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

OK, thanks for the information. I'm waiting to hear from the school, but are things still closed today for the holiday?

8 months ago

Cary ******

I’m not sure how it will/should work for you but I’ve (US passport) only ever gotten my police check in Bangkok. Takes about two weeks now if I remember correctly.

8 months ago

Brandon ************

Some employers are willing to provide the large amount of paperwork required to convert to non-B inside of Thailand, but some aren't willing or can not. Many employers send their employees to a Thai embassy in Laos to get the non-B visa since it requires much less paperwork.

Either way you'll need supporting documents from your employer so you need to ask them which method they prefer.

8 months ago

John **********

Whether or not you will be able to convert a tourist visa to a non-b will depend on your employer. And they are likely to want the police check from where you currently are in any case

8 months ago

Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

as I have a British passport I didn't know if a British police check would do. I can get that now and take it with me

8 months ago

John **********

@Donna ********

I would guess that is going to depend on how long you have been living where you are and how long ago you left the UK. Best you ask

8 months ago

Reply to

John **********