Can I start working in Thailand on a work visa the same day I submit my documents?

Work Visa Work Permit Thai Immigration NON-B Visa Teaching License Waiver Expat Employment Visa Rules in Thailand

Jul 26, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello and thank you for accepting my request to join the group!

I'm trying to get my head around the work visa and permit process. So I just accepted a job offer from the school, and they say I start next Monday. I asked him about the work visa and he said that I will hand over the documents to them on the coming Monday and I can start working the same day as long as the documents are submitted. Is this true? Or is he trying to pull the wool over my eyes by throwing some technical jargon over me? (He mentioned something about a waiver, but I didn’t quite catch him)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the misconceptions regarding starting work in Thailand before receiving a work permit and proper visa. Although there might be a brief grace period after submitting the work permit application, it is illegal to start working without the appropriate visa and work permit. Concerns were raised about schools hiring teachers without correct documentation, and the implications this can have on the employee. The term 'waiver' likely refers to a teaching license waiver that schools use to employ foreign teachers.

Robert *******

Only source who can tell you to be legally working without a work permit is the Ministry of Labor, the only source who can tell you to be legally working without a visa that allows you to work is the Immigration Office.

There are no probation periods, try out periods etc, it is well known that schools try to let people work without correct documents and when the ...... hits the fan, the employee is in trouble and the school just hire a new foreigner eager to make a few Thai baht during his/her holiday.

Take care and be aware before you start to work.

2 years ago

Keven ****

A lot of schools will try to get you to work even if you don't have your visa sorted out. If you're being hired, it means students aren't being taught at the moment. But it's not legal.

2 years ago

Ellie *******

Regarding the only work permit, there is a lenient (sorry, don't know the right words) period of up to 1 or 2 weeks for you to be able to work without your actual work permit but with the receipt of the work permit application. It is the time once the application is submitted to the Labor office until the WP is issued.

But you still cannot work with that on tourist status, until you are approved Non-B visa. They might mix those things.

2 years ago

Keven ****

@Ellie ******

Hi Ellie, that's useful to know. Would you have more info about this? From what source did you get this? I would be willing to work during the work permit application (with a Non-Immigrant B visa), but would only do this if I'm sure it's legal.

2 years ago

Reply to

Keven ****

Rene ******

The "waiver" is probably referring to the teaching license waiver that Thai schools get in order to legally employ foreigners without a teaching degree. They must apply for this waiver before they can apply for your work visa, but it isn't directly visa related.

2 years ago

Robert *******

You are only allowed to work with a visa that allows you to work in combination with a work permit.

Come to the school and hand over some copies and start working is not as the proces should be.

2 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

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