Answered5 years ago

Can I switch from a Visa Exempt Entry to a Non-Immigrant B visa while in Thailand with a short time left on my current visa?

Non-Immigrant B Visa Visa Exempt Visa Rules Immigration Thailand Visa Process

asked Feb 14, 2022

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I'm planning on leaving the country, and re-entering, to then switch to Non-Immigrant B visa inside the country. From what I've read, this can be done with either a SETV and VE. However, I've also read that if on VE, that you might be refused, to change to a Non-Immigrant B visa (even with 15-21 days remaining on visa). 

- *Is it possible to change from VE (with 15-21 days left on it) to Non-Immigrant B visa (inside the country)?

- How likely is it that you might be refused?*

Answer summary

Yes, it is possible to change from a Visa Exempt (VE) entry to a Non-Immigrant B visa while inside Thailand, even if you have 15-21 days left on your VE. However, your success depends heavily on your employer's willingness and ability to assist you with the necessary documentation. It is advisable to consult with your employer about their support in this process. If there are concerns about this, it may be more prudent to apply for the Non-Immigrant B visa at a Thai embassy in the country you will be visiting after your exit.

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Anthony *********

Might be better for you to get the non B issued from a Thai embassy in the country you're going to go too, just in case your employer isn't helpful. I think you need to make sure with them first that they're prepared to help you out with it, it not then you can get it from an embassy.

5 years ago

Keven ****

@Anthony ********

Yes, keeping that as a possibility. But have limited time with COVID extension. Getting all the B visa documentation can take a looooong time. Some schools can do it fast, though, but it's rare.

5 years ago

Anthony *********

@Keven ***

I would chase them up as quickly as you can, as if you plan to go to Cambodia like most others are doing you need to get on with booking your fights asap imo. I went over new year and my flight was full and now they aren't giving covid extensions to people with non immigrant visa, all those people are going to be heading to Cambodia now and over the next month or so. Definitely a good idea to get the flights sorted now or asap if that's your plan 👍

5 years ago

Keven ****

@Anthony ********

Okay, thanks. I'll keep that in mind. Had bad experiences at embassy in Cambodia (lots of bad reports online too). But it's still good to have as an option for sure.

5 years ago

Anthony *********

@Keven ***

to be honest I have gotten a few visas from the Thai embassy in cambodia and it was where I got my Non B visa, but the only do the 3 month Non B and not the yearly Non B, its just quite easy to get to Cambodia ATM but it will obviously be better to have more options and if malaysia opens then for sure it's best to go and get your visa in Penang, that is generally the best one to go to

5 years ago

Keven ****

@Anthony ********

According to Bangkok Post articles, Malaysia is supposed to open in around two weeks. Vietnam also I think. Still only in the news, though. Cambodia is the worst place to go for visas and should avoided as best as possible, IMO. Things are opening up. Let's hope there isn't a new variant. Haha.

5 years ago

Ellie *******

If you can get in-country Non-B once you enter Thailand on visa-exempt scheme would depend on how much your employer can meet the requirement for you to do.

Talk with your new employer.

5 years ago

Tod *********

Whether you have enough time left on a visa exempt entry to apply for the in country Non-imm visa and wait out the under review period comes down to how fast you can get your shit together to apply.

It is possible to go from either a visa exempt OR a tourist visa entry to an in country Non-B, BUT you need to be talking to your employer and do what they recommend.

5 years ago

Keven ****

@Tod ********

I could technically get a SETV or even the B visa directly from an embassy (if I can have everything ready in time, before leaving).

With COVID and everything just starting to unfreeze, do you think embassies such as in Malaysia are a bit "rusty" or hesitant to issue SETV visas and Non-Immigrant B visas?

5 years ago

Ellie *******

@Keven ***

Talk with your employer and follow their direction. The procedure and documentation on their side are slightly different between when you apply for Non-B at the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate in another country and when you apply for in-country Non-B at the local immigration office. You cannot change where to apply at your convenience in last minute.

5 years ago

Keven ****

@Tod ********

Yes, still a decent of time right now with my COVID extension. Plan on having the documentation and everything ready before I leave.

5 years ago

Tod *********

@Keven ***

and remember you could always get a 30 day regular extension on the 30 day visa exempt entry so that would give you 60 days to get it together 🙂 I think it's doable

5 years ago