Unanswered6 years ago

Can you change an extension of stay in Thailand from retirement (Non-O) to employment (Non-B)?

Non-O Visa Non-B Visa Visa Extensions Retirement Visa Work Permit Immigration Process

Andy ******

asked Feb 23, 2021

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Is it possible to change an extension of stay for retirement to an extension of stay based on employment? 

Let's assume all the necessary paperwork is in order from a school to start work and obtain a permit. 

Just wondering because of the initial non-o visa as apposed to a non-b visa for teachers.

Summary so far

The possibility of changing an extension of stay from a Non-O visa based on retirement to a Non-B visa based on employment seems unlikely. Generally, extensions related to a Non-O visa for retirement prohibit employment. It is suggested that individuals consult with their employer and the local immigration office for specific advice. Some commenters mention that during the pandemic, one might first need to cancel their retirement extension, apply for a Covid extension, and then seek to obtain a Non-B visa in-country, but this is contingent on meeting strict documentation requirements.

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Tod *********

I see a trip to your immigration office to get the question.

As I said I have NEVER EVER seen it, (which doesn't mean it can't be done, only that it's rarely done if at all)

6 years ago

Tod *********

I have never seen nor heard of someone go from an extension based on being over 50 (retirement) to one based on employment.

Now it MIGHT be able to be done during this covid shit show by canceling the extension based on retirement, applying for a covid extension and then once you get the 60 days applying for an in country Non-B 90 day visa from the immigration office

BUT

Before I'd cancel my yearly extension based on retirement and jump on the 60 day covid extension bandwagon, I'd make damn sure that the immigration office I was using knew what I was doing and said it'd be okay, AND my potential employer could meet the in country (much more stringent) documentation requirements to get a Non-B issued from the immigration office

6 years ago

Biff *******

I imagine it's because that's a more normal progression. People who work retire from that work. People who have already retired tend not to go back to work.

6 years ago

Andy ******

@Biff ******

i agree with you..... my point is based on the fact that the original visas are different ergo it seems feasible to raise the question.

6 years ago

Andy ******

@Tod ********

thanks for the response... just wondering then why is it possible to do it from employment to retirement since the original visa are different.

6 years ago

Tod *********

@Andy *****

the requirement to get a yearly extension of stay based on marriage or retirement is that you previous held a Non-Immigrant TYPE visa (not that you held a Non-O visa) so people who had Non-B's and got extensions CAN switch reasons to retirement or marriage because they "tick the box" of having held a Non-Imm visa. BUT I am not sure it works going to employment and don't know if you HAVE to hold a Non-B or not.

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Andy *****

you can go from an extension of stay based on employment to an extension of stay based on retirement inside Thailand. There is nothing stopping a person on entering a non-b visa from getting an extension of stay based on retirement. After all, there is nothing written on the Non-B visa that says “retirement prohibited”.

However, it’s different for people going from an extension of stay based on retirement which they got from a non-o visa because they are over 50. On the Non-o visa they used, there are the words “employment prohibitive” written on the visa.

However, different immigration offices do have different policies. Hopefully that makes sense.

6 years ago

Ellie *******

The best is to have your employer talk with your local immigration office how to proceed and if it's possible at the first place.

In the best case, you may need to go on Covid extension first after cancel your current extension, then apply Non-B in-country if employer meets the requirements, and apply WP..

6 years ago

Benjamin ******

I'm going to say no. A Non-O visa based on retirement is employment prohibited, and the extension of stay based on employment will be connected to the original visa you entered on.

6 years ago

Andy ******

@Benjamin *****

thanks.

I ask because I noticed Tod in response to another question said you can change extension from employment to retirement (even though that would be from an original non-b) so wondered if it was possible both ways.

6 years ago

Ellie *******

@Andy *****

> so wondered if it was possible both ways.

Literally, it could be.

All requirements for new reason have to be fulfilled to change the reason of extension. To go on retirements, only you have to meet the requirements. To go on employment, not only you but also your new employer needs to meet requirements that are lots more than your requirements.

Also not all immigration offices allow to change the reason to both ways.

That's why

@T**

always says that whether you can go on an extension based on employment down the road or not is between you, your employer and the immigration office you deal with.

6 years ago