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Do I have to leave Thailand while applying for a Work Permit (WP3)?

Work Permit WP3 Visa Regulations Non-B Visa Expats in Thailand Immigration Policy

August 30, 2018

6 years ago

Stephane *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Guys, my future company use an agent to handle the WP process.

This agent maintain that I have to be out of the country while he applies for the WP3.

I've done many visa trips with people going to apply for a non-B visa, none ever talked about this.

Is he overly cautious or is this usual?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the requirement to leave Thailand when applying for a Work Permit (WP3). While the agent claims that one must be out of the country during the application process, several comments suggest that it's possible to be in Thailand but not working until the WP is issued. The necessity of being outside Thailand may depend on the specific visa status of the individual, particularly noting that those on a retirement visa cannot apply for a work permit without exiting the country. Confusion around the WP3 process and differing experiences based on regional labor office policies is also highlighted.

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Joe ***********

Teachers getting WPs have somewhat different requirements than when one is a shareholder - Director of a Thai Company.

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Paul *******

When I started working for a school here in korat, last year. They told me and the other new teachers that we can have a B visa issued to us at the local immigration office, if we can get our degrees authenticated first.

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Joe ***********

It must be the policy of the Labor Ministry Office you are dealing with

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Stephane *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm on a tourist visa, I know I'll have to go out to apply for a non-B before the definitive Work permit, but this WP3 is so unclear.

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Joe ***********

The procedure varies.. The WP.3 Application for a WP is stamped as successfully submitted (stamped as a receipt). This WP.3 in Krabi had to be trurned into the Labor Ministry by a Visa Agent or the Employer.. The stamped / receipted WP.3 App form is given back when shown photos of the Applicant's Thailand exit stamp and entrance stamp into another country are seen. The Labor Ministry also issues an official transmittal letter - issued 5 days later... Both these documents sent as a original by courier (DHL, etc) to the Applicant. Some Labor Ministry offices such as in Bkk hand over the Receipted WP.3 and Transmittal letter the time of application.

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Ahsan ********

Your employer will apply for WP3 letter when you leave the country. After 3-4 days your employer will get the WP3 letter and then she can send you the scanned picture of it or any other way to deliver it to you and then you need to show that WP3 letter in the embassy including other documents. I hope this might clear the confusion.

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Ahsan ********

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Joe ***********

It can depend on your current Visa status. Example: last year I began the WP process using the WP.3 form while under an Extension of Stay base on a Non Immigrant O Visa (over age 50). I think the rules read that I could not apply for the Work Permit under this status. I had to leave Thailand without a reentry permit thus cancelling my Extension Status - and prove I was out of the country.

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Anthony *************

I had to keave and come back on a non immi B visa. My previous business APEC visa did not allow me to apply onshore. Non b visa took three days to issue. I can hold meetings and manage busibess development but limited until WP issued

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Joe ***********

Same as anyone on a Tourist Visa who is applying for a WP with fully knowledge that they are next applying for a B Visa and will get that B Visa before the WP is awarded... A person on a 'retirement' visa/extension cannot even apply for the WP without proving that he/she has exited Thailand. Two different standards and processes for exactly the same process.. where the applicant ends up with a B Visa BEFORE being awarded the WP.... This is one of Thai Immigration's many outdated - archaic and senseless rules

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Joe ***********

You also cannot hold a Work Permit while on a Tourist Visa BUT you CAN apply for a WP... see the discrepency?

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Joe ***********

- exactly - not only that but you can't even apply for a WP while in status of a 'retirenent' visa/extension - Even when it is fully and clearly stated that you are also applying for a B Visa

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Paul *******

You can't get a wp on a retirement visa.

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Paul *******

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Robert *******

Official name of the WP 3 application method is: Application for Work Permit when foreigner is abroad. But it is used by many companies for a foreigner inside Thailand.

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Ahsan ********

This is usual. They can only apply for wp3 when you are not in the country.

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Lesley *******

You can be in the country...just not working until it is issued. That’s how it worked for me.

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Lesley *******

I had a non-b issued in Australia

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Lesley *******

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