Do I need an agency to apply for a Non-B visa at the Thai embassy, or can I apply myself?

Aug 23, 2019
5 years ago
Hali *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi there

I am applying for my non b visa but have been told that I need an agency to go with me. Is this true or can I just go to the embassy with the required documents and apply myself?

I have also looked online and haven't been able to find a comprehensive list of everything required document wise...I've heard from some people they needed photos, others needed high school certificates...etc etc.

Is there a website that gives a more detailed explanation of what is needed.

Thanks in advance for the advice.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring whether they need to go through an agency to apply for a Non-B visa at the Thai embassy or if they can apply on their own with the required documents. Community responses indicate that no agency is necessary; applicants can go directly to the embassy with their employer's documentation. There is also a request for a comprehensive list of required documents for the application.
Nigel *********
What passport do you have. If its SA you might have to have a rethink
Nigel *********
Easy
Robert *******
She did tell yesterday: and my passport is from the Netherlands
Tod *********
okay do they want to send an agent WITH you when you go to Penang? Which is something I've never ever heard of OR do they want to send you to one of the three registered agents that can enter the thai consulate in penang and turn in paperwork on their behalf (much more likely) ...
Andrew *********
@Tod ********
Okay no worries, you know your stuff
Tod *********
@Andrew ********
believe me the BIG 3 agencies that are registered to use that thai consulate CAN definitely take paperwork for people without them ever showing up.

It's those b/s "guest house agencies" who might have a higher presence on social media that can't get in the gate.
Andrew *********
@Tod ********
Agencies can't take the paperwork on their behalf anymore
Hali *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the help guys!

Just the last thing...is there a more comprehensive list of documents needed that I can look at to make sure I have absolutely everything sorted.
Hali *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thanks very much. Just wanted to be extra sure that I have everything needed...but yeah I'm sure they know what's needed, with all the agency talk I got a bit worried and thought I should maybe have a bit of a checklist. But think you're right. Thanks
Tod *********
You can't be the first foreigner that hotel ever hired on a Non-B. The employer should be looking at providing you with the correct documentation you shouldn't be. In fact I highly doubt you know the first thing about what some of those required documents are called in thai.

I'd say have them prepare your documents, and remember that the cost of a 90 day single entry Non-B visa in Penang is 300 ringgits..
Robert *******
And which Embassy are you visiting for this Non Immigrant B visa, is this visa for Teaching, other jobs or for business meetings without working inside Thailand and what is the country of origin of your passport?
Hali *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
I was going to go to penang. This is for being a dive instructor at a resort and my passport is from the Netherlands
Benjamin ******
No agency needed. Just take the documents from your employer to the embassy.

What does your employer say?
Randy **********
Someone's making some coin on the side referring you to a certain agency
Love *******
Yes, true. You wouldn't be needing an agency if your documents are correct and complete. I've applied mine months ago without an agency.
Benjamin ******
Should be a short meeting. There is no justifing the need of an agency, unless the resort wants some money out of you. Hundreds of people get non-b everyday without an agent holding their hands.
Hali *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
yeah that's what I thought. I'll have a meeting with them and discuss the necessity of the agency and why they want me to use one. Thanks so much
Benjamin ******
To get a non-b visa, the employer has to write a letter addressed to a specific embassy or consulate. If you have that, and the other documents required, then all what the agent will do is hold your hand at the consulate and take your money.

If the resort is having you use a specific agent, I would be extremely nervous about working for the resort.
Hali *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm not sure about being the first, I don't believe so. According to the list of documents I've seen, HR says they can give me all relevant documents needed. If this is the case then an agency shouldn't be needed right? I was mainly concerned by her saying I wouldn't be guaranteed to get the visa. I thought perhaps an agency does more than what I could do?
Benjamin ******
What documents have they gave you so far? Are you the first foreigner they hired?
Hali *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
the HR at resort offering me the job said that I needed an agency but when I asked if I could go myself she said she wasn't so sure and that if I did I wouldn't be guaranteed to get it.

But with the correct required documents I thought that going myself shouldn't be an issue
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