Do I need to exit to Laos to change my Non-B visa for a new employer in a different province?

Non-B Visa Thai Immigration Visa Procedures Expats in Thailand Changing Employers Work Permits Visa Regulations

February 11, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello! I have been working in Thailand for several years and have a WP and Non-B visa. I have only changed schools once before and that was during COVID times and to a school in the same province. I didn't exit the country as my school processed the paperwork in our local immigration office. I am planning to move to a different province for work but several coworkers and friends are telling me I will have to exit to Laos to change to a different Non-B visa from my new employer since it will be issued for a different province. Is this really true? If so, can anyone tell me where to find a list of the steps and expected costs? Thanks in advance!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about changing their Non-B visa due to a job relocation to a different province in Thailand. They seek clarification on whether exiting to Laos is necessary for the visa transfer and request information on related procedures and costs. A commenter explains that it's likely the user has an 'extension of stay' rather than a Non-B visa and outlines the potential need to cancel their current extension before reapplying through a Thai consulate, specifically mentioning Vientiane and Savannakhet as options for processing the new Non-B visa.

Jennessa ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you!

2 years ago

Tod *********

Doubt you have any non-B anything and it's much more likely you have an "extension of stay" (read your current stamp)

you would get documentation from your current employer go to the immigration office cancel that extension, and leave the country. You could come back in on a visa exempt entry and then possibly apply for a new Non-B inside the country at the immigration office OR your new employer would give you documentation you take to a thai consulate in a nearby country to get a 90 day Non-B.

Look at the thai conuslate in Vientiane or Savannakhet Lao for the requirements for a Non-B visa (2000baht for a 90 day single entry). remember Vientiane requires a mandatory appointment be booked online to get into the consulate to apply, and has a three working day processing time. Savannakhet has walk up service (no appointment needed) and only a two working day processing time

2 years ago

Jennessa ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

I definitely do have a non-B visa. I've been working here since 2017. It's not an extension and yes, the stamp says Non IMM type Visa. Thanks for your reply though!

2 years ago

Tod *********

I think if you've been here longer than 90 days on your Non-B, and if you LOOKED at the current stamp that lets you stay here you'd see that all it says is "Extension Of Stay Permitted Until" and has a date <- that is NOT a visa, it is an extension of stay and has to be cancelled before you exit the country

2 years ago

Jennessa ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Isn't that an extension of the non b Visa which grants you permission to stay and work here?

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Jennessa *******

nope the Non-B visa lets you get a work permit, the work permit lets you work here, the extension is what you get AFTER your Non-B visa's 90 days runs out and that's what lets you STAY here

AND

As I said you need to cancel that extension at the immigration office where it was issued with documentation from your employer BEFORE you exit the country. 🙂

So if you've been in the country longer than 90 days you're NOT on any Non-B anything, you're on an extension of stay (which is issued a year at a time usually)

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Jennessa ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ps. I entered the country with the non b, not as a tourist.

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Jennessa *******

i messaged you about it if you want to send me an image of your current stamp 🙂

2 years ago

Tod *********