Answered4 years ago

Do I need to leave Thailand to apply for a Non-B visa after my ED visa ends?

ED Visa Non-B Visa Thailand Visa Visa Application Process Work Permit Immigration Advice

Brian **********

asked Aug 17, 2022

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Hi friends, 

Im currently on an ED visa and it is going to be cancelled likely first week of Sept. I have a new job now and in the process of preparing the paperwork for a visa here, a non B with work permit. My question is do I have to leave the country to get this done, and do I have enough time at this point?

Any advice would be helpful. 

thank you kindly.

Answer summary

The user currently holds an ED visa, which is about to expire, and is looking to switch to a Non-B visa for work. According to a comment from another user, they will likely need to cancel their ED visa, leave Thailand, and then apply for the Non-B visa from outside the country. They mention that it's important to discuss the best course of action with the new employer regarding where to apply for the visa.

9 repliesnewest first

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Ellie *******

Most likely, you need to cancel your current Non-ED extension officially, then leave Thailand, and come back. Usually, you cannot apply for a Non-B visa when your stay that started with Non-ED.

For that, you have enough time to cancel and leave.

It depends on your new employer which is better to apply for Non-B at the Thai Embassy/Consulate around or to enter Thailand on tourist status then apply for an in-country Non-B visa.

Talk with your employer well.

4 years ago

Brian **********

all very helpful as always in this forum. Would it be wise that I just get a tourist visa in Lao and enter and obtain the non B in country? Full service meant that I thought they weren't offering all services as they had in the past due to covid. So Lao Thai consulate is back offering the same as before?

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Brian *********

if your employer can meet the requirements to get the Non-B issued inside the country at the immigration office sure you can get a tourist visa and come back and do it. Remember though the requirements to get the in country Non-B issued are far more stringent than the ones to get a Non-B from the thai consulates nearby.

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Brian *********

TWO completely different entities, the people who run the embassies and consulates OUTSIDE of thailand is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while the people who run the immigration offices INSIDE thailand is the Immigration Division of the Royal Thai Police.

There are two completely different sets of requirements for Non-B depending on if they are issued inside or outside the country.

Good luck with it, (y)

4 years ago

Ellie *******

@Brian *********

, because immigration offices and embassies/consulates require different documents for a visa. Immigration offices require a lot more official documents from the employer. As long as your employer can provide the necessary documents for in-country Non-B, you don't have to worry.

4 years ago

Brian **********

@Tod ********

why would it be any more difficult in country as opposed to out? I do have the company admin who would help me here in country which gives me some peace of mind. But what you say is something I need to consider then.

4 years ago

Brian **********

@Ellie ******

many thanks. Do you know if Lao Thai consulate is still open for full services? Seems so on the website

4 years ago

Tod *********

@Brian *********

keep in mind that in Vientiane at the consulate they have a 3 day turn around (example; you turn your passport in Monday morning so that means you can pick it back up Wednesday afternoon <- which means IF you miss turning your passport in for a visa Wednesday morning and have to do it Thursday you're spending the weekend in Lao and can get your passport back Monday afternoon the following week 😮

4 years ago

Ellie *******

@Brian *********

Not sure what you mean by "full service". But both consulates already started issuing visas.

Vientiane requires you to make an online appointment. Savannakhet accepts walk-ins.

4 years ago