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How can I change my COVID visa to a Non-B visa for employment while in Thailand?

Apr 8, 2021
5 years ago
SAra ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi

Does anyone have experience in changing covid visa to non-b (for employment) from inside Thailand? I’m currently in Phuket and need to do that soon.

(Employer is at the moment asking immigration how to do it)

Just thought of asking here on what happened in similar experiences?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on changing their COVID visa into a Non-B visa for employment, specifically while currently situated in Phuket, Thailand. Several comments provide insights, including links to required documents, the possibility of varying immigration processes depending on locations, and discuss implications for those planning to work in the education sector, emphasizing the need for proper licenses and the potential requirement of leaving Thailand for the visa change.
Ellie *******
What entry stamp or extension you were on before covid extension?
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Ellie *******
What you really can do depends on this answer. The possible procedure exist does NOT mean you can go on that way.
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Benjamin ******
@Ellie ******
I believe she entered on a Non-B visa based on teaching, if my memory serves me right.
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Benjamin ******
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Frank-Steven ***********
As always, this may unfortunately be handled inconsistently across different immigration offices. Best to go there and they will hand you a list of required supporting documents. Note however that change to work visa will likely only be done by the immigration

office at the location of your future employer.
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Miin **************
you can find the list of document here:
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but will depend on the type of visa you have before the covid extension
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Miin **************
I think the immigration still count that as non B, but better to have your employer bring your passport ( of visa page) to check if you can transfer visa immediately or not
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SAra ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Miin *************
non-b before covid (until Jan 2021)
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SAra ***********
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Benjamin ******
Are you planning on being a teacher?
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SAra ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
yes. At a government university
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Benjamin ******
@SArah **********
Honestly, I'd make a plan B:

1. You're only allowed to work at five schools, OR have a temporary teaching license for 5 years (the last I checked).

2. The Thai government does *NOT* want to hire teachers inside Thailand; they want to hire overseas now. See
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51/govt-to-be-stricter-over-work-permits-for-foreign-teachers

3. IF you're still on the original Non-B visa (NOT an extension of stay), and your former employer is written on your Non-B visa, they may want you to get a new visa from outside the country.

However, you are working at a government university, which may be different than a primary or secondary school
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SAra ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
I'm not sure what you mean by number 1.

Would appreciate it if you explained it further.

Thanks
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Benjamin ******
@SArah **********
for government school teachers, you either need a teaching license, or a teaching license waiver.

To get a teaching license, you need a certificate in teaching.

To get a teaching license waiver, you need a bachelors degree. However, a waiver is only good for one year, OR at one school, whichever is less. If you work at two schools in a calendar year, you’d have to use two waivers.

You can only get five waivers.
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SAra ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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SAra ***********
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