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How can I change my Exemption Visa to a Non-Immigrant Visa B in Thailand without leaving the country?
Jun 18, 2019
7 years ago
Glauco *********
ORIGINAL POSTERI live in Koh Tao and I looking to get my work permit with the Dive Centre that I work. Atm I have an Exemption Visa (90 days), I would like to know if someone know the process and where I need to go to change this exemption visa for a Non Immigrant Visa "B" without to need to leave the country. I heard some people did that but no-one was able to give the right steps to do it.
Thanks
Thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user living in Koh Tao seeks guidance on changing their Exemption Visa to a Non-Immigrant Visa B without leaving Thailand. Comments suggest visiting the local Immigration Office in Koh Samui for application procedures and required documents. It's essential to also consult the Ministry of Labor for the necessary steps regarding the Work Permit. There are concerns about the legality of working on an Exemption Visa, and advice reflects on potential challenges faced by dive instructors due to specific visa requirements and labor regulations.
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Tod *********
and on that note we're done. Good luck to the O/P (y)
Maria *************
Your dive center can help you, with the amount of foreign dive instructors on the island Im sure your dive center gone through this process many times before.
You will need to leave for the NON-B, not heard anyone managing to change visa exempt to NON-B in Samui.
You will need to leave for the NON-B, not heard anyone managing to change visa exempt to NON-B in Samui.
Darren *********
@Lloyd *******
not just divers, lots of ‘teachers’ were on them also.Darren *********
Maria Fredriksson historically divers on Samui, Phangan and Tao were using the Non-Imm B MULTI visa from the Penang/Kota Bharu Consulates in neighbouring Malaysia (as they weren’t meeting the criteria for an extension to stay). These Visa are only available for director/company owners now and getting a new Non Imm B single every 90 days just isn’t practical.
Lloyd ********
@Maria ************
the changes were to stop every 2 bit "dive instructor".Maria *************
@Darren ********
they can still do non-b s but yes its a problem with how the market is on Koh Tao.Darren *********
@Lloyd *******
yes, especially after the requirements for Non Imm B multi’s we’re changed.Maria *************
@Lloyd *******
yes I know of all the problems, I live here. Im lucky though cause I dont have to work here and are not a dive pro.Not easy for dive centers with not enough Thai instructors with more than Thai and English language + the very changing seasons.
Lloyd ********
@Maria ************
the problem that has happened with dive instructors is that they don't meet either the Thai staff or minimum wage requirements, that is why so many of them work illegally.Reply to
Lloyd ********
Reply
Lloyd ********
As you have been working since November 2017, even if for a different employer, surely you know the process ?
John ********
You said you work there?
Lloyd ********
Also you should not be working before the correct visa and work permit, flashing illegal work over your profile is not too smart.
Glauco *********
ORIGINAL POSTERDon't worries I'm not working atm, because of the visa issue.
Tod *********
words of wisdom :)
Reply to
Tod *********
Reply
Robert *******
If they go, ask them also to visit the Ministry of Labor for the hand out with requirements to apply for the Work Permit. You need both, the work permit and the Non Immigrant B visa to work in Thailand.
Tod *********
You go to the immingration office that serves the area that you live in and see if they can issue an in-country 90 day Non-B visa
Not every office can do it, but IF they can, get the hand out that they have listing the required documents and have your employer get those documents for you
Not every office can do it, but IF they can, get the hand out that they have listing the required documents and have your employer get those documents for you
Robert *******
You tell your company to visit the Immigration Office in Koh Samui, get the hand out with requirements, copy them all and you can apply.
Reply to
Robert *******
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