Is it feasible to apply for a Non-B Visa in Savannakhet without WP3?

Nov 13, 2019
5 years ago
Martín ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dear expats, once more a question:

Im going to Laos to apply for non b visa in savannakhet, but i still dont have the WP3, as my employer is telling me that they cannot apply for it as long as im still in the country.

So they told me iwill be arriving to Savannakhet, start the application without the WP3 and inform the people in the embassy of this. Once i get the WP3 (which should take 5-7 days) i'm supposed to go back to the embassy, give them tbe WP3 and pick up my visa.

Is this plan reasonable? can they accept the documents without the WP3? is there any point in starting the process without it? As far as i know, if i give them everything at the same time, i will get the visa the next day but im not sure if this is the case currently, as i did my last non b around two years ago.

Please let me know your toughts
705
views
0
likes
18
all likes
14
replies
1
images
7
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user plans to apply for a Non-B Visa at the Thai consulate in Savannakhet, Laos, but currently lacks the WP3 document needed from their employer. They seek advice on whether it's reasonable to start the visa application process without the WP3 and details regarding the timing and acceptance of documents by the embassy.
Violetta **********
what does the WP3 paper actually look like? I am also going to Savannaket for this and trying to see if i have this document
Benjamin ******
@Violetta *********
Did you contact your employer about the paperwork to confirm they have everything? If you don't think your employer is able to produce the paperwork you need for the Non-B visa, it may not be a good place for you to work.
Robert *******
This is the form: And you recieve this document from the Ministry of Labor after the application of the Work Permit is made.
Benjamin ******
it should say "form WP3" on the top left corner.
Joe ***********
The policy at Krabi Labor Ministry for issuing the Cover Letter took 5 days. 😣

My Accountant was supposed to have turned in my WP. 3 on that same Monday morning that I crossed into Laos. BUT... she finally got there on TUESDAY afternoon. Counting Express Mail Time... I had to spend 14 days in Savannakhet 😠😡🥵.

I was taken to the Labor Ministry a few days after my return to get my Work Permit.

Note: some Labor Ministry Offices are more efficient giving out the Cover Letter the same time as the handing over of the stamped WP. 3 and can be sent to the B Visa Applicant much more quickly
Martín ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So i also need a cover letter?
Joe ***********
This is what I had to do when I applied for a Non Imm B at Savannakhet. I had to Exit Thailand at the Mukdahan Bridge. I was told to send photos of my Thailand Exit Stamp and Laos Entrance stamp in my passport to my Accountant / Agent. I did this promptly at 08:00 on a Monday morning. The Accountant was to take these photos - show them to the officer at the Krabi Labor Ministry - she did and at the same time she presented the filled out WP. 3 Application Form - this form was stamped Successfully Applied and a copy was given to her. This WP. 3 copy and a Cover Letter from the Labor Ministry signed by an officer (basically saying that the WP. 3 represented me - double check against counterfeiting I suppose) was sent to me by Express Mail. These two documents became part of my B Visa Application Document Packet. I then turned my B Visa Application Packet to the I/O at the Thai Consulate in Savannakhet.
Tod *********
Unless I'm mistaken
@Joe **********
, got hung up in Savannakhet for a good while waiting for his WP3 and another paper from the MOL..
Nick *******
My friend had to wait in Vientiane for a week for his WP3 to arrive, that was about 1 month ago
Martín ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So if i go with my employers plan, ill go to consulate, hand them my papers and get summarily rejected until i have the WP3, right?
Martín ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
They didnt let him apply without the WP3?
Robert *******
you apply for the visa, all documents are checked and you get it back the next day with or without the visa. The Thai Consulate does not store them until you have all documents needed. just keep them in your suitcase and wait till you have them all and apply
Robert *******
if you're company likes it, what is there to lose other than maybe a passport page and some money. Apply for a visa without the needed requirements and get an application denied. Then wait till you have all the documents and apply again
Martín ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thats what i thought but my company insists that i apply as soon as i get there, without the WP3. They are even planning my schedule around that, so i really want to understand the process so i can let them know clearly.
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice