What are the steps to change jobs and obtain a new Non-Imm B visa in Thailand without leaving the country?

Non-B visa Work permit Job change process Immigration office procedures Thailand expat guidelines

Oct 26, 2024

2 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Changing jobs without leaving Thailand.

I am on a non-imm B visa and work permit in Bangkok. I have accepted a new role in another province.

Both current/future employers are willing to coordinate.

My current employer with cancel both my visa and work permit. 

My new employer will apply for the new work permit.

What steps do I need to do to obtain a new imm B visa without leaving the country? What questions should I be asking the immigration office to ensure it all runs smoothly?

Thank you

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is currently on a Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit in Bangkok and has accepted a new job in another province. They inquire about the steps to obtain a new Non-B visa without leaving Thailand while ensuring all processes run smoothly. Comments indicate that while it may be possible to cancel an extension of stay and apply for a new extension locally, some immigration offices may require leaving the country to obtain a new visa, particularly if the current visa is an initial 90-day entry. It's advisable to confirm specific requirements with the local immigration and labor departments.

Tim ********

You should confirm the details with local immigration and labor department in the province where you are applying for a new job.

I have the very same situation, and I was told by the local labor dept. in another province, that they do not accept Non-B issued in Bangkok. In my case the only option is to leave the country.

2 months ago

Tim ********

@Sara ******

No need to go to the country of origin.

The Imm. officer said that I can enter Thailand on a "Tourist visa", and then apply to convert it into Non-B, providing supporting documents from the new employer, as well as address registration TM30, education documents etc.

Not sure about how long it takes to convert a visa. I haven't done it yet, cuz still preparing some paperwork.

2 months ago

Sara *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tim *******

thank you. I’ll call the immigration office to clarify.

2 months ago

Reply to

Sara *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tim *******

did you have to go back to your country of origin or did you go to a neighbouring country and how long did it take to get the new non imm B?

2 months ago

Reply to

Sara *******

Tod *********

You can't get a new Non-B Visa without leaving the country..

If you're on the initial 90 day entry of your current Non-B visa you're done and have to leave/come back and start from zero

However

if you are on an "extension of stay" (READ your current stamp) you can cancel that extension with termination documentation from your current employer then immediately go to the new immigration office with documentation from your new employer and apply for a new extension of stay.

You need to see if you can cancel your current extension like a week early (before the termination date on the paperwork). That way the immigration office will cancel the extension but stamp you in until the date on your paperwork <- giving you a week to get to the new province to apply for the new extension.

Some offices will do it but some won't so if they won't you got a LOT to do in one day (cancel the extension, go to the new office and apply for the next one) 😕

2 months ago

Sara *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

Hi Todd, thanks that makes sense. However my current employer told me they are canceling my visa (non-B) and that I have to apply for a new one. I am on an extension of stay as I have been working on that visa in Thailand for nearly a year.

Why would my employer cancel the visa?

2 months ago

Tod *********

@Sara ******

they are actually going to cancel your extension, you're not here on ANY visa, and you have to give them the passport OR go to the immigration office where the extension was issued to cancel it

They are just using the term visa because that's what most foreigners think they're on. They are really going to cancel your extension

2 months ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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Do I need to leave Thailand to change my Non O extension to a Non B for a new job?

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