Answered5 years ago

What happens to my visa if I don't renew my teaching contract in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Teaching Contract Non-O Visa Work Permit Visa Transfer Immigration Rules

Karabo ********************************

asked Jan 29, 2022

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Evening.

I signed a year contract with my current school and it ends end of March.

If I don't renew with them, will I be required to leave Thailand or I can get release forms from my school (transferred to a new school)

With all the rules changing, I'm struggling to keep up 🙏

Answer summary

The user is seeking clarification on their visa status after a teaching contract ends in Thailand. They are concerned about whether they need to leave the country if they choose not to renew their contract, or if they can obtain release forms to transfer to a new school. Comments indicate that transferring to a new employer while coordinating visa and work permit issues is possible but challenging. The user should consult with both their current and potential new employers as well as the immigration office.

12 repliesnewest first

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Steve *******

Are you teaching or learning?

5 years ago

Stuart *********

That’s going to be up to your current employer and your new employer and the immigration office you use. It can be done but the timing will be difficult. For the teaching profession they seem to be more lenient than other professions but you’re going to have to go speak with the immigration office and ask. Probably best to have your new employer there too.

5 years ago

Karabo ********************************

@Stuart ********

thank you 🙏 i guess I really have to have a clear understanding and communication with my new employer, should I not renew.

5 years ago

Stuart *********

@Karabo *******************************

yes. It’s one of those cases where it needs correlation between old and new employer on termination date and start date and whether the new employer can satisfy immigration for a new extension. Unfortunately not a one case fits all answer. You may find that the only way is to leave Thailand and come back on a new visa. It just depends on so many variables.

5 years ago

Michi *******

What kind of documents they give you I don’t know, but probably your visa is bound to your work-permit. After your last day your visa will expire and you’ll be overstaying!

Better look for options before that last day.

5 years ago

Steve *******

@Michi ******

Visas arent bound to work permits. I think the OP has an extention of stay not a visa.

Michi *******

mine is.

Michi *******

okay then the extension of stay it is. But without work permit -> no valid reason to stay.(probably)

5 years ago

Steve *******

@Michi ******

No it aint. Your work permit might be bound to your visa or your extention of stay but if you're on a VISA it aint bound to a work permit. ONLY an extention of stay is bound to your job/work permit if that's the reason for your extention of stay!

5 years ago

Karabo ********************************

@Michi ******

I'm on it, but I'm also thinking maybe I will go back to SA and start over, but it would be great knowing where I will be when I return to Thailand

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

In theory, you should be able to cancel your current extension of stay, AND AT THE SAME TIME, apply for a new extension of stay with your new employer. It requires a lot of coordination between the old and new employers, and most schools won't be supportive.

5 years ago

Karabo ********************************

@Benjamin *****

thank you, I think I will go to SA for the holidays and start the whole application process over

5 years ago