Answered2 years ago

What happens to my work visa if I don’t cancel it before it expires while planning to leave Thailand?

Thai Work Visa Visa Cancellation Process Expat Immigration Visa Expiry Grace Period Work Permit

Anonymous ********

asked Jun 12, 2024

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Hello.

My work visa expires on the 18th and I won’t renew.

I know, formally, there is a process to cancel the Visa. If I don’t do this process, will it cancel automatically on the 18th?

I plan to fly out that day anyway.

If I do the process, will they add any grace period to leave the country?

Going to immigration on 18, I would probably want to leave on 19.

The companies docs are never up to date and I’m worried about hassle and bribes (that would need to come from me) so would like to skip this process if possible.

I understand making it hard to get a visa but making it hard to cancel is asinine

Answer summary

The expiration of your work visa on the 18th does not automatically cancel it; you must go through a formal cancellation process. If you choose not to cancel, you risk incurring fines and complications for future visa applications. Cancelling involves obtaining a letter from your employer, withdrawing your work permit, and then canceling your extension of stay at an immigration office. There is no grace period unless you work for a BOI company, and you'll need to leave Thailand on or before the date stated on your cancellation letter.

12 repliesnewest first

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Brandon ************

It's not difficult to cancel.

First you get a letter from your employer stating your last day of work. Then you go to the labor department and cancel your work permit using that letter. Then you take the letter and your cancelled work permit to the immigration office that issued your work extension and cancel it.

There is no grace period unless you work for a BOI company. You must leave the day that's stated on the letter as that's when they will stamp your passport for after they cancel your extension.

Your extension will not be valid after the 18th but you still need to cancel it. When you applied for your extension you signed a document that said you would notify immigration of any change in your status. If you will stop working that is a change in your status. If you do not cancel it at immigration then you cannot get another long term visa or extension in Thailand until you do, and you will be fined 500 baht per day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht for failing to do so.

2 years ago

Angelik *******

@Brandon ***********

no, they don't fine you for not cancelling. You're talking about overstaying in the country after your visa finished. No fine if you leave.

Brandon ************

Brandon ************

I know what I'm talking about and they 100% can and will fine you for failing to notify a change in status. This is the case for Work extension, education extension, and volunteer extension. They all must be cancelled as you sign a document that says you will notify them of any change in status.

2 years ago

Anonymous ********

thank you. Can I have the letter state the 18th as my last day, but do the Labor department and Immigiration part on Friday (the 14th)?

Then simply leave the country on the 18th?

That's the preference of the employer who does not have time to go to imigration on the 18th.

2 years ago

Brandon ************

Anonymous member yes, you can do it this way. 1-2 weeks early is accepted at most immigration offices

2 years ago

John **********

Are you on a visa or an extension of stay? I suspect the latter. You can get a letter from your employer stating your last day of work and use that to cancel first your work permit and then your extension of stay in advance

2 years ago

Anonymous ********

@John *********

I'm pretty sure it is a visa. Had 90 days at first and the 12 months. Issued at Chamchuri. Non B with work permit.

Cancel in advance?

Like I could cancel on Friday, but have it not take effect until the 18th?

2 years ago

Anonymous ********

Anonymous member thank you John

2 years ago

John **********

Anonymous member 12 months is normally an extension of stay, look in your passport. Yes you can cancel both your work permit and extension in advance with a letter from your employer stating your last day of work will be the 18th, then all you need to do is leave on the day

2 years ago

Anonymous ********

You are correct, it does say "extention of stay" Issued 15 June 2023, valid until 18 June 2024

2 years ago