What is the easiest way for a UK citizen to convert a non-O resident visa to a work permit in Thailand?

non-O visa work permit visa conversion Thai immigration expat visa NON-B visa Thailand dependent visa

Sep 30, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi can anyone advise on the easiest way to convert a non-O resident visa (dependent) to a work permit? I have a job offer here in Thailand and am wondering what options I have and how best to proceed… btw I’m a Uk citizen. thanks in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To convert a non-O resident visa (dependent) to a work permit in Thailand, the process typically involves obtaining a non-B visa, as you cannot convert between non-immigrant visa types directly. Most expats find it simpler to apply for a non-B visa at a nearby consulate or embassy, with their employer providing necessary documentation for the application. Internal conversion from a non-O to non-B may be possible but requires more documentation and may not be accepted by all immigration offices.

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Greg *********

I have type O negative. Can I convert it to A+? 😉

2 years ago

Kool *******

I'm pretty sure you can work with a type O based on minor dependent. You don't change your visa to a work permit. The work permit is not a visa. It is just certifying the right to work in Thailand. You do need a type of visa that allows you to work, and I'm pretty sure your type O based on dependent does. My type O based on Thai wife does, but it is not true for all type O reasons. You can not work with a type O based on retirement.

2 years ago

Stuart *********

@Kool ******

I’m pretty sure the only two reasons you can get a work permit off a non O are Thai spouse and volunteer. Not sure about Thai child but certain not from dependent (foreign spouse or child with long term visa status). Definitely not off a guardian (foreign child at a school).

2 years ago

Kool *******

@Stuart ********

checked with an immigration friend, and a person can not legally work on a dependent visa. I was wrong on that assumption.

2 years ago

Reply to

Kool *******

Darren *******

@Kool ******

I'm guessing it depends on whether his wife is Thai or not. My wife couldn't work on her dependent visa and had to get her own extension of stay based on employment, at least that's what her employer told her anyway.

2 years ago

Reply to

Darren *******

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

Either your company will provide you with documentation and you go to a neighboring country, apply for non-B at the Thai embassy there, and return. This is the most common method.

Or if your company can produce the much larger amount of paperwork and your immigration office agrees, you may be able to apply for a conversion to non-B inside the country. Most companies do not want to meet this higher burden. Also some immigration offices won't let you convert from one type of non immigration visa to another (O to B

2 years ago

Grenville ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

is the new LTR (digital nomad) visa an option or do you need to apply for that outside Thailand too?

2 years ago

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

@Grenville **********

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2 years ago

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

@Grenville **********

you can apply inside Thailand. But you need to be in one of the professions they consider highly skilled.

2 years ago

Reply to

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

Stuart *********

You can’t convert a non immigrant type visa to any other non immigrant visa. You can convert an extension of stay for reason X to reason Y, but whether your new employer would be able to supply the documentation to do so is between them and the immigration office.

Most find it easier (and way less documentation needed) to travel to a nearby consulate and apply for a non B visa there.

2 years ago

Reply to

Stuart *********

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How can I convert a tourist visa to a non-B visa in Thailand for work purposes?

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