What options do I have for obtaining a non-B visa while unable to leave Thailand?

Visa Issues Non-B Visa Teaching in Thailand

Apr 4, 2020

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m a non imm - B visa holder. Currently teaching and in the process of changing schools. My visa will expire on May 6th. My problem is I can’t leave the country to obtain a 30 day visa and then a new non imm B after that for my new school because of travel restrictions. Do any teachers in the same situation know what they are going to do with regards to getting the visa to allow them to teach in their new school at this current time?

784

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster (OP) is facing challenges regarding their non-immigrant B visa, set to expire on May 6, while attempting to switch schools amid travel restrictions due to COVID-19. Various commenters have provided insights, suggesting that the OP may be able to transfer their visa's extension of stay from the old school to the new one, contingent on cooperation from both schools and immigration office policies. However, without a definite start date for employment, such transfers could be complicated. The OP also expressed interest in obtaining a tourist visa or exemption stamp without leaving the country and emphasized their desire to remain in Thailand to not lose their job and living situation.

Benjamin ******

I consider this question to be answered. If the OP has further information to add, he can message me or one of the other mods and we'll re-open comments.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

The OP's employment will end on April 22, 2020. The Op's old employer and new employer can go to the immigration office jointly and transfer the extension of stay from the old school to the new school, if the schools are wiling to cooperate, and the immigration office is willing to perform this. I never heard this happening for government school teachers.

If the schools are not willing to transfer the extension of stay based on employment, on April 22, 2020, the Op must go and cancel both the work permit and the extension of stay based on employment. The Op will have until 11:59PM THE SAME DAY to leave Thailand, or to pay 1,900THB to request another extension of stay, which will be denied and he will have 7 days to leave.

It is unknown what the visa or border situation will be in April 22nd.

5 years ago

Eril *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

I’ve asked them if a transfer is possible but they can’t put a start date of employment on the forms because the schools are closed for an indefinite period so I’m unable to do this. Both schools are international schools, not government.

I’m aware that with a letter from my embassy I can apply for 30 day ‘unable to travel, under consideration stamp’ however this isn’t exactly my issue as I don’t intend to travel home thus losing my job and condo etc. I’ve been here for many years. I was just asking if anything can be done to obtain a tourist visa or visa exemption stamp and then subsequently my non imm B without leaving the country. I imagine I’m surely not the only teacher stuck in this predicament.

5 years ago

Reply to

Eril *************

Hannah *********

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

>I’m a non imm - B visa holder. My visa will expire on May 6th.

Is this an extension of stay based on employment, or are you on your original 90 day entry stamp?

> My problem is I can’t leave the country to obtain a 30 day visa and then a new non imm B after that for my new school because of travel restrictions.

Normally, schools begin around May 1. By May 1, you need a non-B visa and a work permit before you can work. You can not work on a 30 day visa exempt.

>Do any teachers in the same situation know what they are going to do with regards to getting the visa to allow them to teach in their new school at this current time?

1. I would not assume that schools would be reopen by May 1. My son’s school may be canceled until June.

2. You can not work on a visa exempt. Only work a work permit.

3. You may be able to transfer your existing extension of stay based on employment if the two schools are willing work together, and the immigration office is willing to do that conversion. I never heard of that happening for a government teacher.

My advice:

1. Make plans to return home or to another country. In Thailand, schools are not free, English programs are expensive, and with the COVID-19 virus, unemployment is quickly increasing. Most MiniEP and EP programs have a reputation of not being that good either.

2. If your school is willing to keep you, make sure you have a work permit before the first day of work.

5 years ago

Robert *******

If you're on your original visa and there is no writing on the visa of your old school, the new school could apply for the 1 year Extension of Stay.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Eril ************

I don't care about "technically nos" or "technically yes".

What is the day your job will end? Is it April 22nd or is that the date your job should have ended?

5 years ago

Eril *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

technically no because I still receive pay up until April 22nd even though that is classed the end of semester break

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Eril ************

Just to make sure we are correct:

Your last working day was March 27, 2020, correct? They stopped paying you after that date?

5 years ago

Eril *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****