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What Should I Do About My Non 'O' Volunteer Visa Expiry and Work Permit Validity?
Jan 15, 2020
6 years ago
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello. One quick question.
As I posted not long ago, I made the mistake of not getting a letter of approval from the BKK Ministry of Development to get an extension for my non 'O' volunteer visa. So, have to leave the country and apply for a new non 'O'.
Just called the consulate in Penang to ask if that is a possible and a staff member clearly explained that I could, and he knew about this situation. Very helpful guy.
Still, he said just leave the country and the visa will automatically expire. Yet, I've been told I should cancel my current visa before I leave. He said, if i do that the WP might lose its validity. Do any of you know what I should do? Thanks.
As I posted not long ago, I made the mistake of not getting a letter of approval from the BKK Ministry of Development to get an extension for my non 'O' volunteer visa. So, have to leave the country and apply for a new non 'O'.
Just called the consulate in Penang to ask if that is a possible and a staff member clearly explained that I could, and he knew about this situation. Very helpful guy.
Still, he said just leave the country and the visa will automatically expire. Yet, I've been told I should cancel my current visa before I leave. He said, if i do that the WP might lose its validity. Do any of you know what I should do? Thanks.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on whether to cancel their current Non 'O' volunteer visa, which they mistakenly failed to extend properly. After consulting with the Thai consulate in Penang, they are confused about the validity of their visa and work permit (WP) upon leaving the country. Commenters emphasize the need to officially cancel the extension of stay before exiting Thailand to avoid any complications with the work permit.
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Tod *********
I will give you ONE final bit of advice
NEVER EVER trust a thai consulate worker at an embassy OUTSIDE the country with anything to do with a visa or extension INSIDE the country
AND
NEVER EVER trust a thai immigration officers at an immigration office INSIDE the country with anything to do with getting a visa from a thai consulate OUTSIDE the country.
They are two totally different government agencies and don't have a clue (as in LESS than a clue) about each other's business
NEVER EVER trust a thai consulate worker at an embassy OUTSIDE the country with anything to do with a visa or extension INSIDE the country
AND
NEVER EVER trust a thai immigration officers at an immigration office INSIDE the country with anything to do with getting a visa from a thai consulate OUTSIDE the country.
They are two totally different government agencies and don't have a clue (as in LESS than a clue) about each other's business
Tod *********
@James ****************
You were given correct information you are now on an EXTENSION OF STAY, it will NOT officially cancel when you stamp out (even if you run it right to the last day it won't) You need to go to the immigration office where you got the extension, cancel it officially THEN you can exit the countryNow obviously whether you do this or not is on you. Good Luck, (y)
Aaron ********
Good luck with the hoop jumping James. What a muddle.
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks.
Reply to
James *****************
Reply
Robert *******
To follow the rules and regulations of the Extension of Stay you have stamped in your passport, you inform the Immigration Officer that you cancel this Extension of Stay as you can not meet the requirements to apply for a new Extension, you leave Thailand and you apply for a new Non Immigrant O visa based on being a Volunteer and during the last 45 days of your 90 day Admitted until period you got on entry you visit Chang Mai Immigration and can apply for a new Extension of Stay based on being a volunteer.
Ron *******
So, are you on any extension now?
Biff *******
If you told the guy in Penang you had a visa, he was correct. The fact that you don’t, you have an extension of stay, means you need to cancel it before you leave.
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERThe man in Penang told me as long as it's valid it's good. I am hoping end of May will suffice. It at least gives me time to apply for another BKK letter and then try for a year extension. Thanks for the help.
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTEROk, it ends late May, so hope that's enough.
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTEROk cool, that's a relief. Guess the guy in Penang got that part wrong.
Ron *******
The Labour office runs the WP, not immigration or a consulate in Malaysia
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTEROk, hope that won't affect my WP, but of course I will talk to CM officials about that.
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERYes. Ends late Feb. Just wondering if to cancel at CM Immigration or just leave.
Reply to
James *****************
Reply
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERSorry, I meant 53 days regarding the time needed to process the letter in BKK.
Ron *******
2 weeks ago, you posted that you had 53 days left on your current extension from the 2nd January?
Robert *******
Amazing that a fellow working at the Thai Consulate seems to follow this page as he knows all about the situation but has no clue that you do not have a Visa but an Extension of Stay and that needs to be cancelled.
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERI told him about the situation and he was aware of it happening to people.
Reply to
James *****************
Reply
Randy **********
Why not just go get the letter and get the extension done? Did you ask immigration INSIDE Thailand what to do?
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks. Yes, I had 53 days. They said that wouldn't do. Ouch. Guess I'll enjoy those great Penang curries.
James *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERToo late to get the letter. They now require two months for processing. I can go and ask at immigration. Just asking here since the guys seem to know a lot.
Reply to
James *****************
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