What should I do if I'm stranded abroad and my Non-B visa and work permit are expiring due to COVID-19?

Jul 1, 2020

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi - I have a question relating to visa extensions given the covid situation. I'm currently on a Non-B visa which expires on Oct 1, as does my work permit, but am currently stranded in Australia due to covid. I fear I might get back to Thailand too late to renew my work permit and then extend the visa.

In that event, will I have to leave Thailand again to apply for a new Non-B visa at a Thai consulate? Given the border closures and the difficulty of traveling, are the Thai authorities making any allowances for people to get new visas in-country? Thanks in advance - you're doing god's work.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks advice on their Non-B visa and work permit expiring while they are stranded in Australia due to COVID-19. They worry about returning to Thailand and being unable to renew their visa and work permit before expiration. The discussion points include options for getting a new Non-B visa from Australia, the necessity of having a valid work permit for that process, and any leniencies from Thai immigration regarding extensions.

Sebastian **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

OK, good to know - thanks for your help!

4 years ago

Sebastian **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks. Actually - a correction, I'm on the Non-B visa, not the Non-O.

Firstly, am I correct in assuming I would need a valid work permit to apply for a new Non-B visa here in Australia? Since this expires the same day as my visa, I don't see how it would be doable without returning to Thailand first. If I did that, would there be any way to apply for a new visa in-country?

Alternatively, if I were to make it to Thailand before Oct 1, but with less than the mandatory 21 days remaining on my visa, is the immigration dept easing any of their rules about granting extensions due to covid? Thanks.

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

>Firstly, am I correct in assuming I would need a valid work permit to apply for a new Non-B visa here in Australia?

You can get a Non-B visa BEFORE getting a work permit. You'll get the Non-B visa, fly to Thailand, and get the work permit and the one year extension of stay based on employment.

>f I did that, would there be any way to apply for a new visa in-country?

*SOME* immigration offices allow people to purchase a Non-B visa *INSIDE* Thailand, but the requirements are extremely strict.

>is the immigration dept easing any of their rules about granting extensions due to covid?

We don't know :( There's a certain set of rules for people who are already in Thailand on amnesty, and they *MAY BE* able to get an extension of stay under certain circumstances, however the amnesty can only let a person stay no later than July 31.

We have no idea what will happen after July 31 :(

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

If you are outside of the country, and your visa expires, you will have to start the process over again. I'm assuming you have a Non-O visa based on either marriage or as a volunteer (since those visas allow a work permit).

You can get those visas in Australia before you leave, and then return to Thailand and get an extension of stay.

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

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What options do I have to extend my stay in Thailand with an expiring Non-B visa?

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