correct, no multi entry Non-B’s now, it’s been several years since. When I switched from a Non-O multi entry visa to Non-B single entry I was not on an extension granted by immigration, I always did my utmost best to stay away from immigration offices and seek my “permission” from embassies instead, but of course now its not so easy to do this.
this is because they are effectively going from one tourist visa to another, MoFa are not going to block the OP from starting his new job, which is what they would be doing if they declined his Non B application. I can’t speak for DTV but I’ve applied for non B’s in the past when I’ve had a valid multi non O, never had a problem. I also had expat staff in one of my previous companies do the same thing. Again DTV might be different but I doubt it.
Anonymous participant correct, the visa won’t be cancelled on exiting as it’s a multiple entry, but your current permit to stay (the stamp) will be, this is likely what the IO was referring to when he said “cannot”. Just go and apply for a new Non B, no need to ask anything at the immigration office, they only deal with extensions, transferring extensions etc. Remember immigration don’t issue visas, this is done by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, completely different department from immigration that don’t even talk to each other.
Simply exiting the country will cancel your current permit to stay, no need to cancel the visa, just get a new Non B from a nearby country and ask the embassy to stamp your DTV as used, they will not reject your Non B application. When re-entering make sure you show the IO your Non B, if the embassy hasn’t already stamped the DTV as used the IO will.
Ok as the chances of anyone in this group having a kidney transplant 18 years ago is 0.01%, I suggest you contact an agent who can advise you the best policy, more importantly one that will accept you with such a pre existing condition. Contact