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Imagine you’re a foreigner in Thailand, working for a company, and you have a non-O visa that’s about to expire. You’ve already applied for a work permit, but you’re still waiting for it to be processed. You’re worried that you might have to leave the country, but you’re not sure if you can come back in immediately. Another example is if you’re a digital nomad who’s been living in Thailand on a tourist visa, but you’ve just landed a job and need to switch to a work permit. In this post, I’ll help you figure out what to do next.
If you’re in a situation where you need to switch from a non-O visa to a work permit, you’re probably feeling a bit stressed out. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Understand the process
To get a work permit in Thailand, your employer needs to apply for it on your behalf. This process can take some time, so it’s essential to plan ahead. Once your employer has submitted the application, you’ll need to wait for it to be processed.
Step 2: Check your visa status
If your non-O visa is about to expire, you’ll need to leave the country. However, you can’t just re-enter Thailand on a visa-exempt entry and wait for your work permit to be processed. This is because the immigration authorities will be expecting you to have a non-immigrant B visa, which is the type of visa required for work permits.
Step 3: Get a non-immigrant B visa
To get a non-immigrant B visa, you’ll need to leave Thailand and apply for it at a Thai embassy or consulate in another country. This is the best option because it will allow you to re-enter Thailand and complete the work permit process. Make sure you have all the required documents, including a valid passport, proof of employment, and a medical certificate.
Step 4: Re-enter Thailand
Once you have your non-immigrant B visa, you can re-enter Thailand. Your employer will need to take you to the immigration office to complete the work permit process.
Additional tips
What to do while waiting for your work permit
If you’re waiting for your work permit to be processed, there are a few things you can do to stay productive. You can:
Remember, getting a work permit in Thailand can take time, but with the right guidance and support, you can make the process much smoother.
