This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I change my Ed visa to Non-B in Bangkok or do I really need to exit Thailand to apply for a Tourist visa first?

Ed Visa Non-B Visa Visa Change Immigration Rules Thailand Tourist Visa Work Permit

Apr 25, 2018

7 years ago

Jonathan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Everyone,

i am actually on Ed visa. I got a new  job and need to change to Non-B.

The HR of the company told me, I can"t change  my Ed to Non-B in Bangkok and that I need to go out of Thailand to apply for a Tr visa.  The Tr can be changed  to Non-B in Bangkok then. 

I remember, about a year and a half ago, we couldn't change the Tr to Non-B in Bangkok and that i had to apply for my Non-B in Vientiane...

Are the rules changed? or the HR is wrong? or i get old and my memory is defficient?

Thanks for your answers

563

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking clarification on whether they can change their Education (Ed) visa to a Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) visa in Bangkok, or if they need to first leave Thailand to apply for a Tourist (Tr) visa. Previous experiences suggest changes in visa policy may have occurred. Responses indicate that changing directly from an Ed visa to a Non-B visa is typically not allowed. The standard process may require applying for a Tourist visa before being able to apply for a Non-B visa, although some companies may assist with obtaining a Non-B visa directly in Thailand.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Tod *********

Except a tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant Type visa you CANNOT switch from one type to another. :/

As

@Da***

, (y) correctly pointed out you can go from an extension based on education to an extension for another reason.

You take paperwork from your school AND paperwork from your company (along with proof you've applied for a work permit) and go to the immigration office.

You would cancel your extension based on education and immediately apply for a new extension based on employment. It takes some coordination and making sure all your documentation is correct, BUT it can be done.

Keep in mind you can't hold a work permit or legally work on your ED visa.

Perhaps it's just as easy to go get the 90 day single entry Non-B visa from a thai consulate like your employer is saying.

7 years ago

Jonathan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

another question... to be able to request a non b in laos, i need a few documents provided by my company... in those documents, i believe there should be a copy of the application for my work permit done by my company right? so if i am right, the first step is my company application for my WP?

7 years ago

Tod *********

@Jonathan *********

I did say you could switch visa types from a tourist to a Non-Immigrant type one ;)

Seeing as you don't have any extension and are still on the original entry of your ED visa you can't do anything but go to another country and get the 90 day Non-B.

7 years ago

Jonathan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi Tod , the hr says a tourist visa... that don t seems logic

7 years ago

Reply to

Jonathan **********

Danny *********

If you happen to be on an extension of stay based on ed, you can cancel the extension and apply for an extension of stay based on work.

7 years ago

Danny *********

@Jonathan *********

Afaik it is possible... but I do not know how much paperwork is needed.

7 years ago

Jonathan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

not on an extension yet, but i can wait and make my ed extension and then switch to an extension based on work? i won t have to go out at all if possible...

7 years ago

Reply to

Jonathan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I believe the agent working for the company will loose a commision if i apply directly for non-b in vientiane

7 years ago

Saurabh *****************

Some cos can get u a Non B here in Bkk itself , but it takes a lot more paperwork. However , it's more easy for cos to send their future employees out of Thailand with paperwork and get it thmselves. Your HR is right , no Non Immi visa is directly converted to other . You need a T visa which will be again changed to Non B inside or outside , depending on cmpny's profile and paperwork.

7 years ago

Jonathan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

that s what i thought... seems legit to me !

7 years ago

Jonathan **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

maybe but they could slow down the process with the paperwork...it is not legal to work on both Tr and Ed

7 years ago

Robert *******

I guess the problem is that the company want you first a few months on probation basis, actually working without work permit before they apply for it. That's why they ask you to apply for tourist visa first and after that they will apply for the WP and Non B visa.

7 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

Why not take the company papers and directly apply for a Non Immigrant B visa?

7 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice