Job Discussion Forums

[JamieMcC]

I will be taking the TEFL Int'l course in the fall. I intend to stay in Thailand after the course and find a job.
Am I eligible for a Non-Immigrant B Visa? Or do I need a letter from an employer? I do not intend to apply for jobs until I am in Thailand. I'd really appreciate any advice!!!
Thanks in advance!

[kenkannif]

They can and should help you, you'll need a basic letter from them and school and business registration.

PM me I might be able to advise.

[Sheep-Goats]

TEFL Intl should help you out with that -- I'd send them an email and see what's up. Of course, it might be easier to do it on visa runs.

Oh, and also, Non-Imm B's don't transfer that well. While it's technically possible to transfer your visa from one employer to the next, the visa expires on your last day of work, and Thais don't tend to hire people until a few days before they need them. What this means is that you won't get a yea/nea on your job until your old visa is as good as dead and that this won't give you enough time to transfer it as your new employer probably won't have their shit together to get it done that same week.

What I'm saying is that if you were hoping to get a non Imm-B from TEFL Int in order to ease your work search later or avoid a trip out of the country, you shouldn't worry about it as there will be some hassel even if they TEFL Int folks get you what you want. There won't end up being much of a difference as far as expense and headache go.

[JamieMcC]

I really appreciate the advice. I will take all of that into consideration.

I was thinking it would be best to go with a Non-Imm B only bc it would give me the most time (90 days?) in Thailand to look for a job before doing a Visa run. I think I'm overanalyzing the Visa thing... it sounds like I'll be 'running' regardless of what type of Visa I get.
Thanks again for all the wonderful advice.

[kenkannif]

Actually they should be able to get you a multi (if you're in the West) which means you'd be good here for 15 months albeit in 90 day intervals. Really more than enough time to find work and get it all processed. Worth it's weight and then some in gold.

SG is kind of correct although if you leave a job you have 7-14 days in which to get a 'new' Visa, BUT a simple letter from your school and MoE (still easier said that done) will mean Imm can extend your Non-imm B (there's no need to transfer it per se) and give them time to get a WP sorted out for you. We've done this a few times (and we're not the most organised of schools) so the 'better' schools shouldn't have a major problem.

Yeah until you get a WP and get your Visa extended you will indeed need to leave every 90 days (generally).

[bluffer]

Maybe better to get a multi entry tourist.

You will get 60 days, extend it for 30 at immigration then leave the country come back and get another 60 etc etc

that gives you plenty of time to find jobs / chill as required.

[kenkannif]

Do multiple tourist Visas still exist mate? I thought they'd pretty much been fazed (phazed?) out? An option, but no way a better option.

Also the 1,900 Baht a pop to extend makes it quite expensive at the end of the day!

Although semi-good point as a tourist (not to be confused with a 30 day stamp in) Visa in theory can be converted to a Non-imm B.

Also there's other things to bear in mind, for example it's easier to open a bank account with a Non-imm B, register a car etc.

Certainly the best option, but a triple tourist will suffice if a multiple Non-imm isn't forthcoming.

[JamieMcC]

Thanks so much for all the input. You've all simplified things immensely.

One more question... so, I took your advice and asked TEFL Int'l to write me a letter. They did, no problem. So, if I'm given a Non-Imm B and I go to Thailand and complete the course, is my visa only good for 7-14 days after the end of course?

Thanks again for the help.

[kenkannif]

I'll PM you in a bit. But ideally they will help you get a multiple entry one which means you'll be good for 15 months in 90 day intervals.

It's not even really worth getting a single entry one a double tourist is better than that.