1 year Non imm B visa

[jocko]

Hi all, I have just applied for an extension of 1 year for my non imm B visa following receipt of work permit. This is a first time application which although with accountant's support proved tiresome and difficult at HH Immigration. After being told the papers would go to Bangkok for authorisation I was then told the case would be investigated and I would receive an unannounced visit as ''it was law that all new applications are investigated within 7 days''. The main reason seems to be to check I have the correct number of Thai workers although this has already been approved by a visit from the Labour office. Can anyone confirm it is law or have they been through the same scenario? Thanks.

[buksida]

Yes, there was always a labour office visit for new WP applications, I had one many moons ago. It comes from the Prachuab labour dept though and has nothing to do with Bangkok (unless your WP specifies that as your place of work) or immigration (unless they have changed the law again).

[jocko]

As I live in Cha Am I had the visit from Phetchaburi labour office before they issued the work permits. This 'investigation' I am referring to is from Immigration Investigation Department before the papers then go to the main Immigration Office in Bangkok for sanctioning.

[buksida]

Must be another new hoop to jump through then, they do tend to add a couple more every year.

[Super Joe]

Only know of the WP/labour office inspection visits Jocko, never a visa/Imm one. But the 4 Thai staff requirement is actually an Immigration requirement for obtaining an extension. Labour department will accept less than 4 when initially obtaining a WP, although convincing them of that may be impossible depending on which officer/which office.

But anyway what I'm trying to say is it seems correct they are wanting to check as it's their rule, would take a guess they're now trying to plug that loophole. Don't think I know of anyone, where their business doesn't require it, to physically have 4 staff after the application exercise... If they were to be serious about this, they will possibly be doing unannounced visits thereafter, Ka-Ching!


Not an official quote, lawyer prob...

'when applying for the visa Extension of Stay, the immigration requires the company to have at least 4 Thai employees (listed in Social Security Fund 3 months prior to the application). This is a compulsory requirement from the Immigration'

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SJ