Answered5 years ago

Can I apply for an education visa in Thailand while on a visa-exempt entry?

Education Visa (ED)Visa Exemption Thailand Immigration Visa Transfer Non-Immigrant Visa Language Schools

Dominick ******

asked Nov 23, 2021

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Wondering about options for an education visa to study for 6 months or a year. Probably too late to get one before December 22. But could I come in on visa exempt and transfer to Ed visa OR would I have to leave Thailand again just to activate that.

Answer summary

The post inquires about the possibility of obtaining an education visa (ED) while currently in Thailand on a visa-exempt entry. Comments from the community indicate that it is generally possible to apply for an ED visa directly within Thailand, particularly at major immigration offices in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. However, the feasibility of this process can depend on the school and their policies, especially considering past regulations concerning private language schools. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a reputable language school for specific guidance.

4 repliesnewest first

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Keven ****

I would contact a reputable school. Whether it can be done is based on that.

"But could I come in on visa exempt and transfer to Ed visa"

- It's technically possible to change a visa exemption to a Non-Immigrant ED visa inside Thailand. However, it's difficult to say. In 2020, a letter was issued by the Ministry of Education, saying they were stopping ED visas for private language schools. What came of that, or if its still in effect, you'd have to ask schools directly.

5 years ago

Keven ****

"Probably too late to get one before December 22."

- It could be possible, or not, since it takes time for a school to prepare the needed documentation. Again, ask a school.

OR would I have to leave Thailand again just to activate that."

- You would only need to be outside of Thailand and enter Thailand to activate your visa if you would get your Non-Immigrant ED visa outside of Thailand.

Either way, that would be expensive and a waste of time. You could simply get a COVID extension and probably still convert your visa exemption to an ED visa inside Thailand (although it depends if immigration are doing that for private language schools).

(Again, ask around and speak to schools.)

5 years ago

Paul ***********

My language school say turn up and apply whilst here.

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

At most immigration offices, especially Chiang Mai and Bangkok, a person can enter on a visa exempt and acquire an in-country ED visa.

5 years ago