Answered2 years ago

Can I leave Thailand on a Tourist Visa while my Non-Ed Visa application is under review?

Tourist Visa Non-ED Visa Re-entry Permit Visa Application Process Immigration Rules Thailand

Khin ***********

asked Aug 29, 2024

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Hello,

I have a quick question regarding leaving Thailand while I’m still technically on a Tourist Visa. I've already submitted my TM86 form to change my visa from a Tourist to a Non-Ed University Visa type, and I have an appointment scheduled in the next three weeks. I plan to return before my appointment date. My school advised me to get a re-entry permit before leaving Thailand. My concern is whether there could be any issues at immigration when I re-enter Thailand, such as my Non-Ed application being disregarded, and being given a Visa Exemption stamp upon arrival instead.Thank you in advance for your advice.

Answer summary

The conversation discusses concerns about leaving Thailand while awaiting a Non-ED visa application. The original poster questions whether they would face issues re-entering the country and whether their pending application would be disregarded if they leave. Responses indicate that generally, it is advised not to leave while an application is under review, as this could invalidate the current entry stamp needed for the Non-ED visa. Users recommend consulting with immigration authorities for clarity before making any travel plans.

9 repliesnewest first

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Oleksandra **********

My school forbids applicants to leave the country after the process of changing TR/visa exemptions stamp into Non-ED have been started. They say they need to submit our current entry stamps so it would not be advisable to leave the country, since it would make already submitted stamps invalid.

I can’t tell you how strict this rule actually is, but it’s how they explained the process to me (I’m on my second ED visa now). We are supposed to make sure we have enough time on our visas/stamps to start and finish the whole process without leaving the country.

2 years ago

Khin ***********

@Oleksandra *********

Yes thank you🙏. After giving it a second thought, I decided not to take the risk to avoid complications.

2 years ago

James ********

@Khin **********

wise decision ✅

2 years ago

Tod *********

To be completely honest I have never ever seen someone leave the country during the "under review" period between when they applied for an in country Non-Imm visa and when they went back to get it inked in.

In fact most immigration offices tell people you CAN'T leave the country during this time (as you need the same entry stamp you applied with when you go back)

The immigration officers at passport control aren't gonna have any idea you have a pending Non-ED visa at an office when you come back (so that's not going to be the issue)

If you are indeed on a real tourist visa (which you bought from a thai consulate before you came here) getting a re-entry permit will keep that 60 day entry stamp "alive" and get you stamped back in on it when you come back

I sure wouldn't trust the school about it and I'd go to the immigration office and ask them BEFORE you leave the country if you can indeed exit/re-enter w/a re-entry permit without any issue to your pending Non-ED application

2 years ago

Khin ***********

@Tod ********

Thank you for your promot reply. I think I would take your advise to go and ask at immigration. Appreciate it. 🙏

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Khin **********

IF it's okay to leave, definitely get a single re-entry permit,

That way when you come back you will get stamped in for the same expiration date you have now in your passport (y)

Good luck with it, report back if you can on whether you are allowed to leave with a re-entry permit or not 🙂

2 years ago

Khin ***********

@Palawng ******************

Thank you for your input sis 🙏🍀

2 years ago

Palawng *******************

@Khin **********

, if you hold Myanmar passport , it’s more complicated.

@Tod ********

is right , Chk it wt d immigration first and get the record of it , bcoz , different immigration division has a little different myth about Myanmar passport holder especially if u r under 45 years kha.

2 years ago

Khin ***********

@Tod ********

Thank you so much. Yes, I would come back and update in the group 🙏🍀

2 years ago