Can I switch international schools in Thailand while holding Non-ED and Non-O visas without leaving the country?

Question

Question about switching international schools while on Non-Ed student and Non-O guardian visas:

My child and I currently have a Non-ED and Non-O guardian visa, and we are on our first 1 year extension now. We are thinking of moving to a different international school in another province in Thailand for the next school year. Can I just get the documentation from the new school showing that my child has been accepted and we’ve paid the new school fees and “update” our existing visas (since the school switch would take place before the next 1 year renewal) to reflect the new school information and our new address or would we have to start over from scratch, from outside Thailand?

Thank you for any guidance you can provide.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The individual seeks guidance on the process of switching international schools in Thailand while holding Non-ED and Non-O guardian visas. They inquire if they can update their existing visas with documentation from the new school, or if they need to leave Thailand and start the visa application process anew. A commenter advises that they must first cancel their current extensions at the immigration office using a termination letter from the current school, then apply for new extensions with documents from the new school. The ability to complete this process in Thailand or needing to leave depends on specific immigration policies and timelines.

Ellie ******* · Answer

You need to talk with the schools for details.

You need to cancel the current extensions with a termination letter (stating end of study on xxx date) from the current school at the immigration office. Then apply for new extensions with documents from the new school at the immigration office in the new province.

Depending on the current province office's policy, you may or may not be able to apply for cancellation in advance.

If the timeframe allows, you may change the school and get new extensions without leaving Thailand. Detailed procedures and timing depend on many factors, you need to talk with current and new schools well in advance.

Can I switch international schools in Thailand while holding Non-ED and Non-O visas without leaving the country?

Activity

Related

Resources