Can you transition from an education visa to an Elite visa in Thailand?

May 5, 2024
7 months ago
Ishmael *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is it possible to apply for an education visa, and after that for an Elite visa? I have read that this might be difficult to obtain and wondering if that is true and also why? Tnx folks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
It is possible to apply for an Elite visa after obtaining an education (ED) visa, but there are specific requirements that must be met. Applicants need to prove that their educational institution is registered and approved by the Thai government, which has caused confusion and difficulty in the past. Additionally, not having any overstays on your visa is crucial for successful visa transitions.
Neil *******
If you qualify for an elite visa why don’t you just get 1 and then take yourself for education courses. 🤷‍♂️
Colin *******
@Neil ******
I think the only qualification is to pony up between 900,000 and 5m baht?
Ishmael *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ******
and one of the ways to do that is to save the money while on an edu visa
Colin *******
@Ismail ********
yes if you does not have the money yet. In which case it may still be tight in a year's time while spending money living in Thailand with no income?
Ishmael *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Colin ******
true but that part is covered. I just wonder by applying for an edu visa, will the elite visa option be gone forever
Colin *******
@Ismail ********
yes, risky IMO. They could put the cost up again, they could withdraw it. Poster may have funds now, and not in a year's time. I guess the big Q, is why not just go for elite visa now. Only OP can answer that.
Brandon ************
The requirements say that you must be able to prove that your school was registered and approved by the government. No one has been able to determine what that actually means as far as I know. But it has definitely prevented people from getting Elite in the past. You also cannot have any overstay.
Jiji ***********
@Brandon ***********
There was a guy in this group I remember who posted a pic of hus Elite visa despite previously having an overstay, I remember?

Though I know technically you can't - maybe that guy just got lucky, had a sympathetic imm official, or even did some palm-greasing.
Kevin ******
@Brandon ***********
I have heard this, too.
Vinn *********
It is possible you change your ED visa.
Jim ********
@Vinn ********
Elite Visa might not accept an applicant who has previously held an ED visa
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