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

Thailand education visa Elite visa Thai visa application process Visa transition process Education visa requirements Immigration rules in Thailand

May 5, 2024

6 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. 🤷‍♂️

6 months ago

Colin *******

@Neil ******

I think the only qualification is to pony up between 900,000 and 5m baht?

6 months ago

Ishmael *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Colin ******

and one of the ways to do that is to save the money while on an edu visa

6 months ago

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?

6 months ago

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

6 months ago

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.

6 months ago

Reply to

Colin *******

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.

6 months ago

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.

6 months ago

Kevin ******

@Brandon ***********

I have heard this, too.

6 months ago

Reply to

Kevin ******

Vinn *********

It is possible you change your ED visa.

6 months ago

Jim ********

@Vinn ********