Answered6 years ago

How do I switch from a visa-exempt status to a COVID extension and apply for an Education visa in Thailand?

Visa Exempt Status COVID Extension Thai Immigration Education Visa TM30 Registration Visa Extension Process

Christine ********

asked Apr 25, 2021

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Hi, I am in Bangkok on a visa exempt (USA).  At the end of May I would like to get the covid extension.  1.  Do I need to change my exempt status to a Covid extension in person at the MT immigration office or is it automatic these days?  Since I would like to stay 9 more months until June of 2022, I am interested in obtaining an Education visa.  2.  do I need to apply for it outside of Thailand even though I am here now?    

Thank you for your kind response.

Answer summary

The user, currently on a visa-exempt entry in Bangkok, seeks guidance on transitioning to a COVID extension and pursuing an Education visa. It's clarified that obtaining a COVID extension requires an in-person application at a Thai immigration office, and users should first secure a standard 30-day extension on their current visa-exempt entry before considering the COVID extension. Regarding the Education visa, it may be possible to apply while in Thailand, but this is contingent on the specific school and immigration office policies, necessitating prior consultation with the educational institution.

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James ********

Thanks all for your helpful replies.

I believe the OP has her direction.

We wish her well.

Commenting closed.

6 years ago

Ellie *******

Most immigration offices let you apply for 30days "standard' extension based on tourism first, before they accept the application for Covid extension. Once you got 30days, then see what your option would be.

In Bangkok, TM30 wouldn't be required for a 30days extension usually. Still better to have TM30 receipt than sorry.

If you can apply for ED visa in-country, it totally depends on the school you are going to enroll in and the immigration office. Talk to that school first.

6 years ago

James ********

The extensions are not automatic... Must be made in person by you at your local Thai immigration office.

6 years ago

Christine ********

That means I've been here 15 days and have 30 more on my visa exempt so i should go to immigration this week?

6 years ago

James ********

@Christine *******

anytime in the coming 30 days... You do not lose any days by going early.

Where are you now in Thailand?

Christine ********

I'm in Bangkok

Christine ********

are you saying I cannot get the covid extension at the end of May? Also, I'm at an airbnb. I gave this address upon entry at the airport. So they have it right?

6 years ago

James ********

@Christine *******

see the reply below from Bobby Howard

Christine Milton. The address you gave at the airport is not relevant. Ensure the owner/landlord of the Airbnb has filed a TM30 and get a copy of the receipt or screenshot. Although not needed for your initial 30-day tourist extension, you will almost certainly need it for the covid extension (if it is still available after May 29).

6 years ago

Bobby ********

Christine Milton. The address you gave at the airport is not relevant. Ensure the owner/landlord of the Airbnb has filed a TM30 and get a copy of the receipt or screenshot. Although not needed for your initial 30-day tourist extension, you will almost certainly need it for the covid extension (if it is still available after May 29).

6 years ago

James ********

@Bobby *******

thank you for your helpful and correct advice.

6 years ago

James ********

You need to go to Thai immigration within 30 days of your current permission to stay date stamped in expires.

As you entered visa exempt you will be applying for the regular 30 days extension for your visa exempt entry.

If later the COVID extension is still available... Then apply for it.

And explore your options in getting the Ed Visa with schools inside Thailand.

Be sure you have a TM30 address registration on file with the Thai immigration office.

Good Luck...

6 years ago