Answered3 years ago

What are the best steps to authenticate my degree and get a work visa in Thailand?

Visa Rules Teaching in Thailand Degree Authentication Tourist Visa Work Visa International Schools

Tom ********

asked Jul 29, 2023

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Hello. I'm in a bit of a pickle. I'm currently in Thailand looking for a teaching position on a Tourist Visa. I worked in China before and my degree has been notarised by both embassies. Through miscommunication with schools and my own ignorance, I thought I could get my degree authenticated in Thailand at a notary public. I also wasn't aware I needed degree transcripts. I didn't need them in China.

So far, my plan is this: Send my original degree by FedEx to the Thai Embassy in London for authentication, have a family member pick it up, and then send it back to Thailand by a similar courier service ASAP. Also, request original paper degree transcripts from my university, and get them legalised by the FCDO, authenticated also by the Thai embassy, and sent to Thailand by FedEx. However, one school said that after June this year, Thai embassies in UK and US don't do authentication anymore? 🤔

Is there an easier way? The requirements for a work visa seem to change depending on the requirements of the school, whether it be an international school or a private language centre. People have said they just used a copy of their degree transcripts and an original authenticated degree. What should I do? The costs are going to mount up, and I don't want to waste time/money.

Thank you everyone for your time 👏🏻

Answer summary

The user is currently in Thailand on a Tourist Visa and seeking a teaching position but faces complications with degree authentication. They plan to send their degree to the Thai Embassy in London for authentication, alongside obtaining transcripts from their university, which they are concerned about due to mounting costs and changes in embassy policies. Comments suggest alternatives, including legalizing documents at the British Embassy in Bangkok and possibly using online services from their university for transcripts. Overall, there is a consensus that it might be easier to consult directly with schools or agents for the most current requirements.

11 repliesnewest first

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Cliff *********

For complicated situations you should probably talk to the school and an agent to get correct up to date information.

3 years ago

Terary **********

When I was teaching 5 years ago the requirements we not quite as strict. I just needed original looking transcripts and degree.

I know there are several teaching agencies that can get you in through the back-door. It sucks but it gives some time to work-out your paperwork. Also, it give you the opportunity to see how things really work here in Thailand.

3 years ago

Pete *******

The British Embassy in Bangkok are not interested in you, full stop. The only way to get your degree legalised is via the Legalisation Office of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in the UK. Details of the process are available online.

3 years ago

Tom ********

@Pete ******

Thanks, Pete. So is my plan outlined above the only option?

3 years ago

Tom ********

Okay thanks a lot, Pete! They’re closed now so I’ll give them a call on Monday.

3 years ago

Pete *******

@Tom *******

If your apostille was issued by the UK Legalization Office your good to go. Only the Thai authorities your dealing with can tell you if they will accept it or not.

3 years ago

Tom ********

I've got an apostille on my degree. Is that not the same thing?

3 years ago

Pete *******

@Tom *******

the Thai Embassy in London will not accept your documents directly. You must go through the Uk Legalization Office first, then they will then forward the documents to the Thai Embassy in London who then in turn forward the documents to the MFA in Bangkok, after which you then receive them. Full details of the process is online at .gov.uk. Good Luck

3 years ago

Mma *******

Get that stuff Notorised in BKK at the British Embassy here. You don't need to send them to UK. Also see if your University will send you your transcripts via email - for a fee of course they did it for me. Then you may need them translated, but do that here.

3 years ago

Tom ********

Really? Then why do some schools request specifically that they must be notarised at the Thai embassy in London? Is it just a screening process from the school but not a requirement from visa officers? The school is in Samut Prakan.

3 years ago

Mma *******

@Tom *******

Probably to do with getting the Non-B in your country, that's why they say get it done over there before you leave. But now you are here, why would you need to send it to the UK? it doesn't make sense. Check the British consulate website - for the Australian you can can book a slot on the website to get your degree notarized here- costs a pretty penny.

3 years ago