Answered7 months ago

What is the process for changing schools in Thailand on an ED/Guardian visa and what documents are needed?

ED Visa Guardian Visa School Transfer Visa Documentation Immigration Procedures Phuket Expat

Theresa **********

asked Mar 17, 2026

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Change of schools

Hi, 

I couldn’t find any posts regarding this topic, so I’m starting a new one. 

Is there someone who has changed schools in Thailand with ED / Guardian visa being cancelled by the previous school and “transferred” to the new one? What was your experience like? 

We just got the full year visa last month and decided to change schools. Did you need the full set of docs as for the first prolongation? (Birth certificates, bank docs, photos, school docs etc etc), or is there a more lean process to it? 

We are in Phuket and got sparse information from both schools so far. Planning to go to immigration shortly and would like to be prepared, so any info is useful. Thanks!

Answer summary

An expat in Thailand is seeking advice on changing schools for their children while on an ED (Education) visa and a Guardian visa. They have questions about the visa cancellation process involving their old school and the necessary paperwork to provide for the new school. Comments provide insights on the need for documentation similar to the original visa application, the urgency due to the impending change, and the financial requirements related to bank statements for visa applications.

14 repliesnewest first

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John **********

Do you mean you are on an extension of stay rather than an actual visa? If so as I understand it you need to get the schools to align so you have everything ready paperwork wise then you cancel one extension of stay based on paperwork from the old school and immediately apply for a new extension of stay based on paperwork from the new school

7 months ago

Theresa **********

@John *********

we are on non immigrant ED (the kids) and non immigrant O guardian (the parents) visa. Initially it was valid for 90 days, we just got the prolongation (visa now valid til march 27) in February. The school our kids are enrolled now state they will cancel our visa (all of them) and the new school state they will transfer our visa to their school. I wonder which documents are needed and which timeframe we have in between visa (we’re Germans, not planning to leave Thailand for visa application). Term for old school ends this week so it’s short notice, but we think it’s best for all of us. ☺️🙏🏼

7 months ago

Theresa **********

For the first extension you only need 1 month of > 500k in account. For the second one you need 3 months - as change of school means new extension we may have to show 3 months of > 500k, which practically is not possible

Graham ******

good point

John **********

all you can do is argue your case based on the fact you are not applying for a 2nd year extension but are still in the 1st year and see what they say. It will be up to immigration to say yes or no.

7 months ago

Theresa **********

Thanks. Waiting for info from the new school regarding documents, that’s why I asked if anyone with similar experience would be able to tell me if we need to get the full set of docs (with notarized birth certificate, bank statements, photos in front of house etc etc) again. If so, I’d run to consulate asap cause all of these things need time (that we don’t have).

7 months ago

John **********

@Theresa *********

how did you manage to get your current extension if you don't meet the requirements?

7 months ago

Theresa **********

@John *********

as we just arrived to Thailand 3 months ago we can’t show 3 months > 500k bank books, do you know if Thai immigration is “flexible” on this? Practically, it’s not possible to show it with our short period of stay.. will go to immigration tomorrow morning to check all the details as well.

Theresa **********

thanks

John **********

ask the school if they can make the letter for a later date. If they won't you need to be ready to go on that day with the new extension

7 months ago

Theresa **********

@John *********

our last day of school would be this Friday, we are basically without visa after that, right? 😱

7 months ago

Theresa **********

@John *********

thanks, I was worrying it would be like that. It’s the same immigration office. Will get ready for another paper war 🙄💪🏼

7 months ago

John **********

@Theresa *********

you will need to provide everything you already provided for your recent extension of stay but with documentation from the new school as opposed to the old school, assuming you will use the same immigration office. All the old school needs to supply is a letter with the last day of study, but the last day of study needs to be when you have all the new paperwork in place.

7 months ago

John **********

@Theresa *********

the schools should know what documents are required. I don't think you have any time frame to play with. Cancel one and immediately apply for the other, that's why it's important you get the schools to align with each other.

7 months ago