What visa options are available for teaching English in Chiang Mai without a degree?

Thailand visa Teaching English in Thailand Non-O visa ED visa Digital nomad visa TEFL qualification Immigration rules Chiang Mai expat advice

May 30, 2024

6 months ago

Dave **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Good evening. English, over 55. 

I'm hoping to move to Chiang Mai area in October/ November 2024. I already have TEFL qualification, level 3. In Chiang Mai I intend to then take level 5 TEFL. My intention is to teach English online and at language schools. I do not have a degree. Any advice on best visa to obtain initially and then when in Thailand gratefully received.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion centers around visa options for teaching English in Thailand, particularly for individuals over 55 with a TEFL qualification but no degree. It's noted that a bachelor's degree is typically required for a work permit, and alternative pathways such as the Non-O visa or the digital nomad visa are suggested for remote work. However, teaching in schools may be challenging without a degree, and options may include working illegally or seeking an ED visa. Several comments caution against the viability of teaching without a degree and discuss current regulatory changes.

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Anita ******

My son lives in Bangkok. He spent over 4 years studying for his degree while looking after my Grandson. He is now working in a school as a teacher.

5 months ago

Bagyi ******

I use the Photoshop bachelor degree it works, They only look, that's it.

6 months ago

Joe **********

You Can't teach without a degree coz you won't get a work permit. No way round it!

6 months ago

KJ ********

But maybe check out the up and coming digital nomad visa. Your answer might lie there. Or ED visa and then switch to digital nomad with tutoring English online once you get established.

6 months ago

KJ ********

You don't need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Thailand. You need a 4 year Bachelors degree. It is part of the visa requirements. They don't care about TEFL so much, or you can just do a one month TEFL to give you an upper edge with employers

6 months ago

Bob ********

Hold your breath for a while it looks like all the rules are changing some next week some a bit later, it may be easier to use a different visa

6 months ago

Terary **********

I have been working remotely for the past nine years. The company I work for is in my home country as is my banking.

If your plan includes not seeing anybody face to face you can do either the retirement visa or the multiple entry tourist visa..

6 months ago

John **********

Without a bachelors degree you won't get a work permit to teach these days. You can do other things without a degree. You can't work on a retirement visa. See if your TEFL school can help you with an ED visa

6 months ago

Mel ******

And if you decide to seek an age 50+ nonO visa, you are not supposed to work in Thailand. Or are you planning on a different visa?

6 months ago

Jim ********

Without a degree legally you can't teach in Thailand, but some language schools will employ you at crap pay. Don't expect more than 25k per month. With regards to online teaching you can do this illegally, but every Tom Dick and Harry is doing this, so don't expect a livable income

6 months ago

Carsten ************

Check this:

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6 months ago

Nicolas ********

Not gonna happen bud . Not a viable option anymore

6 months ago

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Nicolas ********

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