Is It Possible To Change From 'tourist' To 'non-immigrant' In Bangkok ?

[JemJem]

A friend plans to go to Bangkok and apply to a degree program at universities while she is there. She thinks that it is best to see various universities in person (location, facilities, accommodation possibilities) and then decide on one of them rather than applying from overseas without being aware of many things. Anyway, she has two questions :

1. She will enter Thailand with a (2-month) tourist visa. Assuming she gets accepted into a program at a uni there before her tourist visa expires, if she goes to the Bangkok Immigration with the acceptance letter from the university, will she be able to change the status of her visa from 'tourist' to 'non-immigrant', which is the type of visa necessary to be able to study in Thailand.........OR, is that NOT possible and that she would have to leave the country and apply for the non-immigrant visa from outside Thailand ?........Of course, she is hoping that within-Bangkok change is possible so she would be able to avoid the hassle and expenses of leaving the country and going back in again.

2. If it is NOT possible for her to change her visa status in Bangkok, where is it advisable for her to get the non-immigrant visa (taking into consideration such factors as time, expense and hassle) ?

Thanks a lot.

Jem

[PoorSucker]

Non Imm "ED"

Thursday, 21 December 2006

With your acceptance letter from a Thai School or university you will be able to get a "Non-Immigrant ED" visa from a Thai Embassy or consulate abroad.

This visa will allow you to stay in Thailand for 1 year subject to one extension within the first 90 days.

Basically this means you can stay in Thailand for one full year without any visa runs whatsoever, after the extension has been made. 90 day reports to the Immigration Office, still have to be made the same way as for any other visa extension.

If you plan to travel in the region during & after the program you may want to consider getting a "multiple entry" stamp. With a single entry stamp you will need to get a reentry stamp each time you travel out of and back into Thailand.

1. For educational purposes at :

1.1 Government University

Documents Required :

* An official letter from the head of the department concerned requesting for a visa for the applicant Photocopy of passport.

1.2 Private university

Document Required :

* An official letter from the head of the department concerned requesting for a visa for the applicant. The University's registration papers and the rector's letter of appointment. Passport photocopy.

1.3 International School

Document Required :

* An official letter from the head of the department concerned requesting for a visa for the applicant. School's registration papers. School administrator's letter of appointment/license. Passport Photocopy.

1.4 Government School

Document Required :

* An official letter from the head of the department concerned requesting for a visa the applicant. Passport Photocopy.

1.5 Private School

Document Required :

* An official letter from the head of the department concerned requesting for a visa for the applicant. The school's registration papers. School principal and administrator's license. Passport photocopy.

2 Applying for a teaching position at :

2.1 Government University

Documents Required :

* An official letter from the head of the department concerned requesting for a visa for the applicant. A letter of employment Application for work permit in accordance to section 8 (wp.3) Passport photocopy.

2.2 Private University

Document Required :

* An official letter from head of the department concerned requesting for a visa for the applicant. A letter of employment. Employment contract. Diploma and resume of the applicant. The school's registration papers and the rector's letter of appointment. Application for work permit in accordance section 8 (wp.3) Passport photocopy.

2.3 International School

Document Required :

* An official letter from the head of the department concerned requesting for a visa for the applicant. Letter of employment Employment contract. Diploma and resume of the applicant. The school's registration papers and the administrator's letter of appointment/license. Application for work permit in accordance Section 8 (wp.3) Photocopy of Passport.

2.4 Government School

Document Required :

* An official letter from the head of the department concerned requesting for a visa for the applicant. A letter of employment. Application for work permit in accordance to Section 8 (wp.3) Photocopy of Passport.

2.5 Private School

Documents Required :

* An official letter from the head of the department concerned requesting for a visa for the applicant. A letter of employment. Employment contract. Diploma and resume of the applicant. The school's registration papers. School administrator or principal's license. Application for work permit in accordance to section 8 (wp.3) Passport photocopy.

Edited March 25, 2008 by PoorSucker

[Maestro]

JemJem, according to latest reports on this forum, a foreign student enrolled for a degree course at a government university – don’t know about private universities – can indeed have the status changed from tourist visa to non-immigrant visa at an immigration office, then get an annual extension of stay for the reason of study.

--

Maestro

[JemJem]

Thanks a lot.

Jem