Can You Change A Non B + Work Permit To A Student Visa Without Leaving Thailand?

[frequentlyaskedquestions]

I am currently working in Thailand but will start studying full time next month. I need to change my current visa (non b + work permit) to an education visa.

Can it be done without leaving the country?

If so, where?

What do I need to do? (e.g. paperwork)

How long does it take?

Regards

FAQ 's

[digitalchromakey]

I am currently working in Thailand but will start studying full time next month. I need to change my current visa (non b + work permit) to an education visa.

Can it be done without leaving the country?

If so, where?

What do I need to do? (e.g. paperwork)

How long does it take?

Regards

FAQ 's

Yes it's possible;

You can go to your local immigration dept.

You apply under section 7.7 or 7.8 of National Police Order 606/2549- check out this translated list of criteria for extension and required documents. Thai Police Order 606/2549 – Immigration's English translation

[Maestro]

You cannot change at an immigration office from one type of non-immigrant visa to another type of non-immigrant visa, but if you are currently on an extension of stay for employment you can make a new application for extension of stay for study with the necessary documents for this type of extension.

--

Maestro

[digitalchromakey]

You cannot change at an immigration office from one type of non-immigrant visa to another type of non-immigrant visa, but if you are currently on an extension of stay for employment you can make a new application for extension of stay for study with the necessary documents for this type of extension.

--

Maestro

Maestro, you are correct in stating that non immigrant visa types cannot be changed per se.

However surely you can apply for a first extension of permission to stay, from within Thailand, provided you meet the criteria and you possess a valid non immigrant visa ?

(1) The foreigner must obtain permit stamp for the temporary entry

[Maestro]

Of course, a first extension can also be done with the necessary documents.

--

Maestro

[frequentlyaskedquestions]

Thank you for the help so far.

I think I need to include a little more information.

Last week I went to immigration for an extension to my Non b. This was granted and extended to March 2009 for the purpose of employment.

Whilst there, I asked what I needed to do if I became a student. The Officer replied that I need to go to an embassy in Bangkok. They didn't say where or what (British or thai) embassy. It left me very confused and hence my question on Thaivisa.

Based on this information should I still be applying for a first extension with the correct documents as listed in the link OR is there something else I can do (and where do I get the forms from).

Please help as time is running short!

Regards

FAQ's

[digitalchromakey]

Thank you for the help so far.

I think I need to include a little more information.

Last week I went to immigration for an extension to my Non b. This was granted and extended to March 2009 for the purpose of employment.

Whilst there, I asked what I needed to do if I became a student. The Officer replied that I need to go to an embassy in Bangkok. They didn't say where or what (British or thai) embassy. It left me very confused and hence my question on Thaivisa.

Based on this information should I still be applying for a first extension with the correct documents as listed in the link OR is there something else I can do (and where do I get the forms from).

Please help as time is running short!

Regards

FAQ's

No idea why immigration suggested you go to an embassy.....

I understand from your subsequent post that you are already on an Extension of Permission to Stay based on business (section 7.1 of National Police Order 606/2549).

Now I presume you are still working and holding your workpermit, this is my read on what you should do:

Get your paperwork ready for an extension based on study 7.7 in the case of study at a government education institute, or 7.8 in the case of study at a private goverment education institute.

On the day you cancel you finish work & cancel your work permit go to your local immigration, explain what has happened and apply for your new extension on the grounds of 7.7 or 7.8.

[frequentlyaskedquestions]

Yes, you did read it correctly. Thank you for your advice.

I will start preparing the documents.

Regards