Changing To Ed Visa In Bkk Immigration.

[siampreggers]

I have a 12 month multi-entry Non-O visa based on visting wife, use by date: 6th Nov 2012, so nearly finished.

I am about to start study with a Thai University. They offer the docs for an Ed visa.

I planned on doing my final 90 day border run early in November and once that is done go to Vientiane to get my Ed visa.

It is a university and I believe the Ed. visa is 90 days single entry, then extendable for 12 months, needing to report to immigration every 90 days.

A friend just mentioned that you can transfer your visa to an Ed. visa at Cheang Wattana immigration office as long as you have 30 days left in your current visa.

Is this true?

That you don't need to leave the country and get an Ed visa from outside Thailand?

If so, what Ed. visa do you normally get for uni study? 90 day single and then extend for 12 months? 12 months straight away and you just have to report every 90 days?

Thanks.

[Mario2008]

Especially with a university study, they might do it. After your border run in Nov you will get another 90 days. During the last 30 days of these 90 days you can apply for an extension of stay based on you study. Just make sure to do it early, so if denied you have time to get the paperwork for the Ed-visa.

[siampreggers]

^ So I may not even have to get an Ed Visa?

Can you extend a Non-O multi-entry for the purpose of study? Even though it is passed its 'use by' date and you're on the last 90 day stamp?

If so, how long is that extension based on study for, 90 days? 12 months with 90 day reporting needed?

tbh I'm surprised that one can get an Ed visa without having to leave the country.

[Ginkas]

Just to make things clear on technicalities (the devil's in the detail) -

You do not extend a Visa, you extend a Permission to Stay.

When you arrive in November on your multiple-entry Non-Imm 'O' Visa you will be given a 90 day Permission to Stay.

Within the last 30 days of that Permission (the earlier the better) you apply for an Extension of Stay for Education Purposes with paperwork from your 'Education Supplier'.

If you are on a full university course (e.g. Degree, Master's, etc.) you may be given a one year extension.

You just report your address to Immigration every 90 days.

If you are on some other course offered by the university (language course, specialist course, etc.) you may be given a 90 day extension.

You report to immigration every 90 days while the course lasts, getting another 90 day extension - also making a separate 90 day address report!

If the Immigration office won't give you an extension of stay, you will have to leave the country and obtain a Non-Immigrant 'Ed' Visa.

I understand that you cannot get such a Visa within Thailand.

NB Note may in the above. Much will depend on the immigration office you attend.

[siampreggers]

Thanks.

I presume applying for these extentions of stays are 1,900thb? regardless of them being 90 days or 12 months?

[Mario2008]

Correct, an extension is always 1,900 baht regardless of how long.

[siampreggers]

So I probably won't have to leave the country, just take my docs to immigration well before my final 90 day 'permission to stay' is up, and I am likely to recieve either a 90 day 'extention of stay' for 1,900thb, or a 12 month 'extention of stay' for 1,900 where I have to report to immigration every 90 days.

Thanks.

[Ginkas]

Correct.

The reason early application is advised is in case immigration want some extra document(s) or another signature, etc.

It gives you time to arrange this (or a trip out of the country if they tell you "no can do").

The extension runs from the date your permission to stay expires, so you don't lose anything going early.

[siampreggers]

So what docs do I need to bring to get an 'Extension of Stay' based on studying at a Private Thai Uni?

The same as the docs for an Ed Visa?

To study at a Private University:

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

http://www.thaivisa.com/279-0.html

What about proof of payment for the course? Does one usually have to show a receipt of payment or is the official letter from the head of the Dept. requesting a visa or 'Ext. of stay' enough (along with the Uni's Reg papers and Rector's letter of appointment)?

[Mario2008]

Ask your university, they will know which docs to provide as they have to give them to you anyway.

The requirements for an extension are stricter and include proof that you are actually studying (attending classes).

[siampreggers]

Ask your university, they will know which docs to provide as they have to give them to you anyway.

The uni is brand new, this is the first time they will have sponsored any sort of Visas.

The requirements for an extension are stricter and include proof that you are actually studying (attending classes).

Even though attending classes before you get the extension based on study is in violation of your previous visa?

How does one prove this attendance? A letter from the Uni? An attendance sheet showing your attendance? We're doing course work online now and haven't began on-site studying yet, though will have by the time I go for my extension. I should have about 5 courses completed and graded for about 20 credits of the 120 credit degree course.

Though isn't showing proof of this, while also showing that I've been on a Non-Imm O, opening myself up for illegal study in breach of my Visa?

[Mario2008]

Attendence is proven with letter from school.

You can study on any visa, even on a visa exempt entry.