Hi fellas,

Wondering if someone can help me.

I came in from US on a 3 months ED visa. I believe I can go in to immigration office for extension upon expiry.

Right now I am not doing any course and am not keen on taking up any either. So will I be asked to show documents to prove that I am still doing some course or is my current ED visa sufficient for me to extend?

Thanks.

Chris

No , you need supporting papers from a school for an Extension of Permission to Stay based on study.

What school gave you the Ed visa? Go back to them to get the documents you need for the extension. Not sure if they'll give you the documents as you have not attended school but they probably will because you paid. Then it's up to the immigration officer to decide whether to permit your extension despite having logged 0 hours of study.

There are some who apply for an Ed visa falsely and with intent to deceive which would put everyone else who is doing the right thing at risk of a crackdown or unwanted scrutiny.You could explore legal options such as retirement if you are over 50-there is a number of very knowledgable moderators in here such as UdonJoe who could advise you well.

Thanks for the replies.

Actually I shld clarify. I came to practice buddhism and am doing that at a few places.

One of the retreats/temples had written a letter of invitation and based on that the US consulate told me to apply for a 3 months ED visa for studying buddhism, which I did. However, I plan to visit few other places of retreats and maybe also learn Thai at some stage and so wanted advice on what's the best way to renew my ED visa. Maybe I should just check with some visa agent....

Thanks

Chris

Without proof of attending a course of study at a school registered with Ministry of Education you will not get the extension of stay based upon education.This is is what you would need to study Buddhism. From police order 777/2551.

2.13 In the case of studying Buddhism or practicing religious activities: Each permission shall be granted for no more than one year. The alien: (1) Must have been granted a non-immigrant visa (NON-IM). (2) Must have been confirmed and requested by the National Office of Buddhism, or Office of the Prime Minister, or Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, or Mahamakut Buddhist University. (3) Must have been confirmed by the abbot of the temple where the applicant is studying Buddhism or practicing religious activities.

You could try an agent but anything you were to get would probably be illegally obtained. Or you could end up paying a lot of money and get nothing.

Hi ubonjoe,

The information that you provided me has been very helpful (re: buddhism studying visa regulations)

Do you know where I can get more information about it and how to go about with the application process (provided I get the necessary documents)

Thanks

Chrismay

Your first decision is what you are going to study, Thai or Buddhism. If it is Thai language then there are many language schools that can offer you the assistance with an Ed-Visa, just look on line. If Buddhism is your choice then find an Abbot at a Wat (temple) that will support your activity and give you the needed documents.