I'm enrolled to complete my TESOL studies in CHiang Mai and the school has offered to write a letter so I gain a ED visa for 90 though the course only runs for 28 days. Will I be able to complete any volunteer work in the remainer of days on the visa?

Also, once the ED visa expires am I am to apply for a volunteer visa without leaving the country?

What is the difference between a single entry visa and multi entry visa?

Many many thanks on replies to these questions- it's so confusing to try and work out!

You need to get a work permit to work as a volunteer.

Am I able to apply for a work permit without having an employer already lined up?

Am I able to apply for a work permit without having an employer already lined up?

Nope. You'll need an employer first.

The schools misrepresenting the truth, makes it even more confusing. Imagine the abuses if all you needed to do, to stay long term was "volunteer"?

Edited January 8, 201610 yr by bangmai

The schools misrepresenting the truth, makes it even more confusing. Imagine the abuses if all you needed to do, to stay long term was "volunteer"?

The school has offered him a letter to obtain a 90-day non-immigrant ED visa to cover the training course. What have they misrepresented?

It's normal practice in Thailand to volunteer without a work permit. It's also normal practice to teach until the work permit comes through. Both are technically illegal, but it's very common.

It might help if you stated what your goal is. Are you seeking employment (Paid) after getting your Tesol Certificate ? Or are you seeking a volunteer opportunity without pay ?

In either case the organization you either work for or volunteer for should be handling the paperwork and it will not be on an ED Non-B but a new Non-B and work permit with an eventual extension based on your contract duration.

Soooo............what are you in Thailand for ? Work, school, or play ?

The schools misrepresenting the truth, makes it even more confusing. Imagine the abuses if all you needed to do, to stay long term was "volunteer"?

The school has offered him a letter to obtain a 90-day non-immigrant ED visa to cover the training course. What have they misrepresented?

It's normal practice in Thailand to volunteer without a work permit. It's also normal practice to teach until the work permit comes through. Both are technically illegal, but it's very common.

I was talking about the TEFL Schools in general, but it looks like in this specific case, they didn't mention to him/her that it will require a trip to Vientiane for the ED visa, they will be working illegally without a WP, and another Visa will require another trip to Vientiane. Staying for three months on an ED visa, for a 30 day class is probably illegal, too. People working/volunteering illegally only makes it worse for those, who want to be legitimate.

The schools misrepresenting the truth, makes it even more confusing. Imagine the abuses if all you needed to do, to stay long term was "volunteer"?

The school has offered him a letter to obtain a 90-day non-immigrant ED visa to cover the training course. What have they misrepresented?

It's normal practice in Thailand to volunteer without a work permit. It's also normal practice to teach until the work permit comes through. Both are technically illegal, but it's very common.

I was talking about the TEFL Schools in general, but it looks like in this specific case, they didn't mention to him/her that it will require a trip to Vientiane for the ED visa, they will be working illegally without a WP, and another Visa will require another trip to Vientiane. Staying for three months on an ED visa, for a 30 day class is probably illegal, too. People working/volunteering illegally only makes it worse for those, who want to be legitimate.

Where do you get this nonsense from? You cannot get a 28-day non-immigrant ED visa; however, you can get a 90-day non-immigrant ED visa to cover a 28 day course. The minimum length of a non-immigrant visa is 90 days.

you can get a one year visa for teaching, too, but once you quit or they fire you; you have to leave the country, within 7 days, I believe, so that is why I doubt you can stay 90 days, if your class ends in 28.

Would you care to discuss the CMU LI Volunteer Visa/ED Visa scandal of 2010?

Edited January 8, 201610 yr by bangmai

you can get a one year visa for teaching, too, but once you quit or they fire you; you have to leave the country, within 7 days, I believe, so that is why I doubt you can stay 90 days, if your class ends in 28.

Would you care to discuss the CMU LI Volunteer Visa/ED Visa scandal of 2010?

A visa or an entry from one does not end when the job ends. Only an extension of stay done by immigration does.

There is no 7 days unless you pay 1900 baht to get it.

Many people get non-ed visas for short term courses. When a course ends that does no mean the 90 day entry ends.

Same for people getting a singe entry non-b visa for a meeting or conference. Some come in and get a 15 day work permit to do a job and their entry does not end when the job ends.