Teaching in Thailand as a U.S. citizen

[roslee]

My background is a four year public education degree from the University of Washington and I also hold a TEFL. I have a lot of teaching experience with organizations like Bright Futures and Head Start. However, I have always wanted to teach overseas and during one of my travels to SouthEast Asia, I got in touch with an elementary school that needed help. They offered me a job and I've been thinking about it for months. It does not pay much but I want to do what little I can for the students. This time I would like to return as a teacher and not a tourist, and I would greatly appreciate some guidance.

I heard this is the best site for questions regarding visas. I am currently in Japan but soon I will be back home in California to prepare my visa for Thailand. Could you please tell me what I need and what my employers need to do so that I can obtain this visa? They are willing to send me all the documents I need and have been working with the education office and immigration office in Chiang Rai to make this possible.

It all seems so confusing and I would greatly appreciate advice on where to start. I heard that the Thai Embassy in Oregon can give me a non-immigration visa for teaching as long as I have the necessary documents. Is this true? I would really like to have a work permit to stay long term in Thailand and as a legitimate teacher. I do not mind holding a non-immigration visa as a volunteer either. Since the pay is negligible I would not mind to work as a volunteer for a year if that would make things easier. I just do not know what is best. Please assist, thank you!

[ubonjoe]

I suggest you contact the honorary Thai consulate in Portland, Oregon to confirm what their requirements are. They only mention a non-b visa for being employed by a company on their website.

Contact info here: http://www.thai-or.com/

Getting the non immigrant b visa in advance will make it much easier when you arrive here.

[jimcarr65]

I can second that, get the Non-B Immigrant Visa before you come to Thailand from Portland. I don't know the case in Portland, that's why you have to ask. However I know

is some other US states all you need is a letter of invitation, pending contract to obtain a Non-B.

[roslee]

I can second that, get the Non-B Immigrant Visa before you come to Thailand from Portland. I don't know the case in Portland, that's why you have to ask. However I know

is some other US states all you need is a letter of invitation, pending contract to obtain a Non-B.

I suggest you contact the honorary Thai consulate in Portland, Oregon to confirm what their requirements are. They only mention a non-b visa for being employed by a company on their website.

Contact info here: http://www.thai-or.com/

Getting the non immigrant b visa in advance will make it much easier when you arrive here.

Thanks to both of your answers. It seems like they are going to have everything I need. Thank you so much!

[roslee]

http://www.thai-or.com/visa-information/

I found most of the information thanks to you guys. So it seems like all I need is a business invitation letter. But what happens once I get to Thailand and need to stay longer than the 90 days? How can I extend my stay further? The Honorary Thai Consulate in Oregon did not ask me for my diploma, but I am thinking I should definitely bring my diploma to Thailand.

Once I enter Thailand with a B visa, can I get a work permit right away? My employer just told me that they would help me get the work permit as soon as I came. It is a public school.

[willyumiii]

You can be hired as a teacher on a Non O visa, ( I was,) but most schools are unaware of this and it was like pulling teeth to convince them.

At one point, I gave up and went to Thai immigration to convert my Non O into a Non B, and the immigration officer convinced me that it would be foolish to do so.

She went above her call and contacted the school and convinced them that I could work as a teacher on a Non O visa.

Since it is an issue for the Ministry of Labor and not immigration, I was very impressed that the immigration officer did this for me.

But, in a nutshell, I must agree, if yo are "starting fresh" with a visa, get a Non B and avoid the battle.

[JackThompson]

http://www.thai-or.com/visa-information/

I found most of the information thanks to you guys. So it seems like all I need is a business invitation letter. But what happens once I get to Thailand and need to stay longer than the 90 days? How can I extend my stay further? The Honorary Thai Consulate in Oregon did not ask me for my diploma, but I am thinking I should definitely bring my diploma to Thailand.

Once I enter Thailand with a B visa, can I get a work permit right away? My employer just told me that they would help me get the work permit as soon as I came. It is a public school.

Be aware, you cannot work one day in Thailand without a work permit. Some schools have misled their foreign-teachers with fables of 'grace periods' and such. Your school sounds like a good one, in that they are offering to get this for you right away.

I'll leave it to those who have done the teaching gig to answer how your university-credentials are transferred to Thailand, but ideally your school will provide you with an exact list of everything they need to apply for your work permit.

[roslee]

You can be hired as a teacher on a Non O visa, ( I was,) but most schools are unaware of this and it was like pulling teeth to convince them.

At one point, I gave up and went to Thai immigration to convert my Non O into a Non B, and the immigration officer convinced me that it would be foolish to do so.

She went above her call and contacted the school and convinced them that I could work as a teacher on a Non O visa.

Since it is an issue for the Ministry of Labor and not immigration, I was very impressed that the immigration officer did this for me.

But, in a nutshell, I must agree, if yo are "starting fresh" with a visa, get a Non B and avoid the battle.

Thanks! I will look into that since I don't mind volunteering! Can I still get a work permit and extend my stay just like a B visa would? any advantages or disadvantages O vs B visa? You are very kind to mention this.

[willyumiii]

You can be hired as a teacher on a Non O visa, ( I was,) but most schools are unaware of this and it was like pulling teeth to convince them.

At one point, I gave up and went to Thai immigration to convert my Non O into a Non B, and the immigration officer convinced me that it would be foolish to do so.

She went above her call and contacted the school and convinced them that I could work as a teacher on a Non O visa.

Since it is an issue for the Ministry of Labor and not immigration, I was very impressed that the immigration officer did this for me.

But, in a nutshell, I must agree, if yo are "starting fresh" with a visa, get a Non B and avoid the battle.

Thanks! I will look into that since I don't mind volunteering! Can I still get a work permit and extend my stay just like a B visa would? any advantages or disadvantages O vs B visa? You are very kind to mention this.

My Non O is due to the fact that I am married to a Thai woman ( and have a child ) There are other types of Non O visas as well.

The advantage is that I should be able to extend my visa every year as long as I am married to a Thai and have a child in Thailand.

If you have a Non B visa because you have a job here, if you ever lose or quit that job, your visa is no longer valid.

My Non O has worked to my advantage already since last year I decided to retire and collect my pension, since I have a Non O visa I was not required to change my visa status..

You mentioned volunteering, you should be aware that the law in Thailand says you require a work permit even if you are volunteering and not getting paid.

You are wise to check into things before relocating here. many do not and many regret it.

Chok Dee! ( good luck!)

P.S. I am not an expert, I only know my experience and situation.

UbonJoe is the man for the best information on visas in Thailand I have ever found and he always seems to be happy to assist.

[lostinisaan]

Please don't apply for a volunteer visa. All you need is a contract and a letter from the educational area that they'll hire you as a teacher.

Then you'll have a Non- B in a short period of time. If you can push for a Non-B multiple entry and you encounter some problems with the school, the visa is still valid, should you "encounter problems" with the school.

Please double, better triple check this information. Laws are always changing here.

When you're holding a Non- B, Multiple entry, you'll have to leave the country every 90 days. It's a little bit more expensive, but I'd go for it.

You'll have to send a copy of your passport's first page, photographs, your degree, inducing transcripts and all education related details to the school. You won't get a Non- B visa without a school that does the documents for you.

With these documents, they can go to the educational office where the school belongs to and they'll issue a letter that they're aware that you'll start there as a teacher.

This document alone should be enough for you to receive a visa, but you still have to have to deal with the Teacher's Council of Thailand to get a teacher's license.

Your university has to be "accredited" by the TCT, please see: http://www.thailandteaching.asia/threads/degree-verification-website-khurusapha.60908/

The work permit has to be obtained in Thailand at the local labor department.

A lot of smaller schools are not aware what documents are needed, but you'll have enough time to prepare all.

Visa regulations and laws are always changing, you might post your question in the visa section, there're some knowledgeable guys.

Best of luck !

.

[lostinisaan]

Please don't apply for a volunteer visa. All you need is a contract and a letter from the educational area that they'll hire you as a teacher.

Then you'll have a Non- B in a short period of time. If you can push for a Non-B multiple entry and you encounter some problems with the school, the visa is still valid, should you "encounter problems" with the school.

Please double, better triple check this information. Laws are always changing here.

When you're holding a Non- B, Multiple entry, you'll have to leave the country every 90 days. It's a little bit more expensive, but I'd go for it.

You'll have to send a copy of your passport's first page, photographs, your degree, inducing transcripts and all education related details to the school. You won't get a Non- B visa without a school that does the documents for you.

With these documents, they can go to the educational office where the school belongs to and they'll issue a letter that they're aware that you'll start there as a teacher.

This document alone should be enough for you to receive a visa, but you still have to have to deal with the Teacher's Council of Thailand to get a teacher's license.

Your university has to be "accredited" by the TCT, please see: http://www.thailandteaching.asia/threads/degree-verification-website-khurusapha.60908/

The work permit has to be obtained in Thailand at the local labor department.

A lot of smaller schools are not aware what documents are needed, but you'll have enough time to prepare all.

Visa regulations and laws are always changing, you might post your question in the visa section, there're some knowledgeable guys.

Best of luck !

.

OP, I guess that you also have a Thai consulate somewhere near you? Sorry, I forgot this option in my last post. The reason is very easy to understand.

When you're going to a Thai consulate, you're dealing with American people who're working for the consulate in your country.

I remember when I first applied for a long term visa at a German consulate about 15 years ago.

The employee was so friendly and when she heard of my plan that I wanted to stay longer, she was the one who laid the words on my tongue.

She said: "Well, if you're planning to stay in Thailand for so long you might consider to get a job? Then you should apply for a Non-B multiple entry visa and ten minutes later i left the consulate with a one year valid visa.

Okay, times are changing, but consulates are much more easygoing than embassies. Give it a try. Cheers-

[ubonjoe]

http://www.thai-or.com/visa-information/

I found most of the information thanks to you guys. So it seems like all I need is a business invitation letter. But what happens once I get to Thailand and need to stay longer than the 90 days? How can I extend my stay further? The Honorary Thai Consulate in Oregon did not ask me for my diploma, but I am thinking I should definitely bring my diploma to Thailand.

Once I enter Thailand with a B visa, can I get a work permit right away? My employer just told me that they would help me get the work permit as soon as I came. It is a public school.

Once you arrive on the non-b visa the school will need to apply for your work permit. After you have the work permit you will be able to apply for a one year extension of stay based upon teaching.

Bring your diploma and any other documents to confirm your experience.

[roslee]

Please don't apply for a volunteer visa. All you need is a contract and a letter from the educational area that they'll hire you as a teacher.

Then you'll have a Non- B in a short period of time. If you can push for a Non-B multiple entry and you encounter some problems with the school, the visa is still valid, should you "encounter problems" with the school.

Please double, better triple check this information. Laws are always changing here.

When you're holding a Non- B, Multiple entry, you'll have to leave the country every 90 days. It's a little bit more expensive, but I'd go for it.

You'll have to send a copy of your passport's first page, photographs, your degree, inducing transcripts and all education related details to the school. You won't get a Non- B visa without a school that does the documents for you.

With these documents, they can go to the educational office where the school belongs to and they'll issue a letter that they're aware that you'll start there as a teacher.

This document alone should be enough for you to receive a visa, but you still have to have to deal with the Teacher's Council of Thailand to get a teacher's license.

Your university has to be "accredited" by the TCT, please see: http://www.thailandteaching.asia/threads/degree-verification-website-khurusapha.60908/

The work permit has to be obtained in Thailand at the local labor department.

A lot of smaller schools are not aware what documents are needed, but you'll have enough time to prepare all.

Visa regulations and laws are always changing, you might post your question in the visa section, there're some knowledgeable guys.

Best of luck !

.

May I ask why you do not want me to volunteer here with a work permit and non O visa? is it bad? Thanks for the advice everyone, it seems Non-B is the way to go.

[lostinisaan]

Please don't apply for a volunteer visa. All you need is a contract and a letter from the educational area that they'll hire you as a teacher.

Then you'll have a Non- B in a short period of time. If you can push for a Non-B multiple entry and you encounter some problems with the school, the visa is still valid, should you "encounter problems" with the school.

Please double, better triple check this information. Laws are always changing here.

When you're holding a Non- B, Multiple entry, you'll have to leave the country every 90 days. It's a little bit more expensive, but I'd go for it.

You'll have to send a copy of your passport's first page, photographs, your degree, inducing transcripts and all education related details to the school. You won't get a Non- B visa without a school that does the documents for you.

With these documents, they can go to the educational office where the school belongs to and they'll issue a letter that they're aware that you'll start there as a teacher.

This document alone should be enough for you to receive a visa, but you still have to have to deal with the Teacher's Council of Thailand to get a teacher's license.

Your university has to be "accredited" by the TCT, please see: http://www.thailandteaching.asia/threads/degree-verification-website-khurusapha.60908/

The work permit has to be obtained in Thailand at the local labor department.

A lot of smaller schools are not aware what documents are needed, but you'll have enough time to prepare all.

Visa regulations and laws are always changing, you might post your question in the visa section, there're some knowledgeable guys.

Best of luck !

.

May I ask why you do not want me to volunteer here with a work permit and non O visa? is it bad? Thanks for the advice everyone, it seems Non-B is the way to go.

You might end up doing the same work without getting paid being a volunteer. If you're married, a Non- O visa is also fine.

[recom273]

Whoa .. Things are heading towards confusion here.

Like your research has shown, you will get a 3 month non-b visa ( there's no reason to get a non-o unless you have a Thai spouse, although the poster is correct in what he says )

If you take the position that you have been contemplating then the school will know what paperwork to provide. It's not a great deal to get a 3 month non-b which you can get in your home country.

When you arrive here, you visit the labour office ( under the supervision of the school ) to get your work permit, then a visit to immigration will give you an extension for a year or for the duration of your contract. ( sounds easy ? Sometimes it is )

The school should know how to provide the additional documents that lostinissan talks about. At this stage, don't trouble yourself.

Sometimes it's better to trust the people you are working for, they shouldn't just push you off to the labour / immigration office on your own, you will be accompanied and if there is an issue you will be advised.

Just make sure you have all your eduction documents / transcripts / etc.

You will be required to do medical checks, but these can be done here, also police background checks maybe required - but I doubt anyone can tell or will tell you what exactly is required until you are here and start the process, different areas have different requirements.

I think, as a first timer, prepare yourself by relaxing and go with the flow. Good luck for the future.

[muzmurray]

Please don't apply for a volunteer visa. All you need is a contract and a letter from the educational area that they'll hire you as a teacher.

Then you'll have a Non- B in a short period of time. If you can push for a Non-B multiple entry and you encounter some problems with the school, the visa is still valid, should you "encounter problems" with the school.

Please double, better triple check this information. Laws are always changing here.

When you're holding a Non- B, Multiple entry, you'll have to leave the country every 90 days. It's a little bit more expensive, but I'd go for it.

You'll have to send a copy of your passport's first page, photographs, your degree, inducing transcripts and all education related details to the school. You won't get a Non- B visa without a school that does the documents for you.

With these documents, they can go to the educational office where the school belongs to and they'll issue a letter that they're aware that you'll start there as a teacher.

This document alone should be enough for you to receive a visa, but you still have to have to deal with the Teacher's Council of Thailand to get a teacher's license.

Your university has to be "accredited" by the TCT, please see: http://www.thailandteaching.asia/threads/degree-verification-website-khurusapha.60908/

The work permit has to be obtained in Thailand at the local labor department.

A lot of smaller schools are not aware what documents are needed, but you'll have enough time to prepare all.

Visa regulations and laws are always changing, you might post your question in the visa section, there're some knowledgeable guys.

Best of luck !

.

Stop with the myths, the laws and rules are not always changing!

[roslee]

Thank you for your wisdom. This really cleared things up for me

Whoa .. Things are heading towards confusion here.

Like your research has shown, you will get a 3 month non-b visa ( there's no reason to get a non-o unless you have a Thai spouse, although the poster is correct in what he says )

If you take the position that you have been contemplating then the school will know what paperwork to provide. It's not a great deal to get a 3 month non-b which you can get in your home country.

When you arrive here, you visit the labour office ( under the supervision of the school ) to get your work permit, then a visit to immigration will give you an extension for a year or for the duration of your contract. ( sounds easy ? Sometimes it is )

The school should know how to provide the additional documents that lostinissan talks about. At this stage, don't trouble yourself.

Sometimes it's better to trust the people you are working for, they shouldn't just push you off to the labour / immigration office on your own, you will be accompanied and if there is an issue you will be advised.
Just make sure you have all your eduction documents / transcripts / etc.

You will be required to do medical checks, but these can be done here, also police background checks maybe required - but I doubt anyone can tell or will tell you what exactly is required until you are here and start the process, different areas have different requirements.

I think, as a first timer, prepare yourself by relaxing and go with the flow. Good luck for the future.

[12DrinkMore]

Please don't apply for a volunteer visa. All you need is a contract and a letter from the educational area that they'll hire you as a teacher.

Then you'll have a Non- B in a short period of time. If you can push for a Non-B multiple entry and you encounter some problems with the school, the visa is still valid, should you "encounter problems" with the school.

Please double, better triple check this information. Laws are always changing here.

When you're holding a Non- B, Multiple entry, you'll have to leave the country every 90 days. It's a little bit more expensive, but I'd go for it.

You'll have to send a copy of your passport's first page, photographs, your degree, inducing transcripts and all education related details to the school. You won't get a Non- B visa without a school that does the documents for you.

With these documents, they can go to the educational office where the school belongs to and they'll issue a letter that they're aware that you'll start there as a teacher.

This document alone should be enough for you to receive a visa, but you still have to have to deal with the Teacher's Council of Thailand to get a teacher's license.

Your university has to be "accredited" by the TCT, please see: http://www.thailandteaching.asia/threads/degree-verification-website-khurusapha.60908/

The work permit has to be obtained in Thailand at the local labor department.

A lot of smaller schools are not aware what documents are needed, but you'll have enough time to prepare all.

Visa regulations and laws are always changing, you might post your question in the visa section, there're some knowledgeable guys.

Best of luck !

.

Stop with the myths, the laws and rules are not always changing!

Yes, changes are relatively glacial. There are three sources of this myth

1. Barstool banter and gossip.

2. Different applications of the regulation by individual officials.

3. Thai Visa, where every Tom, Dick and Harry has an ar5eho1e opinion, and needs to proffer it.

It would be great if the Visa Man himself, UbonJoe, could have his own subforum, with only Mr Joe and the OP's allowed write access to the threads.