Non-Immigrant ED Visa
International students enrolling in courses at Help 4 English Language Consultant Co., Ltd. accredited by the Ministry of Education can apply for a student visa. However, applicants must meet the requirements and conditions set by the Immigration Office.
Below, we address common questions regarding the student visa process.
Q: What is an Education Visa (ED Visa)?
A: An Education Visa, or ED Visa, allows foreign nationals to legally stay in Thailand for the purpose of studying, training, or participating in educational programs. To qualify, students must enroll in an institution accredited by the Ministry of Education. Those who wish to study and reside in Thailand can contact an accredited institution to apply for both student enrollment and the visa simultaneously.
Q: How many days in advance should an international student apply for a visa extension if they need to continue their studies in Thailand?
A: It is recommended to apply at least 30 days before the current visa expires. The maximum extension period granted is 1 year, or according to the duration specified in the official recommendation letter from the educational institution.
Q: What are the requirements for extending a student visa?
A: The requirements for extending a visa are
- The applicant must already hold a Non-Immigrant ED Visa or have the corresponding immigration stamp in their passport.
- The applicant must obtain a confirmation letter from their educational institution, which will provide the necessary documents for the extension request.
Q: Can international students holding a Non-Immigrant ED Visa change their visa type after graduation?
A: No, visa type conversion is not allowed under the conditions of the Non-Immigrant ED Visa. If a student wishes to change their visa type, they must leave Thailand and apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Q: Are international students with a one-year student visa required to report every 90 days?
A: Yes, students must report their residence status every 90 days to the Immigration Office using Form TM.47 at the immigration office in their area of residence.
Q: Can foreign students holding a Non-Immigrant ED Visa work part-time in Thailand?
A: No, part-time work is not allowed under the conditions of a Non-ED Visa.
Q: If a foreigner enters Thailand on a tourist visa, can they change it to a student visa?
A: Yes, but they must provide official documents from the educational institution, including proof of tuition payment, when applying for the visa change.
Q: How can I apply to study at Help 4 English if I am not yet in Thailand?
A: First, contact us to select your course and complete the tuition payment. Once payment is confirmed, we will send the necessary documents for your visa application. (Please note that visa approval is at the discretion of the Thai Embassy or Consulate.)
Q: Do applicants from certain countries need to apply for the ED visa in their home country?
A: Yes, applicants from India, Vietnam, China, Middle Eastern countries, and some African countries must return to their home country to apply for a Non-Immigrant “ED” Visa at their local Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Q: Do applicants from certain countries need a criminal record check?
A: Yes, applicants from African and Middle Eastern countries, as well as some states in China such as Chengdu, must obtain a criminal record check letter from either their country of origin or from the Royal Thai Police before applying for a Non-Immigrant “ED” Visa.
Q: What happens if a student with an ED Visa leaves Thailand?
A: If a student leaves Thailand after obtaining their ED Visa, they must apply for a Re-Entry Permit before departure. The fee is 1,000 THB and can be processed at immigration in Bangkok or at the airport.
Q: What happens if a student leaves Thailand without a Re-Entry Permit?
A: If you do not have a Re-Entry Permit, you will lose your Non-Immigrant ED Visa upon exiting Thailand, meaning you would need to apply for a new visa to re-enter for study purposes.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us!
LINE ID: @help4english
Tel: 083-131-2046
Location: 4th Floor, Silom 64 Building, Silom Road, Surawong, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500