Application for change of visa type to student visa

       Foreigners entering Thailand in normal situations must have a tourist visa (TR visa) or transit visa.

       If, after they arrive, they are interested in studying in various courses in Thailand, it is possible to apply for a change of visa type. The condition is that the person must hold either a tourist visa or transit visa, and the visa must be valid for at least 15 more days, from the day they apply for a change in visa type. 

       The Immigration Office has clarified the requirements and procedures for requesting a change from a tourist visa to a visa for education (Non-immigrant ED), as follows: They must have a TM.86 form, only for foreigners who have a tourist visa or transit visa, to change the type of visa, or a TM.87 form, only for foreigners who do not have a visa but are allowed to stay in the Kingdom (Por.30, Phor.Phor.30, and Phor.Phor.90) to obtain a visa, plus a copy of their passport, and one photograph with a size of 4x6 cm or 2 inches.

       At an institution of higher education or below tertiary education, a certificate of application for change of visa type is required from the dean, including a certificate of obtaining or requesting to change the type of visa from the government agency, as well as a copy of the applicant's educational qualifications, a copy of the license to establish an educational institution, and a copy of the license to be an administrator, in the case of a private institution. Those who want to change the type of visa must come to do it in person every time and must sign and certify every page of the documents. As for the institute's documents, they must be certified by the authorized person and stamped on every page by the institute. 

       For convenience and speed, please check the documents completely and submit every original document to the officer. At the same time, the residence must be notified according to Section 38, along with evidence of the residence notification to the officer, with a fee of 2,000 baht. Interested persons can see details and download documents to reserve an online queue at  https://www.immigration.go.th.

Image credit: Global Residence Index

Source :Immigration Bureau
Tel : +66 2-572-8500