ADVEX Management School

International Students

Non-Immigrant ED Visa

ADVEX is licensed by the Office of the Private Education Commission, Ministry of Education, Thailand, and is authorised to accept international students. Learners enrolling in ADVEX's OPEC-approved programmes may apply for a Non-Immigrant ED Visa to stay legally in Thailand for study purposes. Each OPEC-approved programme is 12 months. Learners who study several programmes in a row (up to four programmes) may stay for up to four years in total, at the discretion of the Immigration Bureau.

Who needs an ED Visa

International students enrolling in a full-time academic programme, professional education programme or seminar course in Thailand must apply for a Non-Immigrant ED Visa before travelling to Thailand.

What it gives you

  • Legal residence in Thailand while studying at ADVEX
  • Extendable stay for the duration of the course
  • Multiple re-entry options with a re-entry permit
  • ADVEX prepares the school documents you need at each step
Who does what
ADVEX prepares and issues the school documents for your visa application, extensions and reports. You submit them yourself, in person, at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate and at the Immigration Bureau.
Bangkok
Students from across ASEAN study at the Bangkok campus.
Step by step

From application to graduation.

Step 1

Apply from your home country

Apply for the Non-Immigrant ED Visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country before you travel. You will need:

  • Valid passport, with at least 6 months validity
  • Completed visa application form
  • Passport-sized photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
  • Letter of Acceptance from ADVEX
  • School Certification Letter confirming your enrolment
  • ADVEX's Registration Certificate issued by the Ministry of Education
  • Proof of funds: a bank statement showing at least THB 20,000

Some embassies ask for more documents. All documents must be in English or Thai, or come with an official translation.

Step 2

Arrive and extend your stay

The ED Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and you are given a stay of up to 90 days when you arrive.

Your total stay can be extended up to the length of your OPEC-approved programme (12 months), but each extension covers 90 days. Before each 90-day period ends, go to the Immigration Bureau to extend again, until the end of your programme. ADVEX issues the supporting documents for each extension.

Step 3

Get a re-entry permit before you travel

If you leave Thailand without a re-entry permit (TM.8), your ED Visa is cancelled and you must apply again from outside Thailand. A re-entry permit keeps your current permission to stay; it does not add days to it.

  • Easiest option: the Re-Entry Permit counter at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) airport, in the departure area after security and before passport control. Open 24 hours; arrive 1 to 2 hours earlier than usual.
  • Bring your passport, a TM.8 form (available at the counter) and one 4 x 6 cm photo.
  • Or apply in advance at an Immigration Bureau office, such as the Government Complex, Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok. You can book a queue online, but you must attend in person with your passport.
Step 4

Report every 90 days

Thai Immigration requires everyone on a long-stay visa to report their address every 90 days. ADVEX prepares the documents; you make the report yourself at the Immigration Bureau.

Students from some countries may need to apply in person, provide more documents, or pass a security or background check.

Important
You must follow Thai visa and immigration law throughout your stay. ADVEX may refuse visa support if a student does not meet the enrolment or compliance requirements. For help, contact admissions at [email protected] or +66 2 114 3748.