Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I stay in Thailand on a University Non-Immigrant ED visa for over 5 years?

Non-Immigrant ED Visa Thai Visa Rules Immigration Elite Visa SMART Visa Education Visa Expat Life in Thailand Long-term Stay Options

Mar 29, 2024

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anyone been on the University Non-Immigrant ED visa for many years 5+? keep renewing no issues? trying to stay indefinitely until retirement age.**Also, what about he SMART  visa for making a "phone app" seems like cheapest, easiest, best way?

1,151

views

3

likes

36

all likes

21

replies

0

images

9

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The question addresses the possibility of renewing a University Non-Immigrant ED visa in Thailand for more than five years, with users providing insights and experiences. Many mention challenges in sustaining long-term education status, highlight the typical three-year duration of university courses, and suggest alternatives like the Elite visa or the SMART visa for expat entrepreneurs. Additionally, there are comments regarding concerns about immigration checks and the viability of relocating to other countries like the Philippines as a backup plan due to higher living costs.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Maryam ****

heard same case of this. She had 5+ educ visa. No issue

Like

Reply

Eric *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

this place im considering using is an online school as well.

Like

Reply

Maryam ****

80% on educ visa dont attend class. Most likely for visa purposes

Like

Reply

Reply to

Maryam ****

Reply

Bob *********

Go to Philippines, pick a city like Davao, Cebu, angles. They will let you stay for 3 years on tourist visa

Like

Reply

Eric *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

this is my backup plan unfortunately tho. PH is way more expensive and no where near as nice. what 1k/mo in Pattaya gets your is equiv to like 3k in PH and still no where near as nice and modern

Like

Reply

Reply to

Eric *******

Reply

Will ************

Good luck being in fulltime education and having immigration turn up at your school to check you are in attendance when classes are held.

Like

Reply

Todd *********

@Will ***********

so you pay your ‘fine’ and everyone moves on happily

Like

Reply

Declan **********

@Will ***********

it's completely random and unannounced too. Have seen them turn up multiple times in a single day too.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Declan **********

Reply

John **********

Get an elite visa

Like

Reply

Eric *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

id would be easier and cheaper to just get married....

Like

Reply

Euan ********

🏆🏆🏆you win the bad suggestion of the day award🏆🏆🏆

Like

Reply

Bradley **********

lmao not in the long run 🤣

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bradley **********

Reply

Frank **********

Are you in your 30's? If so no way will you be able to stay until your 50 on Ed visas.

Like

Reply

Eric *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Frank *********

one of these paid visa services is suggesting that this is possible for about 70k baht for first yr. but I have already paid money to another visa service company for another place and that was a total waste for their "paid advice"

Like

Reply

Nongnuch ********

be rest assured the agency is trying to sell you something illegal, which will eventually - sooner or later - get detected at a border crossing and result in you being denied entry into Thailand - it could even result in a ban due to illegal activity

Like

Reply

Javier ********

for this price you can get a work visa and stay legally on the country.

Like

Reply

Sam *********

@Javier *******

honestly though, how do you get a legit business visa and work permit without a job, sure an agent can 'help' you, but what are they really doing? putting you on some 'payroll'?

Like

Reply

Eric *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Javier *******

im not looking to work tho, or the only thing I am looking to do I know I wont find employment with in thailand

Like

Reply

Reply to

Eric *******

Reply

Frank **********

yes, it is not going to be easy. Good luck.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Frank **********

Reply

Graham ******

Unlikely as university courses are normally 3 years

Like

Reply

Eric *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

so sounds like it’s the best way for at least a 3yr stay

Like

Reply

Reply to

Eric *******

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Is the plan of using a tourist visa and then transitioning to an educational visa the best option for long-term stay in Thailand?

11 comments

9 months ago

What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand if I'm under 50 and not looking to retire?

10 comments

a year ago

Can I obtain a Muay Thai ED Visa for my first year in Thailand, and can it be extended by switching schools?

2 comments

a year ago

What are the best visa options for expats in Thailand after an ED visa?

30 comments

2 years ago

What are my options after my Ed visa expires in Thailand, and how can I handle border runs?

29 comments

2 years ago

Can an ED visa be multi-entry in Thailand and what are other visa options for expats?

54 comments

2 years ago

How many ED visas can one get for language school, and is it possible to switch to a Muay Thai school ED visa?

23 comments

2 years ago

Can you renew an education visa in Thailand for non-degree courses like language classes or dive school each year?

66 comments

2 years ago

Is there a limit on how many ED visas I can obtain in Thailand?

10 comments

2 years ago

Can I apply for an ED visa in Thailand after my tourist visa, and is it possible to stay for 15 months in total?

9 comments

3 years ago

Can children of ED visa holders obtain Non-O visas and is it feasible to stay long-term without leaving Thailand?

12 comments

3 years ago

Can you apply for an Ed visa in Thailand multiple times after leaving and returning?

14 comments

3 years ago

What are the options for expats on an Ed visa in Thailand regarding their stay and renewal process?

20 comments

4 years ago

What are the details and requirements for obtaining an ED visa for studying in Thailand?

10 comments

5 years ago

How can a US citizen extend their stay in Thailand beyond a METV and should they apply for an ED Visa?

16 comments

5 years ago

What legal options do I have for a long-term stay in Thailand without a work permit or marriage?

0 comments

6 years ago

What is the best option for a one-year stay in Bangkok: an Education Visa or something else?

37 comments

6 years ago

Do I need to renew my education visa annually if enrolled in a 5-year university program in Thailand?

16 comments

6 years ago

Can I extend my ED visa for another 3 years with a new passport after 3 years of studying Thai?

23 comments

6 years ago

What are the current limitations on the duration of Student (ED) visas in Thailand?

38 comments

7 years ago

Is the ED visa for studying Thai becoming more difficult to obtain or maintain?

4 comments

7 years ago

How many consecutive 1 year education visas can I obtain for studying Thai?

28 comments

7 years ago

Can I extend my ED visa for an internship in Thailand beyond 90 days?

10 comments

7 years ago

What options do I have for my Education visa after one year in Thailand?

19 comments

7 years ago

How can I study for 15 months on an ED visa in Thailand?

10 comments

8 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.