Non-Immigrant ED Visa Extension Thailand: Bangkok Guide
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Your initial non-immigrant ED visa is valid for 90 days from approval. Before it expires, you must apply for an extension of temporary stay at Chaeng Watthana Immigration Bureau in Bangkok. The extension process takes place at Section N1 in the same building where you received your initial student visa. You’ll need your passport, TM30 notification, up-to-date 90-day reporting slip, school letter from GEOS, and 1,900 baht paid directly to immigration officers.
Extensions can be applied for up to 30 days before your current visa expires. Processing takes up to 8 hours at the Immigration Bureau, though students who arrive before the 8:30 AM opening time typically finish faster. GEOS provides your school letter and attendance records for each extension application. English students complete 5 extensions totaling 12 months to stay in Thailand. Thai and Japanese students complete 6-7 extensions across two visa applications.
This guide walks you through the exact extension process GEOS students follow at Bangkok Immigration Bureau.
When Should You Apply for Your ED Visa Extension?
You can apply for your extension of temporary stay in the Kingdom up to 30 days before your current visa stamp expires, but no later than the expiry date.
Recommended timing:
Apply 15 days in advance or up to 30 days before expiration. This gives you buffer time if any documents are missing or the Immigration Bureau requests additional information.
Avoid applying on the last few days before your visa expires. If immigration finds issues with your extension application, you may not have time to resolve them before expiration.
Never apply after your visa expires. This results in overstay penalties of 500 baht per day paid directly to immigration officers. Overstays also create complications for future extensions.
GEOS sends email reminders 45 days, 30 days, and 15 days before your extension deadline. We track all student visa expiration dates to ensure you never miss an extension deadline.
For complete details on your initial ED visa approval process, see our Tourist Visa to Education Visa Thailand Guide.
What Documents Do You Need for ED Visa Extension?
Documents you must bring to Chaeng Watthana Immigration Bureau:
Valid passport
Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity. If your passport expires within 6 months, renew it at your embassy in Bangkok before applying for an extension.
TM30 notification (TM.30)
TM30 is proof of your current address in Thailand. Your landlord, hotel, or accommodation provider files this with the local immigration office within 24 hours of your arrival. You need a copy of your TM30 for extension applications.
If you moved since your last immigration visit, your new landlord must file a new TM30. GEOS can help you obtain TM30 copies if your landlord hasn’t provided one.
90-day reporting slip (up-to-date)
You must provide proof of your most recent notification of staying over 90 days in the Kingdom. Bring your 90-day reporting receipt showing you’ve complied with reporting requirements.
If your 90-day report is overdue or you haven’t completed your first 90-day report yet, complete this before applying for an extension. The Immigration Bureau will check that your 90-day reporting is current.
For complete details on 90-day reporting procedures and timing, see our 90-Day Reporting in Thailand Guide.
School letter from GEOS
GEOS prepares an official letter confirming your enrollment, attendance records, and course completion date. This letter is written in Thai and English and stamped with our Ministry of Education license.
You must collect this letter from GEOS 1-2 days before your immigration appointment. The letter is date-specific and cannot be used for multiple extensions.
Passport photos (1-2 photos)
Recent photos (4×6 cm) with a white background. GEOS can recommend photo shops near the school that follow immigration photo requirements exactly.
1,900 baht in cash
Application fee paid directly to immigration officers. They do not accept credit cards or checks. Bring exact change if possible.
Thai phone number
Immigration officers may call you during processing to verify information or request additional documents. Ensure your phone has sufficient credit and can receive calls.
Documents GEOS provides:
Attendance records showing you’ve maintained 80% attendance or higher
Course enrollment confirmation
Class schedule for your next term
GEOS Ministry of Education license copies
You don’t need to request these documents separately. GEOS includes them with your school letter automatically.
Where Do You Apply for ED Visa Extension?
Location: Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, Immigration Division 1, Section N1
Address: 120 Moo 3 Chaeng Watthana Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210
Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (closed 12:00-1:00 PM for lunch)
Closed: Weekends and Thai public holidays
How to get there:
By taxi or Grab: Tell the driver “Chaeng Watthana Immigration, Government Complex.” The ride from central Bangkok costs 150-250 baht, depending on traffic.
By public transport: Take the MRT to Chatuchak Park station, then take bus 150 or 356 to Chaeng Watthana Government Complex. Total journey time: 45-60 minutes from central Bangkok.
Building and section:
Enter the main Immigration Bureau building at Chaeng Watthana Government Complex. Non-immigrant ED visa extensions are processed at Immigration Division 1, Section N1 on the ground floor.
Look for signs saying “Education Visa Extension,” “Immigration Division 1,” or “Section N1.” If you’re unsure, ask an immigration officer at the entrance.
This is the same building where you received your initial student visa approval
What Is the Step-by-Step Extension Process?
Before you go:
Collect your school letter from GEOS 1-2 days before your immigration appointment. Verify all required documents are current and accurate.
Prepare 1,900 baht in cash. ATMs are available near Chaeng Watthana, but lines can be long during peak hours.
Charge your phone fully and ensure you have Thai phone credit.
Arrival timing strategy:
The Immigration Bureau opens at 8:30 AM, but students who arrive at 6:00-7:00 AM can receive entrance queue numbers early and typically finish by 10:00-11:00 AM.
Students who arrive after 9:00 AM often receive high queue numbers and wait 6-8 hours.
Immigration closes for lunch from 12:00-1:00 PM. If you’re still waiting when lunch begins, processing resumes at 1:00 PM.
Step 1: Get the entrance queue number (available before 8:30 AM)
When you arrive at the entrance to Immigration Division 1, an immigration officer will give you a queue number. This entrance queue number is distributed even before immigration opens at 8:30 AM.
Students who arrive at 6:00-7:00 AM receive low entrance queue numbers. This determines the order you’ll be allowed to enter Immigration Division 1 when it opens.
Step 2: Enter Division 1 and receive official queue number (8:30 AM)
At 8:30 AM, immigration staff open Division 1. Students are called in based on their entrance queue numbers.
Once inside Section N1, immigration officers give you your official queue number. This is the number you’ll use for document submission. Students who arrived early and received low entrance queue numbers also receive low official queue numbers, which is why they finish by 10:00-11:00 AM.
Step 3: Submit the following documents at the counter
When your official queue number is called, approach the immigration counter and submit:
- Passport
- TM30 copy
- Up-to-date 90-day reporting slip
- School letter from GEOS with all attachments
- Passport photos
- 1,900 baht cash
The immigration officer will review your documents, check your attendance records, and verify your enrollment status in the immigration system.
Step 4: Wait for processing
After submitting documents, you’ll wait in the Section N1 waiting area. Processing time varies from 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending on:
- How many students are applying on the same day
- Whether immigration officers need additional information
- System delays or computer issues
Bring a book, a laptop, or download movies on your phone. Free WiFi is available at Chaeng Watthana, though the connection can be slow during busy periods.
Step 5: Interview (if applicable)
Some immigration officers ask students questions before approving extensions, particularly for Thai language students studying at language schools.
Officers may ask you to read Thai text, write Thai sentences, or answer questions in Thai to verify you’re genuinely studying. If you cannot demonstrate basic Thai language ability, immigration may question your attendance and reject your extension.
English students are rarely interviewed, but officers occasionally ask about their study plans or the reason for staying in Thailand.
Answer honestly and clearly. If you don’t understand a question, politely ask the officer to repeat it.
Step 6: Collect your passport with a new stamp
When processing is complete, your queue number will be called again. Return to the counter to collect your passport.
Immigration will stamp your passport with your new extension date. Verify the expiry date is correct before leaving Section N1.
Your extension length varies based on your course completion date. Some students receive 90-day extensions, while others receive 60-day, 30-day, or even 20-day extensions. The Immigration Bureau determines the extension length to align with your GEOS course end date.
Total time at immigration: 2-8 hours, depending on arrival time and queue length.
Why Do ED Visa Extensions Get Rejected?
Non-immigrant ED visa extension rejections are rare for GEOS students who maintain good attendance and follow immigration procedures. However, these situations can cause rejection:
Previous ED visa not cancelled
If you studied at another language school before GEOS and didn’t properly cancel your old education visa, this will appear in the Immigration Bureau’s system when you apply for an extension.
You must cancel previous ED visas before starting a new non-immigrant ED visa at GEOS. Many students don’t realize this requirement until their first extension.
Solution: Contact your previous school and request ED visa cancellation documentation. Bring this to immigration with your extension application. Immigration may approve your extension once you prove cancellation.
Previous non-B visa not cancelled
If you worked in Thailand on a non-B visa and work permit before starting your ED visa to study at GEOS, you must cancel both before enrolling.
The Immigration Bureau’s systems show previous visa history. Uncancelled non-B visas create complications at extension time.
Solution: Contact your former employer to cancel your work permit and non-B visa before applying for a non-immigrant ED visa extension. This process takes 1-2 days at immigration with proper documentation from your employer.
Poor attendance (below 80%)
You must maintain at least 80% attendance in your GEOS classes. Immigration officers review attendance records submitted by GEOS with every extension application.
If your attendance is below 80%, the Immigration Bureau will question why you’re not attending classes regularly. This can result in extension rejection or requests for explanation letters.
Solution: Attend classes consistently. If you have medical issues or emergencies that prevent attendance, notify immigration through GEOS immediately and provide documentation (hospital certificates, emergency proof). GEOS can include explanation letters with your extension application.
Unable to demonstrate Thai language ability
Thai language students may be asked to read, write, or speak Thai during extension interviews. If you cannot demonstrate basic Thai language skills appropriate to your study duration, immigration may question your genuine study intent.
Solution: Attend Thai language classes regularly and practice outside class. The Immigration Bureau expects students who’ve studied Thai for 3-6 months to demonstrate basic reading and conversation ability.
Overstay on current visa
If you apply for an extension after your visa expires, you must pay overstay penalties (500 baht per day) before the Immigration Bureau processes your extension.
Overstays complicate extensions and may result in additional questioning about why you let your visa expire.
Solution: Apply 15 days in advance or up to 30 days before expiration. If you overstay due to a medical emergency, bring hospital documentation showing you were unable to visit immigration. Medical overstays may be waived with proper proof.
Missing documents
If you arrive at the local immigration office without the required documents (TM30, 90-day reporting slip, school letter, passport photos), immigration will not process your extension immediately.
Solution: The Immigration Bureau will stamp your passport with “under consideration” and give you a date to return with the missing documents. This typically adds 1-2 weeks to the application process. Bring all required documents on your first visit to avoid this delay.
GEOS reviews your extension checklist before you visit immigration, ensuring all documents are correct and complete. This is why GEOS students rarely face document-related rejections.
How to Make the Extension Process Faster
Arrive before immigration opens (6:00-7:00 AM)
Students who arrive early and receive entrance queue numbers before 8:30 AM opening time get called into Division 1 first. They receive low official queue numbers and typically finish by 10:00-11:00 AM.
Students arriving after 9:00 AM often receive high entrance and official queue numbers, resulting in 6-8 hour waits.
Bring entertainment and prepare food
Free WiFi is available at Chaeng Watthana, though the connection can be unreliable. Download movies, books, or work materials before arrival.
Food stalls and 7-Eleven are available inside the complex, as well as a large food court and restaurants. Immigration stops processing during lunch (12:00-1:00 PM).
Request GEOS accompaniment
If GEOS staff are already visiting Chaeng Watthana on your extension day, we can accompany you at no charge. We handle document submission, communicate with immigration officers in Thai, and ensure your extension is processed smoothly.
Contact GEOS 1 week before your planned extension date to check if staff will be at immigration. We coordinate group visits when multiple students need extensions on the same day.
If we’re not scheduled to visit immigration on your preferred date, we can still accompany you for a service fee. This is particularly helpful if you’re nervous about navigating immigration alone or want Thai-language support during the application process.
What About 90-Day Reporting?
90-day reporting is separate from visa extensions and required for all long-term visa holders staying in Thailand. You must notify immigration of your address every 90 days.
90-day reporting details:
Location: Chaeng Watthana Immigration Bureau, a different section from ED visa extensions
Fee: Free
Timing: Report within 7 days before or 7 days after the due date
Methods: In-person at immigration (required for first report), online via immigration website for subsequent reports, or by mail
Processing time at immigration: Up to 3 hours if done in person
Important: Your first 90-day report must be done in person at Chaeng Watthana Immigration Bureau. Students cannot use the online system for their initial report. After completing your first in-person 90-day report, you can use the online system at https://extranet.immigration.go.th for subsequent reports, though the system occasionally rejects applications without a clear explanation.
If you leave and re-enter Thailand: Your 90-day count resets to the date you arrive back in Thailand. When you return, you must complete your next 90-day report in person again before you can resume using the online system.
GEOS can help you with 90-day reporting when our staff are at Chaeng Watthana Immigration Bureau. We remind you of upcoming 90-day deadlines and guide you through in-person reporting.
For complete details on 90-day reporting procedures, timing, and online application, see our 90-Day Reporting in Thailand Guide.
Failure to notify immigration: 2,000 baht fine per missed report paid directly to the Immigration Bureau.
Once you’re managing your ED visa extensions, you may also want to get a Thai driver’s license for convenient transportation around Bangkok.
FAQs
1,900 baht per extension, paid directly to immigration officers in cash. This application fee is the same regardless of extension length (whether you receive 90 days, 60 days, or 30 days).
2-8 hours, depending on your arrival time and how busy the Immigration Bureau is that day. Students who arrive at 6:00-7:00 AM and receive early entrance queue numbers typically finish by 10:00-11:00 AM. Students arriving after 9:00 AM often wait 6-8 hours.
Yes, but this is risky. If any documents are missing or immigration finds issues with your visa extension application, you won’t have time to resolve them before expiration. Apply 15 days in advance or up to 30 days before expiration for safety.
GEOS accompanies students when requested and when our staff are already scheduled to visit Chaeng Watthana. If we’re not scheduled for your preferred date, we can arrange accompaniment for a service fee. Contact the immigration bureau liaison at GEOS 1 week before your extension to coordinate.
No. Non-immigrant ED visa extensions must be completed at the same local immigration office where your initial student visa was issued. All GEOS students extend at Chaeng Watthana Immigration Bureau Section N1 in Bangkok.
Apply before you leave the country. You can apply up to 30 days before your current stamp expires. If you’re already traveling and cannot return before expiration, you’ll face overstay penalties when you return.
English students complete 5 extensions totaling 12 months to stay in the Kingdom. Thai language students complete 6-7 extensions across two visa applications (approximately 14 months total). Japanese students complete 6-7 extensions across two visa applications (approximately 15 months total).
Contact GEOS immediately. We’ll review the rejection reason and determine next steps. Common rejections (uncancelled previous visas, missing documents) can usually be resolved by providing additional documentation and reapplying.
No. Non-immigrant ED visas do not permit employment in Thailand. Working on an education visa results in deportation and immigration blacklisting.
. Thai language students complete 6-7 extensions across two visa applications (approximately 14 months total). Japanese students complete 6-7 extensions across two visa applications (approximately 15 months total).
Yes. You must provide an up-to-date 90-day reporting slip showing you’ve complied with reporting requirements. Complete any overdue 90-day reports before applying for extension of temporary stay.
You need a non-immigrant ED visa (education visa) to study at language schools in Thailand. This visa allows you to stay in the Kingdom for educational purposes. The ED visa to study Thai, English, or Japanese begins as a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, which you then extend at the Bangkok Immigration Bureau.
Education visas are typically issued as single-entry visas. After your initial 90-day visa expires, you apply for extensions of temporary stay at the local immigration office in Bangkok. Each extension allows you to stay in Thailand without leaving the country.
You apply for your initial non-immigrant ED visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Thai consulate in your home country before departing for Thailand. After arrival in Thailand, you apply for extensions at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok. Students cannot apply for a visa while inside the Kingdom of Thailand.
You must notify immigration of your address every 90 days through 90-day reporting. This notification of staying over 90 days in the Kingdom must be submitted within 7 days before or 7 days after the due date. Failure to notify immigration results in 2,000 baht fines.
Yes. If you plan to leave the country during your studies, you must apply for a re-entry permit before departure. Single or multiple re-entry permits can be obtained at the Chaeng Watthana Immigration Bureau or at the airport. Without a re-entry permit, your extension of temporary stay will be cancelled when you exit Thailand.
A re-entry permit can be obtained for 1,000 baht (single) or 3,800 baht (multiple entry). Apply at the Immigration Bureau’s international affairs section or at the airport immigration before your flight.
You cannot leave Thailand while an extension application is being processed without a re-entry permit. If you need to travel, obtain a re-entry permit before departing to maintain your stay permit status in Thailand. Immigration officers will not process extensions if you leave the country without proper re-entry documentation.
Ready to Extend Your ED Visa?
GEOS provides school letters, attendance records, and all required documents for your non-immigrant ED visa extensions. We send automatic reminders before each extension deadline and can accompany you to the Chaeng Watthana Immigration Bureau when our staff are scheduled to visit.
Our 20+ years of Ministry of Education recognition means immigration officers at Chaeng Watthana recognize GEOS documentation and trust our attendance records. Students who maintain 80% attendance have no issues with extension approvals.
Contact GEOS if you have questions about your upcoming extension, need help understanding rejection reasons, or want to coordinate accompaniment to the Immigration Bureau. We’re here to ensure your extensions are approved smoothly throughout your studies in Thailand.
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