Non-B Visa & Work Permit Requirements For Teachers In Thailand

Teaching English in Thailand is a dream for many — but to do it legally, you'll need more than just enthusiasm and a job offer. Securing the right documents, navigating Thai bureaucracy, and understanding the visa system are essential steps before you can walk into a classroom with confidence.

The Non-Immigrant B Visa and Thai Work Permit are the two cornerstones of working legally in Thailand as a foreign teacher. While the process might seem overwhelming at first, it's absolutely manageable with the right guidance. From degree legalisation and police checks to visa extensions, embassy runs, and 90-day reporting, this guide breaks down every key requirement step by step.

Whether you're applying through a TEFL course with placement support or independently hunting for jobs, this article will help you understand the paperwork and procedures you need to work and stay in Thailand without stress — and without breaking the rules.

📄 Step 1: Understanding the Visa You Need

To legally teach English in Thailand, you’ll need a Non-Immigrant B Visa — often called a Non-B visa. This is the visa category designated for foreigners working in Thailand, including teachers.

Most teachers apply for this visa at a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand, either in their home country or a nearby country like Laos or Malaysia. You’ll usually need supporting documents from your employer (like an invitation letter and a teacher license application) to apply.

Some teachers initially enter Thailand on a tourist visa or visa-on-arrival while job hunting or finishing a TEFL course. In some cases, this visa can be converted to a Non-B within Thailand, but it’s not guaranteed and may involve extra steps or a border run. Whenever possible, starting with a Non-B visa from the beginning is more reliable and smoother.

📚 Required Qualifications and Documents

To apply for a Non-B visa and secure a work permit, you’ll need to prepare a set of documents. Some are required by the Thai government, while others are requested by schools to process your employment.

Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and several blank pages.
• A bachelor’s degree (in any field) — this must be notarised and legalised in your home country before submission to Thai immigration.
• An optional but often preferred TEFL/TESOL certificate, especially if you don’t have a teaching background.
• A clean police background check from your home country, usually issued within the past 6 months.
• Your official university transcripts — some schools and immigration offices request these in addition to your degree.
• Multiple passport-sized photos — often required in both 4x6cm and 3x4cm sizes, with a white background and professional attire.
• Photocopies (signed in blue ink) of key passport pages, visa stamps, your arrival card (TM6), and any existing visa or extension.

Having all these ready — ideally before you arrive — makes the visa and work permit process significantly smoother and faster.

🖋️ Degree Notarisation and Legalisation

One of the most important — and often overlooked — steps in securing a Thai work permit is having your bachelor’s degree notarised and legalised. This process ensures that your degree is recognized by Thai authorities and meets immigration standards.

Here’s how it works:

1. Notarisation: Take your original degree to a licensed notary public in your home country. They’ll certify the document’s authenticity and attach an official seal.

2. Apostille or Authentication: Depending on your country, your notarised degree must then be authenticated by a government agency — usually the Secretary of State (U.S.) or a national apostille authority. This confirms the legitimacy of the notarisation.

3. Thai Embassy Legalisation: Finally, submit the notarised and authenticated degree to a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. They will review the documents and issue an official legalisation, which allows it to be accepted by Thai immigration and the Ministry of Education.

Pro Tip: Complete this process before traveling to Thailand. While some services exist to help legalise degrees from abroad, doing it in your home country is typically faster, cheaper, and avoids complications once you're on the ground.

🧾 Step 2: Getting Your Non-B Visa

Once you’ve secured a teaching job in Thailand, the next step is applying for your Non-Immigrant B Visa — the legal entry visa required to work as a teacher. This process is usually done outside Thailand, with support from your employer or recruiter.

Your school or agency will provide a visa support package that includes:

• A formal job offer letter
• A copy of the school’s educational license
• A teacher license application (or temporary waiver)
• Proof that your degree has been legalised

Most teachers apply for their Non-B Visa at Thai embassies or consulates in Laos (Vientiane) or Singapore, although other countries in the region may be options depending on your nationality.

If you’re already in Thailand on a 60-day tourist or education visa, you may be able to extend it once before needing to exit the country to apply for the Non-B. This process — known as a visa run — is common and generally takes 2–3 business days.

💡 Tip: Make sure your visa has at least 15 days remaining before attempting to upgrade to a Non-B visa or apply for a work permit.

📁 Step 3: Applying for a Work Permit

After arriving in Thailand on your Non-Immigrant B Visa, the next step is obtaining your Thai Work Permit — the official document that allows you to work legally as a teacher. Your school or employer will handle the submission of your application to the Ministry of Labour, but you’ll need to provide several documents and complete a few personal tasks.

A key part of this step is completing a basic health check at a Thai clinic or hospital. This includes a simple physical exam, blood test, and drug screening. Once you receive your medical certificate, it joins the rest of your application paperwork, which typically includes:

• Your passport (with Non-B visa)
• A copy of your degree and TEFL certificate (if applicable)
• Several passport-sized photos (3x4 cm or 4x6 cm, white background)
• Signed photocopies of your visa, TM6 card, and photo page

Once approved, your work permit is issued as a blue book. You’re required to carry it with you whenever working or attending official appointments. It’s your legal proof of employment and must be renewed annually along with your visa.

💡 Tip: Never start teaching without a valid work permit — doing so can result in fines, deportation, or bans from re-entering Thailand.

📋 Re-Entry Permits and 90-Day Reporting

If you're planning to travel outside of Thailand while holding a Non-B visa, you’ll need a re-entry permit — otherwise, your visa will be invalidated upon departure. You can apply for a single or multiple re-entry permit at your local immigration office or directly at the airport before departure. Bring the following:

• A passport-sized photo (taken within 3 months)
• A photocopy of your passport photo page and current visa
• A signed copy of your TM6 (arrival/departure card)
• 1,000 THB (single) or 3,800 THB (multiple) for the fee
• Blue pen to sign all documents

For long-term visa holders, 90-day reporting is a requirement. Every 90 days, you must confirm your current address with Thai Immigration. Your first report must be done in person, after which you may use the online portal or file by post for future reports — provided the system is working.

💡 Missing your 90-day report can result in fines or issues with future visa renewals. Set reminders and file early whenever possible.

🧑‍🏫 Teacher Licensing and OnePlatform Training

In addition to your visa and work permit, you’ll need to obtain a temporary teaching license through the Teachers Council of Thailand (Khurusapha). All foreign teachers are required to complete a 7-module training curriculum using Thailand’s official OnePlatform system. While your school or agency often helps with the registration process, it’s ultimately your responsibility to stay compliant.

To get started, use your passport number to retrieve your unique Khurusapha ID via the license search portal. Then:

1. Register on the Khurusapha training site
2. Download the OnePlatform app using the QR code provided by your school or directly from the Teachers Council
3. Log in using your Khurusapha ID and password
4. Enroll in the appropriate cohort for the 7 training modules

These modules cover professional ethics, Thai culture, educational policy, and classroom management. Completion is mandatory if you wish to legally continue teaching long-term in Thailand.

💡 Tip: Complete the modules early — delays can affect your teacher license renewal or visa status.

✈️ Visa Run Tips and Troubleshooting

Sometimes, teachers need to leave Thailand briefly to obtain or renew their Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) visa — especially if applying from outside the country. This is commonly called a visa run, and it’s a standard part of the process for many teachers.

Popular visa run destinations:

• Laos (especially Vientiane) – popular and often recommended
• Malaysia – convenient for teachers in southern Thailand
• Singapore – fast and efficient, though more expensive

What to bring:

• Original passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• Visa support documents from your school:
  • Job offer or contract
  • School license copy
  • Teacher license application or waiver
• Proof of degree legalisation
• 2 passport-sized photos (check embassy requirements)
• Completed Non-B visa application form
• Visa fee (varies by country)

Double-check everything before your trip — missing documents can delay the process or result in denial.

⚠️ Avoid overstaying your visa in Thailand, which can result in fines, blacklisting, or denial of future applications. Also, be cautious about advice found in online forums. Immigration rules can change often, and only official sources or your school/agency should be trusted for accurate guidance.

✅ Conclusion: Preparation Is Key to Staying Legal

Teaching English in Thailand can be one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences — but only if you follow the correct legal steps. While the visa and work permit process may seem intimidating at first, it's entirely manageable with the right preparation.

The key is to gather and legalize your documents before arrival, partner with a trustworthy school or TEFL provider, and stay informed about current immigration requirements. Cutting corners might seem easier short-term, but it can lead to serious problems down the road — including denied visas, lost jobs, or even blacklisting.

With a solid plan, the right documents, and reliable support, you can enjoy the freedom and fulfillment of living and teaching legally in the Land of Smiles.

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