Thai Non-B Visa & Work Permit 2026 Guide for English Teachers

How to Get a Thai Non-B Visa and Work Permit

All teachers wishing to apply for a Non-B Visa and Work Permit must notarise their bachelor’s degree certificate and then send it to the Thai Embassy in their home country for legalisation. It is highly recommended that you notarise and legalise your degree before travelling to Thailand.

For assistance with legalising UK degree certificates, please visit our TEFL Legalisation Guide and receive a £9 discount by using our link.

These steps may vary from country to country. Please contact us for current information about your nationality.

How to Notarise and Legalise Your Degree by Nationality

Before applying for a Thai Non-B Visa, your bachelor’s degree must be notarised and legalised by your country’s relevant authority and then authenticated by the Thai Embassy in your home country. The process differs slightly depending on where you are from. Select your country below.

United Kingdom

Step 1: Notarisation. Have your degree certificate notarised by a solicitor or a certified notary public.

Step 2: Apostille. Apply for an Apostille certificate from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). For a discounted legalisation service, use our recommended TEFL Legalisation Guide and save £9.

Step 3: Thai Embassy legalisation. Send or present your apostilled degree to the Royal Thai Embassy in London. Allow 1 to 2 weeks for processing.

United States

Step 1: Notarisation. Have your degree notarised by a licensed notary public.

Step 2: Apostille. Once notarised, your degree must be authenticated by the Secretary of State in the state where it was notarised. Follow the process outlined by the U.S. Department of State.

Step 3: Thai Embassy legalisation. Submit your apostilled degree to the Thai Embassy or Consulate in the USA. Processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Australia

Step 1: Notarisation. Have your degree certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP), a solicitor or a notary public.

Step 2: Apostille. Obtain an Apostille through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Step 3: Thai Embassy legalisation. Submit your apostilled documents to the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra. Processing usually takes 3 to 5 working days.

Canada

Step 1: Notarisation. Have your degree notarised by a Canadian notary public or a Commissioner of Oaths.

Step 2: Apostille. Obtain an Apostille from the appropriate Canadian competent authority. The correct authority depends on where the document was issued or notarised.

Step 3: Thai Embassy legalisation. Submit your notarised and apostilled degree to the Royal Thai Embassy in Ottawa. Check the current appointment and submission requirements before sending your documents.

South Africa

Step 1: Notarisation. Have your degree notarised by a notary public registered with the Law Society of South Africa.

Step 2: Apostille. Obtain an Apostille from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Step 3: Thai Embassy legalisation. Present your apostilled degree to the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria. Allow at least 1 to 2 weeks.

Not listed above? Contact us and we will guide you through the steps for your nationality.

What if My Name Doesn’t Match My Passport?

Your name on your degree certificate must match the full name in your passport. You can have a lawyer notarise a letter stating the name difference (which must then be legalised at the Thai Embassy), or request a letter directly from your university.

Documents You Must Bring to Thailand for Your Work Permit

1. Original Notarised and Legalised Degree Certificate. This must be properly notarised and legalised before arrival.
2. Original Bachelor’s Degree Certificate
3. Original Transcript. This does not need to be notarised and legalised.
4. Valid Passport. Check that your passport is valid for more than 12 months.

Process for Obtaining a Thai Non-B Visa

Essential Educational Staffing must submit your teaching licence application before the process of obtaining your Non-Immigrant B Visa can begin. This normally takes around two weeks.

• Carefully follow and complete all document requirements received from Essential Educational Staffing.
• From 15 September 2026, eligible travellers normally receive a 30 day visa exempt stay. Check that your nationality remains eligible before travelling.

You must have at least fifteen (15) days remaining on your Visa when applying for a Non-Immigrant (Non-B) Visa. You can apply for a 30 day extension at Immigration in Bangkok for 1,900 Baht.

For a detailed guide, please visit our Visa and Work Permit Preparation Guide.

We understand that this process might seem daunting but it is the only way to complete the paperwork correctly and legally. Please contact us with any questions.

Thai Visa Run Options

Sometimes it may be necessary for you to leave the country during this process. Singapore and Malaysia are convenient nearby options and offer visa free entry to many nationalities. Check the entry requirements for your passport before booking. A same day return may be possible, but allow at least four hours between flights.

Recommended booking sites:

• Skyscanner
• AirAsia: book online and pay at 7-Eleven
• Nok Air: book online and pay at 7-Eleven

Both AirAsia and Nok Air use Don Muang International Airport Terminal 1.

Find out more about living in Bangkok, including cultural, social, and practical tips.

How to Get a Re-Entry Permit Before Leaving Thailand

We strongly recommend obtaining your Re-Entry Permit at the Immigration Office well before your departure. Without a re-entry permit, leaving Thailand will cancel your current visa.

Documents required:

• A recent passport photograph taken within the past 3 months
• Photocopy of your departure card (if applicable)
• Photocopy of the photograph page of your passport
• Photocopy of your current visa
• Single permit fee: 1,000 Baht. Multiple permit fee: 3,800 Baht.
• All photocopies must be signed in blue pen

90-Day Report

All foreigners living in Thailand must report their address to the local Immigration Office every 90 days. Your first 90-day report must be completed in person at Chaeng Wattana Immigration Office.

Google Map to Chaeng Wattana Immigration →

Documents needed for a report completed in person:

• Passport
• Work Permit
• TM30 (must be up to date after your last trip abroad)
• Signed black and white photocopies of your Non-B Visa, passport information page
• One copy of your Work Permit
• Completed form TM47
• Your notification receipt

Online 90-Day Report: Thai Immigration Online Services.

7 Module Teacher Training Registration Guide

Foreign teachers who will be working in Thailand for more than two years are generally required to complete the Khurusapha 7 Module Teacher Training Programme as part of ongoing teaching licence requirements and future Non-Immigrant B (Non-B) visa and work permit applications.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

1. Open the official eligibility check for foreign teachers.
2. Enter the requested identification details to check your current eligibility.
3. Your temporary permit must remain valid during registration and training.

Step 2: Register on the Khuru Platform

1. Visit the Khuru Platform.
2. Create an account or sign in if you already have one.
3. Complete your profile details.
4. Apply for the 7 Module Teacher Training Programme if available.

Important: Khurusapha no longer uses the One Platform system.

Step 3: Review the Training Information

Read the programme information and requirements: View Training Information

Need help? Contact info@kurupatana.ac.th