How to Get a Non-Immigrant ED Plus Visa Before and During Your Studies in Thailand
Student blog — 19/11/2025
If you are planning to study at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) or any accredited university in Thailand, one of the first steps is to obtain the Non-Immigrant-ED Plus Visa, a special type of Non-Immigrant ED Visa for full-time international students. This visa is designed for students who intend to study in Thailand for more than one year and wish to enjoy a smoother, long-term stay with extra post-graduation benefits.
- The Non-Immigrant-ED Visa is mainly for exchange students, short-term programs, or language courses that last less than one year.
- The Non-Immigrant-ED “Plus” Visa, on the other hand, is for full-time degree students who will study in Thailand for over one year. It is required only to apply for a long-term study and annual visa renewals in Thailand, referring to the immigration rules.
Unlike the standard Non-Immigrant-ED Visa, the Non-Immigrant-ED Plus Visa also grants students an additional one-year stay after graduation to seek employment, participate in internships, or pursue further studies in Thailand. This makes it an excellent option for international students who would like to gain work experience or start their careers in Thailand after completing their degrees.
Once you are accepted into UTCC or other Thai universities, the institution issues the necessary documents for your visa application through email. You will also need to prepare the personal relevance documents as per the Thai Embassy overseas, if necessary.
You can apply for the Non-Immigrant-ED Visa at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate overseas at their convenience. However, please note that visa document requirements can vary from one country to another, so it’s important to confirm the exact requirements with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply.
Once you arrive in Thailand, UTCC provides complete support for visa extension and immigration matters throughout your studies. Students are required to extend their visas annually in Thailand, according to the immigration rules. The International Office assists with the visa extension process, providing all necessary documents for visa extension. Students typically need at least a 6-month valid passport, a currently active Non-Immigrant Ed Visa, study results, and other necessary internal documents, optionally.
UTCC takes pride in offering professional and personalized visa support to all international students. Our experienced international visa officers, Ms. Sirikwan Punyawisiskul (Ms. Bui) and Ms. Thi Minh Uyen Tran (Ms. Jolie), are always ready to assist students with visa applications, renewals, and immigration matters. They are located at Building 21, 7th Floor, Office of International Relations at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. With their expertise, students can focus on their studies while the university ensures all visa procedures are handled smoothly and correctly.
With UTCC’s support and the benefits of the Non-Immigrant-ED Visa, international students can study long-term, enjoy a worry-free visa renewal process, and even stay an extra year after graduation under our criteria to begin their careers in Thailand. Located in the heart of Bangkok, UTCC offers modern facilities, diverse international programs, and full student services to make your educational experience truly rewarding.
If you’re preparing to study in Thailand, remember to apply for your visa at least 60 days before you travel. Keep your documents updated and contact the UTCC International Office for any visa-related support.
Start your academic journey today, apply to UTCC, and take advantage of the Non-Immigrant-ED Visa, your pathway to study, stay, and succeed in Thailand.