Visa guide · Asia
Non-Immigrant B Visa for Teaching English in Thailand
Thailand's work visa for foreign teachers. Bachelor's + TEFL + Thai teacher license (waiverable for first 2 years).
The Non-Immigrant B is Thailand's standard work visa, used by ESL teachers, businesspeople, and most other foreign professionals. Teaching specifically also requires a teacher's license (TCT license) from the Khurusapha, the Teachers Council of Thailand. New teachers get a 2-year waiver to complete their license requirements.
Duration
Initial Non-B: 90 days. After Work Permit issued, extendable to 1 year. Renewable annually.
Cost
Non-B visa around USD 80. Work Permit fee around 3,000 THB ($90), typically employer-paid.
What you need
- Bachelor's degree (any field) from an accredited university
- 120-hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate
- Criminal background check from your home country
- Passport valid for at least 18 months
- Native-English speaker preference; non-native with strong credentials can land jobs
- Letter of confirmation from the employing school
The process
1. Secure a job offer
Schools, agencies, or language centers. Government schools usually hire through agencies; private and international schools hire direct.
2. Apply for Non-B at a Thai consulate
Outside Thailand. Many teachers go to Vientiane (Laos), Penang (Malaysia), or apply from their home country. Process takes 5-10 business days.
3. Enter Thailand, get Work Permit
Once in Thailand on the Non-B, your employer applies for the Work Permit at the Ministry of Labor. Typically takes 1-3 weeks.
4. Apply for TCT teacher license waiver
First-time teachers get a 2-year waiver. Apply within 60 days of getting your Work Permit. License requires Thai culture and language coursework over the waiver period.
Common questions
Can I start on a tourist visa and convert?
Technically yes but it's harder. Most schools and agencies prefer you arrive on a Non-B that you obtained outside Thailand. The cleanest path is to apply at a Thai consulate in Laos or Malaysia.
What's the TCT license process?
Over your 2-year waiver, you complete Thai culture courses (often online), Thai language basics, and pedagogy modules. The full license then runs 5 years and is renewable.
Can I teach at international schools in Thailand without the TCT license?
International schools generally hire on their own credentialing standards (typically requiring a home-country teaching license). The TCT license is mainly relevant for Thai government and bilingual schools.
Tools you'll need
Resources for teachers preparing to apply. Links are partner affiliates that fund the site at no cost to you.
Country guide
Teach English in Thailand
Lifestyle-first teaching with lower pay and lots of vacation.
See the full Thailand guide →Other visa guides
E-2 Visa (South Korea)
Korea's standard work visa for native-English ESL teachers. Bachelor's, criminal check, sealed transcripts.
Z Visa (China)
China's work visa for foreign teachers. Two years' work experience, TEFL, and a notarized background check required.
Instructor Visa (Japan)
Japan's visa for K-12 ALT and public school teaching roles. Bachelor's required, native-English speaker preference.
Auxiliares de Conversación (Spain)
Spain's government language assistant program. Stipend plus a student visa for non-EU citizens.
Work Permit and TRC (Vietnam)
Vietnam's combination of Work Permit plus Temporary Residence Card. Bachelor's + TEFL + health check.
Work Visa (UAE)
Tax-free employment visa for licensed K-12 teachers in the UAE. Strict credential requirements but high pay.