Changing schools can affect both your studies and the evidence supporting your stay. Before cancelling a course, coordinate the education dates with the immigration procedure that applies to your current permission.
Establish what your current permission depends on
Collect your passport stamp, enrollment agreement and the documents used for the last application. Tell both schools which authority handled the application and when your current permission ends. A new tuition payment does not by itself transfer immigration permission.
Ask each school different questions
The current school
Ask about withdrawal procedures, the date it records the end of enrollment, documents it will issue and any contractual refund terms. Keep the written response.
The proposed school
Ask whether the new course suits your level and timetable, what supporting paperwork it can provide and when the complete file will be available. Do not assume that its usual new-student process covers a student transferring from another institution.
Confirm the immigration sequence before cancelling
Ask the handling immigration office whether cancellation, a new application or another procedure is required, and what deadlines apply. Provide the actual documents instead of relying on a general description of “a school transfer.” Avoid an unexplained gap between the end of the old enrollment and the next lawful immigration step.
Make a transition checklist
- Written course end and start dates.
- Withdrawal and new-enrollment paperwork.
- Authority-confirmed immigration sequence.
- Costs and refund terms for both schools.
- Copies of submitted documents and instructions received.
If international travel is part of the proposed route, review that separately before buying tickets. A re-entry permit is not a substitute for resolving a change in the basis of your stay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I simply stop attending the old school?
Discuss withdrawal and its immigration implications first. Keep your records accurate and follow the institution’s procedure.
Will the new school automatically handle everything?
Only the written service scope can establish what it will do. Confirm your own responsibilities and required attendance at immigration.
Sources and supporting links
Official guidance for this topic. Embassy checklists apply to applicants using that mission; confirm your responsible authority’s current requirements before applying.
Education visa support in Chiang Mai · Official Thai e-Visa website
Contact Visa Support Thailand with your current visa, stay-expiry date and the step you need help with.