Document Preparation Guide: Teachers License, Non-B Visa & Work Permit
Last updated: April 2026
Getting your documents right the first time saves days of delays. Thai immigration and the Ministry of Education have strict standards for photocopies, photographs, and original documents. Follow this guide exactly before arriving at any government office. If you need help with any stage, our team at Essential TEFL is here — talk to us before you begin.
How to Make a Correct Photocopy
Thai government offices are strict about photocopy quality. A blurry, off-centre, or crumpled copy will be rejected on the spot. Here is exactly what a correct photocopy looks like:
✓ Do
- Use fresh white A4 paper
- Centre the document on the page
- Make sure the full document fits
- Sign every copy in blue pen
- Keep copies flat and uncreased
- Make copies at a print shop if unsure
✗ Do Not
- Use recycled or coloured paper
- Submit torn or crumpled copies
- Let edges of the document get cut off
- Sign in black pen
- Fold or staple copies unless instructed
- Submit faded or unclear copies
Important: All photocopies must be signed in blue pen. Black pen is not accepted. This applies to every single copy you submit — passport pages, degree certificate, visa pages, and work permit copies.
Complete Document Checklist
Prepare every item on this list before your appointment. Missing a single document means returning another day.
Passport Copies
- Original passport — valid for 12+ months
- 6 copies of every stamped page including entry and exit stamps
- 6 copies of TM6 (white departure card found inside your passport)
- 6 copies of the photo page (the page with your photo and personal details)
Qualification Documents
- Original degree certificate AND 6 photocopies
- Original teaching certificate (TEFL) AND 6 photocopies
- Original notarised & legalised degree certificate — this must be processed in your home country before travelling
Not sure about the legalisation process? See our full guide: Thai Non-B Visa & Work Permit — Step by Step.
Photo Requirements
You will need two sizes of professional passport photos. These must be printed at a photo lab or print shop — home-printed photos are always rejected.
Quantity: 12 photos
Used for: Work permit, teacher’s license
Quantity: 12 photos
Used for: Non-B visa application, 90-day reports
✓ Photo Requirements
- White or light grey background
- Smart, professional attire (collar recommended)
- Taken within the last 3–6 months
- Professionally printed at a photo shop
- Full face, looking directly at camera
✗ Not Accepted
- Coloured or patterned backgrounds
- Casual clothing (t-shirts, hoodies)
- Sunglasses or hats
- Home-printed photos
- Phone selfies submitted as photos
Tip: There are many affordable photo studios near the Essential TEFL campus and at most BTS/MRT stations in Bangkok. Bring the size specifications above and they will know exactly what to prepare. Expect to pay around 100–200 THB for a set.
Practical Tips Before Your Appointment
- Arrive early. Government immigration offices can get busy. Arriving at least 30 minutes before opening gives you time to organise your documents in queue.
- Bring more copies than you think you need. If you need 6 copies, make 8. Running out at the counter wastes everyone’s time.
- Keep originals separate from copies. Use separate folders or envelopes labelled “Originals” and “Copies” to avoid handing over the wrong document.
- Check expiry dates. Your passport must have at least 12 months of validity. Check before you travel.
- Dress smartly. Government offices in Thailand expect professional attire. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, or flip-flops.
For the full step-by-step visa and work permit process, visit our Thai Non-B Visa & Work Permit Guide. If you have questions specific to your nationality, talk to our team — we help with this every intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Thai immigration and Ministry of Education offices require copies on fresh white A4 paper only. Recycled or coloured paper will be rejected immediately.
No. Photos must be printed professionally at a photo lab or print shop. Home-printed photos are always rejected. Photo studios near the Essential TEFL campus or at BTS/MRT stations in Bangkok can produce these quickly for around 100–200 THB.
Blue pen only. Black pen is not accepted. Every single photocopy you submit must be signed in blue pen — this includes passport pages, degree copies, visa pages, and work permit copies.
Yes. Your bachelor’s degree must be notarised and legalised in your home country before travelling to Thailand. This process takes 2–4 weeks depending on your nationality. See our full visa guide for country-by-country instructions.
Copy shops are everywhere in Bangkok — most 7-Eleven convenience stores have a copy machine, and dedicated print shops are available near all MRT and BTS stations. Copies cost around 1–2 THB per page. Always test a copy first before making all 6.