How do I get an ICT Knowledge Worker certificate?

The SIPA ICT Knowledge Worker Certification Center is the newest service from Software Industry Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology (MICT) aiming to develop Thailand's ICT capabilities.

In order to support ICT knowledge workers who seek to work legally in Thailand, SIPA offers a certificate that they can use via a One-Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits. This certificate can then be used to apply for a Visa and Work Permit.

What are the requirements for this certificate?

Before you submit the required documents, you have to meet the following criteria first:

• Employment contract
  - ICT Knowledge Workers under these categories can apply for a certificate: 
• Chief Information Officer
• Project Manager
• System Manager
• System Analyst & Designer
• Application Software Specialist
• Multimedia Software Specialist
• Data communication Specialist
• Database Specialist
• IT Security Specialist
• IT Quality Assurance Specialist
• CAD & CAM Specialist
• Programmer Specialist
• Educational Attainment
  - There is a minimum education level required: at least a bachelor’s degree in the field or any related course.
• Work Experience
  - Working experience required is at least two years.

You must submit the following requirement for the approval of your ICT Knowledge Worker Certification:

• Application Form and 4cm x 6cm ID photo
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of Non-Immigrant Visa B
• Proof of employment contact (Company letter of contract) with the following:
• Nature of business of the corporation.
• Reasons for your employment, position, wages and qualifications.
• Number of all Thai and Foreign employees of the corporation.
• A copy of your resume and one of the following:
• Proof of education (BS or related field from university)
• Proof of two years experience (from your previous Company or employer)
• Corporate affidavit and list of shareholders of the corporation.

The ICT certificate is only valid for one year. After which you need to apply for an extension and you must submit the following:

• Application Form and 4cm x 6cm ID photo.
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your work permit
• Your SIPA ICT Knowledge Worker Certificate
• Proof of employment contact (Company letter of contract) with the following:
• Nature of business of the corporation
• Reasons for your employment, position, wages and qualifications.
• Number of all Thai and Foreign employees of the corporation.
• Tax and salary information.

Note that there will be an interview in case the officer needs more information. You should include your contact details in all the documents that you will submit.

The certificate is valid for 1 year, and the renewal must be done on a yearly basis. SIPA will consider the application according to the shortage of ICT expertise in Thailand. The decision regarding the approval will be made 5 days after the submission of the requirements. SIPA updates the result on its website within 24 hours. The processing of visa and work permit is done within 3 hours, assuming all necessary supporting documents are provided.

The ICT Knowledge Worker Certificate issued can be used to assurance your performance as an ICT Specialist only. You will still have to apply for a work permit and visa. The approval of your visa and work permit will still follow the procedures of the Thai Immigration Bureau and Ministry of Labor.