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Can I apply for an ED Visa in Thailand and change schools while extending my stay?

Thai ED Visa Education Visa Visa Extension School Change Expat Life in Thailand Online Language Courses

Dec 15, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone, I’m really hoping someone has experience with this.

I’m interested in getting a ED Visa but I don’t want to stay at the same school in the same location the whole time. Can I do 6 months in one area and then apply to a new school and for a new extension on the Ed Visa or some variation of this that would allow me to see more than one place for a whole year? 

Has anyone done this?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The possibility of changing schools while on an ED Visa in Thailand is complicated. The consensus from the comments suggests that each ED Visa is linked to a specific school. Thus, if you wish to switch schools, you will likely need to apply for a new ED Visa. While taking a break from classes allows for some travel, it's important to adhere to visa regulations which may limit your ability to stay in different locations or change schools during your visa's validity.

Brendan *****

Can you please recommend a language school. I need online course or in class, thanks

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Kate *********

I am also looking for Thai language classes for an ED visa that can be done online. Does anyone know of schools where I could look? Thank you.

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Kate *********

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Elton *******

I believe at most language schools classes are online right now.

You can stay with a same school and travel where you want, just need to come to the same location every few months for extensions and other paperwork.

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Charles ********

Right now many schools are online due to covid. I attend ALA, they said we could stay online for awhile even after I class would be allowed again. You can consider that.

I believe the longest single stay on an Thai ed visa for native English speaker is 8 months. So only 2 longer than what you thinking about 6.

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Garrett ***********

You believe wrong. ED visas are either 90 days or 1 year. Plenty of people have been on years.

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JD ********

@Garrett **********

actually they have few that are 6 months too

im actually deciding between the 6 or 12 no. option but was just told today that they mostly report it to immigration for 1 yr regardless as they want more long term students studying & much easier & faster approval for that. they said i could still do a 6 no & then just reapply through them & pay another 6 mos. tuition but i wouldn’t have to pay the 15-20k baht for immigration fee they recently added to do in country Ed visas

this is for a physical self defense visa w/ a continuing option to combine thai language w/ it after

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Charles ********

@Garrett **********

those are agent visas? I am on Thai ed visa. It is 90 days with 60 day extension. I believe was told only 8 months in single stay, could be a 1 year if non English speaker.

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Garrett ***********

Whoever told you that is an idiot. Thai language schools aren't the only forms of studying eligible for ED visas. Plenty of people come to study at Thai universities and get ED visas for the duration of their 4-6 years of studying.

Non university route, Muy Thai, kick boxing, self defense schools can issue ED visas, legitimate programs have 1 year ED visas, not the 90 day that has to be extended.

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Charles ********

@Garrett **********

this is what they originally told me. So there is a possibility of extending beyond 8 months?

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Nicholas ****

@Charles *******

Thats for that specific school, other language schools will do the visa for 11months

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Nicholas ****

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Garrett ***********

No, if you change schools you'll need to change ED visas. Like a job, your ED visa is linked to the school.

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Nexa *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garrett **********

I could technically apply for a new Ed visa though, correct? Is this done? People transfer schools all the time to continue their education….

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JD ********

but just know you will have to pay for a new ed visa from the new school & that one time immigration fee in country as well so if only online anyway, maybe not necessary as not cost efficient… unless that’s not an issue in your decision… haha

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Ravi ******

hi im 3month visa need

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Garrett ***********

Yes, you'd need to cancel your current ED visa and apply for a new one, at the same time.

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Nexa *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garrett **********

so it’s not a unheard of thing and it’s possible to get done and approved?

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Garrett ***********

Yes it's very doable, you just can't keep the same ed-visa for 2 different schools.

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Nexa *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garrett **********

thank you!

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Nexa *******

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Brandon ************

This would be very difficult if not impossible. Immigration isn't very likely to go along with your plan. But you can take a month off here and there from class and travel around the country.

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Brandon ************

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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