How does the start date for an ED visa relate to my acceptance letter and travel plans to Thailand?

Question

Belgium Passport holder, 2 prior METVs

Currently in Thailand until 19/10/2019 (returning to Belgium)

Applied for language school 3 weeks ago, received the acceptance letter yesterday. Since this letter is only valid for 1 month, the school has put starting date of studies from 19/10/2019 to 19/01/2020

I will apply for ED visa as soon as I am back in Belgium.

However I only plan to return to Thailand on 16/01/2020. This means there are only 3 days of studying remaining when I land. If I undestand correctly, ED visas are valid for 3 months at a time.

Is the ED visa start date as per acceptance letter or as per flight date? Will I have only 3 days remaining on my ED visa when I land or will I get a full 90 days?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is a Belgium passport holder currently in Thailand, who has applied for an ED visa to study at a language school. They are seeking clarification on whether the start date of their visa is based on the acceptance letter from the school or the date they return to Thailand. Responses indicate that the ED visa is valid for 3 months from the date it is issued, allowing for 90 days of stay upon entry, regardless of the school start date. However, there’s a concern about the school's timing and their payment for the course, with advice to communicate with the school regarding potential changes to the study dates.

Danny ********* · Answer

Chances are very high they will not grant you an ED visa in Belgium. Although their website says otherwise. Take Tod's advice and email them first. Good luck, you'll need it in BE.

Hoppa ****** · Answer

Maybe ask your school to change the dates from 19/01/20-19/04/20.

Álvaro ********** · Answer

Ok, let's clarify concepts.

Your school made paperwork to apply for a ED visa. In the consulate they will use those documents to (hopefully) grant your visa to you. In the moment the visa is granted, you have 3 months to enter the country under that visa, and since you enter, you will receive a 90 days permission of stay.

The course dates are only important for obtaining the visa (maybe the consulate asks to see your flight in) not for entering the country.

But still you should talk with your school, because if you paid already but are not attending... that is not a good deal and not a good idea regarding visa.

Tod ********* · Answer

strange that the school KNEW you were going to go do this and wrote a letter like that.

The MOE letter is actually good for several months once the school dates it's (whoever told you it's only good a month was blowing smoke up your backside)

Robert ******* · Answer

But do you think it does sound it little weird to apply for a Visa that you're going to use for only the last 3 days of a 3 months course?

Tod ********* · Answer

Once they put the visa in your passport you have 3 months to ENTER thailand and you will be stamped in for 90 days when you arrive.

That's how the visa works

Robert ******* · Answer

The visa becomes valid on the day it is attached in your passport. The visa is valid for 3 months and on entry you get 90 days Admitted to Stay

How does the start date for an ED visa relate to my acceptance letter and travel plans to Thailand?

Activity

Related

Resources