Ask question

Should I apply for an ED Visa in Canada or from Thailand while choosing a Thai language school in Phuket?

Thai Visa Rules ED Visa Non-Immigrant Type O-A Visa Thai Language Studies Language Schools in Phuket Tourist Visa Education Visa

Mar 25, 2019

6 years ago

Pilinka *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have been telling myself (55 yrs old female with Canadian and Australian passports) that I will take  a long term course (at least 3-6 nonths) for Thai language for years now.

 I speak passable Thai, but I know that being able to read Thai would be a huge step forward. I am serious about learning for real! 

My question is: should I choose my course/school now while I am in Phuket where I come every year, and apply for the ED Visa in Canada when I'm back there this summer, or is it better to be here on a tourist visa, choose school, then go to a neighboring country to apply for an education Visa?

  Also recommendations for Thai language schools around Southern Phuket are much appreciated. 

  I stay every year in Rawai. 

Thanks in advance!

1,016

views

1

likes

30

all likes

15

replies

0

images

8

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is considering enrolling in a long-term Thai language course in Phuket and is evaluating the best approach for obtaining an ED Visa. They are contemplating whether to choose a language school while in Phuket and apply for the ED Visa in Canada afterward, or to select a school on a tourist visa, then go to a neighboring country to apply for the education visa. Commenters provide insights on visa options and suggest it may be best to explore language schools in person before applying. They also mention alternative visa options that may be more beneficial than the ED Visa.

Stéfan ********

As a side note, you can study with any visa

Like

Reply

Tod *********

As far as recommendations of where to study, that's NOT thai visa related, sorry.

Like

Reply

Pilinka *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

oops!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Pilinka *********

Reply

Tod *********

I'd say IF you can qualify for it, don't even waste the time with an ED visa and instead get a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A (Long Stay) visa from the thai consulate in your country before you come back.

That visa is good for a year, is unlimited entry and every entry gets you stamped in for a whole new year, meaning you get almost 2 years of stay out of it.

Like

Reply

Patrick ******

Great. Thank you

Like

Reply

Robert *******

There is a Single Re-Entry permit, cost 1.000 Thb and a Multiple Re-Entry permit cost 3.800 Thb. Both are valid as long as your current admitted or permitted up to stay stamped in your passport.

Like

Reply

Scott ********

You should be able to buy a multi entry reentry permit. Not sure how long it’s good for though.

Like

Reply

Patrick ******

Al Olsen I see. So the (multiple entry) part of it which I had goes away and I must apply for a reentry permit each time I plan on exiting? Thanks for the info.

Like

Reply

Al *******

after your enter before date passes, you will have another year based on your most recent reentry date. That said you must purchase a reentry permit prior to exiting the country.

Like

Reply

Patrick ******

Let's say I re-enter Thailand the day before my Type O-A long stay visa expires...I'm stamped in and good for 1 more year. What happens the first time I exit the country after that? Is the visa done?

Like

Reply

Pilinka *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Tod! You're a gem!

Like

Reply

Vincent *************

many thx

Like

Reply

Tod *********

Vincent, yes, an O-A visa has to be applied for in the country your passport is from.

Like

Reply

Vincent *************

does this have to be applied for in your home country? I am from UK would I need to go back home to apply for it?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Vincent *************

Reply

Tod *********

It's definitely better to try a few schools to see which one is the one that works for you.

BUT as far as where you get the visa it doesn't matter at all. For private language schools most consulates will only issue a 90 day single entry Non-Immigrant Type ED visa.

You get stamped in for 90 days and then you go to the immigration office to get a new 90 day extension for the time you're studying..

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Can I apply for an ED visa for language school in Thailand after entering on a tourist visa from the UK?

26 comments

4 months ago

Is the plan of using a tourist visa and then transitioning to an educational visa the best option for long-term stay in Thailand?

11 comments

6 months ago

Can I apply for an ED visa for a language school in Thailand while in the UK, or must I be in Thailand?

16 comments

8 months ago

Should I apply for a Thai ED visa before traveling or can I do it after entering on a tourist visa?

22 comments

8 months ago

What are the steps and experiences for obtaining an ED visa to study Thai language in Thailand?

13 comments

8 months ago

Which language school in Thailand is best for learning Thai and getting help with an ED visa application?

16 comments

8 months ago

What is the best visa option for UK citizens planning to stay in Thailand for 6 months?

31 comments

a year ago

What are the best recommendations for Thai language schools in Phuket for an ED Visa, and what are the total costs involved?

2 comments

a year ago

Is getting an ED visa before my trip to Thailand a good choice for studying at a language school?

2 comments

a year ago

What are the best Thai language schools in Bangkok for an ED visa and what should I expect regarding costs and immigration approval?

7 comments

2 years ago

How many ED visas can one get for language school, and is it possible to switch to a Muay Thai school ED visa?

23 comments

2 years ago

What are the procedures and advice for applying for an ED visa in Thailand, including changing from a Tourist Visa?

8 comments

2 years ago

What are the best English language programs in Thailand for non-native speakers on an ED visa?

12 comments

2 years ago

Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa and then switch to an education visa for language study?

1 comments

3 years ago

How can I obtain a DIY ED visa in Thailand, and which schools offer classes in Bangkok or Chiang Mai?

3 comments

3 years ago

What are the recommended language schools in Thailand for obtaining an ED visa?

7 comments

3 years ago

What are the best schools for obtaining an ED visa in Thailand and how long does the process take?

10 comments

4 years ago

What is the best country to apply for an ED Visa for studying Thai language?

19 comments

5 years ago

Can I apply for an ED visa while on a tourist visa in Thailand?

0 comments

6 years ago

What are the best options for obtaining an ED visa from Thailand, and where should I go?

6 comments

6 years ago

What are the options for a Chinese citizen in Chiang Mai looking to change from a tourist visa to an ED visa?

4 comments

6 years ago

What are the best Thai language schools in Bangkok for visa purposes and what are the current ED visa regulations?

20 comments

7 years ago

What visa options are available for living in Thailand while taking Thai language and massage courses?

6 comments

7 years ago

What are the best language schools in Phuket for obtaining an educational visa?

14 comments

7 years ago

What are some recommendations for ED Visa processing companies in Thailand?

3 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.