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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!

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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

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Tod *********

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

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Pilinka *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

oops!

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Pilinka *********

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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.

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Patrick ******

Great. Thank you

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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.

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Scott ********

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

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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.

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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.

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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?

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Pilinka *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks Tod! You're a gem!

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

many thx

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Tod *********

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

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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?

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

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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..

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Tod *********

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