What are the best visa options for my family to move to Thailand for work at a dive school?

visa options tourist visa work visa family visa Thailand dive school expat advice immigration rules NON-O visa NON-B visa METV SETV

Apr 19, 2019

6 years ago

Claire ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, our family of 4 (husband and wife and 2 kids) want to come and work in Thailand for a dive school. We are trying to book our flights (from Canada) but need some advice as to what are our best options for visas?

I understand that one option is to get a single entry tourist visa (applied for in Canada) for 60 days with proof of a return flight within that 60 days. Then, when we are there, find a job and we can all leave the country and husband applies for a work visa which will allow the family to stay ! Is this something that sounds do-able? 

Or do the kids and I need to apply for a multiple Tourist Entry Visa and then do a border run every 60 days?

Thanks

1,597

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A family of four from Canada is seeking advice on the best visa options for working in Thailand at a dive school. They consider obtaining a single-entry tourist visa (SETV) valid for 60 days, applying for jobs upon arrival, and then securing a work visa for the husband. Alternatively, they ask about the necessity of obtaining multiple-entry tourist visas (METV) for the family while also seeking insight into the dive job market in Thailand, especially considering the current low season for diving.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Tod *********

I would say that everyone should apply for a 6 month METV from the thai consulate in your country BEFORE you guys wing your way here.

That will give you about 9 months in country (in 60 day increments) and should be plenty of time to allow you guys to look into more long term visa options.

This is the website of the thai consulate in Vancouver and their requirements for a 6 month METV

******************************************

6 years ago

Tony ********

How long are you staying?

6 years ago

Tracy *****

Get the multi entry so that you dont have to piss around getting renewals. You can get a freelance dive permit. But as someone said its now low season. However there is some work around. It might not happen as quickly as you like

6 years ago

Toukir ********

Not Come before confirmed job

6 years ago

Tins *******

Now is a bad time for diving ... better you come between october and april ... better weather

Yes I should write. The Andaman sea.

6 years ago

Richard *************

@Pa ***

on the east side it is nice also in May, June, July, August and September

6 years ago

Reply to

Richard *************

Rick ********

Sounds like you should research and think it through more before booking flights.

6 years ago

Tom **********

Hi Clare, it's no longer high season, therefore opportunities for professional divers may be limited. Please be aware that schools are either PADI or SSI affiliated which may further restrict the opportunities 👍

6 years ago

Robert *******

Thailand does not have a work visa that allows families to stay. Your best option is mentioned above, secure a job before you make your way. Or all get the METV and come to Thailand. Your husband needs a Work Permit from the Ministry of Labor and a Non Immigrant B visa to work inside Thailand. You can than apply for a Non Immigrant O visa as dependent on your husband.

6 years ago

James ***********

You don't need a return flight to get a SETV or METV. But I would advise your husband to have secured a job before coming. The dive industry here is fairly saturated and unless he is managing one it would be tight for a family of 4 to survive on the wage.

6 years ago

Reply to

James ***********

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.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What are the best visa options for a family traveling in Thailand for 6-12 months?

38 comments