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

Question

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

Ask Thailand · Answer

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.

Tod ********* · Answer

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

[url redacted]

Tony ******** · Answer

How long are you staying?

Tracy ***** · Answer

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

Toukir ******** · Answer

Not Come before confirmed job

Tins ******* · Answer

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

Yes I should write. The Andaman sea.

Rick ******** · Answer

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

Tom ********** · Answer

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 👍

Robert ******* · Answer

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.

James *********** · Answer

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.

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

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