What are the details and requirements for obtaining an ED visa for studying in Thailand?

ED Visa Non-Immigrant Visa Visa Requirements Thailand Immigration Studying in Thailand Visa Extensions

Oct 27, 2019

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Bit of a strange experience in the Thai embassy in Abu Dhabi.

I was interviewed over the phone at the embassy by the lady who approves the ED visas (she requested I come to the embassy to to conduct an interview in person) . She questioned me about how many hours and days I will be attending school (which I wasn't sure, thinking 2 hours a day twice a week )

She said that a course only takes 9 months to complete and if the school was going over that time by only doing 4 hours a week they were helping me out to stay an extra 3 months in Thailand.

So I have a 9 month ED visa, didn't know that was a thing 🤷‍♂️ Is this based on fact or just her opinion?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion centers on the complexities of obtaining an ED (Education) visa for studying in Thailand, specifically the validity and duration of the visa. The original poster recounts an interaction at the Thai embassy regarding the specifics of their visa, learning about the nuances of a potential 9-month visa. However, community responses clarify that a 9-month ED visa does not exist; typically, the visa is granted for 90 days with the possibility of extensions based on the duration of the course. There are also comments emphasizing that educational institutions may not accurately convey visa durations and requirements, highlighting the importance of adhering to immigration regulations.

Robert *******

The way the Non Immigrant Ed visa works is explained. How it works in Pattaya, but also in other places is also explained. And if you read it, you still think How and why is it getting more difficult to get another Non Immigrant ED visa. And for those who pay the extra fees, you know it is not the official way, so do not be surprised if it goes wrong one day. Play by the rules or play games, make a wise decision.

5 years ago

Aaron ********

FYI The minimum amount of hours per week for the one year ED is 10 hours per week

5 years ago

Pete *******

Many Pattaya schools had been offering 2 hours twice a week which yes i think they are the ones cracked down on. Minimum is meant to be double. It doesn't help that the closest immigration to Pattaya accepts 5000 baht every 90 days rather than 1900 & now some schools offer somehow you don't need to leave the country still with 5k baht every 90 days & more for the tuition

5 years ago

Robert *******

You are mixing up the school story about how long their program is with the requirements of a visa and the duration of stay. Take a look in your passport and you will see you have a Single Entry Non Immigrant ED visa you got 90 days Admitted to Stay on entry and before that expired you visited the Immigration Office for new 90 day period. Schools can tell what ever they want but they are not in control of the Visa and Extension Stay.

5 years ago

Robert *******

I doubt there is an University who offer degrees in 9 months with only 2 hours a week college. Even 10 hours a week sound not enough. Language schools, Muay Thai gyms, cooking schools etc students only can get the Single Entry Non Immigrant ED visa valid for 90 days.

5 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

If this course program is only 9 months it will be 90 days on entry with the visa, Extension of Stay for 90 days and after that again an Extension of Stay for the remaining time of the course.

5 years ago

Robert *******

No, a 9 month Non Immigrant ED visa does not exist. You will get the the Single Entry Non Immigrant ED visa and 90 days of stay at entry into Thailand. Before these 90 days expire you go with help from the school the Immigration Office and apply for a 90 day Extension of Stay and keep on doing this till the end of this course.

5 years ago

James ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Robert ******

hopefully I can get it sorted out once I get to Thailand then after already paying for the years study. Wasnt the most amicable experience to say the least so I didn't push it 😂

5 years ago

Reply to

James ********

Jeremy ********

I believe there are

***

/9 month Ed visas and some 1 year end visas...however all Ed visas are usually only 3 months with extensions if I remember

5 years ago

James ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeremy *******

that was my impression, extension every 3 months till the years up