What are the steps and considerations for obtaining an ED visa in Thailand after a 60-day Tourist Visa?

Question

Hi all, I'm talking to a language school regarding an ED Visa after arriving on a 60 day Tourist Visa and the follow on Visa's I believe are available. The school says they do the visa transition all the time and is normal and I've also asked several other sources in Thailand, none of whom have atually done it, but they all say the same thing. To make sure I'm doing all of my due dilligence, I'm asking for other folks' experiences here.

I also want to ask if this is the way they do the Visa's in a 9 month Visa then another 6 month Visa after that, both of which can be repeated for up to 5 years.

For people that have experience with this, was it as simple as it sounds? Are there any border runs, or visa runs required that I've missed? Any additional expenses? Were there any unexpected hiccups with your process? Anything I should be aware of going into this?

Thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

Many individuals transitioning from a 60-day Tourist Visa to an ED Visa through a language school in Thailand seek clarity on the process and its implications. It is generally agreed that you can apply for an ED Visa that allows for a 90-day initial visa, with potential extensions based on school attendance. However, the maximum duration for language courses leading to an ED Visa appears to be limited to 2 to 3 years, depending on the course and whether different languages are studied. Applicants should start the visa process promptly upon arrival, as it can take 4 to 6 weeks and does not require leaving the country. There are concerns about maintaining consistent attendance at the language school, as poor attendance can complicate future visa applications. Additional expenses and required 'border runs' are discussed as potential issues to anticipate.

Oleksandra ********** · Answer

Also, getting ED visas for 5 years is improbable. You are allowed to learn one language one time.

Thai course is 15 months maximum; English, Japanese, and Chinese are 12 months.

If you learn one language after another, you can get 3 ED visas. Theoretically, you can go for 4 courses but honestly, you'll see that it is not a good choice.

These days, you actually need to learn the language and attend the school. Most students give up pretty soon and skip classes which leads to problems when re-entering the country.

Oleksandra ********** · Answer

I had 3 ED visas in the past.

When you enter Thailand on 60 days visa exemption stamp, go to the school at once. The school will start getting documents ready for you. The whole process of getting ED visa might take 4-6 weeks, sometimes longer, that's why you need to start this as soon as you enter the country. You don't have to leave the country to get your ED visa.

Bob ********** · Answer

No 5 year language school the extension are only 3 months for the year

Brandon ************ · Answer

You cannot do any language school for 5 years. You'll get 2 years at most.

John ********** · Answer

When you apply for an ED visa via a language school you initially get a 90 day visa, then depending on your attendance record at the school you can extend every 90 days for a year.

What are the steps and considerations for obtaining an ED visa in Thailand after a 60-day Tourist Visa?

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