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What visa is needed to bring my Thai stepson, who doesn't speak English, to my country for education?

Visa options Education visa Bringing children to another country Expats in Thailand Thai stepson Immigration advice

JP ********

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asked Aug 16, 2025

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I have a question hoping someone can help....

I have a Thai stepson in Thailand,  he's 13 years old and at school.

I want to bring him to my country where my Thai Wife lives with me.

Has anyone else done the same?

I'm wondering what visa to get, as he doesn't speak English, at all.

So a normal school won't be a consideration.

Although he needs an Education visa, apparently..

Any suggestions/advice is appreciated. 

🙏👍

Answer summary

The user seeks assistance regarding the visa process for bringing their 13-year-old Thai stepson, who does not speak English, to their country where their Thai wife resides. The discussion includes experiences from others who have navigated similar situations, highlighting concerns about school enrollment due to language barriers, the importance of legal adoption, and referencing embassy assistance. Suggestions vary based on the user's country of residence, emphasizing that specific policies and experiences can vary widely.

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Steve **********

Steve **********

My wife brought her 11 year old Thai daughter that speaks zero English to America. She enrolled her in the local school. Six months later she speaks an INSANE amount of English. Don’t worry about that part.

1

Max *************

Max *************

@Steve *********

The younger they are, easier to learn.

2

Dca *****

Dca *****

Well, what country are we talking about here? because every country his different laws, regulations, and policies for different family members and immigration status of that country

also, for nearly all countries, the age of the child is an important criteria to consider

1

Max *************

Max *************

Why not talk to your embassy in Thailand? This is something you eventually must do.

1

Terry ***********

Terry ***********

We brought my stepson from China to Australia years ago, same scenario he didn’t speak any English. Schools didn’t want him and to make things worse, he didn’t want to be here and it was all a total nightmare from start to finish. He resented me and his mother and made our lives beyond difficult. Long story short, he went to live with my wife’s sister in another suburb where he continued his sullen rebellion to a point of self harming.

4

Young ********

Young ********

@Terry **********

So sorry to hear this but it's not easy for our kids to move somewhere and not speak the language, especially once they are teens. I hope he is thriving now🙏🏿

0

Terry ***********

Terry ***********

I wouldn’t know, my wife died of cancer four years ago and I haven’t heard from her family since she passed away

2

Steve *******

Steve *******

I brought my step daughter to Australia from Thailand and it was not a major drama, I did not need to legally adopt her. I married my wife in Australia before I brought our daughter to Australia.

0

JP ********

JP ********

OP

Not very helpful, I'm not even explaining to you. I suggest keeping judgemental opinions elsewhere.

0

Max *************

Max *************

Maybe the kid is staying with his father and that's what he wanted when his mother left. You don't know anything about the circumstances.

0

David *****

David *****

can’t imagine a good woman leaving her child behind in favor of a man. But I don’t know the circumstances surrounding this.

1

Bob **********

Bob **********

$$$

0

Mark ********

Mark ********

any women who left there son daughter to be with a bloke is not worth having , and probably better off with his nan

3

Mark ********

Mark ********

@Pete *********

Thankyou for your comment , I have been going to Thailand Cambodia &

Vietnam for the last 12 years , Thailand 20 times , my cousin is married to a Thai woman & brought her 2 children up as his own , which both are grown women now

0

JP ********

JP ********

OP

Same as .e, so what about visa and school?

0

Bradford ******

Bradford ******

Have you legally adopted him?

2

JP ********

JP ********

OP

@Bradford *****

no

0

JP ********

JP ********

OP

Is it suggested I do? Would it make it easier?

0

Bradford ******

Bradford ******

Yes it would make it much easier. There may be issues with the child's father not allowing him to be taken out of Thailand (depending on any custody agreements). But adoption is the best route.

2

Young ********

Young ********

Absolutely - when it comes to residency and his schooling

2

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