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What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand for 2 years as an ESL teacher?

Thai visa options Youth Mobility Visa ESL teaching in Thailand International schools in Phuket Tourist visa Long-term stay in Thailand Expat advice

Feb 11, 2018

7 years ago

Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone! My boyfriend has just been offered a job in Phuket starting in July. 

It's a 2 year contract and I want to stay the whole 2 years too. 

I'm from New Zealand and I'll be 30 in July, I've heard there's a youth mobility visa for 18-30 year olds, is this something I should apply for? Or is there any other visa I can get? I'm also an ESL teacher with a degree (BA psychology and philosophy) and a TEFL certification from an online provider. 

Any advice about anything that will let me stay for 2 years (maybe more but definitely 2 years) would be greatly appreciated!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is looking for visa options to stay in Thailand for two years while their boyfriend works in Phuket. They are considering the youth mobility visa for 18-30 year olds and mentioned having a degree and a TEFL certification. Commenters suggest that finding a teaching job in Phuket is feasible, and that a proper visa could allow them to live there for the full duration. Options discussed include obtaining a teaching visa, using multiple tourist visas with regular border runs, and leveraging their TEFL certification to find employment.

Spierze *****

you can get by a year or so with 4-5 tourist visa, then change a new passport once it becomes too much. that will require you to exit the country every 3 months though.

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Spierze *****

relax, its a suggestion, may not be the best but it works. there is an active conversation going here so the TS can decide what suits her most. no reason to be rude

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Lance *******

In New Zealand language we call that shit advice!

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Lance *******

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Daniele *************

You could spend your 2 years on back to back tourist visas

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Terary **********

I have a BS in Computer Science and landed a job as math teacher. You'll be ok with your qualifications.

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Lance *******

Do you live in Auckland?

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Lance *******

Every country has different requirements. It's easy in Auckland. Fill out a form show then a bank statement with about 7k NZ pay 200 and give them your passport and pick up in 5 days. Check there website.

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Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

yeah there is a Thai embassy here, do you have any extra info about that specific visa?

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Lance *******

Ok i don't know if they have a thai embassy there but you might want to look into a multiple entry visa it's good for 9 months while you look for work if you can't find any online.

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Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey Lance, no I'm living in Prague at the moment, from Papamoa originally

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Lauren ****************

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Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Oh my gosh thank you guys so much! I am so relieved 😌 yaaaay! Phuket here we come!! 🌊 🌴 ☀️!!!

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Ronald ******************

It will be so easy for you to find a teaching job in Phuket

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Ronald ******************

Yes you can stay in Phuket with a proper visa for 2 years or maybe more than and I don't have any idea how much money you can earn a month

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Lance *******

1000 to 2000 NZ a month

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Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok phew! And I can get a 2year visa from that? Any idea what the hours/pay is like?

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Lauren ****************

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Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok this is great! (Although I don't actually have any "proper teaching qualifications" apart from my TEFL certification so I can't really teach anything other than ESL

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Lance *******

The private English language school normally near a university lay every thing out for you. I know i guy who never had training and he finds it easy as.

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Lance *******

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Jee ************

There are so many international school in Phuket.

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Alex *********

Quite easy to get a job as an English teacher if you have degree. Find the job when you are in Thailand.

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Alex *********

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