Navigating the Thai Education Visa Process: A Guide for International Students at New Stamford School
As an international student at New Stamford School, obtaining a Thai education visa is essential for legally residing in Thailand and completing your language studies. The Thai education visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits foreign nationals to study at a language school in Thailand. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the Thai education visa process and requirements, as well as important details to keep in mind throughout your studies.
Recognized and Certified Education: The Importance of New Stamford School’s Accreditation
One of the key requirements for obtaining a Thai education visa is enrolling in a full-time language course at a recognized institution. At New Stamford School, we are fully licensed and approved by the Thai Ministry of Education, making our language programs recognized and certified for the purpose of obtaining an education visa. When you enroll in one of our courses, you become eligible to apply for this type of visa.
Duration of Stay: Understanding the Terms of an Education Visa at New Stamford School
When you are granted an education visa at New Stamford School, you are initially allowed a maximum period of stay in Thailand for 90 days. It is important to note that you must enter Thailand within the period of your first visa issuance and must begin your first class within 30 days of arrival. After this initial period, you may apply for an extension of stay at the Chiang Mai Immigration office and may be granted an additional 90-day extension, provided you meet the necessary requirements. This extension process may be repeated every 90 days, for a total duration of up to 12 months.
Single-Entry Visa and Number of Entries
It is important to note that the Thai education visa is often issued as a single-entry visa, which means that you can only enter Thailand once during the validity period of the visa. If you need to leave and re-enter Thailand during your studies, you must first obtain a re-entry permit before departing. The cost of a single re-entry permit is typically 1,000 baht, while a multiple re-entry permit costs 3,800 baht and allows for multiple entries during the validity period of the visa.
Process and Requirements: Obtaining and Maintaining an Education Visa for Studying in Thailand
Once you have been granted a visa to enter Thailand, a label will be affixed to a page in your passport. It is important to note the date on the visa label, as this is not the date of visa expiration. Instead, it is the last date by which you must enter Thailand in order for the visa to be valid. Upon arriving in Thailand, the immigration officer at the port of entry will stamp your passport with the ED 90-day visa start date. The period of stay allowed for this visa is 90 days from the date of arrival. Therefore, the expiry date of the visa will be 90 days after the arrival date.
It is crucial to be aware that Thai immigration law strictly offers only 90 days for an ED visa. Therefore, students will need to apply for a visa extension if they require additional time to complete their studies.
What to do after your visa has been granted and you have booked your trip to Thailand?
After your visa has been granted and you have booked your trip to Thailand, it is crucial to inform New Stamford School about your flight details as soon as possible. You can do this by sending an email to study@newstamford.com.
It is important to inform the school about your flight details because immigration authorities may contact the school to verify your student status. Having your information on hand will help the school respond to any queries quickly, ensuring a smooth arrival process for you.
Reporting Requirements and Visa Extension Process for International Students at New Stamford School
It is crucial for international students to comply with Thai immigration regulations. As per these regulations, all international students must report themselves to the school within 7 days of their arrival. If you are enrolled in a course that lasts for more than 3 months, it is essential to report to the school within 7 days or as soon as possible so that the school can initiate the visa extension process in a timely manner. The visa extension process can take up to 4-5 weeks, and it involves submitting various documents to the Ministry of Education and immigration authorities. Therefore, it is vital to start the process early to avoid any delays or issues with the visa.
Please ensure that you notify the school of your arrival as soon as possible and complete all the necessary reporting procedures within the required timeframe. Also, initiate the visa extension process early to avoid any issues or delays. Please contact the school’s international office if you have any questions or concerns regarding these requirements.
In summary, obtaining a Thai education visa at New Stamford School requires enrolling in a recognized institution and following strict requirements regarding entry, extension, and re-entry permits. By understanding these processes and requirements, you can successfully navigate the Thai education visa process and focus on your language studies.
