What is a Thai education visa at a language school?

A Thai education visa at a language school is a type of non-immigrant visa (Non-Immigrant ED) that allows foreign nationals to study at a language school in Thailand. This visa is issued to students who are enrolled in a full-time language course at a recognized institution, such as New Stamford School. It enables the holder to legally reside in Thailand for a specific period of time while they are completing their language studies. Holders of this visa are typically required to attend classes on a regular basis and maintain a full-time student status and may also be subject to other requirements such as regular check-ins with immigration authorities. The visa may be initially issued for a period of up to 90 days, and the extension process may be repeated every 90 days, for a total duration of up to 12 months, as long as the student is making satisfactory progress in their studies and meeting the other immigration requirements.

How is New Stamford School recognized and certified for the purpose of obtaining an education visa?

New Stamford School is 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. Enrolling in one of our courses makes students eligible to apply for this type of visa.

Obtaining an education visa at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad

It is crucial for students who plan to apply for a visa to stay informed of the latest requirements. Each embassy and consulate may have different rules and regulations, and while New Stamford School can provide guidance, we cannot guarantee compliance with every embassy or consulate’s specific requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to research and verify the requirements, including office hours and holidays, for the specific embassy or consulate they will be applying to.

Additionally, it is important for students to check if the embassy or consulate requires a Criminal Background check and/or bank statements for the last 3-6 months as part of the visa application process. It is also important to note that some embassies and consulates do not accept walk-in applications and require students to book an appointment in advance. Furthermore, the wait time for visa processing can vary and students should be aware that it may take several weeks or even months to process the application.

Note that: Certain countries, such as Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Sri Lanka, and Middle Eastern nations, may have specific guidelines and requirements for submitting an ED Visa application and will require applicants to apply at a designated Thai Embassy or Consulate within their home or residential country.

Please refer to the following link for a comprehensive list of Thai embassies and consulates worldwide: https://www.thaiembassy.org

Duration of Stay: Understanding the Terms of an Education Visa at New Stamford School

Holders of an education visa at New Stamford School are initially granted a maximum period of stay in Thailand for 90 days. It is important to note that students must enter Thailand within the period of their first visa issuance and must begin their first class within 30 days of arrival. After this initial period, students may apply for an extension of stay at the Chiang Mai Immigration office and may be granted an additional 90-day extension, provided they meet the necessary requirements. This extension process may be repeated every 90 days, for a total duration of up to 12 months.

What is an e-visa system?

The e-visa system is an electronic visa application process that allows individuals to apply for a visa without physically visiting the embassy or delivering their passports to the embassy. This process is more convenient as it eliminates the need to mail original visa documents internationally and allows for the submission of scanned copies via email.

It is important to note that the specific Thai embassy where you must apply for a visa corresponds to your place of permanent residence, regardless of your current location.

For example, if you are a US citizen, and have a permanent residence in Washington, D.C. but are currently visiting Japan on a tourist visa, you must submit an e-visa application to the Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Similarly, if you are a UK citizen, and have a permanent residence in London but are currently visiting Thailand on a tourist visa, you must submit an e-visa application to the Thai Embassy in London.

To determine eligibility for e-visa applications, please refer to the following link: https://www.thaievisa.go.th.

The following countries are now only accepting visa applications electronically, and DO NOT accept walk-in visa applications.

These countries include:

• South Korea
• UK
• USA
• Germany
• The Netherlands
• Denmark
• Sweden
• Norway
• Switzerland
• Finland
• France

The Main Tourist Visa Options For Visiting Thailand

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand as a tourist, consider taking advantage of our part-time language program to enhance your understanding of the Thai language and culture. There are various visa options available. The following information will provide an overview of the main tourist visa options.