Moving to Phuket can be an exiting adventure for you and your kids but there are several things you need to consider when choosing the right school and how to obtain a visa for your kids and yourself while living in Thailand.
Visa requirements for studying in Phuket or any other part of Thailand can vary depending on the nationality of the student and the duration of the intended study. However, please note that immigration and visa policies can change over time, so it’s important to verify the latest requirements with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country or with the relevant Thai government authorities.
Generally, for short-term courses or language programs of less than 90 days, many nationalities can enter Thailand for tourism purposes without a visa and may be able to study during their stay. However, if your child plans to study in Phuket for a longer period, they will likely need a student visa.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Tourist Visa: If the course is short-term (less than 90 days), your child may be able to enter Thailand on a tourist visa. However, it’s essential to ensure that the intended study activities are allowed on a tourist visa, as there are restrictions on what you can do on a tourist visa. As for yourself and partner you will require a visa also as Tourist visas are only good for one month but you can extend your stay by visiting the Thai immigration office in Phuket.
- Student Visa: If your child plans to study in Phuket for an extended period, they should apply for a student visa (Non-Immigrant ED visa). To obtain this visa, they typically need an acceptance letter from a registered educational institution in Thailand such as the Lighthouse International School Phuket. The specific requirements and application process may vary by country, so it’s best to check with the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information. As parents you will also need a long stay visa and there are several options to choose from. Guardian visa which 1 parent can obtain under 1 student visa so if you have 1 child only 1 parent can get a Guardian visa while the other parent will need to get another visa such as student visa for 1 year (not all nationalities can get a student visa)
- Education Institution Approval: Make sure the educational institution in Phuket where your child plans to study is recognized and accredited. This is crucial for obtaining the necessary visa and ensuring a quality education.
- Financial Requirements: Depending on the type of visa, you may need to provide proof of sufficient financial means to support your child’s stay in Thailand.
- Extension of Stay: If your child is already in Thailand on a tourist visa and decides to extend their stay for study purposes, they may need to apply for an extension at a local immigration office in Thailand. Be aware that overstaying a visa in Thailand can result in fines and other penalties.
Please remember that visa regulations can change, and it’s crucial to consult the official website of the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country or contact the Thai immigration authorities. For the latest and most accurate information regarding visa requirements for students studying in Phuket or any other part of Thailand. After you research the International School Phuket has to offer, its more cost effective to get visas before you get to Thailand otherwise the process is longer and cost more money.