Student Visa - Time Of Entry

[niteswim]

Hi, I am going to KL on 4 August to apply for my student visa, armed with the visa application forms supplied by my language school. After the application in KL I plan on doing a month of traveling to other Asian countries, and will enter Thailand (Chiang Mai) in late August 23rd.

Does anyone know if in fact I need to come back to Thailand straight away after I apply for the visa in KL, or am I able to take the time to go to other countries before entering Thailand ?

To me it seems obvious that the student visa should be valid for a certain time and I can go anywhere I want before coming to Thailand, provided I am within the validity time. However for some reason my school is saying I need to return from KL immediately when I get the student visa .. they couldn't explain why.

Does anyone know the regulation on this as I do not want to have any problems with Immigration when I come back from my travels. Should I actually come back to Thailand straight after I get the student visa in KL ?

Thanks !

[Mario2008]

Hi, I am going to KL on 4 August to apply for my student visa, armed with the visa application forms supplied by my language school. After the application in KL I plan on doing a month of traveling to other Asian countries, and will enter Thailand (Chiang Mai) in late August 23rd.

Does anyone know if in fact I need to come back to Thailand straight away after I apply for the visa in KL, or am I able to take the time to go to other countries before entering Thailand ?

To me it seems obvious that the student visa should be valid for a certain time and I can go anywhere I want before coming to Thailand, provided I am within the validity time. However for some reason my school is saying I need to return from KL immediately when I get the student visa .. they couldn't explain why.

Does anyone know the regulation on this as I do not want to have any problems with Immigration when I come back from my travels. Should I actually come back to Thailand straight after I get the student visa in KL ?

Thanks !

A visa is valid for 3 months, meaning you have 3 months from the day of issue to enter Thailand. You can only enter Thailand once on it.

If it is multiple Ed, then it is vlid for 1 year and you would lose time by not using it, as you cna use it an unlimited times to enter Thailand during that year.

[niteswim]

Hi Mario, thanks that's good to know.

A further question, if I can only enter Thailand once with the student visa, what can I do if I want to travel during that time. (Note: I don't think the embassy in KL will issue multiple entry visas). But surely there is some way for me to travel while I have the student visa ))

Thanks

[lopburi3]

You obtain 3 month extensions of stay and can buy a re-entry permit for travel - but you will still need to attend classes to qualify for the next extension of stay.

[niteswim]

You obtain 3 month extensions of stay and can buy a re-entry permit for travel - but you will still need to attend classes to qualify for the next extension of stay.

Heh, thanks for that. Yes cool, I'm really keen to learn thai anywayz

thanks

[WilliamIV]

IF and that could be a BIG IF ...

If there is going to be any problem it will probably not be with Immigration.

The Potential problem COULD be with the Minstry of Education.

The papers that support your Education Visa Application are from that Ministry.

And your College also has to obtain more papers from the Minstry of Education

to support your first extension.

I personally would not anticipate a problem arising from a one month delay on entering Thailand

But I could see the POSSIBILTY of questions being raised if you do not start your Course promptly

after entering the Kingdom

For example if you decided to have an extended stay in Chiang Mai or swan off for a cool out in Pai - and such a delay could leave insufficient time to obtain the second set of docs for the first extension.

In my opinion - It is not a matter of Regulation

It is a matter of being perceived as a serious Student by the Education Ministry.

Hope this helps.

You didnt say what Passport you hold

Not everybody can obtain an Education Visa in KL

Some passport holders have to return to their home Country

Bill

[niteswim]

IF and that could be a BIG IF ...

If there is going to be any problem it will probably not be with Immigration.

The Potential problem COULD be with the Minstry of Education.

The papers that support your Education Visa Application are from that Ministry.

And your College also has to obtain more papers from the Minstry of Education

to support your first extension.

I personally would not anticipate a problem arising from a one month delay on entering Thailand

But I could see the POSSIBILTY of questions being raised if you do not start your Course promptly

after entering the Kingdom

For example if you decided to have an extended stay in Chiang Mai or swan off for a cool out in Pai - and such a delay could leave insufficient time to obtain the second set of docs for the first extension.

In my opinion - It is not a matter of Regulation

It is a matter of being perceived as a serious Student by the Education Ministry.

Hope this helps.

You didnt say what Passport you hold

Not everybody can obtain an Education Visa in KL

Some passport holders have to return to their home Country

Bill

Hi there, I hold an Australian passport. I'm currently on my 60 days as a tourist.

That's an interesting point you mentioned re: Ministry of Ed. I enter Thailand at CM on 23 August and was going to spend about 2 weeks actually doing intensive thai training with a private tutor, and when I get back then I will start my thai lessons with the school. I suppose my receipts can prove this. So on the contrary to swanning off .. hehe. .. I'm actually really serious about learning thai and making a life here for myself. I told the school I will report to them IMMEDIATELY when I get back from Chiang Mai.

I really hope there won't be any problems.

[WilliamIV]

I wouldnt expect a delay of two weeks to create any problem.

But do make sure the school applies to the Education Ministry in good time to get the second set of Documents.

Presumably you already have the first set of Documents from the Ministry to support the Visa Application?

Bill

[Mario2008]

There won't be a problem with nnot coming to Thailand right away, be it with immigraiton or the Education Ministry.

The only rule you will have to be aware of is that once you come here you need to be studying for a minimum of an average of 4 hours a week.

In case of niteswim he probably has to make up for the 2 weeks he won't be studying at the school. Private tutoring is not studying at a registered institution so won't count to this.

[lopburi3]

In other words he will not qualify for extension of stay at the end of his 3 month visa without the school certifying his attendance. If the school says he has to return/start class immediately that is what he needs to do if he expects to extend his stay. He needs to clear the delay with his school.

[niteswim]

In other words he will not qualify for extension of stay at the end of his 3 month visa without the school certifying his attendance. If the school says he has to return/start class immediately that is what he needs to do if he expects to extend his stay. He needs to clear the delay with his school.

Ok cool, I've let the school know and they are cool with that. cheers