- Application for Visa
Foreigners who wish to work in Thailand must apply for a Non–Immigrant Visa Category “B”. CMU will provide official supporting letters and foreigners are responsible for the visa application process. Non-B visa can either apply in person at the Royal Thai Embassy or Thai Consulate-General in their home/residence country or a country designated under its diplomatic jurisdiction, or online through Thailand’s e-Visa System: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/.
They must identify specific location of the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate where they intend to apply for Non-B visa and they must provide the following documents to International Affairs Office:
- Copy of the passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent photograph (.png or .jpg file)
- Resume/CV
- Copies of educational qualification such as diplomas or teaching certificates
- Criminal record
The visa procedures may vary by embassy or consulate, we strongly recommend contacting the Thai Embassy or Consulate specified for detailed application instructions and to confirm the expected processing time.
The necessary support documents for visa application will be prepared by IAO which takes 7-10 working days to process.
Foreigners who currently live in Thailand holding other types of visas e.g., Tourist Visa (“TR”), Visa Exemption (60 Days) may apply for a change of type of visa at the Chiang Mai Immigration Office. The granting of change of type of visa and extension of stay is at the discretion of the immigration officer.
Employees’ family members (i.e., spouse, parents and children who are unmarried and under 20 years old) are eligible to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O”. Additional required documents are proofs of family relationship (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate), and financial evidence.
- Visa Fee
2,000 THB for single entry.
- Visa Validity
The Non-B visa is valid for a single entry and must be used within 90 days from the date of issuance. Foreigners must enter Thailand within the said 90-day period.
- Before Arrival
Before entering Thailand, don’t forget to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at https://tdac.immigration.go.th
- Period of stay
The holders of Non-B visa will be permitted to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days from the date of entry. The exact period of stay will be indicated on the arrival stamp issued by the immigration officer. However, they are not allowed to work until they have obtained a Work Permit.
Upon arrival in Thailand, employees must contact IAO to request supporting documents for the work permit application. Work permit can be applied at Chiang Mai Provincial Employment Office where the applicant will be obligated to pay income tax accordingly.
- Extension of Stay
Once the work permit is approved, foreigners may apply for extension of stay at offices of the Immigration. The International Affairs Office (IAO) will provide necessary official supporting documents for the visa extension. Employees must contact IAO at least one month before the expiration of the visa. (Visa Extension Process)
Employees can obtain a maximum 1-year stay permit and it must be renewed every year to avoid expiration. The fee for each visa extension is 1,900 THB paid to Thai Immigration. Please note that the approval of the extension is at the discretion of the Immigration officer.
- 90 Days Report
After visa extension, employees are required to report their current address to Thai Immigration every 90 days. This reporting does not need the documents from IAO. (90 Days Report Process)
- Re–entry Permit
Employees who plan to travel temporarily outside of Thailand are required to apply for a Re-entry Permit to preserve their visa status. A re-entry permit may be obtained at Thai Immigration Office or International Airport of Thailand. The fees are 1,000 THB for a single re-entry, and 3,800 THB for a multiple re-entry permit.
Important Notes:
- If foreigners leave Thailand without a re-entry permit, their visa will be automatically canceled, and they will have to re-process the visa issuance at Thai Embassy or Consulate outside Thailand again.
