- Non-Immigrant “ED” Visa is granted to foreigners who wish to enter Thailand for studying in non-degree or short-course programs, attending seminar, training, internship or exchange purposes.
- Non-Immigrant “ED PLUS” Visa is granted to international students studying at universities/institutions in Thailand at the bachelor’s degree level or above. This visa allows students to depart and re-enter Thailand without a re-entry permit during their studies.
- Application for Visa
Foreigners who wish to do internship or attend a short-term training at the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University are required to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa Category “ED” (Non-ED). CMU will provide official supporting letters and foreigners are responsible for the visa application process. Non-ED 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-ED 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 certificates
- Certification letter from the applicant’s home institution
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.
Please note that CMU has no policy to support visa change inside Thailand. Foreigners who currently live in Thailand holding other types of visas e.g., Tourist Visa (“TR”), Visa Exemption (60 Days) are not permitted to change or to grant for Non-ED Visa at the Chiang Mai Immigration Office. They are required to apply for Non-ED Visa outside of Thailand.
- Visa Fee
2,000 THB for single entry.
- Visa Validity
The Non-ED 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-ED 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.
- Extension of Stay
According to the regulations set by Chiang Mai Immigration, the extension of stay is only granted to full-time students (ED Plus) or exchange students and staff under the agreement/MOU with Chiang Mai University (ED). The International Affairs Office (IAO) will provide necessary official supporting documents for the visa extension. Eligible persons must contact IAO at least one month before the expiration of the visa. (Visa Extension Process)
If approved, they 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.
Those whose training program longer than 90 days and are not eligible for the extension, are required to reapply for a new Non-ED visa at Thai Embassy or Consulate outside Thailand to continue their training.
- Re–entry Permit
Non-ED visa holders 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.
- Non-ED PLUS visa holders can depart and re-enter Thailand without the need for a re-entry permit.
