International students are required to obtain a Non-Immigrant Education Visa (Category ED) to study in Thailand.

This visa should be applied for at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to your arrival in Thailand.​

The processing time for a Non-Immigrant ED visa varies depending on the Thai embassy or consulate where you apply and the completeness of your application.

Here are some general guidelines:
- ​Standard Processing Time: Typically, it takes 3 to 10 working days for the visa to be processed, provided all required documents are submitted correctly.
- Incomplete Applications: If your application is missing documents or contains unclear information, the embassy may request additional materials, which can delay the processing time. ​
-E-Visa Applications: For e-visa applications submitted through the Thai eVisa official website, processing times can vary. Some applicants have reported receiving their visas in as little as 2 to 5 days, while others have experienced longer wait times depending on the embassy's workload. ​
- Embassy-Specific Timelines: Certain embassies may have longer processing times. For example, the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles advises that visa applications can take up to 15 business days to process.

When planning your arrival in Thailand, it is highly recommended to book your flight only after receiving your student visa, to avoid any complications with rescheduling or cancellations. Ideally, plan to arrive 1–2 weeks before the semester begins to give yourself ample time to settle in, complete necessary registrations, and attend orientation activities. The most convenient airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, which offers easy access to the city and CMKL University.

Regarding accommodation, please visit the Accommodation page for suggested housing options. We strongly recommend securing short-term accommodation (e.g., one month) prior to your arrival. Once you’re more familiar with the area, you can explore and select a long-term place that best fits your needs. This flexible approach allows you to make a more confident and informed decision.When choosing where to stay, consider key factors such as distance to campus, monthly rent, internet availability, safety, and access to transportation.

If you need support, the CMKL CUBE and International Student Office are available to assist with accommodation recommendations, landlord communication, and lease reviews. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—they are here to help ensure your transition to life in Thailand is smooth and successful.

When you touch down at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand’s main international gateway, you’ll proceed through immigration and baggage claim. Make sure to have your passport, visa, and any required entry documents readily available for inspection. After clearing immigration, follow signs to customs and then exit to the arrivals hall.

Be sure to keep the address of your accommodation handy in both English and Thai for convenience.

Notify the CMKL International Student Office upon your arrival in Thailand and submit the required documents, which include:
- Passport (photo and visa pages)
- Entry stamp from immigration
- Departure card (TM6, if available).

As per Thai law, you must report your place of residence to immigration within 24 hours of arrival. If you're staying in a hotel or serviced apartment, the staff will typically handle the reporting for you.

If you’re residing in a private accommodation, please ensure your landlord files the TM30 report, or contact CMKL for assistance with the process.

Get a Thai SIM Card
Purchase and activate a local SIM card to ensure you stay connected. Having a Thai number is essential for communicating with CMKL staff, using Grab for transportation, managing banking transactions, and accessing other essential services.

Please also report your Thai number with CMKL staff.

Set Up a Bank Account (Optional)
If you plan to stay long-term, it’s a good idea to open a Thai bank account. This will simplify payments, tuition transactions, and help you manage your finances while living in Thailand.

In order to open Bank Account, you will need documents from University. Please contact cube@cmkl.ac.th.

Explore Your Area
Take the time to familiarize yourself with your neighborhood. Locate convenience stores, public transport options, and nearby restaurants or cafes. Understanding your surroundings will help you settle in more comfortably and navigate daily life in Thailand with ease.

If you wish to extend your stay in Thailand, you can apply for a visa extension at the nearest Thai Immigration Office. Typically, the extension is granted for an additional 30 days.

Required Documents for Visa Extension:
- Passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Completed application form TM.7 (available at the immigration office or online)
- 1 passport-sized photo (4x6 cm)
- Fee: 1,900 Baht (in cash)
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your visa
- Copy of your last entry stamp
- Copy of your TM.30 (address notification form)
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental agreement)
- Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements)
- Letter from your educational institution (if applicable)
Your university will assist in preparing the required documents to ensure a smooth process.

Application Timeline:
‍It is highly recommended to apply for your visa extension at least 30 days before your current visa expires to avoid any issues. While processing times may vary, applying early ensures sufficient time for completion.

Non-ED Plus Visa Option:
In addition to the regular visa extension, the Thai Embassy offers the Non-ED Plus visa, which allows international students to depart and re-enter Thailand without requiring a re-entry permit. This can be a convenient option if you plan to travel in and out of Thailand during your studies.

Regular Non-ED Visa:The regular Non-ED visa, however, does not allow re-entry once you leave Thailand. If you plan to travel outside the country, you will need to apply for a re-entry permit before departing. Failure to obtain a re-entry permit will result in the cancellation of your current visa upon re-entry into Thailand, and you will need to apply for a new visa.

90-Day Reporting: As part of your visa requirements, you must report your address to Thai immigration every 90 days. For the first 90-day report, you will need to complete the process in person at the immigration office. Subsequent reports can be done online.

If you plan to depart from Thailand, it is important to inform CMKL CUBE in advance. This ensures that your departure is properly documented and that any necessary actions are taken regarding your visa status and 90-day reporting. Here are the steps you should follow:

Notify CMKL CUBE of Your Departure:
‍Inform CMKL CUBE of your planned departure date at least two weeks in advance. You can send an email or visit the CUBE office to submit your departure details or email to CUBE. Before departing, submit any relevant documents to CMKL CUBE, such as: Your passport copy, Exit stamp (if available) from the airport immigration when you depart, Proof of re-entry permit (if applicable), Departure card (TM6, if available).

Verify Your Visa and Re-Entry Permit (if applicable):
If you are leaving Thailand and plan to re-enter, make sure you have a re-entry permit if you hold a regular Non-ED visa. If you are on the Non-ED Plus visa, no re-entry permit is required. Ensure your visa status is clear with the immigration office before departure.

90-Day Reporting: If your 90-day reporting is due during your absence, inform CMKL CUBE. They can assist with reporting your address to immigration or guide you on how to complete it online.

You will need to:
Step 1: Notify CMKL’s International Affairs Office, Inform the university that you wish to cancel your visa. They may provide a visa cancellation request letter and assist with the process. If your visa was sponsored by CMKL, they are required to notify Immigration.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents, You’ll typically need:
- Passport
- TM.6 Departure Card
- CMKL letter requesting visa cancellation
- Copy of CMKL transcript or graduation certificate
- Airplane ticket (if you're leaving Thailand soon) — optional but helpful

Step 3: Visit Thai Immigration Bureau, Go to the Chaengwattana Immigration Office (Bangkok) or your local immigration office. Submit your documents and request visa cancellation. Ask for a 7-day extension if you need time to prepare to leave Thailand (fee ∼ around 1,900 THB).

Step 4: Overstay WarningOnce canceled, your ED visa becomes invalid.You must leave Thailand or change to another visa before the new expiration date.Overstaying your visa results in daily fines and possible blacklisting.

During Studies

Q: How do I maintain my student visa status during my studies?
A: You must:
- Remain enrolled full-time (36 units)
- Maintain good academic standing
- Complete 90-day reporting to immigration (every 90 days of stay)
- Renew your visa before it expires
CMKL’s International Affairs Office can assist with these requirements.

Q: What is 90-day reporting and how do I do it?
A: Every 90 days, you must report your current address to Thai Immigration. This can be done:
- In person at the immigration office
- By mail (take time)
- Online (in some cases)

Q: How do I renew or extend my ED visa?
A: Visa extensions are usually granted annually. You will need:A letter from CMKL confirming your enrollmentUpdated transcriptsOther supporting documents. Apply at least 2–4 weeks before your visa expires.

Work & Internship Permissions
‍
Q: Can I work while holding a Non-Immigrant ED visa?
A: No, international students with an ED visa are not allowed to work in Thailand without special permission. If you wish to work, you need to apply for a work permit and may need to change your visa to a Non-B visa (if you are employed). Working without authorization can lead to visa cancellation or deportation.

Q: Can I do an internship in Thailand as a student?
A: Yes, you may be able to do an internship (unpaid only), but you must get written approval from CMKL. If you get paid internship, you might need to change your visa type and get a work permit. Make sure the internship is part of your academic curriculum or relevant to your studies.

Q: Can I volunteer or take part in unpaid work while studying?
A: You may participate in unpaid work or volunteer activities; however, it’s important that: The work is not considered employment (i.e., it should not provide any form of monetary compensation). You do not exceed the limits set by Immigration on the amount of work you can perform. Always confirm with CMKL’s International Affairs Office to ensure compliance.

Q: What happens if I work without a permit on an ED visa?
A: Working without a permit is illegal and can lead to visa cancellation, fines deportation. It is important to always secure proper authorization before engaging in any paid work while in Thailand.

Post-Graduation Visa Concerns

Q: What happens to my visa after I graduate?
A: Your ED visa will no longer be valid. You must cancel your ED visa if leaving Thailand, Change your visa type if staying (e.g., to a Work Visa - Non-B). Visit immigration or consult CMKL’s International Affairs Office promptly after graduation.

Q: Can I stay in Thailand after graduation while looking for a job?
A: Yes, but you must switch to an appropriate visa, such as a tourist visa or Non-B visa if you secure employment. CMKL can provide necessary documents (e.g., graduation certificate) for visa conversion.

Q: How do I convert my visa to a work visa (Non-B) if I get a job in Thailand?
A: If you have secured a job in Thailand, your employer can help you apply for a Non-B visa and a work permit. You will need, a job offer or employment contract from the company. Documents confirming your qualifications. Your graduation certificate from CMKL. Other supporting documents required by Immigration.