Answered7 years ago

Can I Change My ED Visa to a Non-B Visa While in Thailand?

ED Visa Non-B Visa Visa Change

James *******

asked Mar 21, 2020

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Hello all, I am currently on a Ed Visa and will soon be changing visa to follow my wife’s non b visa. Last time I was at Chaeng Wattana they said I would be able to change within Thailand and not have to leave. However, her school is saying they think I’ll have to leave, obviously with the current situation that isn’t ideal. Does anyone have any experience with this. Thanks

Answer summary

A user is looking to change their Education Visa (ED Visa) to a Non-B Visa to accompany their wife, who holds a Non-B Visa. There is confusion regarding whether this can be done from within Thailand or if they must exit the country. Responses clarify that changing from an ED Visa to a Non-O (trailing spouse) Visa cannot be done in-country; however, it may be possible to change the reason for the extension if proper documentation from the school is provided.

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Tod *********

You wouldn't be able to get a 90 day Non-O (trailing spouse) VISA inside the country from an ED visa extension. You would can only get a VISA from a 30 day visa exempt or a 60 day tourist visa entry (or a 30 day extension from one of those).

SO the people at your wife's school are correct, you can't do that from what you have now IN COUNTRY.

BUT

With that being said, there should be a way that you can take a letter from your school, cancel your ED visa extension and then take the required documentation needed to get a year long trailing spouse extension (that matches your wife's current extension)

You are NOT getting a new VISA, you are changing the reason for your extension from one based on education to one based on being married to a foreigner who legally works here <- that is technically possible.

7 years ago

Robert *******

The school has nothing to do with the type of visa you want.

You need support of your wife's employer and the Immigration Office. Talk to your wife's employer to arrange all.

7 years ago

Julian ******

But if i recall, they did tell me i needed 14 days of valid stay on my visa left, which i had at the time

7 years ago

Robert *******

Go to Chang Wattana, bring your passport, show it and tell them you like to change as dependent an your wife who is working in Thailand. If possible they will give you the hand out with requirements and you bring that to the person in charge of visa a the school for your wife and together you make sure all the copies are there an then you go to apply

7 years ago

Julian ******

Fyi i ever changed from tourist to non-o spouse visa WITHOUT leaving. Given the situation i'd say avoid unnecessary travel. Check it out at the immigration office.

7 years ago

James *******

Her school said they will support it and give guidance but the person in charge of visas at her school is saying I would need to cancel my ed visa, leave and re enter.

7 years ago