My family and I are here on Non-immigrant O visas (each individually & all US passports) that expire later this month. We are now all enrolled in school. Son (6yrs) international school & my husband and I are in language school.
My question is: Can we go to immigration to apply for extension with the reason for extension changing to Non-Immigrant Ed?
Our sons school said we could do that for his visa and we are hoping we would be able to do the same for us instead of having to leave the country to attain a new visa.
Thank you for any advice.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring whether their family can apply for an extension to change their Non-Immigrant O visas to Non-Immigrant Ed visas after enrolling in school in Thailand. According to community comments, changing visa types (from Non-O to Non-ED) within Thailand is generally not permitted without leaving the country and reapplying for the new visa.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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I say that because while you can change the reason for an extension (once you are on extensions) you can't change the TYPE of visa inside the country if you're still on the original entry of that visa. Meaning you can't change from an O type to an ED type visa. You'd have to leave the country and either to to a thai consulate and BUY a new 90 day ED visa or re-enter the country on a visa exempt entry and then convert that to a 90 day ED visa at the immigration office (IF your school can do in country conversions, not many can).
I am even doubtful that the school can change your son's Non-O to a Non-ED visa without exiting the country and comin' back on a 30 day visa exempt entry
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