Can you convert a dependent DTV visa to a Non-Immigrant ED visa in Thailand?

Question

DEPENDENT DTV → EDUCATION VISA (ED) — HAS ANYONE DONE THIS?
Hi everyone, hoping someone has been through this.

MY SITUATION:

My son (under 3) is on a dependent DTV visa. He's been accepted into a school in Chiang Mai but the school requires a Non-Immigrant ED visa — they don't accept DTV for enrollment.

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW:

1️⃣ Has anyone converted a dependent DTV to Non-Immigrant ED at Chiang Mai Immigration without leaving the country?

2️⃣ Or do we need to exit and apply at a Thai embassy abroad?

3️⃣ How long did the whole process take for you?

Thanks in advance! 🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user inquires about the process of converting their son's dependent DTV visa to a Non-Immigrant ED visa in Chiang Mai after being accepted into a school that requires the ED visa for enrollment. The responses suggest that converting the visa within Thailand is generally not permitted, and that an exit to apply at a Thai embassy abroad is typically required. Users mention the process usually treats the ED application as a fresh application, with varying processing times. They recommend checking with the immigration office in Chiang Mai for guidance and to obtain necessary documents from the school.

Nattha ***** · Answer

Can apply outside Thailand....School must give documents and approval letter and also suggest where you can go to apply.

Bao*** · Answer

Most people cannot change a dependent DTV to a Non-Immigrant ED inside Thailand — immigration usually does not allow switching categories that way. If the school requires an ED visa, you normally need to exit Thailand and apply at a Thai embassy/consulate abroad for the Non-Immigrant ED before returning.

People who have done this report that the ED application abroad is treated like a fresh visa application, and processing time varies by consulate (often a few days to a couple of weeks). There isn’t a well-known case of successful in-country conversion from dependent DTV to ED.

Greg ******** · Answer

I would go to immigration and ask. They are very helpful in Chiang Mai - esp the airport branch.

John ********** · Answer

I don't know if you will be able to convert his DTV to an ED visa at your immigration office or not. Theoretically it should be possible as long as he satisfies all the criteria for the ED visa. Please let us know if you are successful with this.

Failing the above you will need to find a way to cancel his DTV before applying for an ED visa elsewhere as he can't simultaneously hold 2 visas, I believe you need to ask the consulate that issued the DTV and see if they will cancel it.

Can you convert a dependent DTV visa to a Non-Immigrant ED visa in Thailand?

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