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Should I Change My Visa Extension from Marriage to Study While Attending University in Bangkok?

Feb 17, 2020
6 years ago
Mikkel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all.

Just a sanity check.

I am likely to start a bachelor in a university in Bangkok in June this year.

Currently I live in north east Thailand with my family (thai wife and kids). We are all going to move to Bangkok for the three years it takes for me to finish the bachelor.

I am now on an extension of stay, based on marriage to a thai, and the extension expires in October 2020.

I will of course make sure to change address and register in Bangkok, so I will have to use CW for the period we live there.

My question is this:

I know the uni can provide required documents to get an extension based on study. (Meaning changing the reason for my current extension from marriage to study).

But I am wondering what would be less of a hassle..

Should I just keep my current reason, and apply again in October at CW for a years extension based on marriage, or should I change it to based on study?

I will have 400k in the bank, as usual, so I can meet the requirements for extension based on marriage. I am just thinking about which of the two extensions will be easier, and with less trips to CW, during the three years.

My thoughts atm is to just stay on my current reason for extension.

Any input will be appreciated.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat with a marriage-based visa extension in Thailand is considering whether to change their visa status to a student visa as they prepare to start a bachelor's degree in Bangkok. The expat is unsure about the ease of managing either extension type and seeks community input regarding the best option for minimal hassle. Many commenters suggest maintaining the current marriage extension, stating that it allows for studying and simplifies future residency or citizenship applications.
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James ********
Good Luck to the OP

Thanks all for your helpful replies.

Commenting closed.
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Fam ************
Im no pro in this... but you already have an extention of stay for marriage... why change that one for study and then 3 years later when you finished your bachelor..change again for marriage... seems like a lot of work for nothing... unless you can't study with the extention of stay for marriage.... that i dont know
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George ******************
Remember later you may want to apply for permanent residency or even citizenship. I believe they are based on how long you are attached to your original visa via extensions. To change to an Ed visa you might be breaking that chain, better to keep it simple. Good luck with your studies.
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James **************
Stay on what you have already, you can study or work on this type of visa anyway. No point messing around changing it.
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Tod *********
As long as you can meet the proof of funds and the requirements just stay on the marriage extension.
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Jon ********
Why change? What is the benefit? get back your 400 K baht?
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Jon ********
If you move then wouldn't you do your 90 day locally? You think its tied to where you got married ?
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Mikkel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jon *******
just thinking what would cause less missed schooldays/trips to the immigration office.
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Mikkel *******
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James ********
Keep it simple. Stay on your current Non O Married to Thai. You can study on that visa/extension.
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Mikkel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
thank you.. That's also what I was thinking.
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Mikkel *******
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Jon ********
What is CW?
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Mark ********
Bangkok Immigration Division 1, located in Changwattana.
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Mikkel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jon *******
the immigration office in Bangkok
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Mikkel *******
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