Answered10 months ago

What is the best visa application strategy for my husband and child when I am on a DTV in Thailand?

DTV Visa Dependent Visa Visa Application Strategy Child Visa Expats in Thailand Education Visa

Anonymous *************

asked Jan 2, 2026

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My husband, my child, and I will be moving to Thailand this year on soft power DTV (cooking classes). Since my husband is not my child’s biological father, which option makes most sense?

1) I apply for the DTV and later have them both apply as my dependents (would prefer to have husband take classes so I can be home with my child)

2) Husband applies for DTV and I apply as a spouse. Once I’m approved, I submit another application for my child under my visa. 

My concern is that we cannot submit an application for the child under his visa. Please help me understand if I may be missing something. Thank you!

Answer summary

A user is moving to Thailand with their husband and child on a DTV for cooking classes and seeks advice on the best visa application strategy. They consider two options: applying for a DTV and having their husband and child as dependents or having the husband apply for DTV and the user apply as a spouse. Concerns arise about the recognition of the child as a dependent since the husband is not the biological father. Comments suggest checking with the embassy regarding child dependency on his DTV and considering an ED visa for the child, as schools often require it for enrollment.

12 repliesnewest first

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Phil ******

@ANONOMOUS be careful as some embassies are issuing METV not DTV now if you dont have a long term reason

10 months ago

Anonymous *************

@Phil *****

so are you trying to say soft powers no longer qualifies or that the program needs to be longer (12 months)? What qualifies as a “long term reason”?

10 months ago

Phil ******

Anonymous participant no there's been reports on Viss websites of people receiving METR visas instead. Unsure now

10 months ago

Wannikea *********

A little bit of a conundrum. Personally I'd contact the embassy that you're going to apply through and ask them as his legal spouse if your child of birth from a different marriage/father will be recognized on his main DTV holder visa as a dependent.

I'd supply your marriage certificate and your child's birth certificate during the inquiry.

10 months ago

Anonymous *************

@Wannikea ********

thank you. Is it best to contact embassy by phone or email?

10 months ago

Wannikea *********

Anonymous participant I highly doubt you're going to be able to contact anyone with phone and it would probably be best to have their response in writing. You'll probably have to be persistent and creative to get in touch with someone.

10 months ago

Flying*******

Consider ED visa for the child. Some schools require an ED visa to enrol in classes, not DTV

10 months ago

Anonymous *************

FlyingSaucers child isn’t of school age for the next few yrs

10 months ago

John **********

It will depend on whether or not your husband has officially adopted the child. If he has then get the primary DTV in his name, if not in your name

10 months ago

Anonymous *************

@John *********

he has not adopted the child and there are no plans to since the father is involved. To confirm, the primary DTV holder has all dependents under them so even when I get approved I can’t just say she is only under mine? I’ll be primary if I need to, but I just want to understand my options.

10 months ago

Brandon ************

Anonymous participant I don't think a DTV based on dependent can sponsor a dependent.

10 months ago

Anonymous *************

@Brandon ***********

thank you!

10 months ago