@Ja***
was on to a good idea
@Rob***
, and it MIGHT <-(as in MAYBE) work;
BUT
It would mean you would go in to the immigration office and cancel your current extension based on retirement THEN apply for a covid extension <- in order to 'break the chain' you'd have to cancel the extension you're on now.
Then when you get a covid extension you should be able to apply for a NEW 90 day Non-O visa (and there is no seasoning for the funds to get that visa inside the country) After you get that new Non-O 90 day visa you would go for your first year extension on it and that's where you'd only need to season the funds 2 months (y)
That's the ONLY way I know of to "wipe the slate" and start over because you did not follow the seasoning requirements to get a new yearly extension