My TE has expired and have just received my covid extension. I did ask if I could convert and/or cancel TE then switch from TE to Non O based on retirement when applying for covid extension at counter N and the answer is no, and when I pick-up my covid extension (60 days), I asked again at both counter N and later counter C, and the answer for both are no. Same situation as what Steve L. has responded to my earlier update. This is at Cheaengwattana. My earlier reads on other reports seems to lead to a hypothesis that one can't switch from TE or STV (TAT initiated?) to other visa types without leaving the country first.

@Tod ********

thanks. Will check with the C1 IO when I get the extension, and will report back to the community.

@James *******

Thanks for the info. Will pay a visit to CW early/mid Feb to see if CW allows 60 day covid extension and/or converting to a non-O (remember seeing/reading somewhere that one will need to break the TE chain - meaning needing to leave the country - in order to convert to other visa types). Will report back.

I am in similar situation, will be finishing almost 6th year of my elite visa by late Feb and have hit the 50 year old requirement for applying for non-O then extend based on retirement or Non-OA. Not possible to change from TE to Non-O in the country. The new 20-year TE is quite a long commitment for those over 50... Anyone know if the newest 60-day covid extension also apply for PE visa holders?