Yep - seems to be the way to go. Hopefully all ok to change to dependent after doing some time on the Ed visa.

@Chris ******

Yes, the agent said: "if your wife is not 50 years old and they refuse to give her the non O dependent visa, she may have to come here first as a tourist (or no visa) and get first an Education visa through a school for a year. After a year we can then transform the ED visa into the dependent visa from within the country." They also said that they could try to change from ED to non O dependent after 3-6 months, but no guaranty. Seems like this is the approach that will be trying. Was just surprised that couldn't change directly after I got my 1 year extension, but sounding like not the case.

@Nongnuch *******

sounds like we’ve been through the same thing. Yes provided all the stuff including my approved visa and marriage cert but got the TV instead. Have you managed to get any progress since? In talking to agent about the situation they say she’ll have to do 1 year education visa then change… would have thought could change for her after I get my 1 year extension?!

Thanks. That's interesting. I'd heard that could be for non O as well. I spoke to an agent and they're advising that wife will have to do a education visa for a year and then she would be able to do the spouse option. I hope this is correct?! I guess she might be doing some Muay Thai?!

@Chris ******

yes, did mine first and then she applied but they granted tourist instead

@Steve ******

Yep - looks pretty bad at the moment!

@Phil *****

We know. Not the ideal arrival time, but we are planning to stay for a long time, so I guess may as well see first hand what this whole burning season is about...

@Chris ******

She actually applied for this, but was given a 60 day tourist instead. So we find ourselves in this situation trying to understand the best way forward...

@Stuart ********

She actually applied for a Non O based on my Non O, but was given a 60 day tourist instead. So we find ourselves in this situation trying to understand the best way forward...