!!!!???? Everyone has a different opinion, but this agent deals with the immigration office every day. I think she knows how they actually work it. If I hear anything different tomorrow, when I pick up my new visa, I will let you know. 😂

@Tod ********

I pointedly did not do so, I know the policy. I was addressing the question of cost.

I just got my first 1- year extension of stay, using an agency (because I’ve done enough filling out forms in my life). Here’s the cost:

Extension fee, 1900 + 3000 for agent

Optional Multiple re-entry fee, 3800 + 500 for agent

Total 9200

The agent came to my house with the forms all ready to sign, collected my passport, and will call me when it’s time to go to the office to get my passport back.

Considering the amount of running around, and especially waiting in line, this saves me, I’m satisfied.

In ChiangMai, take your papers to the copy shop downstairs and tell then what you are applying for, they will know what pages to copy. And it’s cheap, 2 baht/page

You do not need an ED visa to study. You can study on any visa.

Best to ask the embassy where you will be applying. If I had to guess, I would go with the bank account.

You don’t have to buy the reentry permit until you are ready to leave. The multiple is a good investment, in case your plans change.

Well, technically, yes. But Tod's answer is the practical one.

Look on the website for the US consulate. There’s a form you can download for a letter they will notarize to satisfy the income requirements.

The facts of his situation might not lend themselves perfectly to the form of the letter, if he is going to rely on funds in the bank and does not have ongoing income from United States. But the result will be equitable. And no one is going to investigate the facts.

In ChiangMai they told me they didn’t need anything, the original TM 30 remains valid. They update it when they extend the visa.