In My Case Immigration Told Me Non-O Visa Could Not Be Issued On Exempt Visa, Even Tho I Met All Requirements, Hence Making Me Get 30 Day Visa To Qualify.Then Non-O Was Issued Before That 30 Day Visa Expired.
I Arrived From Australia With My Thai Wife ( No Kids ) On 60 Day Visa Exempt, Approached Immigration With 4 Weeks Remaining, They Gave Me 30 Day Visa Before I Could Apply For Non-O Visa. ( So My Understanding Is You Can't Apply For Non-O Whilst On Visa Exempt ).