I have a non-B visa that expires on 5 May 2020. If I can I would like to convert the non-B visa to a student visa in May (the course that I have been accepted into commences in June). 

 

It is my understanding that under normal circumstances that I would be required to leave the country after canceling the Non-B visa and then apply outside the country for the Student visa. However, given the Covid crisis my understanding is that I could be given a 30 day extension of stay. 

 

If I get the extension I would like to try to convert the visa extension into a student visa.

 

So here are my questions. 1) Is it correct of me to assume that I am likely to be given a 30 day extension? And 2) Can I convert a 30 day extension of stay into a Student visa? And if yes, what is the process for doing this? 

 

Thank you. 

Are you on a 90 day entry from a non-b visa or a extension of stay based upon working?

What type of school will you be attending?

I have a non-B visa issued on 6 February 2020 and it expires on 5 May 2020. I was in the process of obtaining a temporary teaching license in order to obtain a work permit. However, I was denied the license by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand on the grounds that I am over 60 years of age (I am 63). Consequently the government school in Bangkok that I had been teaching at since mid-January withdrew their offer of contract for the 2020-2021 school term but let me finish out the school term (31 March). 

 

The school is a college that is offering a 3 year BA program.

If there was no time between your 90 day entry and when your classed you could apply for a extension of stay based upon attending a college.

There was a ministerial order issue that will allow you to stay in the country until until the emergency decree ends but it is dated for the 30th of this month but it will certainly be extended.

Whether that will be considered a extension of current non-b visa entry is unknown at this time.

You best option may be wait until you are closer to attending to school and have the ask immigration about applying for the extension of stay based upon attending the college.

The only way to change to non immigrant visa (category ED) at immigration is if you are on a tourist visa or visa exempt entry.

Thank you for your response. Much appreciated.