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How quickly are DTV visa applications being approved at the LA consulate for cooking schools?

Aug 5, 2025
3 days ago
A. ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just got approved for my DTV visa for soft power (cooking school) through the Los Angeles consulate in UNDER AN HOUR (~45 minutes)!!!!

I was so stressed while doing the application because I was worried about making a stupid mistake that would get my application rejected instantly. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the first and only status update was to approved.

If you are trying to get a DTV through the LA embassy now seems to be a good time because they seem to be moving fast!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience of receiving approval for their DTV visa for a cooking school within 45 minutes at the Los Angeles consulate. They expressed relief at the quick process and noted that it seems to be a good time for others applying, given the trend of fast approvals at this consulate. Comments from others provided additional insights into the approval timeline, documented requirements, and travel plans related to starting cooking classes in Thailand.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Bobby *********
USA has been pushing Thai gov for most favored nation status. This may have something to do with freakishly fast approvals. Question what proof of address did you submit did they ask any questions about current location beyond that?
A. ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby ********
I used my Driver's license, and a recent utility bill. They didn't ask any other questions.
Alex ********
This is interesting. I was looking for a place for cooking schools from NYC.

When are your travel dates? If I do this now, but I won't travel until September, I'm assuming that would be fine if dates are in order to start cooking school during that time or end of September?
A. ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alex *******
I'm not planning to go until October. The cooking school will ask when you plan to start because they need that for the paperwork. So you can put that you plan on arriving a few days before that. You are not obligated to stick to that date. The school will just want you to let them know you want to reschedule your start. FYI: the visa is valid from the date it is approved. Even though I stated I would be arriving in early October, I could jump on a plane tomorrow and use the visa.
Winston ************
That's incredible. Over the past few weeks we've seen posts of people being approved by the LA consulate in record time. It started with a few days, then a few hours, now less than an hour.
Luke *********
can confirm, they requested additional documents within two hours and approved me at the start of next business day
James ********
Thank You for your helpful report 👍

Congratulations 👏👏👏

PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.

That's what you should do... print it out.

You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.

Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.