Is my application for the DTV hopeless after returning to Chiang Mai?

Jan 18, 2025
3 days ago
Need some advice on my situation. I have been living in CNX for 10 years. The past 5 or so have been on a retirement visa. In late November I visited family in the USA and thought it would be a perfect time to switch to the new DTV. In the first week of Dec I submitted all of the "required" paperwork listed on the site and paid $400 to the Consulate in Washington DC. About a week later I was asked for another document. I think it was an employment verification letter, which I had to create since I am a self employed freelancer for more than 20 years. Another week goes by and they ask for a recent payment receipt, which as a self employed freelancer I don't really have, but I put something together and sent it to them. I explained my timeline and that I had a return ticket booked on Jan 3. Another week goes by and again I was asked for more info, this time they asked for my tax filings. The problem is that by this time we were into the Christmas holidays and my accountant was gone for a 2 week vacation and I could not get a copy of my tax return. The best I could do was a recent 1099, so I sent that.

Every time I sent new documents, I mentioned my departure date and asked if I could set an appointment for a phone call, but never received any responses. I mentioned that I was concerned about running out of time... which is exactly what happened.

I ran out of time and they kept my $400.

My question is.... is my application hopeless now that I have returned to CNX? btw I re-entered on a 60 tourist visa.

I did manage to reach someone on the phone in late December. They were surprisingly rude after I expressed my frustration of them stringing me along for a month without any communications while asking for new docs 3 or 4 times.

Their response was that when I submitted my original paperwork I had agreed to them being able to ask for new documents.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what I should do now? thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The author details their experience trying to switch from a retirement visa to a DTV while visiting the USA. They submitted several documents, but faced multiple requests for additional paperwork, leading to their application not being completed before their return to Thailand. Upon returning with a 60-day tourist visa, they seek advice on the current status of their application and express frustration at the consulate's lack of communication.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Rok ********
I am not sure why not to remain on Non-O. If just to avoid the 800,000 deposit they are certainly aware of this scenario and they do not like it. You could’ve extended non-O on 65,000 per month remittances.
Werner ************
I think they know your application isn’t legit, being on a retirement visa and switching to DTV is a red flag and mostly done to avoid the 800,000 baht deposit requirement etc - most embassy and immigration are aware of people trying to switch to the DTV from other visa class
Ray *****
@Werner ***********
why is it a red flag and what actual examples do you have of embassies refusing for this purpose. Or are you making assumptions?

There could be many legitimate reasons to switch. Not least the annual renewal which is a pain to say the least.
Greg ********
@Werner ***********
You are correct many switching due to the 800k etc I am on O retirement and might want to switch to DTV so I can work remotely on a startup fully legally. I can assure you it is not the money in bankthat is the issue though. However, it is those gaming the system might put the fly in the ointment. I am getting good advice e on where to do it.
John *******
Their website suggests that you should apply at least 30 days before your planned travel. Furthermore, there were 5 holidays during this time in which the embassy was closed. Don’t think it matters if you tell them your timeline.
Dan *******
Honestly you should e on a OX long term retirement visa
Werner ************
@Dan ******
he was then tried to game the system
Dan *******
@Werner ***********
Yeh, seems like all the old ED visa scammers have returned to try their hand at the DTV
Wannikea *********
Another entitled applicant expecting the world to spin at their command. Don't know how long you've been in the group but it's common practice that digital nomads of any variety will be required to show proof of filing taxes and having a legit credible portfolio/client relationships for typically at least 6 months. A US consulate application will usually incur incorporation and tax related proof. Besides the basic list of paperwork, they are fully within their ability to request additional at their discretion. Suggestion is you chill, and maybe you'll get lucky and do a border bounce upon approval, if they don't ask to see your passport pages.
Ciaran *********
@Wannikea ********
army you a pleasant individual
Paul *******
@Wannikea ********
No, filing of taxes isn't a requirement and I wasn't asked for it. In fact, while I submitted a late tax return just in case I would be asked about it, I didn't actually print it out.

They were much more interested in seeing money coming into my account, which I was able to prove with over a dozen bank statements that I brought along, of which they were only interested in the ones from 2024.
Zain ******
First of all, I would refrain from accusing them of "stringing" you along. You are immigrating to their country and they are free to request as many documents from you. Why didn't you just extend your stay until the process was complete? I've not heard it taking more than 4-5 weeks tops. FYI the consuate website does mention that every docuemnt request takes 3-5 days to review and changes the timeline.