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Is the 6-month cooking course suitable for a DTV visa application, or should I opt for the 9-month course?

May 3, 2025
a day ago
Khc *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am going to apply for the Soft Power option - 6 month cooking course (There is also a 9 month course, do you think this one would be more acceptable?) I can transfer the 500k from my investment account in the next few days, so it will have been in my current account approx a month by the time I apply for the DTV. I can see Hanoi and Vientiane look like good options for getting it done quickly. Which one would you recommend I apply to with my circumstances? Thank you ka :)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is considering applying for a DTV visa while participating in a Soft Power cooking course for 6 months, but is unsure if a 9-month course would be more favorable. They are ready to transfer the necessary funds and are looking into quick application options in Hanoi or Vientiane. Comments suggest examining the approval records of the cooking course for DTV visas, noting that a longer course may be viewed more favorably. There's also a suggestion to take Muay Thai as an alternative.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Excelle********
Just do Muay Thai to be sure I think the cooking is
*****
Khc *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
ExcellentTravel ok thanks yeah it looks like the Muay Thai might be a safer bet. I’ve just found a gym here that I think does the DTV visa auths so might go down this route instead. Thanks 🙏
Excelle********
@Khc ****
yeah

Don’t take a risk

Good luck
Khc *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah this school do cooking and language and massage courses. I’m hoping they will be approved for DTV but they haven’t got back to me yet….
Andi ***********
Does the cooking course have a record of DTV approvals? I think Laos still requires 3 months seasoning of the 500k. Hanoi would be quicker. 9 months could be viewed more favourably than 6 mths.
Khc *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for your help Andi. I know the school does do ED Visa approvals but they don't mention DTV on their website so I will ask. Do you know if Hanoi accept 1 month seasoning of the 500k?
Andi ***********
@Khc ****
Yes Hanoi is ok with 500 k seasoned for a month. Important to ensure the school is aware of the docs to give you for approval. Good idea to check the threads to see if anyone else has been approved with that school.
James ********
@Andi **********
wise advice ✅ and I suggest he look at another Soft Power activity for the DTV visa. The combo Thai language with cooking is being advertised but have not seen all DTV visas granted for it... Yet. The language schools are trying to figure out how to get in on the popular DTV visa.
Andi ***********
@James *******
yeah, language schools want part of the DTV and being creative in doing so.