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Should I pay an agent upfront for my DTV visa application in Thailand or handle fees and documents myself?

Jun 16, 2025
2 days ago
Hi šŸ‘‹ If I use an agent in Thailand to help me with the immigration process. I am in the United States and plan to apply with a U.S. Thai Embassy.

Is it common to pay the agent all of the money up front and they pay the fees for example: the online application fee, soft power activity fee to the school etc? Or should I pay the fee for soft power business directly and get a letter from them. Then use the agent to help with the online application process.

Has anyone have any experience with using a agent to help them with their DTV?

Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When applying for a DTV visa in Thailand while in the U.S., opinions vary on whether to pay an immigration agent all fees upfront. Many users suggest that experienced agents can ease the process and avoid common mistakes, but some recommend applying independently to save costs. It's crucial to ensure that the Soft Power documents are legitimate and to communicate openly with the agent regarding payment terms. Several users highlight the process's relative simplicity, emphasizing self-education and careful preparation of applications to avoid delays.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Henrik *****
Educate yourself and do it by yourself is by far the best way.

For DTV agents can’t help you much.

READ THE THAILAND EMBASSY WEBSITE
Anna *********
No need for an agent as the process isn’t that complicated
50/50 ********************
@fitfacdtvvisateam took care of our team and made sure we were well taking of for our talent. The process is easy, but they make the paperwork is A Game, so you have a full Home run. Wishing this helps you Best Wishes...! #Team5050
Minh ******
All my friends use VisaThailand.com and got dtv, im actually in process to have mine
Wannikea *********
Suggest you make an account on the thaievisa.go.th website and do a dummy application to familiarize yourself with the steps and requests. Besides the actual soft power documents it's basically name address and phone number questions. The dummy/test application will expire in 14 days without payment. You can start a real application at any time.
Fitfac *****************
The application process itself is very simple. The Thai government has designed the DTV visa process to allow foreigners to apply without needing an agent.

However, for some people, the situation can be different—they may not have time to do all the research or may be unsure which information is factual and which is just rumor.

Additionally, many people get rejected due to simple errors like typos, incorrect birthdates, or even misspelled names.

Having an agent can help you cross-check these mistakes and avoid the risk of losing your embassy fee or delaying your application by another month due to resubmission.

FITFAC also offers a document preparation service. We charge 4,990 Baht (approximately 140 USD).

We accept PayPal, and if your visa is rejected, we will refund all fees paid.

Our staff has processed over 300 applications so far. Feel free to reach out to us at
***********************
or visit dtvvisathailand.com.

Our price is kept low because we don’t want people to be overcharged for a process they could manage on their own.
Zou ********
Basically if you are in this group and you have time to do research and find all information you need to build up your solid application so you don’t need agent at all.

For me all documents I can prepare by myself but it’s annoying to put into one file with size limit … to be able to upload so I have my assistant to do the rest.

For some people they don’t have enough or solid documents so it’s better to use agent because agents may have ā€œspecial connection with schools or even banksā€ so in this case it depends on the agent fee is worth or not.
Luit *****************
When you want to immigrate to Thailand, the DTV might not be the right visa for you because it just is a tourist visa.
Guillermo *********
Dont need agent go to vietnam Hanoi and do it there . Alot faster and you get to see another country. The money the agent is charging you use it for having fun in vietnam. Check my applications it will give you and idea of how things are at the momment in terms of requirements etc. Good LuckšŸ™
Guillermo *********
Guillermo *********
Samgan *********
@Guillermo ********
if I might ask, how did you do it ?
Guillermo *********
@Samgan ********
hope you get it šŸ™
Samgan *********
@Guillermo ********
I cannot find that post, can you please forward it to me . I get super anxious when it comes to processes and doc
Guillermo *********
Samgan *********
Guillermo *********
@Samgan ********
i read here for about 3 days. Got us much information as possible and build the best application i could come up with. If you follow my original post you will be fine. I will be here in case you need help šŸ™
John ******
I’m using an agent because I want to do it once and get approved. An experienced agent who has handled many applications should increase the chances of success.

And of course! If my visa is rejected, I expect a refund.

What matters to me is how professionally they handle the process. I don’t mind paying more it saves time and offers peace of mind.

As for your question about paying upfront: I think it’s reasonable. But if you're not comfortable, you could ask about a partial payment. Just my opinion.

Anyway you also can submit for yourself. and will no need to worried about it. Hope you will get approved šŸ‘
Brad ********
John Grey Saving time by doing it correctly the first time is a stretch, nor a peace of mind. They have just as good a chance as you do of applying for it. An agent does not make magic happen like they once did. There has been a crackdown on agents lately by the Thai government.

They don't reject you instantly if everything is not right. They will email you with corrections, which you can provide. All in all, it took me roughly 10 minutes to apply on the US Embassy website, and they only requested one further document, which was easy to provide. The only time I would suggest an agent is if you do not meet the qualifications clearly and are kind of riding the line.
John ******
@Brad *******
Thanks for your advice. I've noticed that many people here got rejected, almost 80% of whom submitted their applications themselves, possibly with the help of an agency, but didn't disclose that information. The Thai consulate didn't provide any reason for the rejections. I didn't say you must use an agent. Submitting by yourself is definitely better and cheaper. Just sharing my opinion.
Dany ********
John Grey you wont get a reason for denial when using an agent as well. an agent in thailand has no influence on any random immigration officer in a foreign country who handled your application. all an agent can do is check your documents and give you advice on them. if that is worth your money then okay
David ********
You don't need an agent. Embassies are now more likely to deny with agent. The process is not difficult if you are getting the soft power documents that's the difficult but. Save yourself some money do it yourself. Search in the search box here it's all explained
Amanda ********
Honestly it just depends on how much the service is. If you feel uncomfortable, you just voice it. Every agent is going to have a different process. You just need to make sure that the Soft Power documents are legitimate and that you are happy with the school you will be applying with. I would focus on that part the most.