What are the requirements and tips for applying for a DTV visa through the Royal Thai Consulate in Los Angeles?

Question

Heads up for anyone applying for a DTV through the Royal Thai Consulate in Los Angeles, plus a request for advice.

I applied under the Workcation (Freelancer) category. This is the full document list on the LA consulate's DTV page:

1. Passport biodata page (valid 6 months from travel date)

2. Photo taken within the past 6 months

3. Document showing current location (driver's license, bank statement, or proof of stay)

4. Recent bank statement with an ending balance of at least 500,000 THB

5. Employment contract or employment certificate OR a professional portfolio showing digital nomad/remote worker/freelancer status

6. Proof of permanent residence (e.g., driver's license)

7. FBI criminal certificate issued within 3 months

Here's what I submitted:

• Passport biodata page and photo

• Driver's license

• 3 months of bank statements

• A freelancer portfolio: cover letter, portfolio summary, website screenshots, and a sample client invoice

• My FBI Identity History Summary, issued this month

I paid the $400 fee. Then I got a request for additional documents:

• FBI criminal check accompanied by a U.S. Department of State Authentication Certificate

• My recent tax return

• A detailed business portfolio of "the company," including company details and website

• A business registration of the company

• An employment contract or employment certificate from the company

None of that is on their list. Item 5 says employment contract OR portfolio, and I sent the portfolio. Item 7 says FBI certificate, with nothing about State Department authentication, which takes 6–8+ weeks by mail. If you're applying through LA, get the authentication done BEFORE you apply.

The good news: I emailed visa@thaiconsulatela.org and they answered within hours. I have 90 days from my submission date to respond, and I can upload documents as I get them. If you get one of these requests, email that address. The phone line is automated.

My question: has anyone used a DC courier/apostille service for the FBI check + State Department Authentication Certificate for Thailand? I have an FBI-direct PDF and a flight in about a month. I'd appreciate a recommendation for a service that's fast, reasonably priced, and actually delivers. Thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

This post discusses the application process for a DTV visa under the Workcation category at the Royal Thai Consulate in Los Angeles, detailing the required documents and additional documentation requests received after submission. It emphasizes the need for State Department authentication of the FBI criminal check, which was not clearly stated in the initial instructions, and suggests prioritizing this step before application submission. The user also seeks recommendations for a fast and affordable courier or apostille service for the FBI check.

Kyer *********** · Answer

Did they also ask for your taxes?

Kyer *********** · Answer

I am going with them, $125 with shipping and emailing the electronic version that you need to upload, 10 working days.

Deva ******** · Answer

Dude this sucks. I was about to submit my application.

Now I need a state department certification?

WTF

Lance ***** · Answer

Ha, I received similar request for the additional documents last week.  I went online and ordered the State Department Authentication Certificate, which takes 5 weeks to process.   I wish they had stated that requirement in the instructions, as I had only submitted the FBI criminal check by itself.

Joey ****** · Answer

Thanks for sharing.  How does one go about getting that Dept of State authentication?

L** · Answer

Look up Monument Visa Service.

Maverick ****** · Answer

They told you to get it authenticated?

And did you send contracts, invoices of payments from clients, and clear summary of your job?

What are the requirements and tips for applying for a DTV visa through the Royal Thai Consulate in Los Angeles?

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