What could be the reasons behind the rejection of my DTV visa application in Vietnam?

Question

My DTV application was unexpectedly rejected today (6 Nov at 11:54 a.m.) with HCM, Vietnam

Timeline:
 • 27 Oct: Submitted application (7:10 p.m.)
 • 28 Oct: Further info requested → submitted same day
 • 4 Nov: Emailed consulate (visa expiring 9 Nov); later that day status changed from Document Check → Pending Approval
 • 6 Nov, 7am: Emailed again early morning (tomorrow is the last working day before my visa expiry)
 • 6 Nov, 11:54 a.m.: Received rejection

I’m an immigration advisor of NZ, working for a Chinese company, and I included:
 • 6 months of payslips, bank statements, tax records, employment letter, the company registration and my license certificate. 
 • A NZ term deposit of over 1 million THB
 • Stayed at Da Nang: boarding pass, hotel bills, visa and visa stamp.

Everything seemed straightforward, so I’m shocked by the refusal.

I can think of three possible reasons for the refusal, but I’d be interested to hear other views:

1. HCM may regard me as able to work locally since I can provide consultations to both Thai nationals and foreigners in Thailand, while the DTV prohibits me from working in Thailand. However, all clients of the company are from mainland China, which is not specifically mentioned in the application. Should I clarify that I am aware of Thai law and will not conduct any local work?

2. I hold both Chinese and New Zealand citizenships, but I applied under my Chinese passport (as only my Chinese health insurance covers me due to my medical conditions). This is not something I can change.

3. I used a New Zealand term deposit instead of a savings account, which might be seen as funds not immediately accessible. Should I instead provide proof of a regular savings account?

Has anyone experienced something similar or know what might have triggered this?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses a recent rejection of a DTV visa application by the author, who is an immigration advisor based in Vietnam. Despite providing comprehensive documentation, the author suspects the rejection might have been influenced by three factors: the use of a Chinese passport, the type of bank account used (a term deposit rather than a standard savings account), and potential concerns over their eligibility to work in Thailand. The comments provide insights from community members, suggesting that applicants should ideally use their NZ passport and a personal savings account, as well as considering a cover letter to clarify intentions. Several comments also indicate a stricter review process for applicants from China and the need for straightforward financial information.

Mike ********** · Answer

I can see a real crackdown on these dtv visas coming down the tracks.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Better to apply like this:

- With NZ passport

- And NZ bank account (same country as passport)

- Have funds in savings or current account

- Lots of rejections recently from HCMC - use Hanoi or Jakarta

- Add a cover letter explaining your financial situation, why you want to be in Thailand, that you won’t work for Thai companies or with Thai people (search group for ideas)

Arun *************** · Answer

To add on to what some others have shared:

1) generally only savings and current account in personal name is accepted

2) from our experience, unfortunately Chinese passport holders have a harder time getting approvals (for all countries) since the scam center stories broke out earlier this year. I would advise to use your NZ passport.

You may consider applying from a different country, and through the DTV Thai Soft Power route - which has more lenient requirements compared to applying under the DTV remote worker / freelancer category.

We've assisted over 250 our of students successfully attain their DTV visa so we're quite familiar with the process! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

AllSabaai ****** · Answer

Nowadays  Chinese mostly = rejected

And.if the momey is fixed deposit.  Means not free cash .. as well = rejected

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

I think their embassies are pretty strict with Chinese. So maybe you should have provided in your NZ passport as well. And your case is pretty complicated so a cover letter would have helped.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

It's because your money was in a term deposit. It needs to be immediately accessible.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

I have had almost same documents requested, and provided 4 months payslips as I only have been working there for 4 months.

And the timeline is almost the same, got rejected today without any reason. Hence I am trying to figure out what was the reason of rejection to weigh out if i can reapply immediately or not

Michael ********** · Answer

Well, I am pretty sure that your application was already weak at first cuz they have requested A LOT of documents. That raised them a few red flags. The way you put them pressure on has made things worse, you wanted an immediate reply and they gave what you asked for. By the way, it has been said dozen of time that embassies want to see the money in your bank account.

Henrik ***** · Answer

It’s probably your bank account, it has to be a simple normal personal account, where the funds are immediately accessible ( ex if you need to pay at hospital BEFORE you can get treatment) where your account is some sort of investment account ( as far as I understand )

It is one of the main requirements, that applies to ALL  embassies.

Furthermore your setup is very complicated, and not easy ans simple to understand for Embassy staff, who may fear tha you won’t comply with another main requirement: not to deal with thai citizens/ companies.

ALWAYS read the Thai Embassy website thoroughly, with attentions to requirements and visa procedures and set aside enough time to let the Embassy proces the applikation in their pace, and remember a request for additional documentation will reset the visa processing time to zero.

That’s why it is best to apply in their pace country where you are residing, and not go to a third country where you have travel expenses, hotel bills, visa restrictions, that prevent you for just quietly waiting for the visa to be processed.

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What could be the reasons behind the rejection of my DTV visa application in Vietnam?

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