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Answered2 years ago

What documents should I prepare for my Thai visa application based on the requests from the L.A. consulate?

Joe ***********
asked Feb 20, 2025
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Update:

I previously posted about being rejected by Los Angeles after 17 days pending document check because the system had deleted my middle name before submission.

I re-applied and, after about one week, received the following document requests:

"Other request documents: Business portfolio

Other request documents: Please upload a business registration of the company

Other request documents: Your recent tax return

Other request documents: Guarantee letter from the company implies that you work remotely

Other request documents: Employment contract or employment certificate from company"

—"Business portfolio":

It would sure be helpful if they explained what they mean by that. In my original application, I included links to two of my freelance portfolios where they can see dozens of pieces of work from the last couple of years. Should I print out hundreds of pages of work as the portfolio? My main current job is a large project that is not yet finished for them to see.

—"Business Registration":

Again, it would be helpful if they were a bit more explicit. The main foundation I work for has a prominent website. I Googled their "business registration" and all their information since 2001 is available on Propublica.com. I guess I will print that out and submit that?

—"Recent tax return":

That is clear enough. I didn't file this yet this year, but I will do that today.

—"Guarantee letter from the company implies that you work remotely":

This is funny because I am a literary translator and writer, so of course my work is remote, but my contract doesn't explicitly say that because it's obvious. I will request that from my main employer spelling it out.

—"Employment contract or employment certificate from company":

This is the most troubling because I already submitted a very thorough copy of my contract to them. So I am very confused as to why they are asking for it again.

Overall, it doesn't look very promising. At least they didn't ask me for more financial documentation. I will submit these docs and hope for the best, but I'm pretty discouraged by this opaque system with no recourse. If it fails again, I'll try to go through an agent, which is probably much more reliable.
Answer summary
The user faced difficulties with their Thai visa application due to a previous rejection and is now trying to submit the necessary documents. They received requests for a business portfolio, business registration, recent tax return, a guarantee letter from their company stating they work remotely, and an employment contract or certificate. They express confusion over the vague requests, especially regarding the business portfolio and employment documents, and share their concerns about the lack of clarity in the visa process. Commenters provide suggestions on how to organize the documentation, the importance of explaining their remote work situation, and best practices for submission to avoid delays.
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Johnny ********
Johnny ********
The goal posts always in motion.
Andriy ***************************
Andriy ***************************
The LA consulate office is slow and utterly incompetent
Jr **********
Jr **********
Just type a memo stating your work and the documents attached supporting it. When I submitted mine in Vietnam they asked for additional documents that I had already submitted. I just typed a memo explaining the the attached documents and it moved yo pending approval.
Wannikea *********
Wannikea *********
You can submit a link to your portfolio/and or the mission statement of the business you are working for perhaps. Employment certificate/guarantee letter is simply a document stating you are currently employed and able to work remotely, specifically in Thailand. They want it stated not just obviously implied. Resubmit your contract. A brief cover letter might help documenting the items you're submitting and an overview of your work. Sending reams of unlabeled paperwork for them to sort through could frustrate them. Use a highlighter to direct their attention to the appropriate data in your documents.
Clement ****************************
Clement ****************************
About the business registration, do you work for a company with an employment contract, or do you work as an independent contractor for one or multiple companies?

In the second scenario, I think they are asking for your own business registration.
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
OP
@Clement ***************************
My primary employer is a non-profit organization. I have a contract with them, but as an independent contractor. I'm not really considered full-time staff for them, but their business is to hire people like me for big projects. Since the contract is ongoing, I don't have a 1099 tax form from them yet, but will get that from them this year.
Robert ***********
Robert ***********
@Joe **********
If you get a 1099 you are not an employee. You have to prove to the embassy that you are an entity and make a salary.
Clement ****************************
Clement ****************************
@Joe **********
In your country, are you not required to register your business as an independent contractor?

For example when I applied I provided proof that I had a legal entity in France to allow me to bill my clients.

I thought it may be what they are asking you for.
Clement ****************************
Clement ****************************
@Joe **********
Okay well I guess the safest is to clear this with your embassy directly if you can call them (and they do answer 😅)

Best of luck 🙏
Joe ***********
Joe ***********
OP
@Clement ***************************
No we don't have to register as an individual business. An independent contractor or freelancer gets different types of tax forms and you just file as an individual person.

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