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Answered8 months ago

What should I do now that my DTV visa application has been approved as METV for only six months?

Adventurous***********
asked Feb 20, 2026
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hi guys, i would like some advice regarding my dtv visa application which has been approved as METV instead for 6 months only. I applied frm my home country, indonesia through 6 months cooking school. What should i do now ? Can someone please suggest any highly recommended agent that can solve this problem ? Thank you so much
Answer summary
The user is seeking advice after their DTV visa application was unexpectedly approved as a METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa) for only 6 months. The responses suggest that the user should utilize the METV and, after its expiration, reapply for a DTV, ideally with a course longer than 6 months. Many comments indicate that the existing visa should be utilized while also exploring options for future applications. Additionally, the consensus stresses that visa eligibility ultimately lies with the Thai embassy and that there’s little that can be done at this point without reapplying.
74 repliesnewest first
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Andrew **********
Andrew **********
Which cooking school and how many lessons?
Greg ********
Greg ********
@Christopher **********
They might not only get the charge back but a nice note on their immigration record by the embassy. FAFO
D**
D**
Enjoy METV after that apply for DTV 😎
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Just so you know, your METV can grant you 9 month in Thailand (3 X 3 month). It's a good start, even if obviously I know it's disappointing.

Reapplying with the same documents will likely yield the same result :/
Nick ******
Nick ******
Use a different embassy next time. And some legit agent to assist you, if you're not confident with optimizing your application.
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@Nick *****
noted ! thank you 😊
SincereG********
SincereG********
i would go on your METV and change it once your in Thailand
Greg ********
Greg ********
SincereGrape4256 Change what in Thailand?
SincereG********
SincereG********
@Greg *******
He has a 6 month METV visa allowing him a 6 month stay. He has to leave every 60 days which is a hassle and extra costs. but He has 60 days on his first stay on his METV to change it.

There may be a better solution .
Greg ********
Greg ********
SincereGrape4256 I fully understand what a METV is. You said change it in Thailand. just wondering what you think he can change it to?
Arto ****************
Arto ****************
They gave you enough time to finish the course you applied for. I sure hope you were not trying to cheat the system and use a 6 month cooking course for a 5 year stay.
SincereG********
SincereG********
@Arto ***************
thats true what you said. i didnt catch that. did he sign up for a 6 month cooking course but applied for and expected a 5 year DTV visa? lol
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Arto ***************
If you believe that a five year visa should never be issued for a six months cooking course you should write to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
Arto ****************
Arto ****************
@Christopher **********
I don't have any issue with any of it, but it's why the RTP has started dishing out 6 month tourist visas for people applying with 6 month courses.
Arto ****************
Arto ****************
@Christopher **********
yes because that's how the Thai immigration works
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Arto ***************
If they revise their minimum requirement they must publish it on their website. Plus give applications already in progress the opportunity to book a longer course in order to qualify.
James ********
James ********
Pardon me but your reply is rubbish 😨
DTV_Be*******
DTV_Be*******
Not sure what you need solved. You have a 6 month visa that should cover your time in the cooking class. Come and enjoy the class, learn some new dishes
SincereG********
SincereG********
DTV_BegPecker is the class required for the METV ? I thought the classes were required for the DTV visa ?

i kind off like the 6 monyh METV except leaving every 60 days i dont like.
DTV_Be*******
DTV_Be*******
SincereGrape4256 class is not required for METV: however, the applicant must of presented their plan to take this course and the METV made the most sense to make this course a reality,
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
Did they refund you approx 50%? That is the difference between the cost of a six months METV and a DTV? There have been reports of an embassy doing this.
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@Christopher **********
not at all, they didnt even give me any kind of explanation as to why my application being approved as METV instead of
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
AdventurousWallaby5326 Clearly unacceptable behaviour from a government department. You could try asking for refund of the 50%. If you have decided to remain in Thailand then possibly apply again via Issa Compass. They guarantee success or your money back for approx $150 USD fee. If you have no ties to Thailand and don't wish to apply again you could instigate a credit card chargeback with your bank/credit card company and get your DTV application fee back.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
Product was paid for but not delivered. No explanation provided (can't or won't). That's why chargeback exists.
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
The service for which is paid for is provided conform specification. End of story!

Your suggestion that embassy fails in this case is just nonsense.

Asking for chargeback for a service provided conform specification, telling it is not delivered is fraud.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
Everyone pays for products and services. When they aren’t provided we can request a chargeback. If the explanation isn’t acceptable (or none provided within 30 days), our payment is recalled and our card account credited. Fraud would be by an embassy in accepting payment and failing to provide their product to an applicant who met their published requirements.
Greg ********
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
You might find this absurd in your fantasy world, but in the real world embassies don't advertise to sell visa, only a visa as elite visa is advertised and marketed by commercial companies.

All other Thai visa can be applied for by embassies and some by Immigration, both non commercial and asking a fee for the service and not a price for a product.

You must comply to certain requirements to apply for a visa.

They clearly state that an application is no guarantee to get the visa you apply for.

So they do not fail in any way when they decide they not to issue the requested visa, so they have no obligation to specify any reason to anyone, also not to your card issuer.

The only thing they might have to prove is that they did process the application which is simple done by showing the send rejection or approval email.

The applicant will be asked to prove the service was not delivered and his communication about that with the embassy.

The applicant does not have this, and the embassy has proof they delivered service, so the card issuer will be denied a chargeback, and possible tagged as commiting fraud.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
Absurd argument. Embassy advertises their product in return for payment. If you comply with their stated requirements they must supply their product or return your money. Otherwise, they must explain their failure to your card issuer. Obviously, they won't/can't. The applicant will then receive his refund.
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
You don't seem to understand that DTV is a visa you APPLY for, you don't BUY like elite visa.

So the fee is for processing the application, not for getting the visa.

That is clearly stated everywhere, just like it is stated additional requirements can be asked by individual embassies and that complying with requirements is not a guarantee you will become the requested visa.

By applying for the visa you agree with this conditions, so afterwards no reason to complain.

At the moment you apply you agree you can loose the fee.

That you think that is unfair does not make it incorrect processing, and yhat is how the card issuer will look at it.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
The service requested and paid for (DTV) wasn't delivered. No explanation provided. Instead, a product of only half the value was supplied. The embassy kept the difference. Agreed, Issa Compass charge $150 for their fee and guarantee success or the whole of your money back. There is no one specific visa for dental appointments, hospital treatment plans, Muay Thai Boxing and cooking courses. Certainly not one that permits switching between all four. Embassies who fail to state their minimum requirements (or change them without notice) deserve to lose their processing fees.
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
Unhappy with customer service is not a reason for chargeback.

The requested service is delivered, in fact an extra service by issuing METV.

They also could have rejected without refund and a free advise to apply for METV.

Why should they have to communicate more.

When you are unable yourself to apply for a visa because it is difficult to choose the right visa you always can use an agent.

Your description of the visa selection is the other way around.

You should choose the visa that matches your purpose of stay, in this case the cooking coarse, not find a coarse that fits an already selected visa.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
Lack of communication and customer service. If 6 months course is no longer considered long enough to issue a DTV they must say so. Did they publish that on their website? They could have told the applicant that 'we can't issue a DTV for a 6 months course but if you booked another 6 months now and sent proof we could' (for example).
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
Keep on dreaming, they processed an application for a DTV and decided applicant is not eligible for that. They could have just revoked the application without any refund.

They decided to be kind and give the METV, an you think they did not process the application.

What kind of world do yoi live in?
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
They processed an application for a 6 months METV which wasn't what the applicant applied and paid for. They failed to seek consent to do so. They also pocketed the 50% difference in fee between METV and DTV. So much wrong with this. Chargeback most definitely will be agreed by the card issuer.
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
Complete nonsense!

You pay the fee for processing the application, it is 100 percent clear the application was processed, so asking for chargeback is fraud!

That applicant does not qualify for the visa he requested is not the fault of the embassy.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Luit ****************
Card issuer will process the chargeback because their customer hasn't received what they paid for.
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
AdventurousWallaby5326 Never follow the advice for trying to chargeback the fee, it simply is fraud and your card issuer might not like that.
Greg ********
Greg ********
@Christopher **********
I am pretty sure it is all covered by the T&C's ie youn are paying for the application and the processing. One outlier does not make the
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Greg *******
I understand that. However, the visa issued wasn't the same one applied and paid for. There is a report of an embassy asking an applicant if they would accept a 6 months METV instead and then refunding the difference in cost.
Greg ********
Greg ********
@Christopher **********
You pay for the processing not the visa. This has been covered multiple times.
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@Christopher **********
ahh i see. thanks for the advice 🙏
Elías ********
Elías ********
Use that visa first, and apply for a DTV once that one is over. You asked for six months, and you got it for six months, tho.
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Elías *******
Application was for a DTV. Incidentally, if an embassy decides to do this, they should first ask the applicant if they would accept a six months METV instead. If they agree, then refund the difference in cost between a six months METV and a DTV.
Elías ********
Elías ********
@Christopher **********
that's not what's written in the written rules (excuse the redundancy) that you agree when you lodge an application. It clearly says "No refunds".
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
@Elías *******
Stating 'No Refunds' is meaningless. Either the embassy supplies the product you paid and qualified for according to their published requirements or gives you your money back. Otherwise, they must explain their actions to your card issuer. If they can't (or won't) your card issuer will recall the fee paid and credit your card account.
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
@Christopher **********
Refund? Why? They processed the request and gave the visa that is needed for the purpose of stay.

It is not the embassies fault that OP applied for wrong visa.

They also could just have revoked the application.
Luit *****************
Luit *****************
AdventurousWallaby5326 I think you made not clear why you needed a visa for longer than 6 months.
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@Luit ****************
no i did not reply for the 6 months visa only, please understand my questions carefully. i applied for dtv visa through 6 months cooking class program which is actually a basic minimum requirements to obtain the dtv visa. but somehow the embassy only granted me the METV which lasts for 6 months only and did not give me any explanation whatsoever regarding this. it is abit unfair as most of us do not get a second chance to actually know the reason of it being approved as Tourist visa instead. I understand that the visa fee might not be able to be refunded however there should be an explanation of such decision
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@Christopher **********
has there been a lot of cases like this before too ?
Christopher ***********
Christopher ***********
AdventurousWallaby5326 Unfortunately so. Generally, a six months course has been enough to issue a DTV though.
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@Elías *******
yeah i know, but that means i have to go through all the hassle again and wait for a pretty long time again. I was just really disappointed and confused now. but thank you for the feedback 🙏
Understandi***********
Understandi***********
AdventurousWallaby5326 I would go to a different country in 6 months, so far Vietnam has been relatively quick and straight forward, but check this group in 6 months to see where is processing DTVs quickly and reliably, asking to defer your course is also a good idea so you can use the same course when you apply again. That way you can just chill out for the 6 months of your METV and then learn your new skills when you have the DTV. You have to leave the country every 6 months on a DTV anyway, so it's not that much extra hassle.
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
UnderstandingTiger6479 sure ! thank you for the feedback
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
Thank you so much for the response guys. is it possible to cancel the METV itself ? or has anyone ever tried that before ?
James ********
James ********
With the METV multiple entry tourist visa, you are free to do whatever you want when in Thailand. No need to take any cooking classes.. suggest you ask the Course sponsor if you can use the course after your

METV visa has ended.

Apply for the DTV elsewhere... NOT 🚫 in your home country.
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@James *******
btw James, with this METV im holding, does tht mean i will need to get out of thailand every 60 days then reenter again ?
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@James *******
noted ! thank you so much for the advice
James ********
James ********
AdventurousWallaby5326 Yes. AND you will go to the

The Immigration Service Center at IT Square Laksi (2nd Floor) operates Monday–Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@James *******
i will be mostly at bangkok the whole time i think. so that means i can extend for 30 more days after staying in thailand for 60 days ?
James ********
James ********
Where will you be living in Thailand when you want to get the 30 day extension?
James ********
James ********
AdventurousWallaby5326 you can get a 30 day extension of stay at your local Thai Immigration office for 1,900 Thai baht. These are the common found requirements for the 30 day extension. Be sure to have a TM30 address registration on file with Thai Immigration. The 30 days are ADDED to your current ending date stamp.
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@James *******
noted ! Thank you for the feedback 😊
Greg ********
Greg ********
AdventurousWallaby5326 Have a search through the group. I am sure I remember someone had the METV and got the DTV in Hanoi while it was still live. I hope I am not misremembering. Good luck
Elías ********
Elías ********
AdventurousWallaby5326 Why would you do that? Use it first.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
At least you have 6 months
John **********
John **********
There's nothing you can do other than use and enjoy your METV. Once the METV has expired in 6 months you can try to apply for the DTV again. If you do I'd suggest using a course longer than 6 months.
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@John *********
Hi John, thanks for the reply. Is there perhaps a way to cancel the METV and then apply for the DTV ?
James ********
James ********
Doubtful...

And don't apply again in Indonesia
John **********
John **********
AdventurousWallaby5326 you could try asking the consulate that provided it, but I'd be very surprised if they did.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
No agent can help solve this problem. The authority to grant you a visa is by the Thai embassy not an agent. You will have to reapply
Greg ********
Greg ********
I think you just have to wait out the 6 months METV and apply with a year long course. They obviously thought the 6 month course could be completed with a METV.
Adventurous***********
Adventurous***********
OP
@Greg *******
yeah i guess do too. thank you for the feedback
Greg ********
Greg ********
AdventurousWallaby5326 You could try in say Hanoi but it is a risk. If the METV suits due to your geographic location then maybe just wait. Whatever you choose good luck.

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