What steps did you take to obtain your DTV (derivative visa) to Thailand?

Oct 30, 2024
23 days ago
William ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I was just approved for my DTV and am elated. I submitted my documents to the Washington DC Embassy electronically on October 17 in the afternoon, so 9 business days in total.

I used my drivers license as proof of residence, used a selfie I took on my phone for the picture (against a white wall). Also took picture of my passport with my phone.

I used an American Express savings account statement showing one month of activity ending on October 6 for proof of funds.

I entered a friend’s condo address and reception I’ll initially stay at as my residence until I get my own place, and entered the flight number for the last leg of my trip to Bangkok.

I was not asked for any additional information.

I went the soft power route, booking a two-week cooking course through the Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy. I paid them for the cooking course on October 16 via PayPal and received all of the necessary documents for my visa application the following day.

They also said it was fine if you want to split their 4-week course into two parts, and taking the second leg of classes at your convenience.

The director of admissions, Tanawan Malan, is extremely helpful and anyone interested in taking courses at the school, located in On Nut, can reach them here:

Ron@BangkokThaiCookingAcademy.com

All in all, it was a pretty seemless process that maybe took 2-3 hours (from paying the cooking school to getting the documents onto my computer to filling out the forms.) Your mileage may vary.

I cannot really see the point of using an agent if you’re doing things above board.

Good luck everyone!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user successfully applied for a DTV visa after submitting documents to the Washington DC Embassy, utilizing a cooking course for support. They provided a driver's license as proof of residence, a selfie for identification, and a one-month bank statement for proof of funds. The process took about 2-3 hours and didn’t require additional documentation. Comments from others pointed out questions about the course duration and requirements for proof of funds.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Sergio ******
Were you in DC? I’m Ohio based but currently traveling.. not sure if I can apply thru the Chicago embassy
William ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sergio *****
It depends on the address you’ll use for your proof of residence. If your residence is Chicago, but you’re staying with your sister in LA right now, you’d still apply at the Chicago consulate.
Greg *********
A 5 year visa for a 2-week class. Wow. That isn’t going to last long. Better get it while you can fellas.
Snowing ******
Can you still get a 5-year DTV even if the course is only for 2-3 weeks?
William ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dean ********
Congratulations William, thanks for the post. Can i pre book a table at your place please chef :)
William ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dean *******
Ya’ll might be better off getting a toastie from 7-11! 😂
Dominic ******
Thank you for adding all this helpful information here and congrats! 🙂
Erik *******
What is the cost of the cooking classes?
William ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Erik ******
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James ********
Congratulations 👏👏👏 thank you for your helpful and detailed report 👍
Kay ********
I too only provided one month statement. More wasn’t asked of me.
Anita ********
One month of savings account activity?

But you still had to show them the full amount of 500,000, right?
William ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anita *******
Savings account showed activity, plus current balance, which I should have mentioned. The activity part likely doesn’t matter, although it showed contributions, which I’m sure didn’t hurt.
Anita ********
@William *******
what I was wanting to find out is did you have at least the 500,000 in the account. Or did you have a whole lot more? Or did you have exactly the right amount?
William ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anita *******
I had a good deal more.
Anita ********
@William *******
somehow I knew that’s what you were going to say. I do think that helps.

Thank you. I appreciate these details.
William ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anita *******
Doesn’t mean you won’t have an equally easy time with the required minimum balance. You’ll be good!
Anita ********
@William *******
one of the things that appealed to me about the DTV was less money upfront. We’ll see what happens. I’m from Florida so I think I go through DC also.