Unanswered7 years ago

Why Do I Need to Apply for an OA Visa at the Embassy in Washington, DC?

OA Visa Visa Application Immigration Process

Chris ****************

asked Dec 11, 2019

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Update: Went to the LA Consulate yesterday to apply for an OA yesterday. Had the completed Foreign Health Certificate and all necessary documents. When the agent saw my signed and sealed background report from the state of Florida, he asked why I was applying there. Long story short, he said that I needed to apply at the Embassy in Washington, DC as I was not in the CA jurisdiction. He did say that you will not find that information on the consulate website. He also approved my son's Ed visa. So now my wife and I are getting the 6 month METV to get back and prepare for our final departure from Thailand. Gave it our very best shot. Thankfully, it's a big world. All the best to everyone on the group and all the previous advice.

Summary so far

A user shares their experience applying for an OA visa at the LA Consulate, only to be redirected to the Embassy in Washington, DC due to jurisdiction issues. Although the consulate approved their son's Ed visa, the user ultimately decided to obtain a 6-month METV for their departure from Thailand. The post highlights the importance of understanding jurisdictional rules when applying for visas.

7 repliesnewest first

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Tod *********

@Ch***

while I have never heard that happening, IF you do indeed meet the requirements to get the O-A from the thai consulate in L/A you'd meet them at any of the other 3 consulates that issue that type of visa as well (Chicago, Washington DC and New York).. I don't understand why you'd change plan and get a 6 month METV instead. Just post your application to one of the other consulates that issue O-A visas. They all accept applications by mail

7 years ago

Chris ****************

@Tod ********

Hi Todd, NY Consulate will also only service 8 states in the surrounding area. And, it is on the website. We've been told that FL is in the Washington DC Embassie's jurisdiction. I've spent all day changing plans in order to apply there on the 18th of December as it takes 5 days for an in person application. I'll be sure to let everyone know here know the outcome.

7 years ago

David ************

@Tod ********

way back when I was using the Consulates they all had state jurisdictions. Just looked and it's still on their web

7 years ago

James ********

Are you moving from Thailand?

7 years ago

Chris ****************

@James *******

Yes. As we have no other choice based on the current requirements and conditions.

7 years ago

James ********

Thanks for the report....but NEVER have heard of this before.

7 years ago

Chris ****************

@James *******

I know. My wife and I were shocked as that was one thing we never considered. Interestingly, I went onto the NY Consulate site to consider going there. Sure enough, it states that it will only service those in specific surrounding states.

7 years ago