Unanswered2 years ago
Why was my DTV visa application denied after being told I qualified by the consulate staff?
I was denied a DTV Visa at the Vancouver Thai Consulate, I am self employed, doing all my business online, I had previously called the consulate to ask if I would qualify, the person I talked to before I applied said I would be OK, now the consulate is saying I am not approved, I paid teh $650, no idea what to do now. I'll call them monday and ask what I can do, maybe sign up for cooking classes, I'll find out how many classes ect. I spent a lot of time getting my business documents for them, in the end they said I did not qualify. I don't understand I do all my business online, self employed, and was told by an employee at the consulate that I qualified (before I paid the fee)
Summary so far
The user has faced a denial for their Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) application at the Vancouver Thai Consulate, even after confirming eligibility with consulate staff prior to applying. Despite being self-employed and conducting all business online, their application was rejected. The user plans to contact the consulate for clarification and is considering enrolling in cooking classes to reapply. Commenters suggest exploring other visa categories, analyzing the reasons for rejection, and providing concrete evidence of remote work and financial stability. Many express frustrations about inconsistent approval policies across consulates and the non-refundable application fees.
105 repliesnewest first
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Wayne ********
You’re out the $650. It states that very clearly on the EV application that the application fee is absolutely non-refundable.  you only get one bite at the Apple for the $650 application fee.
Art *******************
If I have the money they require in my account and usd 5k a month coming in for living expenses from rental properties do I have to be over 50 to apply to move looking in to moving before kids head college to help split income here and there and save for there college while living semi comfortable and having money for there college
John *****
Would remote work be legal under the soft power category?
Biff *******
Rather than look for another category to apply under, maybe you can analyse why your application failed. Perhaps some of the evidence was not acceptable. Your financial evidence, your company evidence.
Because if you apply again under a different category and the thing that was wrong is still wrong, you’ll get rejected again.
Because if you apply again under a different category and the thing that was wrong is still wrong, you’ll get rejected again.
Paul *******
@Klee *************
It sounds like you didn't place the funds in a traditional bank account or what the officers at the consulate consider a traditional bank account. Transfer C$*****
over and reapply.
Klee **************
OP@Biff ******
the financials are all fine, like I have said many times in this post, I have C$750,000 in cashable CDs, meaning they are exactly the same as cash in a bank account, because they are in my bank account and they are cashBiff *******
@Klee *************
you may well see them as the same as cash., and they may well be the same as cash. However, what matters in the visa process is what the embassy requirements are for evidence of funds. My point was, as a person who has successfully applied for, and helped others app,y for visas from the Thai embassy in London and the uk embassy in Thailand on many occasions, often what we regard as sufficient evidence isn’t seen that way by the people processing the application.
So you can be as adamant as you wish about the nature of your financial evidence but if it doesn’t meet their criteria, they will refuse your application on those grounds.
It’s their criteria that matter here, not yours.
Danny *******
@Klee *************
I applied in Ottawa with a brokerage statement, but they requested specifically for me to show the money in a savings or chequing accountKlee **************
OP@Paul ******
I have $750,000 in a traditional Canadian bank account, it’s a credit union, I only have one account, with all that money in it, money is not the problemPaul *******
@Biff ******
Yep, that's probably why he was denied. He should have placed $*****
-*****
Canadian into a conventional bank account 1 month before applying.
Krystian ******
Get ED visa in Thailand if you can afford it
Klee **************
OP@Krystian *****
I can easily get a retirement visa
David ********
@Krystian *****
terrible advice.Krystian ******
@David *******
why is it terrible? I got one and it's pretty good.Krystian ******
@David *******
no it does not. And I am talking ED from government university which is 3+12 stamps and not small private language school 90 days stamps. There is a differenceDavid ********
@Krystian *****
opens you up to all sorts of speculation in the futureGerry ********
Frustrating to hear that some folks are getting the visa, based on a 2 week cooking course, when other legitimate remote workers are being denied. Also frustrating that the acceptance policy seems to vary wildly between consulates and embassies.
Jay ******
@Gerry *******
why ? Visas are specific in their intent ….Jay ******
Yes Thailand 🇹🇭 does that to us.. so I say get an agent who is very good
Lili ********
@Klee *************
In Canada we use acronyms too often n for example WCB means Workers Compensation Board but in another country it could mean Toilet for boys! Their system is computerized and there r only so many options the computer will accept when processing it at the other end. It is like when I was a kid going to Catholic school, we were supposed to wear black shoes of a certain model available only at BATA shoe stores and I have seen girls buy black leather colouring to dye their shoes from brown to black. There was no more black shoes and luckily the nuns accepted my brown shoes.Klee **************
OP@Lili *******
thats what we are most likely going to do, but I will call the consulate first to find out the details of what qualifies. number of classes etcLili ********
@Klee *************
why does wife not apply for cooking n when she gets her DTV u apply for spouse to accompany the cook?Klee **************
OP@Jay *****
wife says just go with the 60 day exemption and get a 30 day extension and go to Vietnam for a trip, maybe look at hiring a visa agent to do it for us in a neighboring country, far less cost than Canada isGerry ********
@Jay *****
it's frustrating that the application of the requirements isn't consistent.Jay ******
@Gerry *******
yes I know and your correct . But in Thailand. 🇹🇭 maybe not.. it’s Thailand 🇹🇭Klee **************
OP@Gerry *******
yes I agree with you, I was trying to do it legitimately, and honestly, I really am a remote worker, and I really do own my own company, far more legitimate than taking a two week cooking course, but I guess I’ll have to do it that way
Gary *******
I advised one of our volunteers against applying for a DTV evisa because of the no-refund rule. The UK consulate denied his application for a non-O visa because of a new stipulation (for an official document that isn't commonly available) and refused to refund the application fee. *
The applicant was going to reapply for a DTV, but there was the risk that it would also be denied over some minor quibble, and then he'd have been out of pocket for £300 (well over the stipulated ฿10,000).
At least if you apply at a consulate in a neighboring country, they only take your fee if all the documents are in order.
* Update: for some reason, at the very last minute, they did issue the volunteer visa, after all - go figure!
The applicant was going to reapply for a DTV, but there was the risk that it would also be denied over some minor quibble, and then he'd have been out of pocket for £300 (well over the stipulated ฿10,000).
At least if you apply at a consulate in a neighboring country, they only take your fee if all the documents are in order.
* Update: for some reason, at the very last minute, they did issue the volunteer visa, after all - go figure!
Klee **************
OP@Gary ******
yes I should’ve been suspicious of all the people that said they easily got their DT visa, I was told Canada was simple and straightforward, nothing could be further from the truth
Brett **********
@Klee *************
I got mine really easily in Vancouver. Screenshot of bank account and a job offer letter. If you do online work you should have a company? Then write yourself a job offer letter and use thatKlee **************
OP@Brett *********
I do have a company, but I’m a sole proprietor and not incorporated, that’s why I phoned them before I applied and they said that would be OK, I’m going to talk to them again on Monday, see what happens
Werner ************
You don’t seem to be a remote worker or fit the criteria - the embassy staff don’t give approvals by phone
Jarek ************
Do 3m in TH and 3 in VN and back and forth. Staying 180 days or more in TH will make you a tax resident and you will need to file BS returns... Just not worth the hussle.
Tod *********
well there is no 'appeal process' once you're denied/rejected for the online eVisa service meaning you're out the 650 CAD and you would have to pay again if you're going to apply again.
As some people suggested, come here free stamp entry for 60 days find some reason to qualify for the "soft power" category, then go to a nearby consulate here in S/E Asia and apply
As some people suggested, come here free stamp entry for 60 days find some reason to qualify for the "soft power" category, then go to a nearby consulate here in S/E Asia and apply
Klee **************
OPWhat If I use the soft power category applying here from Canada? Maybe they will let me chose a different category instead of digital nomad online, and change so I won't have to pay the $650 CAD again, they are closed now for 2 days, I will call monday morning to see if they will help me change categories
John *******
@Klee *************
- that will not happen. Only option is to pay again and apply.Tod *********
@Klee *************
if it's already denied/rejected in the system you're done, there is no "get to apply for a new reason free" options
Scott *********
@Klee *************
did you give them a letter from your employer (I know it is yourself) stating that you were to work remotely? I know it is nonsensical but they requested that for my partner.
Gintas ****
@Scott ********
what it is soft power?Gerry ********
@Klee *************
well something is amiss. Either your work situation or your funding situation. Better hope it's the above, otherwise you'll be rejected again. Good luck.Klee **************
OP@Gerry *******
I did all that, and I was turned down, deniedGerry ********
@Klee *************
you need concrete evidence of how you operate your business.Business/company registration/ownership details if you operate that way.
GST details, if you're registered.
If you operate as a sole proprietor, you would provide sample invoices along with bank statements showing receipt of payment. A tax return would help.
The covering letter just explains to them how your personal situation works. It is not evidence in itself.
It's more about proving you are legitimately engaged in offshore employment or business. It has nothing to do with how much you earn.
Klee **************
OP@Scott ********
yes I sent them a letter stating what I did and that I was self-employed, and that all my work was done remotely, absolutely nothing I do is in personKlee **************
OP@Tod ********
why can't UTod *********
@Klee *************
there is no process for an appeal once an application is denied. At least none that I am aware of. That is the down side to the eVisa online system you have to pay up front and if denied you lose the application fee.
Lili ********
You should enrol in a class n get letter from school n bring back to consulate n they need bank statement of $20k CAD
Klee **************
OP@Lili *******
bank statement was approved, I have $750K in cashable CD'sLuit *****************
@Klee *************
How do you know bank statement was approved, since it was not really a bank statement proving the right amount of cas and your application was rejected. The fact that you were rejected for not being a remote werker does not necessary mean all other parts of your application were approved.
Lili ********
@Klee *************
u only need school paper.David ********
@Luit ****************
I mean that’s not true for me. They told me exactly which documents weren’t approvedKlee **************
OP@Luit ****************
I talked to them on the phone, they were very nice, they told me the only problem was proving that I was a remote worker, they did not mention anything about financial statements and bank accounts, but I’m going to phone them Monday and ask them if the financials were an issueLuit *****************
@Klee *************
What I mean is that you cannot know if your financial statement is approved because after rejection of the visa application they will not tell you if they approved other parts of your application.If you do not meet the requirements for the first part they check, they simply reject the application without checking the rest of the application.
But so much money and not having a simple savings account with enough money to comply to visa rules just sounds strange to me.
Klee **************
OP@Luit ****************
actually I have a lot more than 750 K, that’s the only account where I can take cash out of, the rest is locked into the stock market Luit *****************
@Klee *************
normally rejected means apply again, no refund, but with your 750k$ that will not be a problem I guess.Lili ********
@Klee *************
Good luck! Hope u will not need to pay.Klee **************
OP@Lili *******
I think you are right, I will enroll in a Thai cooking class, but I want to see if they will allow me to change my category so I do not have to pay the $650 fee again
Gayaanan ************
Was your funds for the 500k in an investment account or rrsp/TFSA? I think Canada is a bit weird about that
Klee **************
OP@Gayaanan ***********
the funds are not the issue, they said that was good, funds are in a cashable CD's, $750,000 worth, same as cash
Amin ***********
@Klee *************
interesting. I’m a little bit surprised they accepted your CD’s after many people commented “the rules are clear, only bank accounts and nothing else” or something to that sort. I have a large amount of bonds, stocks, etc in my brokerage account but will sell off some to turn it into cash before applying for DTV.Brett **********
@Gayaanan ***********
I got approved and didn’t provide my bank statements. I sent a screenshot shot of my bank balance and that’s it.Amin ***********
@James *******
Thanks, and yes, I will apply at an embassy where they require 1 month statement.Klee **************
OP@Amin **********
my CDs are all in my bank account, they are subcategories, I have about 10 different subcategories, RRSP, TFS A’s, and cashable CDs
James ********
@Amin **********
be careful as the financial requirements do vary between Thai Embassy or Consulate websitesGayaanan ************
@Amin **********
just be careful because depending on where you apply they need anywhere from 1-6 months of funds in that account and won't accept recent transfers into accountsGayaanan ************
@Klee *************
oh I see, did they give you an explanation as to what the issue is?
Wannikea *********
@Klee *************
a remote worker isn't necessarily an online worker. Remote means the business is established in country A, and the worker works in country B C or D. Possibly you could have applied as a freelancer, I don't know the specifics of your business and the documents and registration you provided them.Klee **************
OP@Gayaanan ***********
Yes, they said I did not qualify as a remote worker, but I do have my business 100% online, I had asked before I paid if that was OK, they said yes, so I paid the fee thinking everyting was OK
Greg ********
For what it is worth maybe try a Thai Embassy rather than a Conultate with local hires. Without saying too much I have known non-Diplomat Consuls to be useless in certain locations. Embassy staff when not being "Diplomatic" about them have been known to be scathing.
Greg ********
Sorry to hear that. As others have said some countries closer to Thaialnd seem to have less steep requirents. However, it foes involve costs of getting here and then travelling again even if only to a country close by. Your case seems stronger than someone doing a 2 week cookery course or 3 dental appointments as some have been approved.
Jennifer ******
Did you have proof of revenue and income to show them? Just having an online business doesn't prove income. Present your invoices and revenue stream and tax documents maybe?
Klee **************
OP@Jennifer *****
yes I submitted proof of income, that’s extremely easy to do showing deposits in my bank account, if anybody should be approved, it would be me, I’m not trying to trick the system and sign up for two weeks of cooking classes, but I think I’m being forced to do thatLuit *****************
@Klee *************
deposits in your bank account is not a proof of remote working.It seems some embassies and consulates are very strict about this.
Then you need clients confirming you work remote for them.
Also when you work for an employer, the employer should specify you work remote.
If 2 weeks cooking class will allow you to get the visa might also depend on where you apply.
Wayne ********
@Klee *************
cash on hand is not the same as income. If you were saying you run your own business, cash on hand is business cash how much of that is income how much of that is business expense cash on hand means nothing to the Thai EmbassyKlee **************
OP@Jennifer *****
Yes I agree, you are right!!!!!!Jennifer ******
@Klee *************
it could be the kind of business you're in. Better sign up for those cooking classes !Jay ******
@Klee *************
people are trying to assist you and your attitude may not warrant for good replies… up to you nowKlee **************
OP@Gerry *******
I did all that and was deniedGerry ********
@Luit ****************
exactly this! They're not so much concerned about how much income is coming in. They require concrete evidence that the visa applicant is engaged in legitimate business outside of Thailand.That is either proof of employment, proof of offshore company/business ownership and/or contracts/agreements with an offshore client base.
Luit *****************
@Klee *************
I think they might need evidence of your remote work. they might want the lawyers, borrowers or morgage brokers declare you do remotely bussiness with them. Also you might show them you get paid for this bussiness.Klee **************
OP@Luit ****************
I do work remotely, my deposits are not what I do as remote work, I do private mortgage, lending, I’m constantly on the computer with lawyers and borrowers and mortgage brokers, nothing to do with my online bank account, which holds many deposits, which are cashable which proves my income, but not my remote workLuit *****************
@Klee *************
2 posts above you say the deposits are proof of income for your job.Somehow you have to proof you get income from remote working.
The deposits do not prove this, and there is not an employer declaring you work for them remotely and get a salary for that, they might need clients of your own company declaring you work remotely for them.
Klee **************
OP@Luit ****************
I never said deposits in my bank account were proof of remote working, that’s only to prove cash on hand
Dave *****
Sounds odd. Your job/work situation is the prime target. Maybe that is not why your were rejected? What did you show for financials?
Klee **************
OP@Dave ****
$750K in cashable CD's, term depositsDave *****
@Klee *************
Most likely this. I submitted my trading account with 1mil+ and they refused. But they did ask me to submit document again - which I did with savings account. I am surprised they didn’t give you the chance to resubmit docs.Klee **************
OP@Dave ****
they might give me the chance to resubmit my documents, it’s a weekend now, they are not open till Monday morning, I will contact them again and ask if I can change the category from DTV to soft power
Matt *******
@Klee *************
the criteria of cash holding is the same across all visa types, savings Account.Jay ******
@Matt ******
that’s good your taking advice so well.. I ignore people with limited abilitiesMatt *******
@Jay *****
I already have my annual visas. No need for smart allecs hereJay ******
@Matt ******
suggestion you get a visa Thai 🇹🇭 to guide you .. simple
Helen ********
@Klee *************
that could be why. We were told it has to be a regular "bank" account they would not accept investments, GIC, crypto only a regular everyday bank account.
Elías ********
Sorry to hear that. Might I ask how much time elapsed since you lodged your online application and the status changed to rejected?
Klee **************
OP@Elías *******
1 day, very easy to talk to, but I was still rejected
Jins ********
Brother, my thoughts would be , you come to Thailand in 60 days visa exemption and stay around for sometime and meanwhile you may find a Muay Thai or some kind of classes
And consulates around Asia seems to be a bit more leniant
Let's make it late than never and we can 💪
And consulates around Asia seems to be a bit more leniant
Let's make it late than never and we can 💪
Jay ******
@Jins *******
yes if the goal is just get to Thailand …. Figure it out later …sabai sabai
Yaowalak ********
Alan *****
Am very curious how this will progress as Sydney office were not very friendly at all
John **********
@Alan ****
agree. They will not reply to our emails or calls.Activity
35 joined35
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