For Hong Kong applicants:

Before applying, many people said Hong Kong was difficult to apply to, and even the cooking schools asked me to avoid it.

However, if you're a Hong Kong resident, don't hesitate to apply there. It will just take longer, about a month. There's no need to apply in other countries, as flights and hotels also cost money.

The visa fee for Hong Kong is 3,000 HKD.

Cooking school: 19,000 + B.

That's about 8,000 HKD for a 5-year visa.

Even with Soft Power, the application process in Hong Kong can still be slow. It took me about a month.

Just got approved for my DTV visa for soft power (cooking school) through the Los Angeles consulate in UNDER AN HOUR (~45 minutes)!!!!

I was so stressed while doing the application because I was worried about making a stupid mistake that would get my application rejected instantly. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the first and only status update was to approved.

If you are trying to get a DTV through the LA embassy now seems to be a good time because they seem to be moving fast!

I tried to get a DTV from a cooking school in Korea, but I was rejected. In this case, it would be meaningless to supplement the documents and put them back in Korea, right?

Anyone been approved recently or rejected from Hanoi doing softpowers?

DTV granted in Jakarta.

I arrived on May 8th, submitted the request the same night. Soft power, cooking school.

Unaware of the long weekend (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th!!!), used the time to visit every museum and park in the city.

Friday 16th came a request from the Consulate to update information about the cooking school (Company registration, school license); the school sent me the info immediately, I uploaded it the same Friday. So far, only 3 working days.

Today, Sunday, I got the email with my approved DTV visa for 5 years. Feeling happy :)

DTV Soft Power Approved!

In Person, Vientiane Laos.

Make an Appointment on their website!!

Documents Provided to the Embassy.

Fully filled out application with two photos attached.

Proof of funds. This consisted of a certified bank statement from my Thai Bank, along with a full copy of my bank book to show the original deposit of funds. (My funds have been seasoned for multiple years)

Acceptance Letter from a cooking school. (I love cooking!)

A copy of the cooking Schools DBD documents, along with a copy of the owner’s ID Card.

Signed Copy of my hotel reservation in Laos, evisa to Laos, and entry stamp into Laos.

When you make your appointment, you are assigned a number. That number didn’t seem to matter at all. Show up early on the day of your appointment. Bring a Sun Umbrella. You leave everything (including your passport) with the Embassy. Once they review your application and take your money, you are given a slip with a date and time to return to pick up your visa. If you drop stuff off on a Monday, pick-up is Wednesday. Drop off Tuesday, pick up Thursday. This is the cooking school I chose. www.bangkokthaicookingacademy.com

I just got to know of a cooking school which is asking for a deposit to issue a letter for DTV visa , but this course is for 2/3 weeks. I am super confused.. why would one get a DTV for a 3 week course? When this can be done on a regular visa exemption period of 60 days or so? Or on an Ed visa?Anyone else who got a DTV visa for such a short course in Thailand?