Preparing a DTV Soft Power (cooking) application in the USA. I can use either the Los Angeles or New York consulate, due to having residences in both regions. (SEA locations are okay too, as I'm over here for a few more weeks.) I have the 500,000+ TBH, but alas it is in brokerage accounts. I'm planning to transfer into a traditional bank account for DTV purposes -- but it's inconvenient for me, and I would like to minimize the time the funds are in there. Has anyone had any recent success applying, in the US, using unseasoned funds (one month or less)? I have read numerous reports of this working in the past, especially at Los Angeles, so I thought I would ask now.

Note: I wonder if a phone snapshot of a bank account, showing funds, would have a better chance than a full printout of a proper mostly bank statement, where more information would be logically expected?

(Finally, I just read a report that the Hanoi is now requiring more bank statements - it used to be a good go-to if you wanted a quick fix if your funds are invested.)

Moving to Thailand in September. Husband is retired military and over 50, I am 45 and we have 2 young children. Does anyone know if the Retirement visa financial requirements are per person or per family? Also, when it comes to having the large savings vs proof of monthly income, is it an either or situation or do you need both saved money and proof of pension?

Hi. I need some feedback. How long is the normal processing time for a DTV? I live in US.

Not sure where to ask this question. Today we went to the American Embassy. My Thai girlfriend had an appointment. We hope to get a B1 B2 visa for her to travel to America for holiday. I hired a Thai company to help us prepare all the documentation necessary for her application, checked all the boxes.

 According to the Visa company, she met all the requirements. Submitted a flawless application .

She just returned from her appointment at the Embassy. She was denied a B one B2 a Visa .

The reason, insufficient information. That’s it, no explanation of what the insufficient information was. 

I see that most people on here have been applying for the DTV from Asian countries. I'd really like to hear about the experience of some Americans. I did see something about consulates here asking for tax returns? Can anyone tell me what they had to do to get approved while applying here? Specifics would be appreciated! Thanks

DTV - Approved

USA- Washington Embassy- Digital Nomad

Applied- 8/12/24 Husband and I applied separately/ one e-account ( didn’t want to wait for one approval when had to pay two fees anyway).

Submitted: check stubs, bill for proof of addy, offer letter.

Requested Extra Docs-8/28/24 Bank Statement (both-joint account showing over $32,000USD CHKING),

Letter from employer stating remote & signed (me only).

Sent- 8/29/24

Approved - 8/29/24

Hello and thanks for the advice. Has anyone applied for the retirement visa using the certificate of income of not less than 65,000 baht a month? Is it true that one has to get the affidavit (income letter) from the US Embassy ONLY in the US before traveling to Thailand?

If one is depositing 800,00 baht into a Thai Bank (for retirement visa), it can be done while in Thailand without the US authenticating income?

Just trying to see which one works best for me. Thanks for advice.

I am from the US and marrying a woman from Hua Hin. I want to have her visit the states and possibly stay for an extended visit. What are my visa options. How long does it usually take to get visa?

This is the conclusion of US passport renewal by mail post rant I made about 5 weeks ago:

8/17 mailed passport and all forms via EMS to US embassy in BKK.

8/21 arrived at US embassy gate.

Website [members only]/ indicates “Current Processing Times (applied on or after March 24, 2023) Routine 10 to 13 weeks”. Signed up for E-mail notification

9/8 “no status avail”

9/14 Application Status: Not Available

9/16 Application Status: Mailed

9/18 Application Status: “The U.S. Department of State has mailed your passport book on 09/12/2023. We sent your passport book to you using Prepaid Delivery. Your application locator number is xxxxxx…” (this does not make much sense)

9/20 Notification E-mail received, “[members only]/, EQxxxxxxxxTH”, but upon tracking, "Data not found" is returned (post office strikes again).

9/21 Postman delivers EMS package containing new and old passports. Whole process took 5 weeks.

Immediately proceeded to local IO to transfer old visa extension to new passport.

Will need both passports, signed photocopies of bio page of old passport plus all pages containing stamps, signed photocopy of new passport bio page, and filled and signed application form requesting transfer to new passport. No pics or fee required. Takes 10-15 min. While no longer valid, IO suggests to bring old cancelled passport to next extension “just in case”.

I’d suggest updating local bank accounts with new passport. Not sure what to do about the driver’s license, but will check as well.

Still can’t get over why the US embassy sends American citizens on a wild goose chase to a foreign website, not in English, to buy 100 Baht ($3 USD equiv.) return postage. One-way public bus fare in San Francisco is $3… Anyway, end of rant. Will have a new story in 2033.

🇺🇸🇹🇭 SEEKING INSIGHTS on THAI SPOUSE VISA! 🌍💑

Hey, fellow US expats and Thailand enthusiasts! 🌴 Are you navigating the intricate world of Thai spouse visas? 🤔 Let's clear the haze and dive into these 4 CRUCIAL QUESTIONS! 🤯

1️⃣ Social Security Income Affidavit:

1. 🏦📜 How can we obtain it from the US Embassy in Bangkok? 🇺🇸✈️

2. Or is a 'Social Security Administration Benefit Verification Letter' (Online PDF from ssa.gov) sufficient for the Thai spouse visa? 📝

2️⃣ Monthly Income Requirement (40,000 THB):

1. 💰💑 Does it need to be in a joint account?

2. Can the income be from a US Social Security source directly or through a regular bank wire? 💳💸

We know there's a heap of conflicting info out there, making this process seem like a maze! 🧩😓 Let's join forces and share our 🆒PERSONAL EXPERIENCES 🗣📣. Your insights can be invaluable! 🙌

🔗 Link alert! 🚨 Since 2019, it seems the US Embassy in Bangkok stopped providing income affidavits. 😮 More info here: [Link]([members only]/)

Your wisdom is much appreciated! Let's make this journey smoother for everyone. 💙🤝 Thanks in advance for your contributions! 🙏🌟

#ThaiSpouseVisa #ExpatLife #ThailandVisaTips