Just got my DTV visa approved! Thank you to everyone who posted in this group. It’s been immensely helpful reading through everyone’s experiences so I’d also like to share mine.

I am a USA citizen. I applied in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for the freelancer DTV option. Here’s the timeline:

- I filled out all the paperwork prior to arriving to Ho Chi Minh except the proof of location (just as preparation — didn’t submit)

- I arrived on Sun Feb 23 and submitted it in the application in the evening with the proof of location

- They asked for additional information on Wed Feb 26 at 10am. I submitted the additional information in the evening

- I got approved on Mon Mar 3 at noon :))

Below are specifics. [Added] means I added it when they asked for additional information.

Portfolio:

- [Added] I wrote an intro letter that explains my background and what each page in the portfolio contains

- [Added] Resume

- [Added] University Degree Certificate

- Business Info Sheet

- [Added] Reviews screenshot and link to profile (I had text message screenshots before but replaced that with website reviews)

- Example work screenshots

- Signed agreements (2 examples) [Added 1 more]

- Bank statements & venmo transactions to prove income from business

Proof of Location:

- Flight to Vietnam

- Vietnam Visa

- Airbnb receipt with prices and dates

- Passport stamp of entry

Financial Proof:

- [Added] I wrote a letter explaining the situation. I put most of my money in a CD savings account. The CD ended on January 11. They wanted 6 months proof of 500,000 baht, but I could only show that through the CD. I was worried they wouldn’t approve me because CD can be considered investment account, and they only want checkings or savings.

- 6 months of CD statements

- [Added 5 months] 6 months of Savings account statements (where the CD money is now)

- [Added] 6 months of credit card statements — they did not ask for this, but I heard they want to see that you spend money so I included this in case it helps

I’m glad I wrote a letter to explain both the portfolio (because I do not have a registered company) and the financial proof (because of the complications). I think adding a human voice to the application helps the reader understand what everything is so they can assess appropriately. Not necessary, but I’m glad I did it anyways!

Thank you for everyone who participated in this group. I wish you all the best of luck!