I received my DTV visa as a freelancer last week and wanted to share my experience for those interested in what happened and how it worked.

1 - I used an agency - it was important to me to have some kind of intermediary - don't think it was necessary but it gave me a bit of security. For the next time, they are not necessary, and I propobably will not use.

2 - I am and US Citizen who who not lived in the US for many years and so do not have a US residence. I was advised that it would be best for me to file my application from Vietnam. I did so from Hanoi

3 - My documentation was submitted to the agency in advance and I shared my VN entry stamp with the agency on arrival in VN - that was a Monday. The application was submitted on Tues morning

4 - On Thursday I got notice that some additional documents were requested - I provided them and they were submitted.

5 - My visa was approved on the following Thursday - and I entered Thailand from MY on Saturday - with a print out in hand. The IO indicated that I should have it physically with me at every entry - as there is no "Viisa" attached physically to my passport as I have gotten in other countries.

What I would do differently:

I would organize my documents differently - and include an Index showing what documents were submitted to support what request - eg I submitted two contracts for consulting work - with no explanation - did indicate to the agency - but I am not sure they submitted or that if they did they were understood - one requrest for follow up was to document my ability to earn...... redundant from my POV but would have been better to have the Index showing what documents and if needed adding explanation.

As noted I would probably not use an agency again as they did not really represent me - they tood care of the admin - I am now asking them for some follow up on what my ongoing resposibilities are for registration etc. I have had to ask for explanation the agency is not providing the information unless I ask.

Even with the inquiry it still took only 8 business days to get the Visa, and in the end for the first effort it was worth it for me to use the agency.

Hope this is helpful as a recent experience.