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.)

Hello, I applied for a non-immigrant O visa last night through the Los Angeles consulate. I filled out everything and attempted to pay with my Chase Visa debit card. When I submitted the application with the $80 charge, Chase immediately declined due to fraud alert. I acknowledged that it was actually me who made that charge, but now my application is showing “pending payment”. Does the consulate resubmit the charge or will I have to do another application? It’s only been 12 hours, but how long do you think Inshould wait?

Sorry if I sound like an idiot, but I’ve already emailed the Los Angeles Thai consulate & the answer didn’t make sense to me. So here goes. My husband holds a Finnish passport, I have a US passport. We live in Hawaii (USA) He is a content creator & makes a living online. We are going to be applying online with him as the person applying, me & our 3 children as his dependents. My first question is: Which consulate will be overseeing my application process? Is it Los Angeles?

My second question is, whether our bank account situation will work… September had 35k, October dipped to 4k, November 49k, & December will be 50-100k… Would like to apply asap, like end of December or early January latest… Do you think they’ll deny because of October? Should I wait till early February to apply?

If they reject due to not having the bank account having enough funds for long enough, will we have to pay the whole 2k (5 people) again when we reapply?

Thank you for all your help!

Approved!!

I submitted the application through the Los Angeles Consulate on November 13th & the next day I was asked to submit my flight itinerary & a better photo of myself. I received my approval email around 1 hour ago.

I will be attending Arun Thai Cooking School!

I found so much helpful information on this page. Thank you to everyone.

Update: I just wanted to say in case anyone is looking into it that so far Arun Thai has been very patient and accommodating with all my questions and concerns. I've emailed them a bunch just trying to clarify small things and they've been great. Once they received confirmation of enrollment they sent an email with class information and everything else I need to know. I'm happy to answer any questions.

Hello, we are a family of 4 preparing to apply for a workation DTV through the Los Angeles consulate.

My husband and I jointly own our companies together as 50/50 partners. We are both employees of the companies. It seems like when submitting the application, it needs to be from one applicant and couples are not applying jointly together.

I'm wondering how to navigate this application process.

1. I could apply first, then the rest of the family can apply and I'll sponsor them.

2. My husband and I could both send in our applications at a similar time.

What would be the pros and cons to each?

Los Angeles consulate seems to have a high rate of rejections, which is why I thought perhaps we could send in 1 application first, then the rest of the family can become dependents.

Another question is: How should we navigate the fact that the business and all of our accounts have both our names listed on them, as opposed to just my own? Will he need to write a letter or something? What should that letter say?

Thank you so much for your insight!

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!

Applying for the DTV at the Los Angeles Consulate. I recently received a request to "describe a business portfolio". Help!

I'm planning on applying for a DTV Soft Power visa through the Los Angeles consulate and had a question about proof of funds. The account I keep $17k+ in that I would provide statements for proof is a high yield online savings account administered by Goldman Sachs. Its not an investment account, its just a savings account and any transfer requests to my checking are done within 24 hours. Has anyone had any issues with that type of account being used as proof of funds.

My checking account statements show ending monthly balances of about $8k-$9k. Would including statements from that and explaining that I keep most cash in the savings and can have access within 24 hours to the savings if the need should arise?

Does anybody know usually how long does it take after your status changes from “pending document check” to “pending approval” that you receive your actual approved visa?

Applied on May 4

Sent additional documents on May 26

Los Angeles Consulate website says it takes 5 business days to process additional documents. Today is the end of the 5th business day and I haven't heard anything. I sent an email yesterday but no response. Any advice on what to do? My departure date is June 9