I did not have the money in my account for 3 months and was approved but I went to the bank and got them to provide the proof of my available balance (Capital One). Their paperwork shows how much money has been through your account that year. My showed $75,000 but my balance had been under 1,000 for the past few months . I say all that to say if you have had a certain amount circulating through your account and show through that type of statement, you should be ok. I applied in NYC.
Some people want to and can afford the experience. My experience was great and I even looked up cooking schools in other countries to try in the future. Their prices are similar and in some cases cheaper than other international cooking programs. We learned literally 5 restaurant quality dishes a DAY. They are working with little money and it shows. There were several people in class with me who were not even there for a DTV just to learn Thai cooking. Don’t mind them.
I tried with my business 1st when I went through a visa agent. Once they said there was a possibility they would ask for tax returns, I went another route.
I think it depends on what country you are applying from. I applied 1 month 1 week before departure in NYC. 1 month later it still hadn’t been approved. When I went down to the embassy, they told me they process the applications based on when you say you are departing not when received. They approved me that day.