Hop over to a neighboring country (Vietnam is very friendly and straightforward). Provide the required documents. Wait a few days for approval. No need for an agent in obtaining a DTV.
Apply in vietnam before the end of the month. They are moving to Evisa in October and it will take up to 30 days to get the visa. 2 days now with in-person in consulate.
yes, this is true. I think the area that will become more strict is this silly soft power category where someone can get a 5 year visa for a doctors appointment or a 3 month muay Thai class. I just can't fathom that the person who thought of this was sober when they came up with this category. All the soft power categories can be done on a tourist visa. The workation / freelance category I can understand but even 5 years is long for that. I think they will require evidence of whatever you are doing when you extend / re-enter but who knows.