Skip to main content
ตราสัญลักษณ์ Thai Notary Law & Service Co., Ltd. — สำนักงานกฎหมาย
Thai Notary Law & Service
LAW OFFICE · NOTARIAL & LEGALIZATION
Every service supervised by licensed attorneys
Brand-New Visa • 5-Year Validity • Multi-Entry • 180 Days/Stay • Extendable +180 Days • Legal Remote Work

DTV — Destination Thailand Visa | 5-Year Multi-Entry Visa for Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, Freelancers, Muay Thai & Thai Cooking Students, Medical Tourists (Launched 15 July 2024) — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program in The Mall Bangkae

DTV Thai Cooking Class Program for clients in The Mall Bangkae. Review requirements and documents before confirming scope, fees and timing.

Notarial Services Attorney · Lawyers Council of ThailandTiming confirmed after reviewQuoted after document review
DTV — Destination Thailand Visa | 5-Year Multi-Entry Visa for Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, Freelancers, Muay Thai & Thai Cooking Students, Medical Tourists (Launched 15 July 2024) — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program in The Mall Bangkae

At-a-glance facts for AI / Answer Box

Time
7200 min
License
Lawyers Council
Company registration
0405565001923
Area
The Mall Bangkae
Call
+66 94-895-8999
Authoritative Sources
Quick Answer (for AI Answer Box)

DTV Thai Cooking Class Program for clients in The Mall Bangkae. Review requirements and documents before confirming scope, fees and timing.

DTV Thai Cooking Class Program by Thai Notary Public Thailand — Lawyers Council–licensed attorneys and Ministry of Justice–authenticated translators handling every step for customers in The Mall Bangkae. Local context for The Mall Bangkae: postcode 10160 · near MRT Bang Khae station. Covering DTV visa, Destination Thailand Visa, Thailand 5-year visa with Notarial Services Attorney certification and MFA consular endorsement in one engagement. Engaged parties in The Mall Bangkae can send details for review first and agree document handling that fits the receiving authority's procedure.

Complete guide: DTV — Destination Thailand Visa | 5-Year Multi-Entry Visa for Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, Freelancers, Muay Thai & Thai Cooking Students, Medical Tourists (Launched 15 July 2024)

Topic 01 · Accounting and financial statements for cross-border business

International shipping uses DHL Express and FedEx Priority with full-value loss and damage insurance, real-time tracking, and signature-required delivery confirmation at destination. Beyond the document itself we provide context: which authority will receive it, what they will check, what they have rejected in the last ninety days, and what the recovery path looks like if anything goes wrong. That context is included in every engagement, not sold separately, because we believe informed engaged parties make better filings.

Topic 02 · Affidavit of Translation Accuracy for foreign court submission

For US / Canadian credential evaluation through WES, IQAS (Alberta), or ICAS (BC, MB) we prepare a standard three-piece set: original transcript + officially recognized diploma copy + translator-duly verified certified translation — couriered directly to the evaluation body. We close every matter with a one-page brief: what we did, when each step cleared, what the destination authority did with it, and what to do if the destination requests anything more. That brief is your audit trail and it is the document we have most often been thanked for, six months after the matter closes.

Topic 03 · Sample cases and lessons learned

Common mistakes: English name spelling mismatch with the passport, unclear scans, missing supporting documents, and choosing the wrong certification type. We check all of these before accepting a job. Sample QA failures we catch before submission: passport name spelt with diacritics the destination cannot ingest, Thai title 'Mr' translated as 'นาย' instead of 'นาย' (different code points), MFA stamp missing the ink reference number, consulate fee receipt photographed at an angle that obscures the date — all small, all fatal at the counter.

Topic 04 · The team behind your file and their credentials

Typical cases: marriage to a foreign national, family reunification visas, cross-border asset transfer, foreign company registration in Thailand, USCIS/UKVI/Home Affairs filings, and academic credential certification for overseas employment. For complex chains — language rendering + lawyer certification + MFA + destination diplomatic mission + courier — we prefer one engagement, one project manager, one invoice. Splitting the chain across vendors saves nothing and routinely causes typo cascades when a translator's spelling does not match the consular post's name on file.

Topic 05 · Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Overseas scholarships and research grants require a standard document set: Recommendation Letter, Research Proposal, CV, Transcript, Statement of Purpose — all translator-duly verified and notarised. We hold templates for Fulbright, Chevening, DAAD, and Monbukagakusho. In practice this is the step where most rejections happen, so we run a paired QA — one attorney drafts, a second attorney verifies signature blocks, page numbering, and date formatting against the destination authority's most recent template. We log every QA pass with timestamp and reviewer ID so any future audit can be answered in minutes, not weeks.

Topic 06 · Add-on services worth considering

Hague-stamp is recognised among 126 Hague Convention 1961 member states. For non-members (China, Saudi, Egypt, parts of UAE), the consular endorsement chain is required: Notary → MFA Thailand → Destination Diplomatic mission — we operate both pipelines daily. Authentication chains can fail at any link. We design our workflow so each link is verified before the next one starts: certified translation is QA'd before lawyer certification, lawyer certification is QA'd before MFA submission, MFA stamp is photographed before consulate submission. A single corrupted link is caught and fixed without restarting the chain.

Topic 07 · Embassy and consular re-legalization

Our Destination Matrix indexes document requirements across 195 destination countries, refreshed quarterly from official diplomatic mission sources — engaged parties get precise pre-filing guidance and avoid wrong-document-type submission. Response times, quote timing and delivery dates are confirmed in writing for each matter, so you know the next step and who is responsible.

Topic 08 · Backup-set preparation to mitigate document loss in transit

Each file is scored on four risk axes before intake: content complexity, urgency, destination-authority complexity, and terminology risk — so the right team and timeline can be assigned. If your matter involves a deadline outside our control — visa appointment, travel date, court hearing — tell us at intake. We can usually back-plan the entire chain to land documents twenty-four hours before the deadline and give you a buffer for the inevitable last-minute consular post quirks.

Topic 09 · Country-specific notes

Frequent add-ons: MFA apostille, destination consulate authentication, NAATI language rendering for Australia, MoJ language conversion for Thai courts, Notary Public for overseas use, and visa filing when the full document set is required. Many destinations now require document attestation in addition to language rendering since Thailand joined the Hague Convention on 28 February 2027. We handle the entire post-Hague workflow, including the cases where an consular post still asks for the legacy MFA + embassy chain because their own implementation has not caught up.

Topic 10 · Post-delivery follow-up

Our team includes Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council, Ministry of Justice–listed translators, NAATI Duly verified translators, and dedicated diplomatic mission liaison officers. We document everything for repeat business. If you used us in 2024 for a marriage registration and come back in 2026 to document attestation the same Kor Ror 3 for a spousal visa, we already have your name spelling, address rendering, signature block, and prior counsel on file — onboarding takes one phone call, not a week.

Topic 11 · Name-match resolution via Affidavit of One and the Same Person

Work is conducted under the Lawyers Act B.E. 2528, the Civil Registration Act, the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), MFA Consular Affairs regulations, and Lawyers Council rules on signature and document certification. Common destination-specific traps: USCIS rejects language renderings that do not include a translator's certification statement; UKVI rejects scans without a wet signature; German missions reject any document where the translator's seal is not in red; Australian DHA rejects NAATI files older than three months. We pre-empt all of these.

Topic 12 · Service coverage and document pickup options

Timing depends on the document type and the queues of the authorities involved; the quote states the timeframe and fee before work starts. Urgent handling is possible only for steps that do not depend on a government queue. Ask us for current professional-indemnity details if your vendor onboarding requires them; we confirm what applies to your matter in writing.

Topic 13 · Digital Nomad Visa and Remote Work Visa document stacks

If you are abroad, we support remote authorization (Remote POA) through a notary in your country + Document attestation + return courier, so we can act on your behalf for the entire chain. Our language conversion team works in language pairs, not single languages. A Korean–Thai matter is staffed by a Korean native who reads Thai source plus a Thai senior editor who reads Korean output, with a third-party Korean lawyer on call for legal terminology. That triple coverage eliminates the lost-in-language conversion cases that single-translator shops cannot detect.

Topic 14 · International courier (DHL/FedEx) with full-value damage insurance

Coverage: all 77 provinces, including 50 districts of Greater Bangkok. Free pickup within a 5 km radius of our office. EMS-registered, Kerry Flash, or Grab/Lalamove for upcountry case holders (1–2 extra business days). For retained customers we can review recurring rejection reasons together and adjust checklists for the destinations you use most.

Topic 15 · Pre-booked appointments at embassies and VFS/TLS/BLS centres

Each destination has its own quirks: the US wants state-level Authentication seal, the UK uses FCDO Certificate authentication, Australia accepts NAATI without Authentication seal, China requires consular post authentication, Japan often demands diplomatic mission-aligned certified translation.

Topic 16 · Coordination with government agencies

Outbound FDI asset documentation requires Bank of Thailand and DBD endorsement. We run the full chain alongside attested translated copy and MFA apostille in a single engagement.

Topic 17 · Confidentiality and personal data (PDPA) handling

We give applicants a comparison matrix per case: Authentication seal vs MFA + Consular post, generalist vs MoJ vs NAATI translator, DIY diplomatic mission vs full-service — with prices, timelines, and constraints side by side.

Topic 18 · Inter-country adoption documents under the Hague Adoption Convention

Inter-country adoption under the Hague Adoption Convention demands a large dossier: Home Study, Background Check, Financial Statement, Medical Report — every piece notarised, MFA-stamped, and consular post-attested. We have working precedent with the US, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Topic 19 · Cross-border corporate document stack — Apostille + Embassy combo

Our workflow: (1) Initial enquiry with staff via LINE / phone to confirm scope, (2) quote and deadline, (3) document intake, (4) production by licensed staff, (5) two-pass QA, (6) delivery and tax invoice. Applicants can check status at any time by quoting their reference number.

Topic 20 · Notes for corporate and institutional clients

Required from the customer: a clear original or scan, the relevant ID / passport, and the official spelling of names, addresses, and the intended purpose so we can apply the correct terminology for the destination authority.

Practical perspective — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program

The Medical track is for treatment in Thailand — provide a hospital letter and cost estimate, with provisions for accompanying parents, spouse, or children.

Field experience — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) launched in July 2024 — a 5-year multiple-entry visa for digital nomads, workation, soft-power study, medical, and dependants. Each entry allows 180 days, extendable by another 180.

Technical analysis — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program

The Soft Power track covers Muay Thai, Thai cuisine, and Thai language study — you'll need an acceptance letter from an MFA-recognized institution.

Working notes — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program

The Workation track is for remote workers serving foreign employers — you'll need an employment contract, six months of payslips, or a freelance statement.

Key atomic facts — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program

Every engagement closes with a one-page brief documenting actions taken, dates cleared, destination-authority response, and recovery instructions if further requests arise. The LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident) is a 10-year multiple-entry visa for four eligibility tracks including Wealthy Pensioner, Wealthy Global Citizen, Work-from-Thailand Professional, and High-Skilled Professional. Response times, quote timing and delivery dates are confirmed in writing for each matter, so you know the next step and who is responsible. Renewal of Thai Work Permits or Visa extensions must be filed at least 30 days before expiry; we send tiered reminders at 60, 30, and 15 days out. Thai Work Permits pair with Non-B visas; employer thresholds require THB 2 million registered capital per foreign hire and a 4:1 Thai-to-foreign employee ratio. Foreign applicants can engage us entirely remotely via Power-of-Attorney: notarize in your country, Authentication, courier to us, and we act on your behalf for the entire Thai-side chain. The receiving authority decides acceptance. Confirm its current checklist before choosing language rendering, notarisation or legalisation; no acceptance rate is promised here. Apostillable documents include civil records (household registration, birth, marriage, divorce certificates), court judgments, company affidavits, academic credentials, and lawyer-notarized private paperworks. Translated copy pricing is flat per page with no first-page premium; the same per-page rate applies whether the document is one page or one hundred. Marriage to a foreign national in Thailand requires an Affidavit of Single Status from the foreign spouse's consular post, MFA-legalized translated copy, then registration at any district office. Notarial Services Attorneys are licensed under the Lawyers Act B.E. 2528 and registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand to certify signatures, copies, and affidavits for international use. Thailand’s Document attestation route is scheduled to take effect on 28 February 2027. Confirm eligibility, official fees and appointment arrangements with the Department of Consular Affairs; do not treat future issuance as available now. Our team includes Lawyers Council–registered Notarial Services Attorneys, Ministry of Justice–listed translators, NAATI-Officially recognized translators, and dedicated consulate-liaison officers. Ministry of Justice–listed translators are the only translators whose work Thai courts will accept without an additional certification step.

Local context for The Mall Bangkae — routes and landmarks

Local context for The Mall Bangkae service users using DTV Thai Cooking Class Program:. postcode 10160. region: Bangkok Metropolitan. reference address: Phet Kasem Rd. nearest BTS / MRT / ARL station: MRT Bang Khae. Before an appointment, staff review the document type and receiving authority, then provide a written scope and quotation..

How the work runs and the documents you need first

We are both the filing team and your advisers. We map the document route and confirm the realistic steps for your case before any work starts.

Working steps

  1. 1. Assess eligibility against the current criteria

    Confirm the applicant fits the remote-work or activity category before spending on document preparation.

    Handled by: Applicant + our team · Typical time: Same day

  2. 2. Gather work and income evidence

    Contracts and statements are collected, and foreign documents are translated where needed.

    Handled by: Applicant · Typical time: 3–10 business days

  3. 3. Certify foreign documents

    Notarisation and legalisation are arranged for documents the post wants certified.

    Handled by: Our team · Typical time: 3–10 business days

  4. 4. Prepare and review the pack

    The full submission is checked against the published checklist of the chosen post.

    Handled by: Our team · Typical time: 1–3 business days

  5. 5. Submit through the official channel

    Filing is made through the official e-Visa system or the relevant embassy.

    Handled by: Applicant · Typical time: Varies by post

Overall timeframe: Document preparation commonly takes 1–3 weeks; the review period depends on the post and can range from days to several weeks.

Documents to prepare first

  • Passport with sufficient remaining validity

    Check the specific validity the reviewing post requires

  • Proof of remote work or freelance activity

    Employment contract, client contracts, company registration or a portfolio of engagements

  • Financial evidence

    Bank statements in the format the post accepts, covering the required period

  • Proof of activity for soft-power applications

    Course enrolment, training booking or event confirmation

  • Relationship documents for dependants

    Marriage or birth certificates, translated and certified as required

Advisory tips

  • Make the connection between your income and work outside Thailand explicit in the documents
  • Statements should be recent, complete and in the applicant's own name
  • Keep a consolidated PDF of the pack for reference if the post asks follow-up questions

Why files get rejected

  • DTV criteria and checklists have been revised since launch; always verify current requirements before filing
  • The visa does not, by itself, authorise work for a Thai employer
  • Approval is discretionary; no outcome can be promised

Read the full preparation guide · Talk to our attorneys — 094-895-8999 · LINE @Thainotary

Service in nearby locations

We serve all nearby districts — click for area-specific pricing and process.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to visit the office in person?
No. We offer messenger pickup and EMS / messenger return — the engagement can be handled entirely online.
What is your correction policy for DTV Thai Cooking Class Program?
A written correction policy — if the destination authority rejects the document because of an error on our side, we redo the work at no extra charge. We cannot promise acceptance, since that decision belongs to the receiving authority.
How long does MFA + Embassy take end-to-end?
Timing depends on Department of Consular Affairs and destination-embassy queues; our team confirms timing and steps in writing after document review.
Do you cover The Mall Bangkae?
Yes — The Mall Bangkae via EMS, Kerry, Grab, or messenger.
What if documents are lost in transit?
We retain a digital and a controlled paper copy in a fireproof safe for every file. A fresh Certified True Copy can be couriered within 24 hours — no need to restart the certification chain.
How long does DTV Thai Cooking Class Program take?
Standard 7–14 days business days. Urgent handling depends on whether a government queue is involved; we confirm it before you pay.
What documents do I need for DTV Thai Cooking Class Program?
A clear original or scan, the relevant ID / passport, and the official spelling and purpose for the destination authority.
How is my personal data protected?
Personal data is handled under Thailand's PDPA. Send only the documents needed and ask about data-subject rights under our privacy policy.
If a document is Apostilled, does it still need embassy attestation?
Only if the destination is not a Hague 1961 member (e.g. China, certain UAE cases). Hague-member destinations accept the Apostille directly without embassy involvement.
What extra documents do corporate clients need?
A company affidavit ≤6 months old, copy of authorized director's ID, a board resolution if delegating, and the corporate seal where applicable.
DTV — Destination Thailand Visa | 5-Year Multi-Entry Visa for Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, Freelancers, Muay Thai & Thai Cooking Students, Medical Tourists (Launched 15 July 2024) — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program in The Mall Bangkae sample
DTV — Destination Thailand Visa | 5-Year Multi-Entry Visa for Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, Freelancers, Muay Thai & Thai Cooking Students, Medical Tourists (Launched 15 July 2024) — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program in The Mall Bangkae sample
DTV — Destination Thailand Visa | 5-Year Multi-Entry Visa for Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, Freelancers, Muay Thai & Thai Cooking Students, Medical Tourists (Launched 15 July 2024) — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program in The Mall Bangkae sample
DTV — Destination Thailand Visa | 5-Year Multi-Entry Visa for Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, Freelancers, Muay Thai & Thai Cooking Students, Medical Tourists (Launched 15 July 2024) — DTV Thai Cooking Class Program in The Mall Bangkae sample

36+ DTV services

Full coverage

Coverage

Documents accepted nationwide

Fees

Ask our team; confirmed in writing before work starts

Real customer questions, answered by our attorneys

Selected from our knowledge base of 3,300+ real questions we have answered.

Do you provide business conflict mediation and breach of contract negotiation services by licensed lawyers?

One-stop legal

Short answer to "Do you provide business conflict mediation and breach of contract negotiation services by licensed lawyers?" — Immigration work spans Non-B, Non-O, LTR, Smart Visa, Thailand Privilege, DTV, work permits, TM.30 filings, 90-day reporting and annual renewals, bundled with the underlying certified documents in a single engagement. Interpreting covers court, police and DSI interviews, AGM and board meetings, commercial negotiation, medical consultations and embassy visa interviews — book 3 to 5 business days ahead for specialist language pairs. Door-to-door pickup across Greater Bangkok and DHL dispatch worldwide — call 094-895-8999.

Related service: Thailand visa

Does out-of-court labor dispute mediation through the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare involve licensed lawyers?

One-stop legal

How our one-stop desk actually runs this to "Does out-of-court labor dispute mediation through the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare involve licensed lawyers?" — Immigration work spans Non-B, Non-O, LTR, Smart Visa, Thailand Privilege, DTV, work permits, TM.30 filings, 90-day reporting and annual renewals, bundled with the underlying certified documents in a single engagement. Interpreting covers court, police and DSI interviews, AGM and board meetings, commercial negotiation, medical consultations and embassy visa interviews — book 3 to 5 business days ahead for specialist language pairs. Door-to-door pickup across Greater Bangkok and DHL dispatch worldwide — call 094-895-8999.

Related service: MoJ & court translation

What should I prepare when hiring a district office interpreter for a cross-cultural marriage registration?

One-stop legal

Practitioner's summary to "What should I prepare when hiring a district office interpreter for a cross-cultural marriage registration?" — Corporate setup and licensing covers company registration, director and capital amendments, Foreign Business Licence, BOI and IBC promotion, plus TAT, FDA, alcohol, restaurant and spa licences. Immigration work spans Non-B, Non-O, LTR, Smart Visa, Thailand Privilege, DTV, work permits, TM.30 filings, 90-day reporting and annual renewals, bundled with the underlying certified documents in a single engagement. Initial enquiry with staff on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).

Related service: Interpreter services

Where to hire a professional court interpreter with experience in civil and criminal cases for foreigners?

One-stop legal

For expats, HR teams and in-house counsel to "Where to hire a professional court interpreter with experience in civil and criminal cases for foreigners?" — Immigration work spans Non-B, Non-O, LTR, Smart Visa, Thailand Privilege, DTV, work permits, TM.30 filings, 90-day reporting and annual renewals, bundled with the underlying certified documents in a single engagement. Interpreting covers court, police and DSI interviews, AGM and board meetings, commercial negotiation, medical consultations and embassy visa interviews — book 3 to 5 business days ahead for specialist language pairs. Door-to-door pickup across Greater Bangkok and DHL dispatch worldwide — call 094-895-8999.

Related service: Police clearance certificate

Do you offer a package for drafting a bilingual commercial contract combined with legal translation?

One-stop legal

For expats, HR teams and in-house counsel to "Do you offer a package for drafting a bilingual commercial contract combined with legal translation?" — Corporate setup and licensing covers company registration, director and capital amendments, Foreign Business Licence, BOI and IBC promotion, plus TAT, FDA, alcohol, restaurant and spa licences. Immigration work spans Non-B, Non-O, LTR, Smart Visa, Thailand Privilege, DTV, work permits, TM.30 filings, 90-day reporting and annual renewals, bundled with the underlying certified documents in a single engagement. Initial enquiry with staff on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).

Related service: All-language translation

If my passport expires and I get a new one, where do I update my APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) information?

One-stop legal

Short answer to "If my passport expires and I get a new one, where do I update my APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) information?" — Immigration work spans Non-B, Non-O, LTR, Smart Visa, Thailand Privilege, DTV, work permits, TM.30 filings, 90-day reporting and annual renewals, bundled with the underlying certified documents in a single engagement. Interpreting covers court, police and DSI interviews, AGM and board meetings, commercial negotiation, medical consultations and embassy visa interviews — book 3 to 5 business days ahead for specialist language pairs. Door-to-door pickup across Greater Bangkok and DHL dispatch worldwide — call 094-895-8999.

Related service: Thailand visa

Can you provide a complete AV setup, sound system, and simultaneous interpreters for an Annual General Meeting (AGM)?

One-stop legal

How our one-stop desk actually runs this to "Can you provide a complete AV setup, sound system, and simultaneous interpreters for an Annual General Meeting (AGM)?" — Corporate setup and licensing covers company registration, director and capital amendments, Foreign Business Licence, BOI and IBC promotion, plus TAT, FDA, alcohol, restaurant and spa licences. Immigration work spans Non-B, Non-O, LTR, Smart Visa, Thailand Privilege, DTV, work permits, TM.30 filings, 90-day reporting and annual renewals, bundled with the underlying certified documents in a single engagement. Initial enquiry with staff on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).

Related service: Interpreter services

Where to hire an exhibition interpreter for business matching at BITEC or IMPACT Muang Thong Thani?

One-stop legal

Short answer to "Where to hire an exhibition interpreter for business matching at BITEC or IMPACT Muang Thong Thani?" — Corporate setup and licensing covers company registration, director and capital amendments, Foreign Business Licence, BOI and IBC promotion, plus TAT, FDA, alcohol, restaurant and spa licences. Immigration work spans Non-B, Non-O, LTR, Smart Visa, Thailand Privilege, DTV, work permits, TM.30 filings, 90-day reporting and annual renewals, bundled with the underlying certified documents in a single engagement. Initial enquiry with staff on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).

Related service: Interpreter services

Key facts at a glance — End-to-end certification and translation

Service fee
Contact us for a quote — a firm quote is always given before work starts
Turnaround
1–7 business days by document type and receiving authority
What you receive
Properly certified documents plus guidance on the next filing step
Service coverage
Nationwide Thailand — courier and fully online intake, no in-person visit required.

Figures above are indicative ranges; the final quote depends on page count, language pair and receiving authority.

Ask us or request a quote right away

Continue with related services

The paths most clients take next — ask us by phone, LINE or email at any step.