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On retirement visa: i like to share a recent experience that i hope will be helpful. I obtained my visa (O-A) two weeks ago, in Ottawa Canada. Some learnings:
Medical certificate: they accepted a medical certificate from a Thai hospital (note: it is much cheaper/faster, and less 'weired look' you get when doing certificate in your home country).
Proof of funds: they do accept a statement from your retirement (in usa, called 401k) account
Not all consulate in different cities process all type of visas. Call before!
Call before! the agent at Ottawa was very helpful, and open to answer/clarify
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