What are the requirements and concerns for applying for an O-A visa from the Chicago consulate?

Jun 6, 2019
5 years ago
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sent in my O-A app to Chicago consulate yesterday, hoping to get in under the wire before 1 July, ALTHOUGH my pension statement does list a deduction for Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance which supposedly has international coverage. A couple of “irregularities” I’m a little worried about, such as not being able to put in an exact arrival date or flight #, since I’m not planning the trip for a few months. A few other things may also give them pause.. I’ll post the result when I get it.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user has applied for an O-A visa at the Chicago consulate and is concerned about potential issues related to their pension's health insurance coverage and the application details such as exact arrival date and flight number. Comments from the community include advice on health insurance adequacy, specific requirements for the visa application, and the importance of police clearance when reapplying. There's ongoing uncertainty about potential changes in health insurance requirements that could affect their application.
Robert *******
Sorry guys, but let's keep this a Thai Visa advice page. Not a American health insurance policy discussion page. Thanks.
Luis ***********
Though many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans cover international care in emergency situations, GeoBlue plans offer the most complete set of benefits and access to services like emergency medical evacuation, which might not be covered by your regular plan.
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luis **********
Is that associated with BC/BS or is it a stand alone co? My choices are limited to what’s approved by the Fed.
Ron *******
Seems a waste applying for a visa now and not using it for a few months.
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
I mean screw waiting to find out, and screw having to pay premiums in two countries- at least this go ‘round.
Robert *******
@Daniel ******
Without knowing the requirements and regulations of this possible enforced health insurance. How do you know and tell screw them, maybe your health insurance will be better and there will be no need for another insurance.
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Screw ‘em! Like I said, I HAVE insurance AND money. I’m not gonna be a “burden” on anything.
Michael **********
I'm going to apply for mine in the USA this month too since I am visiting family. Will update you how things work out here.
Michael **********
Tod *********
well, IF they do enact the mandatory insurance on Non-O-A visas in July like the cabinet says at least he'll have his visa already and not have to comply with the requirement :O
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
We’ll see. And anyway, I’m getting the time I need.
James ********
Keep us posted. There still has been NO OFFICIAL published changes in the proposed health insurance requirement for the O-A Visa.
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cyndee ******
I’m currently in the U.S.
Tod *********
@Cyndee ******
you cannot apply for a VISA from a thai consulate in another country while you're in thailand.

You'd have to go back to your country and apply for the O-A visa from a thai consulate there.

The only consulates in the US that sell O-A visas are; Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington DC
James ********
Tod Daniels knows of others who have obtained the O-A more than one time. Hopefully he will add to this question of yours.
James ********
@Cyndee ******
the O-A visa must be applied for in the USA. And all requirements.must be met each time its applied for...so a new police clearance would be required.
Cyndee *******
@James *******
OIC..but would you need police clearance if you already had a O-A Visa? My husband’s visa ran out because we had to switch direct deposits to the Bangkok Bank. It’s been two months. We can now show the deposits coming in their banks.
James ********
@Cyndee ******
I do not think its possible. Possibly Tod Daniels knows. I believe you have to have an address in the US. And police clearance from your US address.
Cyndee *******
@Daniel ******
can you get a retirement visa O-A from Chicago while living in Thailand. Will they actually mail it back to you?
Daniel *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Same as the embassy websites. Even if they do manage to roll out whatever changes by the first of the month, 3 weeks should be enough to process and get it back to me, even if they start early. God, I hate sending my passport out in a freaking envelope. I paid for Express Mail return, as well- even though the Chicago site doesn’t list it as a requirement. That Chicago site is bare bones. They don’t even tell you to duplicate your app.
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