First, I wanted to thank all the contributors over the last few months to my various questions. They’ve made my entry on the non-immigrant OA very smooth, and I’ve think it was largely due to you. So many thanks! Now onto the next challenge😅.

So, as stated, I’m on the non-immigrant OA, but after learning what I have on these boards, I’d like to switch to the Non O (retirement) rather then doing extension of stay at my one year. I’m aware I can get that free second year but this post isn’t about that.

When I was at immigration last week, they told me not to use an agent to switch from OA to O without leaving the country. I don’t know if they are cracking down on this, but she told me it isn’t legitimate from their point of view. She said that I could pop over to a neighboring country and then re-enter on either a non-immigrant O (90 day), or a tourist visa and then convert it when I’m back in the country. So my questions are related to these two methods. Based on what she told me, I should leave the country just before my visa expires, and then I’m able to start the process of one of these other two methods. 

Is the process easier one way or another? I’m inclined to come in on a tourist visa and just do the non O application once I’m in country since I’ll already have my money seasoned in the bank due to the OA that I’m on now. So I’m wondering what the requirements are for that method?

Or, is there any benefit to coming in on the Non O (90 day) if I’m applying from Vietnam through evisa? If memory serves, one of the questions is asking for proof of the residence of the country you are in, and I don’t know what I would be able to provide if I was just visiting Vietnam for this purpose?. The agent told me I did not have to return to the US, so would it even be possible from a neighboring country to apply for the non O, given that they require some sort of residential proof from when I’m there?

Any input on either of these two methods would be helpful? And yes, I’m looking to do this on my own since I’m learning a ton by doing all of these various things without an agent. Thanks