@Tom *******

4-Nov

@Ian *********

My Non-O was similar, 19 days, 2 days before flight

@Alan ****

but you don't have to if you plan it

@Ivan ***********

so factor in all the travelling then, every 3 months plus getting the new METV every 8-9 months may require a return flight "home" so not cheap for many

@Eva ********

that may be office specific, as this says they are general rewquirements but always check with your office for their checklist before applying

How does it work out cheaper than entering with a Non-O and getting an extension for 1900B each year (and, with careful planning, the 800k is only needed for just over 5 months then 400k for the rest of the first year but, if your Embassy does the income affidavit, there is no minimum bank balance)?

@Peter ******

If you're aware of official policy why are you blaming the government, you know it is the banks and one in particular? The Non-O is 90 days BTW ;)

@Peter ******

It is not government/Immigration policy as there have been instances of some Immigration officials confirming this, It is totally down to bank "policy" in individual branches and could be down to staff members in certain branches who do not want the hassle of opening an account for a foreigner. Go online to the bank's customer support and get the policy from them and take this to the bank.

@Todd ********

only if you plan to leave and re-enter more than 4 times during the 90 days and I doubt many people do that especially when getting a bank account etc. for an extension