@Ken ********

For me BOI asked for the same documents referenced in the letter above attached to the post by Jim Ramsey. Hopefully you have been retired for all/most of 2024.... Your last tax return (ie 2024 1040) will normally be required.

As in the post above Ramsey post, be sure to include tax free income that does not appear on your tax return. For example, dividends and capital gains in any Roth accounts (those helped put me over the $80k mark).

Maybe do a search in this and other FB visa groups.

I did O in Thailand bc no insurance, police check ?, etc OA requirements.

They both have pros and cons.

This is from 8 mos ago but good overview....

I've used Google Voice 6 years. Free. Great for calling toll free numbers, friends, SMS verifications. Set it up before you go because I think setup requires verification through another US phone # .

@Bryn *******

what is RAM Hospital?

@Tony *********

Tony thanks. I edited the post to reflect that i've lived in thailand six years. Did you receive an LTR visa in 2024?

Schengen visa app through Czechia has a low rejection rate. We did that and then went to Prague and then Italy.

First called BCBS and they emailed a PDF letter stating unlimited coverage.

BOI then requested policy itself. Downloaded a PDF of BCBS Basic policy from FEHB website.

Attached to BOI LTR app. LTR approved.

@Bo *******

The IRS 1040 does not include Roth IRA dividends (or if I remember IRA 401K dividends?). You can also in a tax year take a larger IRA distribution or sell some stocks for capital gains to possibly go over the 80K. But check with ExpatTax or other experts.

@Brandon ***********

ok thanks. Getting no agent available recording. Maybe they are getting much busier now with expat income tax kicking in.