@Benjamin *****

did you read my comment properly? You do it on your second year. I have actually done this. Also I believe some embassies won't issue that letter.

@Benjamin *****

I was only talking about financial not insurance. Insurance goes without saying. You also need the insurance to get the original O-A in your country. You don't need the 800k if you use the 65k method. I've been doing this for a number of yours now. So not wrong

The O-A only requires the financial component for extension. You can set up you bank account etc in the first year and then leave the country just before it expires and come straight back ( I went to KL for a couple of days) pre covid of course. You get another 12 months stamp. You could then start your financial deposit/deposits to prepare for extension in 12 months. If you wanted you could probably leave again and come back in on a tourist visa and then change to O Visa in country.

It's not easy sometimes

Not a big deal I suppose but lost 6 hours out of my life. Not good at my age.

@Ed *******

I checked online for how to do it. Just said go to an immigration office. Didn't expect to be declined.

@Mike **********

yes, the staff are very nice but the rules are difficult to comprehend.

@James *******

thought about doing that but not sure how without a birding pass. Back in Tak now.

@Robert ******

I filed 2 TM30 forms since I arrived back in Oct. The address has not changed.

Sounds good, should be done with repetitive questions about TM30 and 90 day reporting to.