I think some people value their time and money. Not everyone. But some. So they use agents. Who are doing booming business. People didn’t work a lifetime to stand in line at immigration and the bank every year
save money as your 800k can stay at home working for you. And save time chasing visa requirements around. In retirement, your time still has value. If you can afford it, you use an agent
are all Californians this foolish? Probably not. It’s not them… it’s just you. Every year more newbie travelllers arrive and try to figure it out. Chok Dee
You hear mixed information, because there are mixed policies. Each consulate can decide their own rules for this. And so they do. Once you decide where you are applying, reach out to that consulated and ask the very specific questions.