I'm about the same age and situation as you and yes it is ridiculous as my premiums have tripled in just 3 years. I have been using Luma and will now switch to an annual deductible plan which is actually cheaper overall to a non deductible. But if these 20-30% annual increases continue I may just self insure.

@Alma **************

She needs to get the student visa to convert into a Non O dependent to her husband's retirement non o. You used to be able to apply for Non O dependent visas at nearby consulates which I did for my wife back in 2017. But consulates no longer do this so you need to convert from an Ed visa in country.

Well in almost every case you are granted permission on the application date and they stamp that date in your passport. In my first hand experience it is 3 months from that stamped date.

The rule states you can go below 800,000 but not under 400,000 3 months from DATE OF APPLICATION. I speak from first hand experience at CW. For the last few years I have withdrawn my balance to under 800,000 just after 3 months from renewing my extension and have had no issues. They have also clarified this to me numerous times after each renewal when I make sure of the date I can withdrawal. So in your case if you obtained your renewal on Feb 15, 2024 - you can withdrawal 90 days after that. Just to be safe I would make it 100 days so some time around late May you should be ok.

Yeah well your friend probably dealt with an officer who did not follow the rule. I stand by what I experienced ..for example - in 2021 I applied for my extension on Sept 11.

I withdrew below 800k on December 14. No problem when I extended last year. My extension expires on Oct 1 each year. The apply date in passport is what they go by. If I get any problem this year, I can always point this out from last year.

@Tod ********

From my experience this is not the case - the rule states "at least 3 months after being granted permission" which means the date you go in and apply and receive your extension. I have always clarified the date you can go below 800k with immigration officer and it is 3 months after the applied date in your passport. Another way to look at it is you need to be at 800k for 5 consecutive months - 2 before and 3 after.

I just called an agent in Penang and he told me that in order to get Non-O visas for my wife and her child I need to have a bank letter or income affidavit because of money laundering. I find this odd since I already have a Non-O Retirement extension. Anybody else heard about this at Penang?

Thanks Tod. I think I will have to go to Penang as I have no more full visa pages for myself to get a Laos Visa

She is a Fillipina and we got married in Thailand. Have a Thai Marriage License. Does she have to get the Non-O in Manila or can she go to Penang or Vientiene?