Navigating the visa application process can be overwhelming and expensive, especially for first-timers. The author shares personal experiences of costly mistakes made during their visa application journey, which totaled nearly $5,000. These expenses included multiple flights, Airbnb bookings, and lawyer fees, compounded by errors such as forgetting essential paperwork and going to the wrong application center. To manage credit card debt incurred from these expenses, the author utilized a balance transfer card with no annual fee, allowing them to save on interest charges. By making strategic payments of approximately $250 a month, they effectively planned to pay off the $5,000 balance within 18 billing cycles. The author emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared and organized to avoid unnecessary costs and stress during the visa application process. They also highlight the challenges of in-person interviews and the complexities introduced by the pandemic, underscoring that even seemingly straightforward visas can prove to be daunting.
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