From what I've read, both the initial and 5 year "renewal" applications have the exact same requirements.

 

If this is the case, then why is it labeled as a 10 year visa? It looks more like a 5 year visa since you have to basically apply again after 5 years to get another 5 years.

 

Am I mistaken in thinking the requirements are the same initially and at 5 years? What am I missing?

10 minutes ago, TaiMaiTai said:

Am I mistaken in thinking the requirements are the same initially and at 5 years? What am I missing?

You are not missing anything. 

Provide same requirements for the initial 5 yr application as for the next 5 year 

Zillion threads on this. 

Post questions there

15 minutes ago, TaiMaiTai said:

If this is the case, then why is it labeled as a 10 year visa? It looks more like a 5 year visa since you have to basically apply again after 5 years to get another 5 years.

Because you get both a 5-year and a 10-year stamp in your passport.  And you don't have to pay again.  One payment for 10 years.

This is called marketing. They actually sell a 5-year + 5-year renewal visa with one time 50K payment.

In case you cannot meet the initial requirements at renewal time they will of course keep your money.

If they wanted to be fair they would have asked 25K for the first 5 years + 25K again if successful renewal but TIT.

They simply needed a way to justify taking your money for 10 years upfront, and 10 years also sounds quite a bit more enticing than 5. Not a real problem though, as you're aware of all that before you apply. 

I did ask years ago for 5 years.

Then then the IO explaind me that the only thing I could gain would be 1 Visit to the immi. in 5 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 9/4/2025 at 8:24 PM, TaiMaiTai said:

From what I've read, both the initial and 5 year "renewal" applications have the exact same requirements.

 

If this is the case, then why is it labeled as a 10 year visa? It looks more like a 5 year visa since you have to basically apply again after 5 years to get another 5 years.

 

Am I mistaken in thinking the requirements are the same initially and at 5 years? What am I missing?

Just like a retirement visa - every year you are "required" to maintain the same qualifications though some obviously can't meet the financial requirements unless using an agent.  But the BOI is just insuring that folks still meet the requirements for that visa and it doesn't require any further payment.