Can I apply early?

[mo]

Hi Everyone!

Haven’t been posting anything here for quite some time now, but regularly drop in to have a read and keep myself up to date with what’s happening.  Always a great read and well done everyone for the very informative posts! 

Unfortunately I was very much affected by the current downturn and financial crisis, and therefore had to put on hold any plans I had to proceed with the MM2H program.  Also, a number of the past changes to the program made it even tougher for me too.  As I will be 50 at the end of next year, I’m thinking that financially I would be best holding off until then and applying for the over 50 category.  Therefore, does anyone know if I would be allowed to make my application for the over 50 category before the end of next year (before I turn 50); and if so how far in advance?  I would be very keen to start the process well in advance of that date, if it were possible. Keeping fingers crossed!

[Jonno96]

Hi Mo,
The Malaysia government will change the terms and condition from time to time. However, above 50 age can apply directly, because you can save lot of fees to pay for agent. My application just approved, but the FD has changed without let me know. For above 50 age, FD required was RM150,000.00. On the second year you can withdraw 80% to purchase house. But when I get the approval letter from MM2H dept today, it sad only allowed to withdrar RM50,000 on the second year. So, need to read and update from time to time.
All the best and good luck.
Jonno

[papaya]

Mo, you could email MoTour direct and ask them?  Or if you're thinking of using an agent, try asking them.

Jonno - yeh we just got advised that too.  I've started a thread on here.

[scott]

hi,

Hey, Jonno, congratulations on your approval. The changes to the residual (to be left on deposit) amount of the FD came about in April 2009.

Hi, Mo, and good to hear from you. Papaya's suggestion to email MoTour is the best bet. I haven't heard of anyone getting a "pre-approval" but make a case to MoTour and see what happens.

As you know, the problem with delaying is that the terms and conditions may become more stringent. However, given that quite a bit of stringency was applied earlier this year then there's a good chance that everything will stay the same for a while. After all, the world's just getting out of an economic crisis, and the Malaysian PM has just announced extra cash to Tourism to promote mm2h so let's hope the status quo prevails.

[mo]

Thanks for the replies!

I’ll try and pull something together and get an e-mail off to MoTour.  More than likely though, they’ll just say I have to wait until I’m 50 ……… bad thing to now be wishing I’m older!  But at present think I have no option (because of personal circumstances) but to hold off for the over 50 category.

Yes Scott, agree that by delaying the terms and conditions could get more stringent. Have been caught out that way before and with my luck it will likely happen again (no, I must be positive). Always think that when I’m on the verge of applying they get wind of my intentions and quickly tighten the rules.  But have more or less decided that next year I will make a real effort to proceed with my application and want to try everything possible to get it this time. 

Jonno, agree with you that a good saving can be made by doing the application yourself, without an Agent.  However, a very long time ago when I was going to apply for the program before, I was in contact with Yvonne Lim at Joy-Stay on many occasions.  I found her truly excellent.  She was so knowledgeable, efficient and always provided me with so much detailed information and advice on how best to proceed with an application.  Definitely would want her help again and would use her services when it comes my time for proceeding with an application.  Personally I want to ensure I’m doing everything correctly and making every effort to get accepted based on good information and sound advice; I feel Yvonne is the best person to do that for me. 

Thanks again and no doubt I’ll be starting to raise more questions again in the future …….. and I’m still keeping my fingers crossed !

[scott]

hi,

Thanks, mo. Please stay in touch, and let us all know how it goes.

[mo]

Last week I sent MoTour an e-mail on this; they’ve just replied back to me. They said I would be able to make my application for the over 50 category before I actually reach 50.  Apparently, from their reply, an application can be made at any time in the year in which you will reach 50; so that gives me (hopefully) all next year to apply. 

Now to try and get my finances in order …………. 

[papaya]

That's good news Mo.

I wonder if this is the Asian thing of just taking the year you were born in and taking no notice of which day or month?  I've had this both in Singapore and Thailand where they seem to add a year to your age sometimes which is a little upsetting.

[mo]

Hi Papaya

Yes, it would appear that’s what their doing, as they said in their reply:  ‘the age category is based on the year, not by month’.

So much for me trying to hold off becoming 50 !

[scott]

hi,

Really good news Mo.

If I remember correctly, and my brain is getting fried daily from working outside on the boat     , it's the same approach that Immigration/Finance takes when you get your visa. You pay the RM90 per year, irrespective of the month in which the visa is collected.