Job Discussion Forums

[TimkinMS]

I am hearing this from many, many, long-termers who are talking with visa agents about renewing 3 month visas such as the B3 and others.

Now, the latest news is that the 3 month cannot be renewed, and a visa run with a letter of invitation of "business" must be presented to get the visa on arrival when you *fly* into Vietnam.

However, some agents are saying that the Letter of Invitation/Business/Employment 3-month visa run will be stopped.

This means a visa run must be done to only get a one month visa.

Can anyone add any comments and info on this based on local agents, authorities, or administrators?

No "rumors," please.

[The Fat Rabbit]

check out this thread.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=78533

[TimkinMS]

Fat Rabbit,

Thanks for info, and I read that thread.

I decided to start this new thread, because now, I'm hearing from many people that the:

3 month visa run with letter is being discontinued.

I need to get info on this, because if this is true, I have to get out of here, and start packing soon.

[The Fat Rabbit]

i haven't heard that.

send an email to the people at expat.vn. They're usually quite up-to-date on the visa changes.

my friend did the run to Thailand and returned with a 3 month B3. He got a letter from expat.vn. This was about 30 days ago. It's certainly possible that it's changed since then, and I would check with expat.vn first.

[TimkinMS]

[The Fat Rabbit]

let us know what you find out.

[Green Acres]

I have it from two sources today that the information provided by the OP is correct. I don't know what this means for many people who are reading this thread, but good luck.

[The Fat Rabbit]

what is OP?

[jb0072009]

[sigmoid]

I was just told the same thing when I went to pick up the letter.

I got it and can use it, but I was told that as of today this is no longer an option for people. These sorts of letters will no longer be issued.

"Fellows, it's been good to know ya."
- The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Gordon Lightfoot

[The Fat Rabbit]

Wow. I certainly did not believe the OP when he first posted. but now a few more have confirmed it. its still hearsay but wow.

So, for a long term stay in Vietnam, what are the choices?

1. get married and get a '5 year but leave every 3 month residency visa'
2. get a WP w/ temporary residency card(not visa)(you don't need to leave every 3 months with this one)
3. apply for citizenship(they recognize dual citizenship now)(if you're married you can apply for it, or if you've been here 5 years and can speak vietnamese, if i remember correctly)
4. enter on a tourist visa, extend it once, leave and repeat 6 times annually.
5. any other options?


How does this affect new people entering the country to work? They'd have to make a WP within a months time, right?

wow.

[BenE]

If you have a work permit there is no need for a residency card. The immigration office will grant 1 year Visas without any need for money under the table or special friends.

(however I think you are eligable to get one though I have not tried yet)

[The Fat Rabbit]

Part 'a' another option i didn't mention.

The Article 13 of Ordinance 24/2000/PL-UBTVQH10 dated April 28, 2000, on immigration and residence of foreigners in Vietnam is as follows:

1) Foreigners who are residing in Vietnam in the following conditions will be considered for permanent residence:
a) Being unjustifiably oppressed while fighting for people�s freedom and independence, socialism, democracy and peace or for a science cause.
b) Having contributions in building and protecting the fatherland of Vietnam
c) Being the wife, husband, child, father or mother of a Vietnamese citizen residing permanently in Vietnam.

2) Foreigners can apply for permanent residence at the Department of Immigration Control of the Ministry of Public Security.

Please contact the Department of Immigration Control at 161 Nguyen Du Street, District 1. Tel: 8297107.

[Tanker]

[The Fat Rabbit]

if this is all true, then someone explain to me how a new person coming to Vietnam for the first time would come here with the intention of working. Would the job need to be organized before entering the country? Could the WP be made before entering the country? This is so bad.