Job Discussion Forums

Jerullan · Joined: 31 Aug 2009 Posts: 19

I've read the "visa renewal blues" thread.

But another ex-colleague of mine in Hanoi (he's still teaching in Hanoi) just called me and told me that he only recieved a 30 day visa, and the cost was $95 US dollars.

He was asking to extend a 3 months visa for the first time. He was asking for a three month extension.

It was denied, and he only got a 30 day visa.

Is this a trend?

Has anyone else verifiable witnessed this, or experienced this?

This sounds like September of 09 all over again, if true.

[email protected] · Joined: 27 Oct 2010 Posts: 30

Seem like the problems have returned. This happened to me too. Only gave me a one month extension. After the one month they told me that I could extend it for 3 months without leaving the country. Then they told me I could extend it for six months without leaving the country. Now they tell me I have to leave the country and re-enter. They told me I could get a 6 month visa on arrival, then told me I couldn't. Now I can only get a 3 month visa on arrival. I leave tonight and return tomorrow. After getting the 3 month visa they tell me that I can extend it two more times, 3 months each. So I can stay in the country for a total of 9 months before I have to leave again. This could of course change given the run around I have been given.
Also, I tried to get the 5 year visa exemption. On the website it says that as long as you are of Vietnamese ethnicity and have a Vietnamese citizen vouch for you, you can get this 5 year visa exemption, regardless of where you were born. Going to immigration, they now tell me that it's not enough to have Vietnamese ethnicity, but you must also be born in the country. I wasn't born in Vietnam, but my parents were. So much hassle. So who is right? The guy at immigration or the website? Dealing with a government in any country is a headache.

yogurtpooh · Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Posts: 85

I'm surprised by this new five year Viet kieu visa rule. If foreigners who marry Vietnamese can obtain them then it does't make any sense that a Vietnamese born to Vietnamese parents wouldn't be able to obtain them. When I called up the Vietnamese Embassy in DC they quoted me 40 dollars for the fees and when I called up the Consulate in San Francisco, they insisted that it was 50 dollars. When I asked them about the price differences both places couldn't come up with a good answer. Also, according to them, three month tourist visas can not be extended for another three months in country, but a few people have mentioned that it is possible if you had the right connections. This is a huge concern for me too, as I probably won't be able to begin my work permit until at least four months of being there.

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

The visa rules change depending on who tells you. I was once subjected to an "interrogation" and an attempt at intimidation by an official at the Immigration Office in Hanoi, who made it abundantly clear that an "envelope" in his newspaper would make all the difference. When I refused to give him a bribe, he told me he would give me an exit visa allowing me to stay for 3 more days so I could get my stuff together to get out of the country.

A phone call later to a "friend" had a one year visa in my hand in a few days, DESPITE this idiots issue of a "verbal" exit visa.

Moral to the story? Dont trust even the Immigration Office to give you the truth. Everything depends on who you know and how much "coffee money" you will pay.

On the "who's who" list of corrupt countries, Vietnam is proud to be near the top. Policemen on 2mVnD monthly salary driving new Dylans? Don't have to think hard about where the money came from, do we?

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 2:01 am Post subject: Re: MESS

just noel · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 168

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

If this continues, I expect more EFL instructors to leave
I did-and pleased I did. No more rampant corruption, noise beyond the normal, drunk driving with absolute disregard for any semblance of traffic rules, rip-offs by government agencies, clawing females whos all have poor mothers dowen in the mekong who all live in unspeakable shacks (I once asked to vist and see the "unspeakable" conditions-but mother had gone to visit friends in USA (must be poor).

Schools that dony know what to do or dont care-pay below average-professional clown and game master!
Enough! So when I got the visa runaround, I packed up my family (Viet wife) and child and said "Hasta la vista baby". "And I WONT be back."

Many more will follow

[email protected] · Joined: 27 Oct 2010 Posts: 30

Ok, I'm back in Hanoi. Couldn't wait to get back from Bangkok, then.....
When I arrived at Noi Bai Airport with my letter of approval for my visa on arrival I was served last after all the other white foreigners were gone. Even they too, were dicked around. Now only me, a Viet Kieu and two immigration officials. They told me that my letter of approval was not in their computer system. Funny, because I got this letter of approval from someone quite reputable. I had a feeling the reason they gave me was a bunch of BS. I could tell by the look on their face that they were thirsty and needed some "coffee money." After about 20 minutes of waiting and not giving them their "coffee money", they gave me my visa.
To top things off they put my visa on the second last page of my passport even though the pages before that one was free and empty. Will this affect me renewing my visa. Total piss-off.
How ironic that I couldn't wait to get back to Hanoi, only to go through this experience totally makes me want to leave and never come back. Makes me understand more why SNOLLY left. And for all you newbies, this is only the tip of the iceberg. What else BS is there to go through? I don't know and don't want to.

andwar · Joined: 09 Apr 2011 Posts: 44

I thought that an American esl teacher with a resident Vietnamese wife (not a Viet-Kieu) was largely removed from this toil of visa renewal. Also there seems to be a real difference in people's experience in terms of visa questions - Hanoi (more rigid) vs Saigon (more flexible). Could it be that Saigon is a bit easier than Hanoi in terms of accepting foreigners in their midst?

haller_79 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 145

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

[i]I thought that an American esl teacher with a resident Vietnamese wife (not a Viet-Kieu) was largely removed from this toil of visa renewal[/i]
So did I- I was naive wasnt I to think just because an Immigration official told me that, that it would be true.
I was told since I now had a 5 year visa by virtue of my being married to a Viet, (and in my passport its there saying "Multi entry visa 5 years"), that I did not have to get any more visas for 5 years.

Then one day, just before 3 months is up, an Immigration person arrives at my house to tell me I have to get a visa because I need to get one every 3 months now. (previously once a year wqas fine).
Point to the one for 5 years- No no- that only says you allowed to be here- not a visa- But look the words- Viet and English- say Visa- right? Yes say so, but not. Better give me money, fill up this form and get visa.
Check with Immigration Office- "Ummmm-yes- get visa better"
So every 3 months I needed to get a new Visa that said it costs $10, but is not abtainable unless I pay the "service" charge also.Usua;;y $50+ depending on the mood of the day..
Liars, thieves and generally ignorant poorly educated people work in such places as the Immigration Office, and if you can pay pay pay, all will be OK. Can I have a receipt for the FULL amout I pay- "sure-$10 is the official fee, so I give you one for $10". Hmmmm- New Dylan comimng up? Guess his wife is good at business, but he can not tell me what type of business his wife has- Strange.