Job Discussion Forums

Piscador · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 24

I was recently told that if you know how it's possible to change, say, a tourist visa to a business visa without leaving the country. However, the person I talked to didn't (or couldn't) give me any specifics. He said that a friend had done it by going through the Foreign Affairs department instead of Immigration. He was adamant that it could be done. I've tried to verify this but hours of searching on the internet has led me nowhere so I'm a bit sceptical.

Can anyone enlighten me? I'm working in central Vietnam and the visa runs are becoming horrifically expensive.

BenE · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 321

It's possible but only in certain cases (exception rather than a rule)

I changed an old B2 visa (now an LD visa) into a TT visa through the ministry of education and training but that was as a dependent of a foreign worker. It took a bit longer though no bribes were asked for. This wasn't through an agent.

Piscador · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 24

I've just learned from the local Immigration Department that on paying a 2.5 million fee, an 'ND' (business visa) can be upgraded to an 'LD' (work permit visa) without leaving the country. This is completely different to what I was told two weeks ago.

I've also been told that another school in town is able to have 'DL' tourist visas change to 'ND' visas in the same way. This is unconfirmed, however.

ExpatLuke · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 744

Useless speculation. Each school has a different contact in the immigration department. Each has a different relationship. Some schools can get things others can't based on who's friends with who. This is Vietnam. You can get around every law with the right price or knowing the right people.