Job Discussion Forums

TIKITEMBO · Joined: 14 Aug 2010 Posts: 14

So, with visa requirements changing constantly here in Ecuador, I was wondering if anyone knows if a United States citizen can get a tourist visa (90 day) upgraded to the coveted 12-IX visa without having to go all the way back to the United States? I�m willing to pay a fee to get the visa, but is it at all possible. I�m in Quito and would love to get the 12-IX.

Additionally, is it possible to be in the country on two visas? Right now a school (where the pay is low!) is working on a Cultural Exchange visa for me and I�ll continue to work with them if necessary, but I�d love to have more of a free agent status with the 12-IX visa. My concern is that if I try to get a second visa while the first one is processing, then the Ministry will explode under it�s own restrictions (or just possibly deny me both visas!)

Any advice is always appreciated.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Couldn't you simply go to Texas or Florida for the visa run? About two visas. You should be able to change one visa to another. BUt that would cancel the first visa. You can't have two valid visas at the same time

TIKITEMBO · Joined: 14 Aug 2010 Posts: 14

Well, I am working now, so it would be difficult to go to the U.S. to get a visa because I'd really only be available for the weekends when the visa issuing places would probably be closed by the time I got there. Also, it's pretty expensive to travel from what I've seen, so I'm trying to avoid that as well.