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SteinNebraska wrote:

This time she did the same thing as the last extension but technically you aren't supposed to be able to do it more than one time. 

She then went to immigration and they said I can't extend twice but then did "something" and kept my passport, saying they would do it.  She can pick up the passport March 1.  Cost this time 800,000 instead of 230,000. ($35 instead of $10)

I'm not sure what "something" was, but at least I got the extension in process.  She overheard someone else that was applying for the extension but thier stamp was expired already.  They were instructed to pay $150 USD, I assume as a late fee.

As is always the case in Vietnam, your mileage may vary.  Wildly.

That "something" is TT visa.  It's both legal and legitimate.  I wrote about that here.  The $35 (805k) fee is also the correct amount for TT visa.  Immigration instructed me on the amount and required documents 6 months ahead of time so I was prepared.

Ciambella wrote:

That "something" is TT visa.  It's both legal and legitimate.  I wrote about that here.  The $35 (805k) fee is also the correct amount for TT visa.  Immigration instructed me on the amount and required documents 6 months ahead of time so I was prepared.

I don't know how I missed that thread, other than it came through when I was in hometown for TET and I may have glossed over some threads.  Perfect information as usual.  Fortunately we had all of the documents including the marriage license when we went to immigration.  So it looks like I'll lose another page in my passport but at least I'll be legal.

I think after this extension, you should apply for a TT TRC, it is valid for up tp 3 years, so you do not need to carry out any visa extension during those 3 years. In addition, according to the new Labor Code taking valid from January 1, 2021, foreigners getting married to a Vietnamese citizen and wishing to reside in the country is exempted from Vietnam visa. You can check the details .

For some reason there's no quote button on Johnathan25121's post.

I'm moving to the US in March so for the next several years my VEC will serve me well as I'll only be coming for a couple of weeks every few months for work.  It sounds like I'm getting a TT per Ciambella but it's a special "single entry" version as a stopgap while I'm in country.

SteinNebraska wrote:

For some reason there's no quote button on Johnathan25121's post.

I'm moving to the US in March so for the next several years my VEC will serve me well as I'll only be coming for a couple of weeks every few months for work.  It sounds like I'm getting a TT per Ciambella but it's a special "single entry" version as a stopgap while I'm in country.

Yes. Your VEC works well when you regularly enter and exit Vietnam

Johnathan25121 wrote:

I think after this extension, you should apply for a TT TRC, it is valid for up tp 3 years, so you do not need to carry out any visa extension during those 3 years. In addition, according to the new Labor Code taking valid from January 1, 2021, foreigners getting married to a Vietnamese citizen and wishing to reside in the country is exempted from Vietnam visa. You can check the details .

[emphasis mine]
Your post got me excited so I read the reference.  Then I read "work" visa and was no longer excited.  I have a VEC.

Travelfar wrote:

Johnathan25121 wrote:

I think after this extension, you should apply for a TT TRC, it is valid for up tp 3 years, so you do not need to carry out any visa extension during those 3 years. In addition, according to the new Labor Code taking valid from January 1, 2021, foreigners getting married to a Vietnamese citizen and wishing to reside in the country is exempted from Vietnam visa. You can check the details .

[emphasis mine]
Your post got me excited so I read the reference.  Then I read "work" visa and was no longer excited.  I have a VEC.

From Ciambella's post earlier it sounds like I will be getting a TT visa.  Read the link she posted in post #2.  I truly don't know but the fee they charged me (800,000VND) matches what she said it cost her and she got a TT visa and I assume she doesn't work here based on her age.  I'll know more on March 1 when I pick up my passport from immigration.  I have a VEC.  They didn't ask me for any information about working.  It sounds like they are using the TT visa as a single entry visa as a stopgap for VEC owners who can't leave and need a second in-county stamp.

If you are married take your marriage certificate and your completed and police-stamped NA5 and you will likely get one also.

I am in almost exactly the same position as the OP.I have lived in Vietnam for11 years and had a succession of VEC's as I am married to a Vietnamese citizen.My VEC expired on 9th march last year (2020) so we went to Sihanoukville to renew it (as that is where i originally obtained it) They were very apologetic,but said they could only give me 18 months,as that is all the Vietnamese Government were allowing at that time.So,I went to Immigration in Rach Gia (I live in Kien Giang province) , having obtained the form needed from the local police here  (no coffee money needed) six months later,and got the 6 month extension -cost 10USD (I actually paid 230,000VND as they preferred VND to USD).That 6 months was up last week,so we got the form from the local police-(5 minutes and again no coffee money) and went to Rach Gia Immigration again.There was no problem,except they said it would cost 35USD and be ready in 5 days.We went back yesterday and picked up the passport.There is a full page "TT" visa which is stamped as costing 25USD ,valid 3 months,and a 6 month extension stamped as costing 10USD.(again they preferred VND-840,000, instead of the USD) They were unsure as to whether i could be issued another VEC in 6 months,but said I should get a TRC instead,valid for 3 years,which would cost 155USD and take about 5 days to prepare.They explained what we should do,printed off the application forms for us,and told us what documentation we should bring  when applying for the TRC.Two of the guys there spoke English quite well and were very helpful and friendly. I did consider getting a TRC instead of a VEC before,but as I used to go to Cambodia frequently anyway,mostly to get supplies for the bar/restaurant,there was no need,as I was never in Vietnam for more than 3 months at a time.Obviously that isn't the case now,so a TRC makes much more sense.

Yep I got mine back Wednesday and it was a TT visa.  Good for 6 months and stamp good for 6 months, although we are leaving March 25.