VEC extension issue in HCMC

My experience is different.  It's 6 month extension, not 3, although the 6 months would start on the day the form is submitted and not the last expiration date.  Please read this post # 67 from another similar thread.

Your issue is related to the vagaries of practice during Covid, not a permanent regulation so yes, it's better to stay in this thread instead of going back to the VEC sticky.

Ciambella wrote:

My experience is different.  It's 6 month extension, not 3, although the 6 months would start on the day the form is submitted and not the last expiration date.  Please read this post # 67 from another similar thread.

Your issue is related to the vagaries of practice during Covid, not a permanent regulation so yes, it's better to stay in this thread instead of going back to the VEC sticky.

Thanks for the reply and assistance!

I’ll be going to the immigration office on Monday. Which form did you use for this? Was it the NA5 form? And you have to get it stamped by the police first right?

I’ll let you know how long mine will be extended for but it should indeed be 6 months.

quankiquanki wrote:

I’ll be going to the immigration office on Monday. Which form did you use for this? Was it the NA5 form? And you have to get it stamped by the police first right?

I’ll let you know how long mine will be extended for but it should indeed be 6 months.

Yeah, exactly. The NA5 and  my landlord who was the one who sponsored me on the form got it stamped by local police near my place.

The one thing I was confused about was if my family member who lives in another district would fill out the area instead of my landlord( one supposedly be 6 vs 3 months) , where does the police stamp come from..my rental district or my family members?

I will be very confused if you get the 6 month and I got a 3 month.
I read something about some June 30 cut off but didn't think any of that applied to VEC holders that came in about 6 months ago.

Yes, please update us.

Thanks.

expatec wrote:

The one thing I was confused about was if my family member who lives in another district would fill out the area instead of my landlord( one supposedly be 6 vs 3 months) , where does the police stamp come from..my rental district or my family members?

I asked the same question when I was at Immigration office 2 days ago (the conversation was in the link I gave in my last comment). 

If your family member sponsors you, your address on the form must be the address of the sponsor's household book (hộ khẩu).  The sponsor would need to take the form to the ward's police (UBND phường) for the stamp. 

If you want to use Immigration offices in Saigon, make sure that your sponsor's hộ khẩu is in Saigon.  A Vietnamese's home address doesn't always match his registered hộ khẩu.  Hộ khẩu ties to property, so if a person never owns property in a particular city, he cannot register to have his hộ khẩu there even if he has been living in that city for years.  He's only a temporary resident just like you and I.  His permanent residency is where his existing hộ khẩu was registered, even if he hasn't been there for years, or even if he sold his property there years ago.

The June or July cut off has nothing to do with active VEC holders.

Ciambella wrote:

expatec wrote:

The one thing I was confused about was if my family member who lives in another district would fill out the area instead of my landlord( one supposedly be 6 vs 3 months) , where does the police stamp come from..my rental district or my family members?

I asked the same question when I was at Immigration office 2 days ago (the conversation was in the link I gave in my last comment). 

If your family member sponsors you, your address on the form must be the address of the sponsor's household book (hộ khẩu).  The sponsor would need to take the form to the ward's police (UBND phường) for the stamp. 

Make sure that the sponsor registered his/her hộ khẩu at that ward (phường).  Just because a person lives in Saigon doesn't mean his hộ khẩu is in Saigon.  Hộ khẩu ties to property, so if a person never owns property in a particular city, he cannot register to have his hộ khẩu there even if he has been living in that city for years.  He's only a temporary resident just like you and me.  His permanent residency is where his original hộ khẩu was registered, even if he hasn't been there for years, or even if he sold his property there years ago.

The June or July cut off has nothing to do with active VEC holders.

Yeah, this all makes sense about the 'hộ khẩu' and I definitely never ever had to involve my family members in the past so I have no idea what is up with all this. I haven't been here and done this in 3+ years so maybe something has changed?

Makes more sense to actually state where I am physically living vs technically lying and stating my family's across the city you would think?

But, I can't help not think it has something to do with Covid...

expatec wrote:

Yeah, this all makes sense about the 'hộ khẩu' and I definitely never ever had to involve my family members in the past so I have no idea what is up with all this. I haven't been here and done this in 3+ years so maybe something has changed?

Makes more sense to actually state where I am physically living vs technically lying and stating my family's across the city you would think?

But, I can't help not think it has something to do with Covid...

I've never needed a sponsor either.  My husband and I have always travelled very often so we've never had to worry about the 6-month stamp.  With Covid, travelling is no longer possible so the in-country extension has become the norm, and that's when the requirement for sponsor (which has always been there BTW) became essential. 

To bring some sense into the warped logic, think of the 2 different addresses the way most business owners do:  in many countries, a business's registered address is often very different from its trading address.  One is for legal (or tax) purpose, the other is for practical purpose.

Anyway, I don't think having a different address on the form is something Immigration people tell all foreigners to do.  I just happen to have the kind of face that draws out people's helpful nature thus strangers often share with me tips, tricks, and secrets to help smooth out life's difficulties.

Ciambella wrote:

expatec wrote:

Yeah, this all makes sense about the 'hộ khẩu' and I definitely never ever had to involve my family members in the past so I have no idea what is up with all this. I haven't been here and done this in 3+ years so maybe something has changed?

Makes more sense to actually state where I am physically living vs technically lying and stating my family's across the city you would think?

But, I can't help not think it has something to do with Covid...

I've never needed a sponsor either.  My husband and I have always travelled very often so we've never had to worry about the 6-month stamp.  With Covid, travelling is no longer possible so the in-country extension has become the norm, and that's when the requirement for sponsor (which has always been there BTW) became essential. 

To bring some sense into the warped logic, think of the 2 different addresses the way most business owners do:  in many countries, a business's registered address is often very different from its trading address.  One is for legal (or tax) purpose, the other is for practical purpose.

Anyway, I don't think having a different address on the form is something Immigration people tell all foreigners to do.  I just happen to have the kind of face that draws out people's helpful nature thus strangers often share with me tips, tricks, and secrets to help smooth out life's difficulties.

Yeah, I vaguely remember questioning this very same question years ago but like I stated, always went with the landlord route and never had issues like today.

Lets see what this other member gets in a week.

Surprised know one else has had a similar issue and has chimed in.

Thanks again for all the helpful information!

It’s all smoke and mirrors with no  consistency (or check) of applicable laws.  It’s like the jungle - they do what they want. Annoying!

secedit wrote:

It’s all smoke and mirrors with no  consistency (or check) of applicable laws.  It’s like the jungle - they do what they want. Annoying!

That's what I am starting to feel. Did you get an extension recently?? If so...what happened? I am hoping the previous member who just went last week will update this thread with what happened with his extension and how long he got.

Here in Hanoi, policy changes everyday.
I recently got married and was told that I must apply for a VEC and then TRC.  Took the VEC form and was flatly refused - I must leave the country to activate it - these brain dead idiots have no clue. So applied for a TRC and a barrage of obstacles. And then told that I must have a VEC before I have a TRC.  Exhausted!

secedit wrote:

Here in Hanoi, policy changes everyday.
I recently got married and was told that I must apply for a VEC and then TRC.  Took the VEC form and was flatly refused - I must leave the country to activate it - these brain dead idiots have no clue. So applied for a TRC and a barrage of obstacles. And then told that I must have a VEC before I have a TRC.  Exhausted!

You do have to leave to activate a new VEC.  Nothing new or "changed" there.

New law 1st July allows changes of visa for marriage purposes.  Some VEC have already been issued - again, no consistent application..

secedit wrote:

Here in Hanoi, policy changes everyday.
I recently got married and was told that I must apply for a VEC and then TRC.  Took the VEC form and was flatly refused - I must leave the country to activate it - these brain dead idiots have no clue. So applied for a TRC and a barrage of obstacles. And then told that I must have a VEC before I have a TRC.  Exhausted!

I thought they changed that law a few years ago. I thought a TRC could be issued through marriage without getting a VEC first.

Maybe Ciambella can look it up for us and check.

SteinNebraska wrote:

You do have to leave to activate a new VEC.  Nothing new or "changed" there.

That may be correct but as the policy that one must leave and reenter every 6 months has been temporarily suspended due to border closures, it would seem logical that the policy on initial VEC's would be suspended as well.  But of course nothing is ever logical with Vietnamese immigration.

So, we decided to get my VEC renewed today.   I did one thing wrong.  The rest weren't my fault.

I took us to 254 D Nguyen Trai in Q1.  This was incorrect.  But the guy gave me a NA5 form and told my wife what to do.

We went home and filled it out and then went to the local police to have it signed and chopped.  They wouldn't do that without her family book.  Back to the house we go to get it and back to the police department.  Got it chopped.  Didn't even have to pay coffee money this time.

Go to the correct immigration this time, 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q3.  Wife goes in.  Comes back out.  She said I needed a passport photo.  She didn't know it but someone at some time stapled one to the last visa page of my passport.  I have no idea how old it is, maybe a year or two but good enough for government work.  Anyway, then they wanted copies of the form, copies of the marriage license, copies of my passport and copies of the application.  Full disclosure: I think some of these copies were initiated by my wife to be sure we had "everything possible that could be needed" becuase she hates to hear me complain if we have to go make yet another stop for another thing because of how absolutely backwards and screwed up every single thing the VN government touches is.

Run next door, get everything copied and back to 196.  Then they ask my wife why we are doing this so early?  My stamp expires Sept 8 and I was told to plan on a week for getting my passport back so a week leeway given how screwed up everything always is in Vietnam seemed prudent.  Not to mention if somehow we got 4-5 cases of COVID in HCMC and they roll up the streets again I could be totally screwed.  I'll give up a week off my 6 months, thank you very much.  Paid the $10 and need to come back August 28.

When I activated my VEC I actually rode my motorcycle to Moc Bai, did the first ever loop through Cambodia immigration that I had ever done, rode back home and I was home earlier that day than today just jacking around town.

Surely a TRC would be a better option?

Jlgarbutt wrote:

Surely a TRC would be a better option?

It would if I were staying long term or if I couldn't leave the country every two months as planned.  Hopefully that part will fix itself in the future.

But since we are going to US in a year having a 5 year VEC instead of a 3 year TRC gets me the extra time for free.  I'll still be coming back 3-4 times a year for work and that buys me two years.  Also TRC does mean temporary resident and I don't know if the VN govt can pull it if you move back to the US and aren't really a temporary resident any longer and just use it as a tourist visa.  At least the VEC can still be used for that.

SteinNebraska wrote:

So, we decided to get my VEC renewed today.   I did one thing wrong.  The rest weren't my fault.

I took us to 254 D Nguyen Trai in Q1.  This was incorrect.  But the guy gave me a NA5 form and told my wife what to do.

We went home and filled it out and then went to the local police to have it signed and chopped.  They wouldn't do that without her family book.  Back to the house we go to get it and back to the police department.  Got it chopped.  Didn't even have to pay coffee money this time.

Go to the correct immigration this time, 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q3.  Wife goes in.  Comes back out.  She said I needed a passport photo.  She didn't know it but someone at some time stapled one to the last visa page of my passport.  I have no idea how old it is, maybe a year or two but good enough for government work.  Anyway, then they wanted copies of the form, copies of the marriage license, copies of my passport and copies of the application.  Full disclosure: I think some of these copies were initiated by my wife to be sure we had "everything possible that could be needed" becuase she hates to hear me complain if we have to go make yet another stop for another thing because of how absolutely backwards and screwed up every single thing the VN government touches is.

Run next door, get everything copied and back to 196.  Then they ask my wife why we are doing this so early?  My stamp expires Sept 8 and I was told to plan on a week for getting my passport back so a week leeway given how screwed up everything always is in Vietnam seemed prudent.  Not to mention if somehow we got 4-5 cases of COVID in HCMC and they roll up the streets again I could be totally screwed.  I'll give up a week off my 6 months, thank you very much.  Paid the $10 and need to come back August 28.

When I activated my VEC I actually rode my motorcycle to Moc Bai, did the first ever loop through Cambodia immigration that I had ever done, rode back home and I was home earlier that day than today just jacking around town.

As a follow up, went today to pick up my passport.  Surprisingly, no issues.  I can confirm that they did stamp it as the day of issue, August 25, as opposed to the six month anniversary of my last stamp.  I assumed they would, it's no different than 180 days from an entry stamp.  So, go early enough to allow for issues but not too early to "waste" time off of your 180 day current stamp.

I'm pretty confused by all of this. Wonder why I only got 3 months vs 6 months??

Does not make sense one bit.

Vinalogic 

expatec wrote:

I'm pretty confused by all of this. Wonder why I only got 3 months vs 6 months??

Does not make sense one bit.

Are you married to a VN?  Who was your sponsor?

expatec wrote:

I'm pretty confused by all of this. Wonder why I only got 3 months vs 6 months??

Does not make sense one bit.

Depends when you received your VEC, older VEC's were 3 months, the newer ones are 6 months.

colinoscapee wrote:

expatec wrote:

I'm pretty confused by all of this. Wonder why I only got 3 months vs 6 months??

Does not make sense one bit.

Depends when you received your VEC, older VEC's were 3 months, the newer ones are 6 months.

That maybe a logical explanation but a few years ago, always got 6 months. Makes sense as the time of stay is 6 months.

I have no idea..whatsoever.

SteinNebraska wrote:

expatec wrote:

I'm pretty confused by all of this. Wonder why I only got 3 months vs 6 months??

Does not make sense one bit.

Are you married to a VN?  Who was your sponsor?

Not married. Was born here, my landlord was my sponsor, same as in the past as the sponsor should be at the same address you are staying.

expatec wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

expatec wrote:

I'm pretty confused by all of this. Wonder why I only got 3 months vs 6 months??

Does not make sense one bit.

Depends when you received your VEC, older VEC's were 3 months, the newer ones are 6 months.

That maybe a logical explanation but a few years ago, always got 6 months. Makes sense as the time of stay is 6 months.

I have no idea..whatsoever.

Basically older VEC's were 3 months, if you have a new VEC and its still 3 months you have been short-changed.

SteinNebraska wrote:

I can confirm that they did stamp it as the day of issue, August 25, as opposed to the six month anniversary of my last stamp.  I assumed they would, it's no different than 180 days from an entry stamp.  So, go early enough to allow for issues but not too early to "waste" time off of your 180 day current stamp.

We're fortunate that our new expiration is 6 months from the last expiration date (August 20, 2020 - Feb 20, 2021) even though the stamp showed the issue date was 14 days earlier (Aug 6). 

I wonder if it's because on the NA5, I put the requested extension date as Feb 20, 2021 even though I submitted the form on Aug 3.  The officer kept looking at the requested date several times before writing Feb 20, 2021 on our passports.

I did it in Ba Ria, which was not at all a foreigner-friendly office.

Ciambella wrote:

I wonder if it's because on the N5, I put the requested extension date as Feb 20, 2021 even though I submitted the form on Aug 3.  The officer kept looking at the requested date several times before writing Feb 20, 2021 on our passport.

I did the same on my NA5 but they ignored the request.