In fact, many people get confused between visa extension and temporary residence extension. This lack of knowledge can lead to overdue visa or temporary stay and expose foreigners to administrative penalties, even on the blacklist of Immigration Administration. Let Nhi Gia explain the differences between visa extension and temporary residence extension!
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Let’s find out what a visa is and what is the duration of stay?
Visa is a document issued by a competent authority of Vietnam, allowing foreigners to enter Vietnam. The visa can be stamped on one page of the passport or issued separately.
On the visa, there is a lot of information, including:
+ Information of the foreigner to be granted a visa;
+ Information of the visa.
Of which, the most notable information is visa validity, duration of stay and number of entries.
+ Visa validity is the period during which the visa is still valid.
+ Duration of stay or term of residence is the period during which a foreigner is allowed to stay in Vietnam.
For example: Foreigners apply for a tourist visa, with the DL symbol to enter Vietnam. The information to note is as follows: DL Visa validity: 1 month, duration of stay: 15 days, number of entry: 1 time, and issue date: February 15, 2020. Thus, the visa is expired and invalid for use as from March 13, 2020. During this 1-month period, foreigners can enter Vietnam at any time and stay up to 15 days before leaving.
How to apply for visa extension?
Visa extension is done when the visa is about to expire. This means an extension of the visa term.
In our country, before the Law on foreigners' entry into, exit from, transit through and residence in Vietnam 2014 (the Immigration Law) took effect, the laws on visa extension still existed. Until now, this term is still in use.
Exactly, the fact that the Immigration Law comes into force has removed such regulations. And the case of expired visa shall not be renewed but re-issued. The application and issuance procedures are similar to those for new issuance:
+ The original passport or valid international travel document of the foreigner which is still valid as prescribed.
+ Form NA5 - Application for visa extension, temporary residence extension in Vietnam.
+ Certificate of temporary residence issued by the local police where the foreigner is temporarily residing in Vietnam.
+ Several documents required by the immigration authority.
Processing time for visa extension is about 5-7 working days from the receiving date of full documents.
Please contact Nhi Gia Company via the call center 1900 6654 to learn more about the prestigious and professional Vietnam visa extension service for foreigners.
How to apply for temporary residence extension?
Temporary residence extension is done when the duration of temporary stay is about to end. Foreigners who are temporarily residing in Vietnam and wishing to extend their temporary residence must request the individuals, agencies or organizations to invite or guarantee for their visa application at the immigration authority or competent authority under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The inviting and guaranteeing individuals, agencies or organizations shall directly prepare and submit the application for temporary residence extension, including:
+ Form NA5 - Application for visa extension, temporary residence extension;
+ Passport or valid international travel document of the foreigner;
+ Letter of explanation.
The processing time for temporary residence extension is about 5 working days from the receiving date of full documents.
In short, visa extension is not temporary residence extension. Do not be confused and need to distinguish clearly to avoid unnecessary violations.
The above are important information about visa extension and temporary residence extension. Call us via the hotline +84 1900 6654 or click on https://www.facebook.com/nhigia to learn more about Vietnamese laws and legal services for foreigners. Nhi Gia is pleased to serve you!
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