I am a 42-year old US citizen changing jobs in Thailand. I have a non-immigrant B visa which expires this month. Because I'm changing jobs it will not be renewed through my current company.

As I have to go to Vietnam next week I want to appy for a 1 year multiple entry non-immigrant B visa there. I have the necessary letter and documents from my new employer but in a call to the embassy in Hanoi they said they will not issue any non-immigrant B visas without a letter from the Dept of Labor stating a work permit has already been applied for. I will not be able to obtain this before I leave and the new job will not start until next month. Does anyone have experience with embassy in Hanoi or know if the consulate in HCMC (Saigon) is different? Other nearby consulates I could try?

Do not believe any local Consulate will issue a B visa for third country nationals without such proof that work permit application been made.

Just for reference, Hanoi will only accept payment in US Dollars!!!