Just returned from Hanoi, thought I'd give a brief recap of my experience. I was going for my 3rd non-immigrant b visa, first 2 came from the states. I had received a work permit for my first contract but it expired over a year ago & my school hadn't gotten me a new one (despite assurances that they would). When I showed up with all the docs that had gotten me a visa in the states, I was asked why I didn't have my wp, or in lieu of that, a letter from the labour office stating that my school was applying for a new wp. I played dumb, politely, & the woman at the visa counter seemed very sceptical about my story & my application. Still, she said she'd submit it to her boss & what do you know, I got the visa. The whole thing made me nervous though. For anyone going to Hanoi, I'd suggest you have all your ducks in a row.

I'd say 2006 will be a very lucky year for you, based on your recent experience!

My experience is that getting a visa-B in the USA is child's play, but getting it anywhere in SE Asia is next to impossible. One time, at the Vientianne Thai Embassy, they required a CLASS SCHEDULE before approving a visa-B. My 25 other documents, notwithstanding. Had none. Result? Sent home visa-less.

Another time I was asked to produce a copy of every income tax form I had filed since living in Thailand. (Do I have a dishonest face or what?)

Now, when I go for my visa-B, I take an attache case full of everything I can possibly think of--and more. They keep asking for off-beat documents, and I keep pulling them out. Finally, I exhaust them and they issue the visa.

Edited January 1, 200620 yr by toptuan