VietnamMore days on the same visit still need the inviting party
In plain termsA temporary-stay extension is extra days on a stay that already exists. The inviting or sponsoring party files. You do not convert a tourist stamp into a temporary residence card (TRC) by queueing alone.
Start here — three checks
- Who files the extension? yes
- Decision clock. 5 working days.
- TRC is still sponsor-filed. yes
Extension vs new card vs agent
| What you want | Filed door | If you walk in alone |
|---|---|---|
| A few more days on this visit | Stay extension. Inviting / sponsoring party files. | You treat Immigration like a ticket counter. |
| A 2-year labour or family card | TRC on an eligible symbol. Still sponsor-filed. Not an extension stamp. | You ask for “gia hạn” and expect a plastic card. |
| TRC while holding DL (tourist) | Closed. Tourist is off the eligible list. | You buy an extension and call it a TRC path. |
| Pay someone to fill forms | Agent page — state fee versus service fee. Standing to file does not move. | The receipt is treated as sponsorship. |
Common wrong movesOnline e-visa is still not self-extension.
- Using a hotel booking as an inviting party.
- Filing after the stamp has already died and calling it an extension.
- Asking the work-permit employer to “just extend the visa” without a stay file.
If the stamp is already shortThe party files. You do not invent standing.
- If there is no inviting party, this door is closed — do not paper over it with a tour desk.
- If status already broke, open the penalties page.
Evidence and sources3 dated facts for Stay extension is filed by the sponsor, not by you alone
The readable briefing above uses these cells. Open a source only when you need to verify a number, date, or legal gate.
- Temporary-stay extension must be filed through the inviting or sponsoring partyLuật Nhập cảnh Điều 35 khoản 1 — the foreigner must ask the inviting / sponsoring body to carry out the procedureyeschecked Aug 2026
- Statutory working days to decide a temporary-stay extensionLuật Nhập cảnh Điều 35 khoản 35 working dayschecked Aug 2026
- Sponsor files the TRC application (foreigner cannot self-file)Luật Nhập cảnh Điều 37 khoản 2 điểm byeschecked Aug 2026
Common questions
Can I extend my Vietnam stay at Immigration by myself?
The temporary-stay extension is filed through the inviting or sponsoring party. Walking in as a tourist without that party is not the filed channel.
How long does the extension decision take?
Five working days on the filed cell. That is not the TRC five-day cell reused as a slogan — confirm the dossier is the extension, not a new card.
Is hiring an agent the same as having a sponsor?
No. An agent is a paid service. Standing to file sits with the inviting or sponsoring party. The agent page is state fee versus service fee.