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  • Can foreign resident sponsor B211 extension?

    Hi

    Can I as foreign resident (KITAS holder) sponsor a friend for an extension to their B211 60 day- tourist visa, or must the sponsor be an Indonesian citizen?

    thanks

  • #2
    Originally posted by Louise View Post
    Hi

    Can I as foreign resident (KITAS holder) sponsor a friend for an extension to their B211 60 day- tourist visa, or must the sponsor be an Indonesian citizen?

    thanks
    Louise, I'm confused with your question!
    A B211 Visa is not a tourist visa, it is the social budhaya visa.

    A tourist Visa cannot be extended!

    A social budhaya visa can be extended 4 times but only with supporting documents from the original sponsor.

    If you were the original sponsor then yes you can support the application for an extension, it doesn't neccesarily have to be an Indonesian Citizen.

    The link below will give you all the information you need, should you require further clarification please post again.

    http://www.expat.or.id/info/docs.html
    Last edited by ohmdafyd; 14-05-09, 21:17. Reason: edit
    IknowthatyoubelieveyouunderstandwhatyouthinkIsaid, butI'mnotsureyourealisethatwhatyouheardisnotwhatI meant.

    Comment


    • #3
      Thanks for the link omdafyd, though I think some of the info is little bit out of date now.
      FYI you can now easily get a 60 day tourist visa in many places such as Singapore, KL, Penang etc. This visa is valid for 60 days and has the same visa code (B211) as the Sosbud but you do not need a sponsor at the time of application.
      This tourist B211 can also be extended up to 4 times in the same way as the sosbud BUT you are not limited to making the extensions in the same place or with the same sponsor each time, as there was no original sponsor and therefore no sponsors name on the actual visa.
      You can therefore make each extension in a different Kantor Immigrasi each time as long as you have a local sponsor for that office.
      I know many people who are now using this visa as it is easier and more flexible than the sosbud. In KL you can even apply and collect this visa the same day for no extra charge (2 working days in SG).

      From the link it states that a foreigner with a KITAS can be a sponsor for the sosbud so I guess it should work the same for the B211 tourist, as when you actually make the extensions for this visa the immigrasi treat it like a sosbud anyway (the extension stamps say social-cultural on them etc.).

      Thanks for the link anyway, and hope you are less confused now

      louise

      ps. dach yn Gymro hefyd?

      Comment


      • #4
        Louise , this is new for me also , a long time user of sosbud . I just returned from KL where I asked about the 60 days tourist visa ( mentioned in another place by Omdafyd) , and one officer told me they don't have such a visa . Even more surprised to know from you that it not only exist but can also be extended !
        Last edited by marcus; 16-05-09, 18:25.

        Comment


        • #5
          Louise,
          I would also like to know where I can get information on this Extendible Tourist Visa.
          I've had numerous conversations with the Indonesian Embassy in Vancouver and they say that a 60 day Tourist Visa is available but it is NOT extendible. That is why they give me and my wife a Sosbud. It is extendible and we have used that feature often.

          This is from their website:

          [COLOR="Red"]TOURIST VISA
          A single entry Tourist Visa is valid if presented within 3 (three) months from the date of issuance. It is given to travelers who intend to stay in Indonesia on holiday/leisure purpose with a maximum stay of 60 (sixty) days.

          Visa Requirements :

          Original passport, valid for more than 6 (six) months beyond the intended length of stay. Visa application Form completed in full with 1 (one)recent colour passport size photograph.
          Copy of confirmed round trip Airline ticket/ Electronic ticket. Proof of entry and exit. Please note that travelers who chooses to buy an airline ticket on their way to Indonesia, will need to apply for their visa on arrival only.
          Visa fee C$55.00 in the form of a money order only, payable to the The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia
          VISA APPLICATION FORM[/COLOR]

          I've also looked at the websites of the RI in Singapore/KL/Penang and found nowhere does it mention about individuals receiving Extendible Tourist Visas.

          David
          Last edited by Davita; 15-05-09, 13:43. Reason: color quote

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by Louise View Post
            This tourist B211 can also be extended up to 4 times in the same way as the sosbud BUT you are not limited to making the extensions in the same place or with the same sponsor each time, as there was no original sponsor and therefore no sponsors name on the actual visa.
            You can therefore make each extension in a different Kantor Immigrasi each time as long as you have a local sponsor for that office.
            Louise, you have to differentiate what is done as a practice in Indonesia and what is legal.
            The information you gave is wrong and illegal, though I agree that, mainly by ignorance and/or greed, some immigration officer will issue an extension to it, considering that it is a Visa Kunjungan Sosial Budaya (since 2006, the 4 forms of Visa Kunjungan bear the same index: B211). A visa kunjungan is issued for four main reasons:
            - governmental
            - business
            - tourism
            - social and cultural
            Out of the 4, only the Visa Kunjugan Wisata (tourist visa) can NOT be extended beyond 60 days (Pasal 35 Peraturan Pemerintah 32 tahun 1994 tentang Visa, Izin Masuk dan Izin Keimigrasiaan).

            Source:
            [FONT=Tahoma-Bold][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Pasal 35[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]
            [FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2](1) Izin Kunjungan diberikan kepada orang asing untuk berkunjung ke [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]wilayah Negara Republik Indonesia untuk jangka waktu 60 (enam puluh) [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]hari terhitung sejak tanggal diberikannya Izin Masuk di wilayah Negara [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Republik Indonesia.[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]
            [FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2](2) Izin sebagaimana dimaksud dalam ayat (1) dapat diperpanjang paling [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]banyak lima kali berturut-turut, setiap kali perpanjangan untuk jangka [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]waktu 30 (tiga puluh) hari.[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]
            [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2][FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2](3) Dalam hal Izin Kunjungan untuk keperluan wisata, jangka waktu 60 [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2](enam puluh) hari tidak dapat diperpanjang[/SIZE][/FONT].[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
            [FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2](4) Ketentuan mengenai tata cara dan persyaratan perpanjangan Izin [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]Kunjungan sebagaimana dimaksud dalam ayat (2) diatur lebih lanjut[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]
            [FONT=Tahoma][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]dengan Keputusan Menteri Kehakiman.[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]

            As long as no law amending this article is passed, it prevails and governs extensions of Izin Kunjungan.

            What you wrote is a very bizare free interpretation of the law. If a problem arise, your friends using this method may well be in serious troubles, even if their extension is perfectly genuine. They should know that they have applied for a tourist visa which is not extendable. Immigration officer are smart. They know they won't get the blame... the foreigner will be the one in trouble.

            Comment


            • #7
              Wow, Ok. I have used this visa before I got my KITAS and had no problems extending it at different KI's as discussed. They have never questioned it and I do not think it is greed as the fee is the same as for the sosbud and I payed at the cashier counter and got official receipt. In practice at most (certainly many) offices they are treating this visa exactly like a sosbud in the way they grant extensions (ie. have to get fingerprinted etc. 2nd time and have to go to the local immigrasi boss/head office for prior aproval 3rd and 4th times).
              Whether this is legal or not I cannot say but it is now very common practice amongst long-term backpackers etc. and has been for the last 2 years or so.
              And I got mine in KL also, though I didnt ask for an extendable visa, just the 60-day one (which I had thought/known was extendable).
              I made 3 extensions before leaving to get my VTT/KITAS. My friend spent 6 months here on this visa making 4 extensions, he has just come back from Singapore where he got same visa again without any problems, and surely they could have seen in his passport that he has made extensions to it.
              He did have some problems when he re-entered but this was becuase the immigration guy was supicious he is working here etc. as he is staying so long and coming straight back in. Even then there was no suggestion his visa was illegal or that his previous visa had been used illegaly in terms of making extensions to it.

              Please realise I am not for a minute disputing your knowledge or interpretation of the law, but the fact is, illegal or otherwise, this is now common practice being done by many. Just ask for 60 day tourist visa, if the code is B211 it will be treated like a sosbud for extensions. (NB. there is nothing on the visa itself that says 'tourist visa' or 'izin kunjungan', I would guess the only distinction is the lack of a sponsor's name but I have never seen a sosbud B211 to check.)

              Comment


              • #8
                It seems apparent then that this Visa has to have been unofficially authorised by head office as no Indonesian Consular or Immigration website mentions it as being available.
                Whilst this is great news for those backpackers and others wishing the freedom and flexibility this visa offers, as Atlantis suggests there may well be some legal risks inherant in using it.
                Last edited by ohmdafyd; 18-05-09, 20:35. Reason: edit
                IknowthatyoubelieveyouunderstandwhatyouthinkIsaid, butI'mnotsureyourealisethatwhatyouheardisnotwhatI meant.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Louise....I believe you may be on to something which the RI Government does not intend, but the Immigration Officers are not smart enough to find out....yet!

                  I read your post very clearly and am looking at my Canadian Passport and you are correct. There is nothing to say it is a Sosbud...not even my sponsor's name is on it. The index # is B211.

                  The entry chop, when I arrived in RI, just says 'Travel' and expires in 60 days. My arrival card also says nothing about the Visa and the departure date I left blank.
                  This would appear to mean I could have applied for the 60 Tourist Visa which does NOT require a sponsor letter and, as far as entry to RI is concerned, it looks the same as my Sosbud.

                  When I need to apply for an extension THEN I will need a sponsor letter. But that could be wherever I live at the time of that application, whether it be Bali/Java or elsewhere. As you say, there is NO original information on who my sponsor is anyway.
                  Or, is it just that they do not check the original computer records from the original application...do they even transmit them from the foreign RI Embassy/Consul back to Indonesia? (A rhetorical question)

                  From my own perspective this really does not have much advantage.

                  The downside of entering as a Tourist, with no original sponsor, and then applying for an extension is that I fear I would put THAT extension sponsor at risk. He is presumed to have vetted and guaranteed the RI Government for my finance and behaviour, prior to issuing the sponsor letter.

                  Please understand, I'm not disagreeing with you at all...I wish this whole RI visa thing was simpler and anyone with good new ways to make it simpler are welcome to comment.

                  Interesting
                  David
                  Last edited by Davita; 18-05-09, 21:20.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    When i extended my sosbud yesterday, immigration checked that the sponsor name is correct against their ktp (or atleast a photocopy of her ktp).
                    So using your advice could land some people in hot water.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      I remember I got some social cultural visas without the sponsor's name printed in it . And in one of this occasion I asked the immigration officer if I could change the sponsor (at a first extension) . She said I could because there was no sponsor name in the visa , and so I changed the sponsor but kept this new sponsor for all 4 extensions .
                      Last edited by marcus; 19-05-09, 11:43.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by marcus View Post
                        I remember I got some social cultural visas without the sponsor's name printed in it . And in one of this occasion I asked the immigration officer if I could change the sponsor (at a first extension) . She said I could because there was no sponsor name in the visa , and so I changed the sponsor but kept this new sponsor for all 4 extensions .
                        Perhaps where you apply is the loophole then, apart from my very first one in Singapore all of my Sosbuds have been processed in Aus and the Consul is scrupulous in it's requirements, so all of my Visas have my wifes name as the sponsor on them.
                        IknowthatyoubelieveyouunderstandwhatyouthinkIsaid, butI'mnotsureyourealisethatwhatyouheardisnotwhatI meant.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Just to clarify again, I applied for a 60 day Tourist Visa using the Tourist Visa application form. If you check you will find this visa is available at most embassies/consulates. I have never applied for a sosbud (social-cultural visa). (If you visit the Singapore Embassy website you will see there are 2 different forms for each visa available for download.)
                          However what I get in my passport is a visit visa valid for a stay of 60 days with index code B211 that is in appearance no different to a sosbud (based on Davita's info above).

                          To make the extensions you need a letter of support from a local sponsor, copy of the sponsors ktp and the sponsor has to fill in some information on one of the forms and sign over the materai. I agree the sponsor is vouching for your behaviour etc. although not sure how this differs in any significant way to the 'normal sosbud' sponsorship. I dont see any greater risk to the sponsor here, but it is their choice after all (kind of why I was aksing the original question... If I can act as a sponsor it will save asking our Indonesian friends).

                          Beebop - i'm not sure what you mean, they will check the sponsor details are consistent between the form, letter and ktp copy but there is nothing else to check it against for the first extension. On subsequent extensions they could check it back against the previous ones but if they do then this was not a problem for me (or my friend, or the dozens/hundreds of other who are doing this).

                          To repeat, I have made multiple extensions on this visa with a different sponsor each time. Some of these extensions were in the same KI, so they should have been aware that I was now using a different sponsor. There was certainly no problem to use a different sponsor each time, it was never questioned.

                          The 3rd and 4th extensions were authorised in advance by the regional head of immigrasi. If this was done "unofficially' I do not see how this is any different to the 'official' authorisation, the stamp is in my passport all the same.

                          When applying for the extensions you have to state in the support letter and on one of the forms the purpose of your visit and the reason you require an additional 30 days stay. I have always written "tourism" here so was being completely honest with them. Extensions were still issued.

                          Though of course I concede this may all be technically illegal its just that nobody, neither the tourists nor the immigrasi, realise this..!!! Should probably stop writing publicly about it then.

                          Louise.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            You are correct Louise...the Canadian Application form for a Tourist and Sosbud Visa is identical, except for a tick in a box which determines which Visa one is applying for. If they do NOT relay that info to Indonesia then no-one would know the difference.

                            I suspect that the applicant and the sponsor for the extension could be expected to be aware that the original Visa is not extendible, and ignorance of law is not an excuse, but that point is not absolutely clear.

                            However I think your last comment is apt:
                            [COLOR="Red"]Though of course I concede this may all be technically illegal its just that nobody, neither the tourists nor the immigrasi, realise this..!!! Should probably stop writing publicly about it then.[/COLOR]

                            It might even be wise to delete all comments made on this subject. Just in case!

                            David

                            ps I'd be happy to permit the moderator to delete mine
                            Last edited by Davita; 19-05-09, 23:25. Reason: added PS

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Davita View Post
                              You are correct Louise...the Canadian Application form for a Tourist and Sosbud Visa is identical, except for a tick in a box which determines which Visa one is applying for. If they do NOT relay that info to Indonesia then no-one would know the difference.

                              I suspect that the applicant and the sponsor for the extension could be expected to be aware that the original Visa is not extendible, and ignorance of law is not an excuse, but that point is not absolutely clear.

                              However I think your last comment is apt:
                              [COLOR=Red]Though of course I concede this may all be technically illegal its just that nobody, neither the tourists nor the immigrasi, realise this..!!! Should probably stop writing publicly about it then.[/COLOR]

                              It might even be wise to delete all comments made on this subject. Just in case!

                              David

                              ps I'd be happy to permit the moderator to delete mine
                              Atlantis is in Europe at the moment and may not have Internet access.

                              Just for general information it is my understanding that as far as deleting threads goes, if the original poster of a thread wants to it is up to them, and all subsequent responses will also be deleted.
                              Personally I'm not sure this thread should be as it is informing anyone who may be using this process for Visa extensions that it is not strictly legal.

                              Louse, extensions cannot be 'legally' or 'offically' approved in advance because according to the Immigration Regulations they are only granted on a monthly basis.
                              Last edited by ohmdafyd; 20-05-09, 06:21. Reason: edit
                              IknowthatyoubelieveyouunderstandwhatyouthinkIsaid, butI'mnotsureyourealisethatwhatyouheardisnotwhatI meant.

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