5th Kitas extension or kitap conversion

[Lemonyellow]

I'm on my 4th Kitas (spousal) right now, expiring in march. Should I go for the 5th extension if it's available or conversion to kitap should be the best option , given the covid situation it's taking a lot longer than usual to get it done. If I apply for kitap in October would it be done before march ?

Thanks.

 

[HappyMan]

KITAP is worlds better than KITAS, if you are here for the long haul. Much of the yearly government paperwork goes away permanently (Catatan Sipil, Kantor Lurah, Kecamatan, RT/RW, police visit, trip to Jakarta to deliver papers). The rest moves to a five year interval (driver's license, KanIm). I used to spend so much time on paperwork and without a valid driver's license.

In addition to the time and expense required to keep up with all of that KITAS stuff on a yearly basis, I found it slightly stressful. Ultimately, all those people could cause problems for me in some fashion, either by whim or incompetence, so I prefer to see as little of them as possible (kinda like police).

It is just soooo much better. I'm spending more time living life like a normal person and less time dealing with the unfortunate realities of being a foreigner who is allowed to live here.

I guess the downside I would mention is the hefty cost of the permanent KITAP. Some people don't have 12 jt to plop down on the table (even if it is the last time they will have to pay). Probably not a problem for many, but it must be for some.

 

[Lemonyellow]

Actually last year I wanted to convert my Kitas but I had to renew my passport as well so I went with the Kitas extension. I also have read some post on the forum where some had to wait long to get their kitap because of the ongoing pandemic. I was just thinking would 5 months be enough to get the Kitas to kitap conversion done

 

[HappyMan]

Actually last year I wanted to convert my Kitas but I had to renew my passport as well so I went with the Kitas extension. I also have read some post on the forum where some had to wait long to get their kitap because of the ongoing pandemic. I was just thinking would 5 months be enough to get the Kitas to kitap conversion done

You should just stop by KanIm, if it isn't too inconvenient for you. You'll know right away if they are going to fight you on it.

If KanIm hasn't finished the new visa before your old visa expires, but you have already submitted it before the deadline, they will postdate your new visa to the expiry date if your old visa. This happened to me twice (that I remember), as the head office can be a bit slow to return paperwork to the regional offices. I won't guarantee your results, but if it were me I would just go for it.

 

[SamR]

You should just stop by KanIm, if it isn't too inconvenient for you. You'll know right away if they are going to fight you on it.

This is good advice. Don’t wait until too close to the deadline. And the part about whether or not they will “fight” is no exaggeration. There are those who qualify for a Kitap but have to deal with immigration officials telling them that they don’t qualify. Hopefully that won’t be Lemonyellow’s experience.

That said, @Lemonyellow two years of marriage is sufficient to be able to qualify for conversion from spousal Kitas to spousal Kitap. No need to wait for a fourth or a fifth year.

 

[fastpitch17]

My KITAP renewal was submitted June 14. In Jakarta but has not been signed yet. Not worried about it. Everything submitted prior to experation.

 

[Lemonyellow]

Thanks. I'll apply for it in October, hopefully it'll be as smooth as my sosbud to Kitas conversion