Everyone should come along, if not for the initial visit, then definitely for fingerprinting and photo taking, which is usually a few days later.
I don't agree. I cannot tell for some remote provinces, but in Jakarta that is for sure not the case. I have literally done all my immigration visits myself without bothering my sponsor to join.
It is beneficial to understand the underlying logic of the immigration process:
It is always
the sponsor who requests XXX towards immigration for you/on your behalf,
or guarantees XXX for you etc.
This goes through from the initial VITAS application (or any sponsored visa actually), continues for conversion to KITAS, MERP, alih status, etc.. Even if you want to report an address change to Immigration, it will be the sponsor reporting your change of address etc.
The above is important to understand but it is only a
technicality because all of this happens
in writing:
- on immigration forms, to be signed by the sponsor
- on letters, to be issued in the name of/and signed by the sponsor.
In reality, the sponsor never needs to actually go to immigration!
It will be usually 2 trips to immigration for the initial document submission:
1. Obtain docs and information:
- the latest immigration forms,
- letter samples that you need to retype anyways, so that s why one shot is difficult.
- full list of needed attachments for your case
2. Submit the documents
(that have been already prepared and signed by your sponsor in the meantime)
#############################
If your sponsor is busy, no need to make them join to immigration themselves as long as you are confident enough to figure it out, and your case is clear and properly documented. This is surely the case as you just got a fresh VITAS to enter.
In particular for the photos, fingerprints etc, sponsor does not have to join at all.
Thanks! Can I go to my nearest immigration office, or this should be at one of the big offices? I'm in Jakarta Selatan.
If your sponsor KTP is also in Jakarta Selatan, then it will be South Jakarta Immigration in Warung Buncit:
https://goo.gl/maps/w73VvR7ocxR3t76w9
- document section closed at 11am, go before 9am and it will be super fast and relaxed.
- very limited parking but you can park at the KFC 200m north from there and walk
- walk via the left side (BRI), the document counter is on GF on the back of the building
- just ask your case at the counter and they will guide you.
I had very pleasant experiences there. I find the officers to be polite, friendly and generally very helpful. If you already have a clear visa case (i.e. entered on VITAS, so all the pre checking has been done and passed), nobody wants to make your life hard. It's just formalities.