Hello everybody,
A long story, I hope some of you are able to give me some advice:
2 years ago I left Ecuador on a tourist visa, I wasn't given an exit stamp (small frontera; la balsa) I have a new pasport now, and decided to try to come back overland (Peru, Tumbes), Initially, Ecuador wouldn't let me in, as "In their system I had been in Ecuador for the last 2 years, illegally" After a long talk with a lawyer at the Immigration office, the lawyer told me to just enter Ecuador, as "I already was in Ecuador". She told me I had two options, either leave Ecuador and only get the ban for 9 months (however, I have a new pasport, so I don't have the entry stamp either anymore, I am sure this will give me trouble leaving te country again??) But I want to settle here. I have heard so many stories (you know how it goes here, one immigration officer tells you this, others tells you that) I was told I won't be able to get a tourist visa (For that I need to leave the country for 9 months)
But I could apply for a Professional Visa, Work visa or Volunteer Visa. Sounds weird, since I am here "illegally" ?
Professional Visa sounds the most interesting for me, I have a Psychology degree, but all this paper work, it seems like I won't even be able to do that from within Ecuador? I will need to go to the Netherlands and do lots of paperwork there? Anybody experience with applying for this type of visa within Ecuador?
So maybe easier is a Volunteer Visa to start off with (I have connections)
Does anybody have any advice, tips, or info regarding my situation? Muchas gracias!!
Sophie