Vietnam: New Requirement for Obtaining Visa Application Slots Resulting in Delays in Visa Application Process

The Immigration Department is implementing a requirement that a local employee from the sponsoring entity must be physically present during both (1) the queuing for an appointment slot and (2) the filing of applications. Previously, third parties could file applications on the company’s behalf. The company representative may be required to present their identification, proof of employment with the sponsoring entity (such as company identification or employment contract) and record of social insurance contribution via the VssID app. Fragomen has observed long queues at the Immigration Department and the company representative may need to wait for three to four hours to obtain the slot to file the visa application. The company representative may also be asked to return on another day for the application filing. As a result, applicants must be aware that submissions are being delayed (particularly with the Immigration Departments in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) and regular status updates are also more difficult to obtain from the authorities.