In-person visa application visits required, visa delays persist

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Vietnamese immigration authorities are requiring local employees from sponsoring entities to submit visa applications in-person.

Key Points:

• Vietnamese immigration authorities no longer allow third-party providers to submit an application on behalf of a sponsoring entity even with a power of attorney signed by the sponsoring entity’s authorized signatory.
• Sponsoring entities must send one of their designated employees to the Immigration Department to submit visa applications.
• Vietnamese authorities no longer accept visa pre-approval applications with the requirement for visa endorsement “on-arrival” when there is no Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the applicant’s departure country.

BAL Analysis: Employees from sponsoring entities who are submitting visa applications in-person should expect delays when filing an application. Employees should arrive at the Immigration Office before 7 a.m. to ensure the application can be submitted that day. Employers should plan to start the visa application process at least three weeks before the foreign national’s intended travel date.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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