How to Apply for a Student Visa to Study in Vietnam

How to Apply for a Student Visa to Study in Vietnam

By 25 tháng 10, 2024 - 11:31 (GMT +07)

How to Apply for a Student Visa to Study in Vietnam

Vietnam is renowned for its rich culture, scenic beauty, and a friendly environment, but it's also becoming a top destination for foreign students seeking quality education. If you're planning to study in Vietnam, securing a student visa (Visa DH) is essential. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for a student visa and what you need to know.

ho-chi-minh-city-university
(University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City)  

What is a Vietnam Student Visa?

A Vietnam student visa, known as Visa DH, is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam for study or internship purposes. This visa allows students to stay in Vietnam for up to 12 months, and the visa must be one month shorter than the validity of the student’s passport. Upon arrival, students can also apply for a temporary residence card (DH) that corresponds with the duration of their studies.

Key Conditions for Obtaining a Vietnam Student Visa:

To apply for a student visa to Vietnam, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Hold a valid passport with at least 12 months of validity.
  • Have a written acceptance or admission letter from a recognized school or institution in Vietnam.
  • Not be prohibited from entering Vietnam.
  • Have a sponsoring or inviting agency, organization, or individual in Vietnam.

How to Obtain a Vietnam Student Visa?

Documents Required:

  1. From the Applicant (Foreign Student):
    • A valid passport with a minimum of 12 months of validity.
    • A notarized copy of any documents proving the purpose of your entry (such as an admission letter).
    • A completed visa application form.
  2. From the Inviting Agency or School in Vietnam:
    • Guaranteeing documents for the foreign student (Form NA2).
    • A written admission letter from the school or institution.
    • A letter of introduction or authorization from the school.
    • Proof of the school's legal status to invite foreign students.

Procedures:

Step 1: Apply for the Entry Approval Letter

  • The inviting school or organization in Vietnam must submit the necessary documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department (in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, or the respective province where the applicant will study).
  • This process typically takes around 5 working days.

Step 2: Submit Documents for the Visa

  • Once the approval letter is received, the foreign student must submit the following documents to the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate:
    • The approval letter from the Immigration Department.
    • Original passport.
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Additional required documents (such as proof of admission and passport photos).
    • Payment for the visa fee.
  • The visa processing time at the embassy may take up to 5-7 working days.

Where to Receive the Visa:

Students can receive their visa at their local Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate after submitting the required documents. Alternatively, if they are already in Vietnam on a tourist visa, they can apply for a visa conversion at the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Summary Table: Vietnam Student Visa Overview

Visa TypeDescriptionValidity
DH (Student Visa)Issued to foreigners for study or internship purposesNo longer than 12 months

Conclusion:

Applying for a student visa to study in Vietnam involves careful preparation of documents and a few important steps. With the proper invitation from a recognized Vietnamese institution and the necessary paperwork, you can smoothly obtain your visa and begin your studies in Vietnam. If you face any difficulties or want to save time, you can also seek assistance from visa agencies to handle the process on your behalf.

For more details and support, feel free to contact us!

Frequently asked questions:

What do I need to prepare after getting the approval entry letter from the sponsor?

After receiving the approval entry letter, you need to prepare the following documents: your original passport, a completed visa application form, the admission letter from your Vietnamese school, passport-sized photos, a health certificate, proof of sufficient funds, and other documents as required by the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your country.

What if there is no Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in my country?

 In case there is no Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your country, inform your sponsoring school or agency in Vietnam as soon as possible. They can help you apply for a pre-approved visa letter. With this approval letter, you can get your visa on arrival at one of eight designated international airports in Vietnam.

How long does it take to apply for a student visa to Vietnam?

The process can take some time. First, your sponsor or school will apply for the approval entry letter, which can take up to 30 days after your enrollment. After that, you’ll need to submit your documents to the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate, which may take another 14 days. The process might take longer if additional documents are required.

What is the fee for a student visa?

The fee for a student visa varies depending on the length of your stay in Vietnam. It typically ranges from 25 to 135 USD.

Comment
Popup image default

Notice