General Information

The Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Unit processes the visa applications of Vietnamese nationals and third-country nationals seeking to travel to the U.S. temporarily for business, pleasure, study, or work. Please click here for our customer service statement to all visa applicants.

Visa Inquiries

The Information Team of the Consular Section handles all public inquiries regarding both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa information. For contact information and hours of operation, please click here.

Visa Categories

There are many kinds of nonimmigrant visas. Depending on your purpose of travel to the U.S, the interviewing officer will make a decision about your visa category. For more information about visa categories, please visit  U.S. Embassy Hanoi's website.

NOTE TO STUDENTS: we highly recommend you to visit the Education USA website before applying for a student visa to the United States.

Visa Processing Times

The average processing time is 2 business days. If approved for a visa, applicants usually receive their visas within three business days by an express courier service.

Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant’s interview by a Consular Officer. Applicants are advised of this requirement when they apply. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice: Before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants or their representatives will need to wait at least 60 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

Request an Expedited Visa Interview

This form is only for applicants who have already scheduled a visa appointment online but who have an urgent need to be interviewed at an earlier time OR for those applicants who hold an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC).

- Application Form for an Expedited Visa Interview

Important Notices

Please keep in mind that your electronic and/or biometric signature during the visa application process on any visa application form is your guarantee that all information you provide is true and correct. You are personally and legally responsible, even if a travel agent or someone else prepares documents for you. Any fraudulent documents or misleading statements may result in your permanent ineligibility for any future visa.

You are not allowed to bring electronic devices, including mobile telephones, into the Consulate General. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation.

As is standard practice around the world, we do not permit third parties to attend nonimmigrant visa interviews. This rule also applies to third parties who are American Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents. If a third party has an interest in your case, please have them write a letter stating their interest and bring it to your interview. Effective from May 23rd 2011, minors under age of 17 MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to the interview. Your interview can be conducted in Vietnamese or in English, as you prefer.

No assurance regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Please do not make any binding travel plans until you have received your visa.

Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care in the U.S. can be expensive, foreign medical insurance is generally not accepted inside the United States and visitors and temporary residents are required to pay their own medical costs. If your insurance policy does not cover you outside of your home country, it is a good idea to consider purchasing a short-term policy that does. There are health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred in the U.S. If you have a recurring medical condition, or anticipate the need for medical care during your stay in the U.S., please plan accordingly by obtaining the appropriate coverage prior to your travel to the U.S.

Legal Rights and Protections for Certain Employment or Education-based Nonimmigrants – Notice: Informational Pamphlet is Now Available!

The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (WWTVPRA) of 2008 was signed into law on December 23, 2008, by the President. The Act makes several changes to nonimmigrant visa classification criteria, visa processing requirements, and the grounds for inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(2)(H).

The changes under this provision of this law, relate to the legal rights of certain employment or education-based nonimmigrants under Federal immigration, labor, and employment laws. Additionally, this law outlines the information to be provided to certain nonimmigrants about their rights, protections and available resources. When working or studying in the United States temporarily, we want to ensure each nonimmigrant is aware of his/her rights, as well as protections and resources available, To learn more, review the Nonimmigrant Rights, Protections and Resources pamphlet, Online version or Printer double-sided version. Information on this topic is also available to nonimmigrant visa applicants in the employment and education-based visa webpages on this site.