Vietnamese Visa for International Students

Vietnamese Visa for International Students

International students must obtain the appropriate visa before entering Vietnam. HUFLIT supports students throughout the visa pre-approval process to ensure a smooth and timely arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Visa Type for International Students

Student Visa – Type DH

All international students studying in Vietnam must apply for a DH (Student) Visa, issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Important Notice

Tourist visas cannot be converted into student visas inside Vietnam.
Students must complete the student visa process before entering Vietnam’s border.

2. HUFLIT’s Visa Support

The Department of External Relations (DER) will:

  • Prepare and submit your documents

  • Request your visa pre-approval from the Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City (VID-HCMC)

  • Provide the official documents needed for you to obtain the visa at the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in your home country

Maintaining proper visa status remains the responsibility of the student.
However, HUFLIT provides full support during the application process.

3. Student Visa Procedure

Step 1 – Letter of Acceptance & Visa Instructions

Once your application is approved, HUFLIT issues a Letter of Acceptance.
Students must then contact the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in their home country to obtain visa application forms and updated instructions.

Step 2 – Visa Application Submitted by HUFLIT (in Vietnam)

HUFLIT submits your visa documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department – Ho Chi Minh City (VID-HCMC).
Processing time: 7 working days.

Step 3 – Visa Pre-Approval

Once approved:

  • VID-HCMC sends the pre-approval directly to the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate of your choice.

  • HUFLIT will also send you a scanned copy via email or another communication channel.

This document is required to obtain your visa.

Step 4 – Visa Application in Your Home Country

Students must bring the following to the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate:

Required Documents

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages)

  • Printed visa pre-approval (A4 size)

  • Letter of Acceptance from HUFLIT

  • Visa application form (as instructed by Embassy/Consulate)

  • Visa application fee
    → The fee varies by country and embassy.

Step 5 – Visa Grant

Students will be notified by the Embassy/Consulate of the date to receive their:

📌 DH Visa – Multiple Entry

This visa allows multiple entries during your study period at HUFLIT.

4. Visa Validity and Duration

HUFLIT-sponsored visas will include:

  • 2 extra weeks before the academic semester begins

  • 2 extra weeks after the semester ends

After completing your studies at HUFLIT:

HUFLIT will no longer sponsor a student visa.
You must leave Vietnam or apply for another visa type if you wish to stay for other purposes (e.g., travel, internship, employment).

5. Important Notes

Student Responsibilities

  • Submit visa documents on time

  • Check Embassy/Consulate processing times

  • Ensure passport validity meets all requirements

HUFLIT is not responsible for late arrivals caused by incomplete or delayed student submissions.

⚠ Vietnam Visa Policy Updates (2024–2025)

Vietnam currently:

  • Issues DH student visas through pre-approval only

  • Does not allow in-country conversion from tourist visa → student visa

  • Requires students to process the final visa stamp outside Vietnam (at an Embassy/Consulate)

These regulations are consistent nationwide.