1. Purpose
The purpose of this guideline is to provide international students with comprehensive information on visa requirements, application processes, renewals, and compliance with Vietnamese immigration laws. This guideline aims to help students understand their responsibilities regarding visa maintenance, ensure a smooth experience during their studies in Vietnam, and prevent issues related to overstaying or non-compliance.
2. Scope
This guideline applies to all international students enrolled in full-time programs, who require a study visa (DH code) sponsored by VinUniversity. Any exceptional cases will be managed on a case-by-case basis by the Student Affairs Management Office (SAM).
3. Principles
3.1 International students are required to hold a valid student visa (DH code) to study and serve internship at VinUniversity and adhere to Vietnam’s immigration laws and regulations.
3.2 For New Students: Incoming international students must obtain a valid student visa (DH code), sponsored by VinUniversity before arriving in Vietnam. VinUniversity will provide guidance on the visa application process to ensure compliance with Vietnam’s immigration laws and regulations. Students must not book a flight or travel that would have them arrive in Vietnam prior to the start date of their student visa.
3.3 For Current Students: International students already enrolled at VinUniversity are responsible for maintaining a valid student visa (DH code), throughout their studies. They must also adhere to any updates or changes in Vietnam’s immigration laws and ensure timely renewals or extensions as required.
3.4 The approval of students’ entry visa or visa extension is solely determined by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. VinUniversity is not responsible for and cannot guarantee the outcome of any visa application.
4. Entry Visa Process
Processing times may vary, and students are encouraged to submit their requests as early as possible to avoid delays.
| No. | Steps | Description | Responsible Party | Timeline |
| 1 | Submit Entry Visa Request | Student collaborates with the Admissions Counsellor to initiate the entry visa process after confirming acceptance to VinUniversity.
Office location: Admission Office, VinUniversity, Vinhomes Ocean Park, Hanoi, Vietnam. Email: admissionoffice@vinuni.edu.vn Phone number: +84 2471089779 or 18008189 |
Admissions Counsellor and student | At least 1 month prior to commencement date |
| 2 | Document Preparation | Gather and complete necessary documents, including acceptance letter, official decision for enrollment, a scanned valid passport, ID photo, tentative arrival date and any additional forms required | Student and Admissions Counsellor | At least 1 month prior to commencement date |
| 3 | Verification and Online visa application | – Review documents for accuracy and
– Submit the online visa application through the public service portal. |
Admissions Counsellor | Within 3 days after collecting all required documents from students |
| 4 | Offline visa application | – Submit hardcopy documents at the Police Department of Hanoi (Immigration Office). | Admissions Counsellor | Within 3 days after online submission |
| 5 | Processing by Immigration | Vietnamese Immigration Department reviews and processes the visa application. | Vietnamese Immigration Department | Processing time varies (typically 2-4 weeks) |
| 6 | Notification of Approval | Admissions Counsellor informs the student of the visa approval and provides further instructions for visa collection and required fees. | Admissions Counsellor | Within 3 business working days (from Monday to Friday) of approval |
| 7 | Visa Collection | – Student collects the entry visa from the Vietnamese consulate/embassy in their home country or at the designated location.
– Student is responsible for paying all visa-related fees |
Student | As directed by the Admissions Counsellor |
5. Visa Renewal Process
| No. | Steps | Description | Responsible Party | Timeline |
| 1 | Submit Renewal Request | Submit a visa renewal request form via email with required documents to VinUniversity’ Student Affairs Management Office.
Office location: I117, I Building, VinUniversity, Vinhomes Ocean Park, Hanoi. Email: connect-sam@vinuni.edu.vn. Phone number: (+84) 02471 089 779 (Ext: 9088). |
Student | 35-45 days before expiry |
| 2 | Document Verification | The Student Affairs Management reviews submitted documents to ensure they meet the requirements.
Required Documents Student must prepare the following documents for visa renewal:
|
Student Affairs Management | Within 5 business days |
| 3 | Application Submission | Upon verification, Student Affairs Management submits the renewal application to the Immigration Department. | Student Affairs Management | 30 days before expiry |
| 4 | Visa Fee Payment | Pay the visa renewal fee as instructed by Student Affairs Management (Students are responsible for paying visa renewal fees. The exact fee depends on the type of visa being renewed (single-entry vs. multiple entry) and its duration). | Student | |
| 5 | Processing and Decision | The Immigration Department processes the application and makes a decision on visa renewal.
Processing times may vary, and approval is solely at the discretion of the Vietnamese Immigration Department. |
Vietnamese Immigration Department | Processing time varies |
| 6 | Notification of Outcome | SAM notifies the student of the visa renewal outcome, and any further steps required. | Student Affairs Management | Within 3 business days of decision |
| 7 | Collect Visa | Student collects renewed visas from the Student Affairs Management office or as directed.
A valid student visa includes a ‘DH’ notation in the upper right corner of the visa page. This indicates that the visa is specifically for educational purposes. |
Student | Upon notification |
6. Overdue Visas
6.1 All international students are responsible for maintaining a valid visa status during their stay in Vietnam. It is the student’s obligation to monitor visa expiration dates and ensure timely renewals or extensions.
6.2 In the event of an expired visa, students are expected to follow university guidance, comply with Vietnamese immigration regulations, and bear any associated penalty fees. Failure to maintain a valid visa may lead to penalties, which could impact the student’s ability to remain enrolled and legally reside in Vietnam. VinUniversity disclaims any and all responsibility for incidents, legal matters, or other consequences arising from a student’s overdue visa.
6.3 Penalty Fee (for Overstaying): The penalty fee for overstaying depends on individual cases, as determined by the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
7. Exceptional Cases and Travel Restrictions
7.1 Travel During the Renewal Process
Students may not travel away from Hanoi during the visa renewal process, as their passport will be held by the Immigration Office. If urgent travel is required, students should contact Student Affairs Management immediately to discuss options.
7.2. Student Visa for Graduated International Students
7.2.1 Once international students complete their studies, their student visa (DH code) is no longer valid for residence in Vietnam. Graduated students are responsible for arranging their departure from the country or applying for a new visa type if they wish to stay in Vietnam for other purposes, such as employment or further studies. VinUniversity cannot sponsor or extend student visas for individuals who are no longer actively enrolled in a program.
7.2.2 Graduated students should consult the Vietnamese Immigration Department or a legal advisor to explore visa options suitable for their post-graduation plans.
7.3 Handling Leave of Absence (LOA) Cases with Active Student Visas
7.3.1 Notification of Leave: Once a student is approved for a Leave of Absence (LOA), Student Affairs Management will inform the student about the necessary steps for respective scenarios.
7.3.1.1. Student Continues to Reside in Vietnam
Students may retain their current student visa only if they sign the Statement of Student Visa Responsibilities
7.3.1.2. Student Exits Vietnam After Leave of Absence (LOA)
VinUniversity will inform students about the cancellation of their student visa.
VinUniversity will report student’s status to the Vietnam Immigration Department for record-keeping purposes. Note: VinUniversity will have to report all cases of visa cancellation and LOA to Vietnam Immigration Department as per Law no.47/2014/QH13 about Entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam as amended and supplemented from time to time.
If students fail to comply with the instruction above, which means they violate the law of Vietnam Immigration, they will legally take full responsibility from the immigration authorities, including strict penalties or the possibility of further entry.
8. Related Forms
- Below is a sample student visa. A valid student visa has a ‘DH’ notation on the top right of the page.
- A link to download the NA5 form for easy access can be found HERE
Appendix 1: Statement of Student Visa Responsibilities