How to Get a Visa to the United States From Vietnam
The United States is a very popular destination for foreign nationals. In 2009, the U.S. Department of State issued more than 40,000 nonimmigrant visas to visitors from Vietnam. The most common types of visas issued to Vietnamese visitors are B1 business visas, B2 tourist visas and F1 student visas. In order to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis for work, education or fun, foreign visitors must apply for and obtain a nonimmigrant visa.
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Things You'll Need
- Valid passport
- Digital photo
- U.S. currency for application fee
- Visa application
- Supporting documents (business contract, transcripts, diploma, etc.)
Instructions
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Determine what type of visa you need, based on the purpose of your visit to the United States. Lists of the various visa types are available on the State Department Web site.
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Present your passport and pay the application fee at the Citibank office in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The fee is $131 in U.S. dollars as of April 2, 2010. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The address in Hanoi is:
17 Ngo Quyen St.
Ground FloorThe address in Ho Chi Minh City is:
Sun Wah Tower
Ground Floor
115 Nguyen Hue Street
District 1 -
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Fill out the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application form online, at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. The DS-156 form is no longer acceptable after April 16, 2010. Upload a square, color digital picture that is between 600 and 1200 pixels to accompany your application.
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Submit the DS-160 application electronically.
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Print out the confirmation page that indicates you have completed the online DS-160 application.
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Schedule your visa interview at the consulate. Submitting the DS-160 application form online automatically schedules you for a consulate interview.
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Gather supporting documentation. Documentation should show your ties to Vietnam and your reason for visiting the U.S. For example, a labor contract if visiting on business, or a university acceptance letter if visiting as a student.
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Attend your interview at the consulate. Bring your confirmation page, Citibank application fee receipt, passport and any supporting documentation you have gathered.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply at least three months before your scheduled departure. Current waiting times for visa interviews can be found on the consulate Web sites.
If the interviewer approves your visa request, you will receive your visa within two to three business days. If denied, you can re-apply at a later date.
If you are applying to come to the United States as a student or exchange scholar, there is an additional charge, called a SEVIS fee, which must be paid.
Be on time for your visa interview.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit passport image by yuriyklymenko from Fotolia.com
