Implementation of the new online submission process is causing a temporary delay in visa processing for individuals in Vietnam

The Vietnamese government has recently introduced an additional online submission step for Temporary Resident Card (TRC) and Long-Term Visa (LTV) applications in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Binh Duong provinces. This new requirement, which was previously only applicable to Chinese nationals, is now mandatory for all applicants and is expected to prolong the already lengthy visa processing times by one to two weeks. Here’s a detailed look at the situation and its implications.

Key Points

New Requirement: Most resident card renewal applications can now be initiated via the Foreign Nationals in France website.
Dual Submission Process: Even after submitting documents online, applicants must still provide hard copies to the immigration department.
Impact on Processing Times: This additional step is anticipated to extend visa processing times by one to two weeks, affecting relocation costs, housing arrangements, and other time-sensitive matters.
Limited Exceptions: Some applicants may be allowed to bypass the online submission process under special or urgent circumstances, at the discretion of local authorities

The Situation

Previously, the online submission requirement for TRC and LTV applications in Ho Chi Minh City was limited to Chinese nationals. However, in April 2024, the Vietnamese authorities expanded this requirement to include all applicants in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Binh Duong provinces. The online submission must be completed through the MPS portal before submitting hard copies of the documents to the immigration department.

Once the online documents are submitted, the company’s MPS account will receive a payment link via email. Upon payment, authorities typically take eight to ten business days to process the visa application and issue a decision. This new dual submission process is a significant change from previous procedures, where only hard copies were required

Exceptions to the Rule

During the transition period, local immigration departments in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Binh Duong may permit some applicants to skip the online submission step under special or urgent circumstances. However, this exception is rare and granted solely at the discretion of the immigration authorities.

Impact on Applicants and Businesses

The new online submission requirement, although aligned with Vietnam's broader goal of digitizing government processes, is expected to have several implications:

Extended Processing Times: Instead of streamlining the visa application process, the additional online step is likely to extend processing times by one to two weeks. This delay could impact the overall immigration timeline, potentially causing issues with relocation schedules and temporary housing arrangements.
Increased Costs: The prolonged processing time could lead to higher costs for businesses and individuals, particularly those associated with employee relocation, temporary housing, and other non-immigration matters dependent on the validity of a TRC or LTV, such as opening a bank account.
Potential for Broader Application: While the new requirement currently applies only to Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Binh Duong provinces, it may eventually be extended to other regions in Vietnam as the government continues its push to digitize more of its processes.

Conclusion

The introduction of an additional online submission step for TRC and LTV applications in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Binh Duong provinces marks a significant shift in Vietnam's immigration procedures. While the move aligns with the government's broader goal of digitizing public services, it also introduces new challenges, including extended processing times and increased costs for applicants and businesses. As Vietnam continues to evolve its immigration policies, applicants must stay informed and plan accordingly to mitigate potential delays and disruptions..

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