Job Discussion Forums

[tr3]

I live in a state where my 12 year old DUI from college cannot be expunged. I know that Vietnam requires a record check for a visa. Has anyone in a similar situation had experience with this in Vietnam? Would this disqualify me?

[shamblaram]

I have a DUI from 5 years ago on my criminal record, but I was given a work visa/resident permit in Vietnam. So, it can be done.

On paper, your criminal record should be 'clean' and I was worried about it like you. But I asked around, and was told that the authorities are really looking for murderers, sex offenders and drug dealers. A DUI is seen as a minor offense, in fact 'Drink driving is a sport in Vietnam', a few people said.

Mind you, that was almost four years ago. Maybe things have tightened up since then.

[Prof.Gringo]

[shamblaram]

"If a school offers you a contract before coming to VN, ask about it, and any effect it would possibly have on getting a WP. "

That's good advice and that was what I thought, too. When I emailed Apollo (who were/are part of the IH group from where I got my CELTA), I was told that it might be a problem and if I came to Vietnam they wouldn't want to hire me. So, I panicked- I was already en route...

But when I got here, I applied for a job (not Apollo/better than Apollo), got it, started working and in my first month the language centre I was working at paid for my visa application/resident's card. I showed my 'unclean' criminal record to HR and they didn't seem bothered by it. Bit nervy while the visa was being processed by the authorities, but it came through.

After 6 months of being here, your old criminal record from back home is invalid and your criminal record is done by Vietnamese police- and so long as your record is clean in Vietnam you're good to go for the rest of your time here.

As I've said, I was already on my way to Vietnam, so I took my chances. Bit of a risk, yes. But it can be done. (UNLESS things have tightened up since then, four years ago).

[shamblaram]

ps one thing though:

I got a job teaching adults/young adults. Maybe a language centre for kids, like Apollo, might (understandably) see someone with a history of alcohol-related problems, however long ago, as a potential problem, and might not want to have you working for them regardless of whether the authorities might grant you a visa.

Something to consider...

[ExpatLuke]

[sigmoid]

[Prof.Gringo]

[shamblaram]

Sorry, tr3, I should have said... 'after 6 months your home country criminal record check USED TO BE invalid'. That's how it was a couple of years ago, but obviously times have changed...

I'm still teaching in Vietnam but haven't personally had to deal with visa admin for a while and my knowledge was clearly out of date. Thanks, Expat Luke, for correcting me.

Maybe I shouldn't have stepped in. I was trying to help, but now realise that my advice was wrong and potentially harmful. Apologies again. And good luck.

(Yes, Vietnam is a can of worms, but overall it's still a great place to be a teacher- respectful students, excited by student-centred learning, with relatively high wages for the low cost of living; tr3, definitely don't cross this country off your list without further investigations/advice)

[I'm With Stupid]

[EFL Educator]

What is happening in Vietnam is simple...those "powers that be" are trying to make your life as difficult as possible as a qualified EFL teacher...by coming up with new rules to ensure your continued misery. Actually the same thing is also happening in most (if not all) ASEAN countries.