Job Discussion Forums

VictorVictoria · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 14

I am moving to Vietnam at the end of July to work for an International School. I am Canadian. Does anyone know what is required for documentation for a work visa? Must it be obtained in Vietnam? Do I enter on a 6 month Tourist Visa?

Called the embassy here in Canada - their advice - 6 month tourist visa, apply in Vietnam, no documents need, no problem - all this I know can't be true.

I know I need a criminal record check, original and/or copies of my degree, teaching certification - notarized? - remember Canada is not part of Haugue Convention. I have a CELTA by the way. My problem in additon to knowing what is needed before/after I arrive, is that the school is also saying that I need translated copies of all documents - is this an immigration requirement or school?

Any info helpful, thank in advance. Also any one know how to find reasonable accommodation in HCMC - school is subsidizing, not paying cost.

Thanks again
V

BenE · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 321

Before you come make sure you bring ORIGINALS of the following:

Degree + transcript
CELTA
Criminal Records Check - Must be less than 6 months old (from the date you left Canada)

You SHOULD get a 6 month business VISA. These aren't that difficult to get. Just go on one of the many websites offering VISAs to Vietnam

VictorVictoria · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 14

I know that the translation that appears required for the CRC and Degree would be easier to get in Vietnam - or maybe not. But them what about authentication?

Do you know if this is required by Immigration or is it perhaps a school rule - that can be avoided.

Why a business Visa VS a Tourist 6 month visa? Is there a difference in changing them to a work visa?

Thanks for any help

PS Anyone on advice for finding accomodation in HCMC - approximate cost - my school is in District 1 but I know not much else about it.

VV

whiteshark · Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 5

I too would be interested in hearing information about a Vietnamese work visa. I am Canadian and the information I got from the Vietnamese Embassy in Ottawa was:

~ Notarization/translation of documents - $55 CAN dollars/page
*NOTE!!! They are going to stamp your original diploma/certificates so order duplicates from your university if you don't want a red stamp on them!

From what I could gather, after receiving these, you send these in with your application/photo/passport to get your visa. However, the woman I spoke with also provided information that I am certain can't be correct such as:

~ It NOT being a requirement to submit my passport to get a work visa (after speaking with her I revisited the website and it clearly states you do need to)

Needless to say I don't have much confidence in the information I received from this woman. Also, on the website it does not state that school diplomas are required for a business visa (although for a teaching position it does make sense to have to provide them) I have been offered a 2 year teaching position and the business visa is only for 6 months. Which one do you apply for and do you have to reapply every 6 months? It would be nice to hear from anyone else who has obtained a teaching position AND business visa before coming to Vietnam!

VictorVictoria · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 14

As the OP, I too hope there is someone who is a teacher and who has obtained a work visa.

The info I received from Ottawa was totally different. Here's a recap from my conversation with a man at the Vietnamese Embassy.

Me: How do I apply for a work visa to work at an International School in HCMC?

Man: How long do you want it?

Me: 2 years.

Man: You only get 1, 3, 6 months tourist visa. School gets work visa in Vietnam. No problem. We don't give Work Visas.

Me. Ok. What documents do I need in Vietnam.

Man: None. School gets work visa.
(I asked this several ways/several times and the answers were consistently - don't worry, no problem - visa in Vietnam - no documents needed.)

Needless to say, I have little confidence in the answer. Any more info please! Also 1 site said no translation needed, another said translations needed only for Criminal Record checks and degrees. Help any one?

VV

mach114 · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Posts: 56

You need to read the sticky on what you need to work in Vietnam. It is the third topic down on the Vietnam Forum homepage. What you need is a business visa, which your school should get for you if they are hiring you from abroad or in country. Some schools still don't do this in which case, you'll have to go over on a tourist visa and then get business visa from a tourist agency in Vietnam it cost about a 100USD for six months. If your school is following the law they will then begin the process to get you a work permit once you are in Vietnam. This process entails getting documents authenticated before you leave your home country. You can find out about this process by reading the sticky on this forum. To legally work in Vietnam you'll need the business visa and a work permit for working more than 90 days at any school. Legally is a nice word in Vietnam, not everyone does things by the book. I realize you guys are Canadians, your consulate or embassy in Vietnam might be able to help you with the authentication process in Vietnam, which might be easier. You should email them and find out. Have fun; and I hope I was of some help.