Job Discussion Forums

[tideout]

I’m trying to avoid problems after arriving in Vietnam with my B.A. diploma.

A few details first.

-I'm referencing a web page from VUS's web site on document preparation.
-The printed diploma will have several layers of notarization/certification (Notary/Notary certification/State dept. apostille from the specific state etc.).
-It’s all completely legit as are all of my other visa related documents (TESOL cert, criminal background and so on).
-Nearly impossible to fix this State-side once I’m in Vietnam.

My concern is that the diploma reads: ……issued a Baccalaureate in Liberal Arts to (my name). The major isn’t indicated as it was a general B.A. degree. Maybe I should mention that it’s a B.A. from a major US state and university system – wasn’t ever a problem in other countries (Korea, Mexico etc..) I do have an official transcript from the school stating the department and a major I was enrolled in at the time.

Also, I worked for a short time before in HCM and left due to not being able to get the police check done in time for my visa. I interviewed at the time with another, public school connected organization, and they barely looked at my paperwork – ready to just go down and get the Visa paperwork done.

I’m wondering if the worst case scenario is working for a lower paying ( and/or better connected?) school for a while to get a work visa which would open up other oppurtunities?

Any experiences with super uptight HR or Immigration people around this document issue?

Any thoughts on it would be greatly appreciated!

[ExpatLuke]

The pendulum on the difficulty of getting paperwork processed is currently swinging back towards things getting easier.

For your diploma, it shouldn't matter what your degree is in unless it's an education or TESOL degree. Any degree is acceptable if you have a TESOL certificate to go with it.

If you don't have a TESOL certificate, and you're relying on your relevant degree to get the work permit, then the diploma needs to clearly state what your degree was in, or you need to provide transcripts which clearly state your degree.

[tideout]

EpatLuke,

Thanks for your response - I really appreciate it.
Good to hear that things might actually get smoother.

I've got a legit TESOL certificate in the process of being notarized (from the school in the state where it originated.

My degree (admittedly a bit generic looking on some level) will be notarized etc...
I'm also getting an official transcript from the college notarized which has a major listed as well.
If I can swing it, I may get these "verified" from the VTN consulate in San Fran with the criminal background check....

Unfortunately, time gets eaten up with all of the levels of stamping and the back and forth of documents.

I guess I'm back overseas for the long haul so, it's an investment worth making....

Again, thanks for chiming in...much appreciated.

Regards,
tideout