PRESS RELEASE

October 1, 2009

New U.S. Embassy Program: Many Vietnamese May Renew Visas by Mail

In a new program that will save Vietnamese travelers to the United States both time and money, the United States now accepts applications for renewal of nonimmigrant visas through its courier service. In many cases, applicants no longer need to come to the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City for an interview or new set of fingerprints. 

Students, temporary workers, business travelers and tourists can often take advantage of this new system. To qualify for this program, applicants must be physically present in Vietnam. They should be applying for the same visa type as in their previous nonimmigrant visa. Finally, not more than 12 months should have elapsed since the previous visa expired.

The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi will process visa renewals for applicants throughout the country, including those residing in the consular district of the U.S. Consulate General in HCMC. If the Embassy is not able to approve the application without a personal appearance, applicants will be interviewed at either the Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, depending on their place of residence.

For more information about this program, please refer to our website: http://vietnam.usembassy.gov.