Fees and Forms

Before the visa interview, each applicant must show a valid passport and pay the non-refundable application fee of $131 in cash (only US dollars accepted) at the Citibank office located at Sun Wah Tower, Ground floor, 115 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Citibank is open from 8:30 – 11:30 in the morning and 1:00 – 3:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday.

In addition to the visa application fee, student (F/M) and exchange visitors (J1) must also pay an extra fee called a SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. As of October 27, 2008, the SEVIS was increased to $200 for new I-20 SEVIS forms for students and to $180 for exchange visitors.  Additional information about SEVIS fee procedures is available on the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (USICE) website at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm.

All application forms are provided free of charge from the Consulate or Citibank offices, as well as electronically on the Consulate website. Please note that all applicants must use the electronic version of the DS-156 nonimmigrant visa application form and print out the completed application on a laser-jet printer.  For more information about the forms, please click here.

Application for Expedited Visa Interview

To request an earlier interview date, you must first schedule a visa appointment online. Once you have obtained an appointment, please complete the Application for Expedited Visa Interview and fax it to our office at (08) 3520 4232.  Do NOT call or walk-in to request an expedited visa interview. Send requests by fax only. If your expedited visa request is approved, we will fax you back a confirmation that you can present for an interview on any regular business day.

If you are the holder of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), you are entitled to an expedited appointment. You will need to follow the procedures above to request an expedited visa appointment; be sure to note on the application form that you hold an ABTC card.

Important Notices

Please keep in mind that your signature on any visa application form is your guarantee that all information you provide is true and correct. You are personally and legally responsible, even if a travel agent or someone else prepares documents for you. Any fraudulent documents or misleading statements may result in your permanent ineligibility for any future visa.

You are not allowed to bring electronic devices, including mobile telephones, into the Consulate General. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation.

As is standard practice around the world, we do not permit third parties to attend nonimmigrant visa interviews. This rule also applies to third parties who are American Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents. If a third party has an interest in your case, please have them write a letter stating their interest and bring it to your interview. Minors may only be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Your interview can be conducted in Vietnamese or in English, as you prefer.

No assurance regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Please do not make any binding travel plans until you have received your visa.