US Visa for Vietnamese: The Complete 2026 Guide

The "Red Sheet" vs. "Blue Sheet" Reality

In Vietnam, visa applicants often talk about "getting the pink slip" (approval) or the "blue sheet" (refusal). The reality is that the US mission in Vietnam is extremely rigorous due to high rates of visa overstays and fraudulent applications in the past.

Section 214(b) Denial: This is the most common reason for tourist visa rejection. It means the officer believes you have "immigrant intent" (plan to stay in the US) rather than just visit. To overcome this, your "ties to Vietnam" must be undeniable.

Visa Types for Vietnamese Citizens

1. B1/B2 Tourist Visa

For tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment.

• Validity: 1 year (multiple entry). Note: Unlike many other countries that get 10-year visas, Vietnamese citizens currently receive 1-year tourist visas.
• Interview: Mandatory. Expect tough questions about your family in the US.

2. Immigrant Visas (Family Sponsored)

Vietnam is a top country for family-based immigration to the US.

• F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4 Categories: For family members of US citizens and Green Card holders.
• IR-1 / CR-1: For spouses of US citizens.
• IR-5: For parents of US citizens.

Wait Times: Due to heavy demand, wait times for sibling visas (F4) can exceed 15 years. Spousal visas (IR-1) take 12-18 months.

3. K-1 Fiancé Visa

For Vietnamese citizens engaged to US citizens.

• Fraud Detection: The US Consulate in HCMC is famous for its scrutiny of K-1 petitions. They look for "sham marriages."
• Evidence Needed: Timeline of relationship, photos from multiple trips (not just one), chat logs, and proof of genuine connection (knowledge of each other's lives/language).

The Interview: The Deciding Factor

Unlike in European countries where documents matter most, in Vietnam, the interview is everything.

The interview usually lasts only 2-5 minutes. The officer has likely made a preliminary decision based on your DS-160 before you even speak. Your answers must be concise, confident, and consistent with what you wrote.

Common Interview Questions for Vietnamese Applicants:

• "Why do you want to go to the US now?"
• "who are you traveling with?"
• "Do you have relatives in the US? What are their names and status?" (Be honest! They can see this in their system.)
• "Who is paying for your trip?"
• "What is your job and how long have you worked there?"

Document Checklist for Vietnamese Applicants

For Tourist Visa (B1/B2):

1. Passport: Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay.
2. DS-160 Confirmation Page.
3. Appointment Confirmation.
4. Photo: 5x5 cm, white background.
5. Proof of Employment:
   • Labor contract.
   • Leave of absence letter approved by employer.
   • Salary slips or bank statement showing salary credits.
6. Financial Proof:
   • Savings book (Sổ tiết kiệm).
   • Bank account statements (last 6 months).
   • Property deeds (Sổ đỏ) - helpful to show ties.
7. Family Household Book (Hộ khẩu): Often requested to verify family ties in Vietnam.

For Immigrant/K-1 Visa:

• Civil Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates (Lý lịch tư pháp số 2).
• Affidavit of Support (I-864 or I-134): From US petitioner.
• Evidence of Relationship: "Timeline of Relationship" album, photos, chats, remittance receipts.
• Medical Exam: Completed at designated panel physicians (Cho Ray Hospital or IOM).

How to Avoid the "Blue Sheet" (Rejection)

1. Don't Hide Family in the US

Many applicants think listing their siblings or parents in the US will hurt their chances (showing immigrant intent). So they lie and say "No relatives."

This is a fatal mistake. The consular system likely links you to your relatives. If you lie, you are banned for fraud. Acknowledge them, but emphasize why you must return to Vietnam (job, spouse, children, assets).

2. Prepare for the "Who Paying?" Question

If you say "My uncle in California is paying," the officer thinks: "You have no money and are dependent on US relatives." It's better to show you can afford the trip yourself, or at least share the cost.

3. K-1 Applicants: Know The Details

Be ready to answer detailed questions about your fiancé: "Where does he work? What is his ex-wife's name? When did you propose? Does he speak Vietnamese?" Ignorance here looks like a fake relationship.

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