After applying for an entry approval letter (official letter approving entry) for a foreign national, the sponsoring organisation usually wants to know how to check the result and what the letter to the Immigration Department must contain. This article explains the procedure for obtaining an entry approval letter, the forms you need and how to check the result.
Forms used to request entry for a foreign national
| Form | Used when |
|---|---|
| NA2 – Official letter requesting approval of a foreign national’s entry | An agency or organisation (company) is the sponsor |
| NA3 – Application to sponsor a foreign relative’s entry | A Vietnamese citizen sponsors a family member |
| NA16 – Registration of seal and signature specimens | An organisation sponsoring for the first time, together with its establishment licence/business registration |
How to fill in the form: guide to filling in form NA2 online.
Procedure for obtaining an entry approval letter
- Step 1: the sponsor prepares the NA2 letter (or NA3 application), a copy of the foreign national’s passport and the organisation’s legal documents.
- Step 2: submit the file at the Immigration Department (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) or online via the Ministry of Public Security public service portal.
- Step 3: receive the reply letter, usually within about 5 working days; the Department also notifies the border checkpoint or the Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad.
- Step 4: send a copy of the letter to the foreign national so they can collect the visa at the border checkpoint or at the Embassy.
See also: complete procedure for an entry approval letter · what is an entry approval letter.
Checking the result of an entry approval letter
- Online applications: check the application status on the Ministry of Public Security public service portal using the file code issued when you applied.
- In-person applications: follow the appointment date on the receipt; the sponsor collects the result where the file was submitted.
- E-visa: check the result with your application code on the official website evisa.gov.vn.
If the appointment date has passed and there is still no result, the sponsor should contact the office where the file was submitted; the application may need additional documents or may still be under verification.
Frequently asked questions
Does the letter to the Immigration Department need to be stamped?
Yes. The NA2 letter must bear the signature of the legal representative and the seal whose specimen has been registered with the immigration authority.
How can I get an entry approval letter without a sponsoring company?
The foreign national can travel on an e-visa, or ask an international travel company to issue a tourist entry approval letter. Info Travel offers a full-service package: entry approval letter service.
Info Travel – Solution for all visa problems
Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822 – Hotline: +84903782118
Email: congthongtinvisa@gmail.com
