A TT family visa approval letter is decided in 5 working days once filed, but the whole process usually takes 3–5 weeks, because foreign marriage or birth certificates must first be consularly legalised (2–4 weeks) and given a notarised Vietnamese translation (1–3 days). The sponsor signs form NA3, the visa is collected at the border gate or the embassy named in the letter, and the family can later switch to a TT residence card.
This page covers the TT filing process. See all categories in Vietnam visa types explained.
Stages
- Prepare relationship evidence first. Foreign marriage or birth certificates need consular legalisation and notarised translation — this is the long pole, not the immigration filing.
- Sponsor signs form NA3 with identity and residence documents.
- File with the Immigration Department — 5 working days statutory.
- Collect the visa at the border gate or the Vietnamese mission named in the letter.
- Consider the residence card once the family is settled; it removes annual extensions.
Realistic timeline
| Item | Time |
|---|---|
| Legalisation abroad | 2–4 weeks |
| Notarised translation in Vietnam | 1–3 working days |
| Approval letter | 5 working days |
| TT residence card | 6–15 working days |
Frequent problems
- Marriage certificate legalised but not translated, or translated before legalisation — the stamp must appear in the translation
- Name order differing between the certificate and the passport
- Sponsor residence document out of date after the provincial merger
Conditions and checklist: TT requirements. Legalisation help: consular legalisation.
See all Vietnam visa services for foreigners from Info Travel, with processing times and reference prices.
