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Why is my freelance visa application still pending in Vietnam if I plan to start it in May?

Feb 26, 2025
6 days ago
Georges *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello super group, i submitted my visa application last tuesday in Hanoi under the category of freelancer and it has been since on “Pending approval”…since i didn’t know wether they would give it to me or not, i decided to stay 3 months in VN before re-entering Thailand, so i asked the DTV to start in may, in more than 2 months…would it be the reason nothing seems to move ? Anyone has been in my situation ? You need to ask for the visa at maximum 3 months before you start to use it so i thought i was in my right to do so…thanks for your thoughts on that !
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user submitted a freelance visa application in Hanoi and is concerned about its pending status since they plan to start it in May. They sought insights on whether requesting a start date in the future could affect the application's urgency. Comments suggest that some visa applications are prioritized based on immediate travel dates, and typical processing times are around five working days.
Henrik *****
Generally you can’t use those status messages to any thing, they can go any way.

Some Embassies proces visa applications by traveldate, rather than when applyed.
Georges *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
thank you
Michelle **************
I submitted mine last Wednesday under workcation as well and it’s been pending approval since Thursday with no request for anything additional so I’m glad you asked this question! I listed my travel date as early march.
Georges *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michelle *************
i guess we are on the same page then ! Thing is mine will start much later so i thought it was related but perhaps not !
Anonymous ******************
Need to wait 5 working days that's the correct timeline not included the day submitted so hopefully receive tomorrow
Greg ********
If they see you do not want it till May then maybe they are prioritising other applications?
Georges *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
that’s what i thought too ! Just hope it’s not something negative for them to want it later.
Greg ********
@Georges ****
They are Civil Servants and they are getting a lot of applications in Vietnam. I am sure they will just be prioritising.
Georges *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
thank you Greg !
Greg ********
@Georges ****
They are probably understaffed and underpaid too. I wonder if they hired extra workers at the South East Asia Embassies after the implementation of the DTV?
Georges *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
i have no idea ! I thought it was quite qualified and a good thing to work in an embassy but you are probably right !
Greg ********
@Georges ****
The ones doing the processing are probably "Local hires" on a local wage and not career MFA Dippomats. The diplomats probably have final sign off. Just my assumption about how things worked where my pal was posted.