DCF in Vietnam

[Mike & Vi 0]

My Relationship Situation

My fiance and I have been in a relationship for about 3 years, we will be legally married on paper in Vietnam within one month. We are planning to have a ceremony later. Can I still get a visa granted without a proper ceremony performed?

My Residency Situation

I have lived in Vietnam for over a year but at different times (3 months in 2010, 6 months in 2011, 5 months in 2012/2013).

I have also lived in Australia for 10 months in 2012.

Do any of these periods qualify me for DCF? How long is the minimum residency requirement? Does it have to be continuous? What constitutes proof of residency?

Also, where would I file for DCF? Where I live in Saigon, they have told me they stopped accepting DCF locally, but that I can file in Bangkok.

Thanks to anyone who would reply.

[dreamwarrior 0]

Normally you would have to be here on at least a worker's visa in order to file for DCF in Vietnam. They no longer officially allow DCF, but can make an exception in some cases. I'm not sure of the rules for Thailand but you can go over to thaivisa.com to ask.

Edited February 28, 2013 by dreamwarrior

[Penguin_ie 5,992]

There is no DCF in Vietnam, so you can file via the Chicago lockbox as soon as you are married legally.

Yes you an get approved without the ceremony, but as it is a big thing in Vietnam (at least the Damn Hoi), it will be much more difficult to get approved without the big party; when do you plan on having the ceremony, before the visa interview or much later? Check out our country specific forum to get tips from people who have gone through this on how to get approved: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/136-vietnam/