Visa for ESL spouse

Check with your prospective employer on the rules and requirements for a TT visa which is for spouses and immediate family members of holders of work permits.  The natural sequence of events will mean that you of course must have the work permit first so she will probably need to enter on a tourist visa.  As the new rules don't kick in until 1 July, you might want to get her a one year visa available to US citizens which should be good at least until the 1 July "doomsday" date.

Thank you for the reply.  I think we will need to go the TT route as we won’t be able to get to Vietnam before July,

AaronF2 wrote:

We are a married couple from US. If one of only is working and is sponsored teaching English with work permit what is visa requirements for non working spouse?  I had thought other person could just do tourist visa but with new 30 day visa rules coming I’m not sure what this would look like now.

My answers assume that you mean you personally will be traveling to Vietnam with a previously confirmed employment offer, using your own business visa sponsored by your new employer.

(If you are traveling here on speculation, without a confirmed offer of employment, you can disregard everything else I'm writing)

One possible option that some are now considering and which might initially work for your spouse is the 3-month business visa (single or multiple entry).

Reportedly, no documentation of sponsorship or work permit are required, since no work permit is required under Vietnam law for periods of less than 90 days.

HOWEVER, it would probably be best to contact the Vietnam Consulate General in San Francisco to get their advice.

Contact the Vietnam Consulate at:
415-922-1707 or 415-533-0156
08h30-12h00, 14h30-16h30 Monday to Friday

You might also ask your prospective employer for advice.

Also, whatever type of initial visa you choose for your spouse (tourist or business) it is now possible to apply totally online, without the need to mail in your passport or other documents.

vietnamconsulate-sf. org/en/2019/05/09/apply-online-receive-loose-leaf-visa-delivered-by-fedex/

Since that online interface doesn't request any relevant supporting documents, it's probably the best option if you opt for a business visa.

(As a side note for the casual reader, that online interface doesn't ask for any type of sponsorship letter or sponsor name for any type of business visa)

Good luck!

Thank you for responding.  Job offer almost guaranteed as I have a contact at a school that has assured they would organize documents.  Is the 3 month business visa extendable for spouse in country or would this require leaving and reapplying?

AaronF2 wrote:

Thank you for responding.  Job offer almost guaranteed as I have a contact at a school that has assured they would organize documents.  Is the 3 month business visa extendable for spouse in country or would this require leaving and reapplying?

Although you could continue on yourself with a Business visa and a work permit, you really should look into getting a work related Temporary Residence Card (TRC) once your work permit is in place.  It is good for two years or the length of your contract, whichever is less with no renewals or need to leave the country (although the card allows you to travel in and out as many times as you wish.)  Your wife could go the repeated 90 day business route or some form of tourist visa but the TT is a full year visa with apparently no leave/reentry requirements, and so looks to be the best option.  The downside is that she has to start with something else as she can't have the TT until you have the WP and TRC.  It sounds like you have hooked up with a responsible employer so they should be able to help.

u can get a TT visa or TRC