Vietnam — Spouse & Fiancé Visa Guide
Bringing Your Vietnamese Partner to the United States
Vietnam's marriage registration process includes a few documentation requirements that couples in other countries won't encounter, including a specific medical certificate for the foreign partner. Understanding these requirements before you file helps avoid delays.
Vietnamese Marriage Registration Requirements
To legally marry in Vietnam, both parties must meet certain baseline requirements: the male partner must be at least 20 years old and the female at least 18, both parties must have full civil capacity, and the marriage must be entered into voluntarily.
The foreign partner generally needs to provide:
Affidavit of Single Status
Confirming the foreign partner is legally free to marry, generally signed within six months of the application.Certificate of No-Marriage Records
Issued by the home state or county vital statistics office within the last six months, confirming no marriage license or record exists for the applicant from the beginning of legal marriage age to date.Medical certificate
A certificate confirming the applicant does not have a mental illness that would affect their capacity to understand or control their actions, issued by an authorized medical professional.Prior marriage documentation
If previously married, an authenticated divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse.
All US-issued documents generally require certified Vietnamese translation and authentication, either through the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the US, or through the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs once in Vietnam. Registration itself takes place at the Justice Department office (Sở Tư Pháp) in the province where the Vietnamese partner resides.
Common Challenges for Vietnam Cases
Medical certificate requirements
Document validity windows
Document authentication timing
Provincial variation
Prior marriage or divorce documentation
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer? Every case is different, and a free case evaluation is the fastest way to get guidance specific to your situation.
Get a Free Case EvaluationDoes my partner and I need to marry in Vietnam before filing for a spouse visa?
Not necessarily. If you're engaged but not yet married, a K1 fiancé visa lets your partner enter the US to marry within 90 days instead. If you're already married, or plan to marry in Vietnam, the CR1/IR1 spouse visa process applies.
What is the medical certificate required for marriage in Vietnam?
It's a certificate confirming the foreign applicant does not have a mental illness or condition that would affect their capacity to understand or control their actions, issued by an authorized medical professional within a set timeframe of the application.
How long are the required documents valid before they expire?
The Affidavit of Single Status and Certificate of No-Marriage Records are both generally valid for six months from issuance, so timing document collection with your filing date matters.
Do US documents need to be translated for Vietnamese marriage registration?
Yes, generally. US-issued documents typically require certified Vietnamese translation and authentication, either through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the US, or through Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Does the marriage registration process vary depending on where in Vietnam my partner lives?
It can. Requirements are administered at the provincial level, and specific document formats or additional steps can vary somewhat by province.
