Your Vietnam work permit application was rejected. The Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs provides written rejection reasons within 5 working days, citing specific deficiencies in your documentation, qualifications mismatch, or procedural errors. You have three immediate options: correct the identified errors and reapply, submit a formal appeal with supporting evidence if you believe the rejection is unjustified, or engage professional legal assistance to navigate complex cases involving qualification disputes or documentation legalization issues.
Work permit rejections occur frequently in Vietnam’s education sector, primarily due to documentation errors, qualification mismatches, or incomplete employer justifications. Understanding the specific rejection reason, correcting deficiencies systematically, and following proper reapplication procedures typically result in approval within 30-45 days of the initial rejection.
Immediate Action Steps Within 48 Hours
Request the complete written rejection explanation from the issuing authority immediately. Vietnamese labor law requires that the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs provide detailed rejection reasons in official correspondence, identifying specific deficiency categories under Decree 152/2020 and its amendments.
Secure Your Rejection Documentation
The official rejection notice specifies violation categories. Common rejection reasons include:
- Incomplete documentation sets missing required certificates
- Invalid documents failing legalization or expiration standards
- Qualification mismatches between position and credentials
- Employer ineligibility due to business license issues
- Procedural violations related to submission timing or format
Create a comprehensive rejection file including:
- Original rejection letter with official stamps and reference numbers
- Complete application package as originally submitted
- All correspondence with the Department of Labor
- Timeline documenting each procedural step
- Submission receipts and confirmation emails
Assess Your Recovery Path
Evaluate whether correction and reapplication or formal appeal represents the optimal path forward:
Choose Reapplication When:
- Missing notarizations or expired certificates caused rejection
- Translation errors or document formatting issues identified
- Minor information mismatches between documents occurred
- Employer justification needs strengthening but position remains valid
Consider Appeal When:
- Factual errors in authority’s assessment of submitted documents exist
- Procedural violations by reviewing officials during processing occurred
- Misinterpretation of qualification requirements or position classifications happened
- You possess newly discovered evidence unavailable during original review
Engage Legal Assistance For:
- Qualification interpretation disputes requiring regulatory analysis
- Employer eligibility challenges involving business license complications
- Criminal record issues needing legal framework navigation
- Multiple previous rejections indicating systemic application issues
Calculate Your Timeline
Total correction timeframes vary by issue type:
- Document replacement and re-notarization: 15-20 working days
- Criminal record certificate from home country: 15-30 days
- Health certificate renewal in Vietnam: 3-5 days
- Consular legalization processing: 10-15 working days
- Certified translation services: 5-7 working days
- Reapplication review period: 5 working days after complete submission
If your correction timeline exceeds your employment start date by more than 30 days, discuss alternative arrangements with your employer, including potential role modifications or exploring work permit exemption qualifications under Vietnam’s Labor Code Article 154.
Why Vietnam Work Permits Get Rejected: 8 Critical Failure Points
Documentation errors cause the majority of work permit rejections in Vietnam. Missing notarization stamps, expired criminal record certificates older than 6 months, health certificates exceeding 12 months validity, mismatched information between documents, or using outdated application forms trigger immediate rejection by the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs.
Documentation and Procedural Errors
The Vietnamese government implements strict document verification protocols under Decree 152/2020. Criminal record certificates must be issued within 6 months of application submission and properly legalized by Vietnamese consular services. Health certificates require issuance within 12 months from recognized medical facilities.
Notarization requirements demand precision. All foreign-language documents need legalization by Vietnamese diplomatic agencies abroad, followed by certified Vietnamese translation by authorized organizations. A single missing stamp, incorrect spelling, or inconsistent information between passport and application forms results in immediate rejection.
Common documentation failures include:
- Expired supporting documents submitted beyond validity windows
- Incomplete legalization chains missing consular authentication
- Unnotarized translation copies from unauthorized translators
- Mismatched personal information across different documents
- Outdated application forms not reflecting current regulatory requirements
Qualification and Position Mismatches
Position-qualification alignment determines approval decisions. Vietnamese labor law under the Labor Code 2019 requires foreign workers to hold positions matching their professional qualifications and documented experience. An IT professional applying for a teaching position without teaching certifications faces automatic rejection.
For teaching positions specifically, authorities verify:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in education or subject-specific fields
- Teaching certificates (TESOL, TEFL, CELTA) with minimum 120-hour course completion
- Minimum 2 years of documented teaching experience for expert classification under Decree 219/2025
- Proof that Vietnamese candidates cannot fill the specialized teaching role
The employer must demonstrate genuine need for foreign expertise. Applications fail when companies cannot prove they advertised positions to Vietnamese candidates for at least 15 days on authorized employment websites or when the teaching subject falls outside approved foreign labor categories.
Employer Eligibility and Business Compliance
Not all businesses qualify to sponsor foreign work permits. Companies must hold valid business licenses, operate within registered sectors, maintain physical offices with verifiable addresses, demonstrate sufficient capital, and prove capacity to employ international labor according to Decree 152/2020.
Newly established companies face additional scrutiny. Businesses operating less than 6 months, those under investigation for labor law violations, or companies with previous foreign worker violations encounter rejection until regulatory compliance is verified.
Health and Criminal Record Issues
Security clearance failures create the most difficult recovery scenarios. Applicants with criminal convictions, especially for drug-related offenses, terrorism, human trafficking, or national security violations, face rejection under Vietnamese immigration security standards.
Health certificate rejections occur when examinations reveal serious infectious diseases including active tuberculosis, advanced HIV/AIDS, or hepatitis requiring ongoing treatment. The Vietnamese Ministry of Health maintains specific health standards that applicants must meet without exception.
Timing and Submission Format Violations
Applications submitted less than 15 working days before intended work start dates face procedural rejection. Similarly, submitting physical applications when provincial regulations mandate online submission through the National Public Service Portal (dichvucong.gov.vn) results in immediate return of documents.
Provincial authorities increasingly require digital submission, with some provinces rejecting any paper-based applications entirely. Employers must verify local submission requirements before filing to avoid format-based rejections.
Reapplication Process: Step-by-Step Correction Protocol
Reapplication after rejection requires systematic correction of identified deficiencies followed by complete document resubmission. The process typically requires 30-45 days from rejection to final approval when applicants address all stated rejection reasons with proper documentation.
Step 1: Systematic Document Correction (15-20 working days)
Begin with the highest-priority corrections based on rejection reasons:
For expired or invalid documents:
- Obtain new criminal record certificates from your home country (must be issued within 6 months of submission)
- Complete fresh health examination at Vietnamese-approved medical facilities (must be issued within 12 months of submission)
- Ensure all document issuance dates fall within required validity windows
For legalization deficiencies:
- Submit documents to Vietnamese consular services in your home country for authentication
- Obtain apostille certification if your country participates in the Hague Convention
- Secure certified Vietnamese translations from authorized translation services with proper notarization
- Verify complete legalization chains include all required stamps and signatures
For qualification mismatches:
- Obtain additional certification proving teaching qualifications if original credentials insufficient
- Secure detailed work experience letters from previous employers specifying teaching roles, subjects, and duration
- Compile comprehensive professional portfolio demonstrating expertise alignment with intended position
- Request evaluation letters from recognized educational authorities confirming credential equivalency
Step 2: Employer Justification Enhancement (10 working days)
Work with your employer to strengthen the labor needs justification:
Enhanced employer documentation includes:
- Detailed job description specifying why position requires foreign expertise
- Evidence of Vietnamese candidate recruitment efforts including job posting screenshots and applicant records
- Explanation of specialized skills unavailable in local labor market
- Organizational charts showing how position integrates into business operations
- Financial documentation proving company capacity to employ foreign workers
The employer must re-file Form 01/PLI (Registration for demand on using foreign workers) if original submission received pushback from authorities. This process requires 10 working days for approval according to Decree 152/2020.
Step 3: Complete Reapplication Submission
Submit the corrected application package at least 15 working days before your revised intended work start date. Applications must include:
- Completed application form (Form 11/PLI) with verified accuracy across all fields
- Approved employer demand registration (Form 03/PLI) issued within previous 60 days
- Valid health certificate issued within 12 months
- Criminal record certificate issued within 6 months
- Properly legalized and translated qualification documents
- Notarized passport copies with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Two recent 4x6cm photographs (white background, taken within 6 months)
- Labor contract draft or appointment decision matching position description
- Previous rejection letter with reference number for agency tracking
Submit applications through the National Public Service Portal in provinces requiring online submission, or directly to the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs for provinces accepting physical applications.
Step 4: Authority Review and Monitoring (5 working days)
The Department of Labor must issue decisions within 5 working days of receiving complete applications according to Decree 152/2020. Monitor application status through:
- Online portal tracking systems providing real-time status updates
- Direct phone contact with assigned case officers at 2-3 day intervals
- Email inquiries referencing application submission numbers
- In-person visits to labor department offices if no response after 4 working days
If the application requires supplementation or correction, authorities provide written notification detailing additional requirements. Respond immediately with requested materials to avoid processing delays.
Alternative Path: Work Permit Exemptions
Twenty categories of foreign workers qualify for work permit exemptions under Vietnam’s Labor Code Article 154 and Decree 152/2020. If your standard work permit application faces rejection, evaluate exemption qualification as an alternative authorization pathway.
Common Exemption Categories for Educators
Short-term teaching assignments (less than 3 months): Foreign teachers entering Vietnam for temporary positions not exceeding 90 days may qualify for work permit exemption. Requirements include proof of short-term employment contract, employer notification to local labor authorities at least 3 working days before work commencement, and valid health certificates.
Intra-corporate transfers in education services: Foreign teachers employed by international schools with operations in multiple countries may qualify for exemption when transferred to Vietnam branch locations. This requires proof of employment with the parent organization for at least 12 months before transfer and specialized knowledge unavailable through local hiring.
Significant capital contributions: Foreign teachers who are also investors in Vietnamese educational institutions with capital contributions of at least VND 3 billion (approximately $125,000 USD) may qualify for exemption as company owners or board members while simultaneously teaching.
Work Permit Exemption Application Process
Exemption certificate applications require:
Employer preparation phase (10 working days):
- Submit demand registration for foreign workers (Form 01/PLI or 02/PLI)
- Receive approval from Ministry/Department of Labor (10 working day processing according to Decree 152/2020)
Exemption application submission (10 working days before work start):
- Request form for work permit exemption confirmation (Form 09/PLI)
- Valid health certificate (Vietnamese or properly legalized foreign certificate)
- Approved demand registration from employer
- Notarized passport copies
- Documents proving exemption category eligibility with Vietnamese translations
- Two 4x6cm photographs taken within 6 months
Authority review and issuance (5 working days): Authorities issue exemption certificates (Form 10/PLI) or provide written rejection explanation within 5 working days of receiving complete applications. Exemption certificates remain valid for up to 2 years according to Labor Code Article 155.
Understanding Broader Legal Requirements
Foreign teachers must comply with comprehensive labor regulations beyond work permit requirements. Vietnamese labor law establishes specific protections and obligations including maximum working hours, overtime limitations, social insurance participation, and termination procedures under Labor Code 2019.
For detailed information about labor protections and employer obligations, consult resources covering the Vietnam Labor Code for foreign teachers to understand your rights and responsibilities throughout your teaching career in Vietnam.
Essential Compliance Elements
Employment contract requirements: Labor contracts must align with work permit validity periods (maximum 2 years), specify job positions matching work permit descriptions, include clear compensation structures, and outline termination conditions compliant with Vietnamese labor law. Contracts require submission to work permit issuing authorities.
Social insurance obligations: Foreign workers holding work permits exceeding 12 months must participate in Vietnamese social insurance programs including health insurance, social insurance for retirement and disability, and unemployment insurance contributions.
During your work permit correction process, you may need guidance on visa status. Review information about converting tourist visas to business visas to understand options for maintaining legal presence during reapplication periods.
Cost and Timeline Planning
Budget adequate resources for correction, reapplication, or appeal processes. Comprehensive work permit recovery requires financial planning for government fees, professional services, and document replacement costs.
Official Government Fees
Work permit charges under Circular No. 85/2019/TT-BTC:
- Work permit application fee: VND 600,000 ($25 USD) per application
- Work permit extension fee: VND 450,000 ($19 USD)
- Provincial variations may apply – verify with local Department of Labor
Additional document costs:
- Document legalization at Vietnamese consulates: $50-$150 USD per document depending on country
- Translation and notarization services: VND 200,000-500,000 ($8-$21 USD) per document
- Criminal record certificate: $20-$100 USD depending on home country
- Health examination in Vietnam: VND 500,000-1,000,000 ($21-$42 USD)
Professional Service Investment
Legal and consulting services:
- Immigration lawyer consultation: $150-$300 USD per hour
- Complete application preparation service: $800-$1,500 USD
- Appeal representation: $1,500-$3,000 USD depending on complexity
Realistic Timeline Expectations
Total recovery timeline from rejection to approval:
- Simple documentation correction: 30-40 working days
- Qualification documentation enhancement: 45-60 working days
- Employer eligibility resolution: 60-90 working days
- Complex cases requiring legal intervention: 90+ working days
Plan for potential income interruption during reapplication periods. Many employers cannot provide salary during work permit processing gaps, requiring teachers to maintain adequate financial reserves covering 2-3 months of living expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Vietnam while my work permit reapplication is being processed?
No, working without a valid work permit violates Vietnamese labor law regardless of pending applications. Penalties include fines, deportation, and potential bans on future Vietnam entry. Employers face fines up to VND 100 million ($4,200 USD) for employing foreign workers without valid permits according to Decree 12/2022/ND-CP. Maintain legal status through tourist or business visas during processing periods, but cease all paid work activities until work permit approval.
How long does the work permit reapplication process take after rejection?
Reapplication processing requires 30-45 working days total when all corrected documents are submitted properly. This includes 15-20 working days for document correction and replacement, followed by 5 working days for authority review after complete resubmission according to Decree 152/2020. Additional time is needed if corrections require international document procurement which can extend timelines to 60-75 working days.
Will a previous work permit rejection affect future applications?
Previous rejections appear in labor authority records but do not automatically disqualify future applications if correction addressed the specific rejection reasons. Systematic correction demonstrating compliance can result in successful approval. However, patterns of multiple rejections or rejections involving criminal issues or fraudulent documentation create lasting complications affecting all subsequent applications.
Do I need to leave Vietnam if my work permit application is rejected?
Not immediately if you maintain valid visa status. Tourist visas, business visas, or visa exemptions allow continued legal presence in Vietnam while correcting work permit issues. However, you cannot work during this period. If your visa expires before work permit resolution, you must exit Vietnam or switch to a visa category not requiring work permit sponsorship.
What if my employer cannot reapply due to business license issues?
Employer business license problems require resolution before any work permit applications can proceed. Options include transferring to a different employer with proper licensing, waiting for your current employer to resolve compliance issues, or exploring work permit exemption categories that may have different employer eligibility requirements.
Systematic correction following precise regulatory requirements under Decree 152/2020 and Labor Code 2019 enables successful reapplication. Understanding rejection reasons, addressing documented deficiencies thoroughly, and maintaining professional assistance for complex cases ensures optimal outcomes for teachers building careers in Vietnam.
Begin immediately upon rejection notification by:
- Securing detailed written explanation from authorities
- Assessing correction feasibility versus appeal viability
- Engaging qualified legal representation for complex scenarios
- Implementing systematic document replacement protocols
- Maintaining proactive employer communication
- Allocating adequate financial and time resources for complete resolution
Vietnamese work permit processes demand precision, compliance, and patience. Teachers who approach rejection as a correctable setback, invest in proper documentation and professional guidance, and maintain persistence through systematic correction procedures establish successful long-term teaching careers in Vietnam’s growing education sector.
Explore More Legal & Visa Resources
Need comprehensive guidance on working legally in Vietnam? Our LEGAL & VISA REQUIREMENTS section provides essential information for foreign teachers navigating Vietnam’s immigration and labor regulations.
Discover practical guides covering:
- Complete work permit application procedures and requirements
- Visa conversion strategies and long-term residence options
- Labor law protections and employment contract essentials
- Social insurance obligations and tax compliance for foreign teachers
- Temporary residence card applications and renewals
- Business registration for independent educators
→ Visit LEGAL & VISA REQUIREMENTS for expert insights that simplify complex regulations and protect your teaching career in Vietnam.
