US Citizen Getting Married in Vietnam — Complete Guide
Have a sweetheart in Vietnam you want to marry? This guide covers everything you need to know — from the paperwork in Vietnam to bringing your spouse to the United States.
Part 1: Getting Married in Vietnam
Requirements
- Affidavit of Single Status — Signed at the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City or the US Embassy in Hanoi. This confirms you are legally free to marry. Cost: ~$50.
- Medical Examination — Required at any hospital. This is a brief interview asking about drug use and mental health status. Not a physical exam.
- Valid Passport — With sufficient validity remaining.
- Passport Photos — Several copies in various sizes.
The Marriage Registration Process
- Gather all required documents (see above).
- Apply for your marriage license at the Provincial Department of Justice (Sở Tư Pháp Tỉnh) in the province where your partner is registered.
- An officer will interview both you and your partner separately to verify the marriage is genuine.
- Wait 1–2 months for processing. This is normal.
- Receive your Vietnamese marriage certificate (Giấy Chứng Nhận Kết Hôn).
Part 2: Bringing Your Spouse to the United States
Once married, you can begin the immigration process to bring your spouse to the US. This is a multi-step process that typically takes 12–24 months.
Step 1: File Form I-130
File Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS. You will need:
- Certified translation of the Vietnamese marriage certificate
- Certified translation of your spouse's birth certificate
- Affidavit of Witness of Marriage (bilingual)
- Evidence of your US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
- Wedding photos and evidence of a genuine relationship
You will receive a receipt notice within 30 days. Processing currently takes 12–18 months.
Step 2: National Visa Center (NVC)
After I-130 approval, the case transfers to the National Visa Center. You will submit additional documents and pay fees (~$325 total). NVC processing takes 2–6 months.
Step 3: Consulate Interview
Your spouse will be scheduled for an interview at the US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City or the US Embassy in Hanoi.
- The more documentation you provide, the better.
- Make sure you are available by phone during the interview — the consulate may call you.
- After passing, the visa is mailed with your spouse's passport within 1–2 weeks.
Step 4: Entering the United States
Once your spouse enters the US on an immigrant visa (IR-1 or CR-1), a green card will be mailed to the US address within 2–3 weeks. If it is a CR-1 (conditional), you will need to file Form I-751 to remove conditions after 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I also apply for a K-1 fiancé visa instead?
If you are not yet married, you can apply for a K-1 fiancé visa, which allows your partner to come to the US to get married within 90 days. However, since you are already in Vietnam and can marry there, the spousal immigrant visa (IR-1/CR-1) is usually faster overall.
What is the difference between IR-1 and CR-1?
IR-1 (Immediate Relative) is issued if you have been married for more than 2 years at the time of visa issuance. CR-1 (Conditional Resident) is issued if married less than 2 years. CR-1 holders must file I-751 to remove conditions after 2 years.
Do I need to be in Vietnam for the entire process?
No. After the marriage, you can return to the US and manage the I-130 filing from there. Your spouse remains in Vietnam until the visa is approved.
What if my spouse's birth certificate has the wrong date?
This is common in Vietnam. Use our Affidavit of Change of Birth Date as supporting evidence alongside the birth certificate.