British National Reunited with His Family After Vietnam Entry Ban Review

Background

A British national contacted SJP Consultancy after being refused permission to return to Vietnam following a prolonged visa overstay that resulted in deportation and an immigration entry restriction.

His inability to return to Vietnam had separated him from his Vietnamese wife and young daughter, creating significant personal and emotional hardship.

Before accepting the matter, SJP conducted a comprehensive assessment of the available information, including immigration records, previous visa history, supporting documentation, and the circumstances that led to the overstay.

Following that assessment, we concluded there was a realistic basis upon which the matter could be presented for consideration by the competent Vietnamese authorities.

The Challenge

The client had:

• • • Overstayed his visa for approximately sixteen months.
    • Been detained and formally deported from Vietnam.
    • Received an immigration restriction preventing his return.
    • Been separated from his immediate family living in Vietnam.

Although the immigration breach itself was not disputed, the surrounding circumstances required careful explanation and supporting evidence.

Our Approach

SJP Consultancy prepared a structured case that focused on the complete circumstances surrounding the client’s immigration history.

Our work included:

• • • Reviewing immigration records and previous documentation.
    • Preparing a detailed chronology of events.
    • Gathering supporting evidence.
    • Preparing formal written submissions.
    • Presenting the matter through the appropriate administrative processes.
    • Maintaining regular communication with the client throughout the review process.

Every stage of the matter was conducted professionally and respectfully in accordance with Vietnamese law and established administrative procedures.

The Outcome

Following consideration by the competent Vietnamese authorities, the client’s immigration restriction was reviewed.

The client was subsequently permitted to return to Vietnam under the conditions determined by the relevant authorities, allowing him to reunite with his wife and daughter after a prolonged period of separation.

Why This Case Was Successful

Every immigration matter is different.

In this case, several factors contributed to the positive outcome, including:

• • • Complete honesty regarding the immigration breach.
    • Well-prepared supporting documentation.
    • Clear presentation of the client’s circumstances.
    • Strong humanitarian considerations.
    • Professional engagement throughout the review process.

Important Information

This case study is provided for general information only.

Every immigration matter is assessed individually.

Past success does not guarantee future outcomes.

SJP Consultancy only accepts matters where, following assessment, we genuinely believe there is a realistic prospect of achieving a positive outcome.

Need Help?

If you have been refused entry to Vietnam or believe you are subject to an immigration entry ban or blacklist, contact SJP Consultancy for a confidential, no-obligation initial assessment.

Professional Legal Solutions You Can Trust

Australian Business Owner – Administrative Entry Ban Following False Immigration Documentation

Background

A 53-year-old Australian business owner from Melbourne contacted SJP Consultancy after being deported from Vietnam and made subject to an administrative entry ban.

The client had lived and operated a legitimate business in Vietnam for approximately three years. During that time, he became engaged to a Vietnamese national, and together they had a young child.

The client believed his immigration status had been managed correctly by an immigration agent acting on his behalf. However, he later discovered that false and misleading information, together with inaccurate supporting documentation, had allegedly been submitted to the Vietnamese Immigration authorities without his knowledge during previous visa applications.

The matter only came to light when the client attempted to register as the legal father of his Vietnamese-born child. During routine administrative checks, Immigration identified irregularities in his visa history, resulting in his arrest, detention, deportation, and the imposition of an administrative entry ban.

Following a detailed assessment of the available evidence, SJP Consultancy accepted instructions to represent the client.

The Challenge

The client faced several significant obstacles:

• • • Deportation from Vietnam.
    • An administrative entry ban preventing his return.
    • A failed business employing eight Vietnamese staff.
    • Separation from his fiancée and young Vietnamese child.
    • Immigration records indicating that false information had previously been submitted in support of visa applications.

Although the client accepted responsibility for ensuring his immigration affairs were properly managed, he maintained that he had been unaware that inaccurate information had allegedly been submitted on his behalf.

The case therefore required careful preparation to distinguish the client’s personal conduct from the actions of the third-party agent.

Our Approach

SJP Consultancy undertook a comprehensive review of the client’s immigration history, business activities, and personal circumstances.

Our work included:

• • • Reviewing previous visa applications and supporting documentation.
    • Examining the circumstances surrounding the preparation of earlier immigration submissions.
    • Preparing a detailed chronology of events.
    • Collecting evidence relating to the client’s business activities in Vietnam.
    • Documenting the employment provided to eight Vietnamese employees.
    • Preparing evidence of taxation and financial contributions made by both the business and the client.
    • Compiling evidence demonstrating the client’s relationship with his Vietnamese fiancée and their young child.
    • Preparing formal written submissions addressing both the humanitarian and public interest considerations relevant to the case.
    • Presenting the matter through the appropriate administrative processes.

Throughout the matter, SJP Consultancy maintained regular communication with the client while ensuring that all submissions were professionally prepared and supported by appropriate evidence.

The Outcome

Following a review by the Ministry of Public Security and the competent Vietnamese authorities, the client’s administrative entry ban was overturned.

The review process took 127 days from the client’s initial engagement with SJP Consultancy until the final decision was issued.

The client was subsequently permitted to return to Vietnam lawfully, allowing him to reunite with his fiancée and young child and begin rebuilding both his family life and future business activities.

Why This Case Was Successful

Every immigration matter is different, and no two cases are identical.

In this matter, several factors were significant:

• • • Strong humanitarian considerations involving a Vietnamese child.
    • Clear evidence of a genuine long-term family relationship.
    • Evidence that the client had established and operated a legitimate business.
    • Demonstrated economic contribution through employment and tax payments.
    • Comprehensive supporting documentation.
    • Professional preparation and presentation of the client’s circumstances.
    • Honest engagement throughout the review process.

Lessons for Other Expatriates

One of the most important lessons arising from this case is that expatriates should never assume that an immigration agent has completed visa applications correctly.

Many foreign nationals sign documents prepared entirely in Vietnamese without fully understanding their contents. Others rely on low-cost immigration services that may fail to comply with Vietnamese immigration requirements.

Even where mistakes are made by third parties, foreign nationals may still face serious consequences, including detention, deportation, visa cancellation, and administrative entry bans.

For this reason, SJP Consultancy encourages all expatriates to ensure they understand the basis of every immigration application submitted on their behalf and to seek professional advice whenever uncertainty exists.

Important Information

This case study has been anonymised to protect client confidentiality. Certain identifying details have been changed or omitted while preserving the essential facts and legal issues.

Every immigration matter is assessed individually.

Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.

SJP Consultancy only accepts matters where, following a detailed assessment, we genuinely believe there is a realistic prospect of achieving a positive outcome.

Need Assistance?

If you have been deported, refused entry, or believe inaccurate information has affected your immigration status in Vietnam, SJP Consultancy offers a confidential, no-obligation initial assessment.

We provide honest advice, realistic assessments, and professional representation for clients facing complex immigration matters.

Professional Legal Solutions You Can Trust

Trusted by Expats Since 1998

Canadian Citizen – Long-Term Visa Overstay and Humanitarian Review

Background

A 71-year-old Canadian citizen contacted SJP Consultancy after being deported from Vietnam and made subject to an administrative entry ban following a prolonged visa overstay of approximately 54 months.

The client had lived in Nha Trang for several years and was in a genuine long-term relationship with a Vietnamese national. In October 2022, the couple welcomed the birth of a healthy baby boy.

Fearing that he would be required to leave Vietnam and unable to imagine being separated from his partner and young son, the client failed to renew his 90-day e-Visa. Rather than disclosing the situation, he concealed his unlawful immigration status from his partner while they continued making plans to marry.

The matter eventually came to the attention of the authorities during a routine residential compliance inspection, where Immigration officers discovered that the client had significantly overstayed his visa.

Following enforcement action, the client was deported and prohibited from returning to Vietnam.

He contacted SJP Consultancy on 3 January 2026 seeking advice on whether there was any lawful pathway that might allow him to reunite with his family.

The Challenge

This was a particularly complex matter.

Although the client maintained a genuine family relationship in Vietnam, he was not recorded as the child’s legal father on the Vietnamese birth registration.

Before any humanitarian submissions could be made, it was necessary to establish the family relationship through independent evidence.

The client also faced:

• • • A visa overstay of approximately 54 months.
    • Deportation from Vietnam.
    • An administrative entry restriction.
    • Separation from his partner and young child.
    • The absence of official Vietnamese documentation confirming his paternity.

The case therefore required extensive factual investigation before any formal representations could be prepared.

Our Approach

SJP Consultancy undertook a detailed review of the client’s immigration history and family circumstances.

Our work included:

• • • Reviewing the client’s complete immigration history.
    • Obtaining historical immigration movement records.
    • Collecting evidence of the long-term relationship.
    • Arranging independent DNA testing to establish paternity.
    • Obtaining medical and hospital records demonstrating the client’s involvement throughout the pregnancy and after the child’s birth.
    • Gathering additional evidence of the client’s ongoing parental role.
    • Obtaining police clearance certificates from Canada and the United Kingdom, reflecting the client’s dual nationality and previous residence.
    • Preparing a comprehensive humanitarian submission supported by documentary evidence.
    • Representing the client during a full-day hearing before the Ministry of Public Security in Hanoi.

The submissions presented the complete circumstances of the case, balancing the seriousness of the immigration breach against the humanitarian considerations and the evidence supporting the client’s genuine family relationship.

The Outcome

Following a full review of the evidence and submissions presented, the Ministry of Public Security reconsidered the client’s case.

The review process concluded with the client being permitted to return to Vietnam under specific conditions determined by the competent authorities.

The client was granted a two-year Temporary Residence Card (TT) and required to marry his long-term Vietnamese partner within 90 days of his lawful return to Vietnam.

He returned to Vietnam on 1 July 2026, where he was reunited with his fiancée and young son at Tan Son Nhat International Airport after many months of separation.

Why This Case Was Successful

Every immigration matter is different.

In this case, several important factors were carefully documented and presented:

• • • Independent DNA evidence establishing paternity.
    • Strong humanitarian considerations involving a young Vietnamese child.
    • Evidence of a genuine long-term relationship.
    • Comprehensive supporting documentation.
    • Clear evidence of the client’s involvement in his child’s life.
    • Professional preparation of the humanitarian submissions.
    • Careful presentation of the matter before the competent Vietnamese authorities.

Lessons for Other Expatriates

Attempting to conceal an immigration breach often makes matters significantly more difficult.

Many expatriates overstay their visas because they fear the consequences of leaving Vietnam or believe they can resolve the issue later. Unfortunately, prolonged overstays frequently result in deportation and administrative entry restrictions.

This case also demonstrates the importance of documentary evidence. Humanitarian circumstances alone are rarely sufficient. Where family relationships form part of a petition, independent evidence establishing those relationships can be essential.

Early professional advice can often prevent relatively straightforward immigration issues from developing into much more complex matters.

Important Information

This case study has been anonymised to protect client confidentiality. Certain identifying details have been changed or omitted while preserving the essential legal and factual issues.

Every immigration matter is assessed individually.

Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.

SJP Consultancy only accepts matters where, following a detailed assessment, we genuinely believe there is a realistic prospect of achieving a positive outcome.

Need Assistance?

If you have overstayed your visa, been deported, or believe an immigration restriction is preventing you from returning to your family in Vietnam, SJP Consultancy offers a confidential, no-obligation initial assessment.

We provide honest advice, realistic assessments, and professional representation for clients facing complex immigration matters throughout Vietnam.

Professional Legal Solutions You Can Trust

Trusted by Expats Since 1998

Four-Year Visa Overstay Successfully Resolved Through Professional Representation

Background

An expatriate contacted SJP Consultancy after remaining in Vietnam beyond the expiry of his visa for approximately four years. The prolonged overstay resulted in significant immigration consequences, including administrative penalties, deportation, and restrictions on returning to Vietnam.

The client had established a life in Vietnam and wished to return lawfully. However, uncertainty surrounding his immigration status and the resulting entry restrictions made the situation appear extremely difficult.

Before accepting instructions, SJP Consultancy carried out a detailed assessment of the client’s immigration history, supporting documentation, and the circumstances that led to the overstay.

Following that assessment, we concluded there was a realistic basis upon which the matter could be professionally presented to the competent Vietnamese authorities.

The Challenge

The client faced several significant obstacles, including:

• • • A visa overstay of approximately four years.
    • Administrative penalties imposed by the Vietnamese authorities.
    • Deportation from Vietnam.
    • An immigration restriction preventing lawful re-entry.
    • Extended separation from family, employment opportunities, and personal commitments in Vietnam.

Given the seriousness of the immigration breach, careful preparation and presentation of the client’s circumstances were essential.

Our Approach

SJP Consultancy undertook a comprehensive review of the matter before preparing a structured case for consideration.

Our work included:

• • • Reviewing the client’s complete immigration history.
    • Examining previous visas and entry and exit records.
    • Preparing a detailed chronology explaining the circumstances of the overstay.
    • Gathering supporting evidence and relevant documentation.
    • Preparing formal written submissions.
    • Presenting the matter through the appropriate administrative processes.
    • Maintaining regular communication with the client throughout the review.

Throughout the process, every aspect of the case was prepared carefully, professionally, and in accordance with Vietnamese law.

The Outcome

Following a detailed review by the competent Vietnamese authorities, the client’s circumstances were reconsidered.

The client was subsequently able to return to Vietnam lawfully, allowing him to rebuild both his personal and professional life after a prolonged period of uncertainty.

The outcome demonstrated the importance of careful preparation, complete supporting documentation, and presenting the circumstances of each case accurately and professionally.

Why This Case Was Successful

While every immigration matter is different, several factors contributed to the successful outcome:

• • • A comprehensive assessment before the matter was accepted.
    • Honest disclosure of the immigration history.
    • Well-organised supporting evidence.
    • Clear explanation of the circumstances leading to the overstay.
    • Professional preparation and presentation of the client’s case.
    • Constructive engagement with the appropriate Vietnamese authorities.

Important Information

This case study has been published for general information only.

Every immigration matter is assessed on its own individual facts and circumstances.

Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.

SJP Consultancy only accepts matters where, following a detailed assessment, we genuinely believe there is a realistic prospect of achieving a positive outcome.

Need Assistance?

If you have overstayed your visa, been deported, refused entry, or believe you are subject to an immigration restriction in Vietnam, SJP Consultancy offers a confidential, no-obligation initial assessment.

Our role is to provide honest advice, assess whether there is a realistic path forward, and, where appropriate, prepare and present the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Trusted by Expats Since 1998

British National – Deportation Following Employment Breach and Administrative Entry Ban

Background

A 35-year-old British national contacted SJP Consultancy after being deported from Vietnam and made subject to an administrative entry ban following an incident at a nightclub in Ho Chi Minh City during October 2025.

At the time of the incident, the client was lawfully employed as an English language teacher at a kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh City and held the appropriate immigration status to live and work in Vietnam.

Following a police operation at the venue, the client was detained and underwent drug screening. Although subsequently released while further enquiries were conducted, the incident ultimately resulted in the termination of his employment, cancellation of his immigration status, deportation on 15 January 2026, and the imposition of an administrative entry ban.

The client approached SJP Consultancy on 23 May 2026 seeking advice on whether there was any realistic prospect of returning to Vietnam.

Following a detailed assessment of the available evidence, we concluded that there were sufficient legal and factual issues to justify a formal review of the matter.

The Challenge

The client faced several significant challenges:

• • Deportation from Vietnam.
  • Cancellation of his Temporary Residence Card and work authorisation.
  • Loss of employment.
  • An administrative entry ban preventing his return.
  • Official records indicating the presence of cannabis metabolites following the nightclub incident.

The central issue was whether the available evidence justified the immigration consequences imposed and whether there were sufficient grounds to request a review of the administrative decision.

Our Approach

SJP Consultancy carried out a comprehensive review of the case before preparing formal submissions.

Our work included:

• • • Obtaining available records from the Police, Immigration authorities, and the Ministry of Public Security.
    • Reviewing the circumstances surrounding the nightclub incident.
    • Analysing the available medical and scientific evidence.
    • Obtaining independent expert opinion regarding passive exposure to cannabis smoke.
    • Securing a scientific report from a Vietnamese laboratory addressing whether passive inhalation could produce detectable levels under certain environmental conditions.
    • Preparing detailed written submissions presenting the factual, scientific, and legal issues arising from the case.
    • Presenting the matter through the appropriate administrative review process.

Our submissions did not seek to minimise Vietnam’s strict drug laws. Rather, they focused on whether the available evidence, viewed as a whole, justified maintaining the administrative entry restriction in the client’s particular circumstances.

The Outcome

Following consideration of the matter, the Ministry of Public Security reviewed the client’s case.

On 20 July 2026, the administrative entry ban was lifted.

The client was subsequently permitted to return to Vietnam lawfully.

His Temporary Residence Card and work authorisation were re-issued, and his former employer chose to reinstate his employment as an English language teacher.

As part of the conditions associated with his return, the client agreed to undergo random drug testing for a period of eighteen months, a requirement he accepted willingly.

Why This Case Was Successful

Every immigration matter is unique.

This case involved several important considerations, including:

• • • A detailed review of all available official records.
    • Independent scientific evidence addressing passive cannabis exposure.
    • Expert medical opinion.
    • Professional preparation of supporting documentation.
    • Careful presentation of the legal and factual issues.
    • Respectful engagement with the competent Vietnamese authorities.

The matter demonstrates the importance of assessing the complete circumstances surrounding an immigration decision rather than relying solely on initial assumptions.

Lessons for Other Expatriates

Vietnam maintains strict laws relating to controlled substances, and foreign nationals should be aware that being present in environments where illegal drugs are being consumed may expose them to significant immigration consequences.

Individuals should avoid situations where illegal drug use is taking place and should seek professional legal advice immediately if they become involved in any police investigation or immigration enquiry.

Early advice and careful preparation can be critical when seeking a review of administrative immigration decisions.

Important Information

This case study has been anonymised to protect client confidentiality. Certain identifying details have been changed or omitted while preserving the essential legal and factual issues.

Every immigration matter is assessed individually.

Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.

SJP Consultancy only accepts matters where, following a detailed assessment, we genuinely believe there is a realistic prospect of achieving a positive outcome.

Need Assistance?

If you have been deported, refused entry, or are facing an immigration restriction following a police investigation or administrative decision, SJP Consultancy offers a confidential, no-obligation initial assessment.

We provide honest advice, realistic assessments, and professional representation for clients facing complex immigration matters in Vietnam.

Professional Legal Solutions You Can Trust

Trusted by Expats Since 1998

American Expat – Immigration Record Corrected Following Unexplained Entry Refusal

Background

A 46-year-old American businessman contacted SJP Consultancy after being unexpectedly refused entry to Vietnam during what he believed would be a routine visa run.

The client had lived and worked in Vietnam for several years and had completed numerous visa extensions and border crossings without incident. He had never been informed that there were any issues with his immigration status and had repeatedly been told by agents that “everything was fine.”

When he attempted to return to Vietnam following a routine border crossing, he was refused entry without any detailed explanation.

Confused and unable to obtain meaningful information, he approached SJP Consultancy to determine what had happened.

The Challenge

Unlike many immigration matters, the client had not committed any serious immigration offence.

Instead, our investigation suggested that historical immigration records contained administrative inaccuracies and incomplete information that had accumulated over a number of years.

Although each issue appeared relatively minor when viewed individually, together they created uncertainty within the immigration system and ultimately resulted in the client being refused entry.

Cases of this nature are more common than many expatriates realise.

Many foreign nationals rely entirely on visa agents and assume that every application has been completed correctly. Unfortunately, errors made years earlier may remain undiscovered until Immigration carries out a detailed review.

Our Approach

SJP Consultancy conducted a comprehensive review of the client’s immigration history.

This included:

• • • Reviewing previous visa applications.
    • Examining historical entry and exit records.
    • Comparing immigration movement history.
    • Identifying discrepancies within official records.
    • Obtaining supporting documentation from previous employers and sponsors.
    • Preparing formal written submissions explaining the discrepancies.
    • Requesting that inaccurate or incomplete records be reviewed and corrected through the appropriate administrative process.

Rather than simply requesting that the client be allowed to return, our objective was to identify the underlying cause of the refusal and resolve the problem at its source.

The Outcome

Following a detailed administrative review, the relevant immigration records were clarified and updated.

Once the discrepancies had been addressed, the client was able to submit a fresh visa application and lawfully return to Vietnam without further immigration difficulties.

Correcting the underlying records removed the uncertainty that had prevented the client from travelling and provided greater confidence for future visa applications.

Why This Case Matters

Many expatriates believe that if they have not overstayed their visa or been deported, they cannot have immigration problems.

Our experience suggests otherwise.

Over many years we have encountered numerous cases involving:

• • • Incorrect immigration coding.
    • Administrative recording errors.
    • Incomplete exit records.
    • Sponsor-related discrepancies.
    • Incorrect visa classifications.
    • Historical administrative issues that remained undiscovered for years.

Individually these issues may appear insignificant.

Collectively they can result in unexpected visa refusals, delays, or refusal of entry.

Lessons for Other Expatriates

Never assume that because you have previously entered Vietnam without difficulty, your immigration records are entirely accurate.

Many clients only discover administrative problems during a visa run, when they are already outside Vietnam and unable to resolve the issue immediately.

If you have experienced unexplained visa refusals, repeated delays, or an unexpected refusal of entry, the underlying issue may not be obvious.

A detailed review of your immigration history may identify problems that can be addressed before they become more serious.

Important Information

This case study has been anonymised and is representative of the types of immigration record correction matters regularly handled by SJP Consultancy. Certain facts have been combined from multiple matters to protect client confidentiality while accurately reflecting the legal and administrative issues commonly encountered.

Every immigration matter is assessed individually.

Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.

SJP Consultancy only accepts matters where, following a detailed assessment, we genuinely believe there is a realistic prospect of achieving a positive outcome.

Need Assistance?

If you have been refused entry without explanation, experienced repeated visa refusals, or believe your immigration records may contain inaccurate or incomplete information, SJP Consultancy offers a confidential, no-obligation initial assessment.

We will review your immigration history, identify potential issues, and provide honest advice about the options available to you.

Professional Legal Solutions You Can Trust

Trusted by Expats Since 1998