Extension of work permit for foreign technical workers

During the period of employing foreign skilled workers, if your company has issued a new work permit (usually for 2 years) and it's approaching expiration, but your company still wishes to continue utilizing that skilled worker, you must proceed with the work permit renewal process.

Typically, the renewal of a valid work permit can be initiated at least 5 days but no more than 45 days before the expiration date. Based on practical experience, it's advisable to start the renewal process approximately 60 days before the work permit expiration date, referring to the status of the work permit (new issuance or previous renewal) on the most recent permit held by the foreign worker.

Procedures for Work Permit Extension for Foreign Technical Labor

Even if your skilled worker is still employed at your company and their work permit remains valid, you must complete the following steps to renew their work permit:

1. Job Posting: Post a job vacancy in accordance with the law. Foreign workers working in a specific province/city must have the vacancy posted in that locality. Based on your establishment permit, you'll typically post the vacancy through the provincial/city Employment Center. The posting period is 15 days.

2. Request Approval for Labor Use: This step, also known as explaining the need for foreign workers, involves requesting approval for the specific position. The processing time is usually 15-20 days.

3. Work Permit Application Submission: After obtaining the approval document for the demand to use foreign workers, your company needs to submit an application to extend the work permit according to the exact file and job position that has been approved.

Required Documents for Work Permit Extension

The basic procedures for requesting a work permit extension are as follows:

• A request for a work permit extension by the employer according to Form No. 11/PLI, Appendix I.

• Two color photos (size 4 cm x 6 cm, white background, front view, bare-headed, no tinted glasses), taken within 6 months of the application submission date.

• The original work permit with remaining validity.

• The approval document for the demand to use foreign workers, except in cases where it is not necessary to determine the demand for foreign workers.

• A certified photocopy of the passport or a photocopy of the passport certified by the employer that is still valid according to the law.

• A health certificate or a medical examination certificate from hospitals allowed to examine foreigners by the Ministry of Health.

During the process of extending the work permit for technical workers, old documents such as diplomas, certificates, training certificates, and experience are very important for use in the extension procedures. You should keep these documents organized for future use.

How Inbound Vietnam Can Assist You

Inbound Vietnam has a proven track record in handling these procedures for our clients. Our team of experienced consultants has over 10 years of expertise in the field of foreign labor in Vietnam. We aim to provide accurate, simple, and convenient information, along with in-depth solutions for the foreign personnel recruitment process, from job posting to demand reporting. Our goal is to help clients streamline management costs and potentially reduce the time spent on recruiting and managing foreign personnel in Vietnam.