Judicial record number 2 after July 1, 2026: What should people making US settlement documents note?

From July 1, 2026, many new regulations on administrative procedures and judicial data management will be implemented in Vietnam. For those who are applying for US settlement, especially in the F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4 and IR1/CR1 categories, the issue of greatest concern is whether the Criminal Record Certificate No. 2 will still be issued as before and how to prepare for the NVC.

Why do American settlers often need criminal record number 2?

During the application processing process at the National Visa Center (NVC) and interview at the US Consulate, applicants 16 years of age or older often have to submit a Vietnamese criminal record card to prove their criminal record status.

For US settlement applications, many cases are required to submit Judicial Record Form No. 2 because this form shows complete criminal record information according to the provisions of Vietnamese law.

Changes after July 1, 2026

According to the direction of administrative procedure reform and data digitization, the issuance of Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 can be more strictly controlled in terms of:

Subjects requested to issue vouchers.

Intended use.

Online application form.

Data processing and verification time.

In fact, many localities may require people to explain the purpose of applying for a voucher or supplement documents proving their need for use in foreign settlement applications.

Are immigration filers affected?

The answer is that procedures may be affected, but that does not mean votes cannot be obtained.

Common cases:

NVC application is awaiting submission of documents.

Requested to supplement criminal record.

The old ticket is expired.

Prepare for your immigrant visa interview.

If not prepared early, additional verification time may delay the DQ schedule or interview schedule.

Common risks

1. Past due date before interview date

Many F4 or F2B applications wait quite a long time for interview schedules. When called for an interview, the voucher was expired and had to be reapplied.

2. Different household registration or CCCD information

Data digitized after July 1, 2026 can be compared more closely with the population database. If the information is inconsistent, the records are susceptible to verification requests.

3. Change of residence

People who have moved provinces or changed addresses often have to check their residence information again before being issued a voucher.

Solution to avoid slow filing

Prepare synchronized documents

Before applying for criminal record number 2, you should check:

CCCD is still valid.

Full name matches birth certificate.

Date of birth is consistent.

Residential address updated if there is any change.

Please apply near the time requested by NVC

Do not apply too early if the application is still waiting for many years. The right time is when:

Applications are about to arrive according to Visa Bulletin.

NVC has opened the file.

Prepare to submit civil documents.

Keep high quality scans

After receiving the ballot:

Scan the entire ballot in color.

Save PDF files clearly.

Check that the stamp and signature are fully visible before uploading to CEAC.

Follow up on NVC requirements

NVC may request:

Newer coupon.

English translation.

Scan again if the image is blurry.

Therefore, it is necessary to monitor your email and CEAC account regularly.

What if I can't apply right away?

In case the locality requires additional documents or the processing time is extended:

Schedule your application as soon as possible.

Keep the receipt of receipt of documents.

Prepare other civil documents in advance.

When necessary, you can explain to NVC that you are waiting for the competent authority to issue the voucher.

Recommendations for each aspect

Application form Should do

F4 Ask for a ticket when the file is nearly current or NVC opens the file

F2A Prepare early because waiting time is shorter

F2B Carefully check residence information if you have moved

IR1/CR1 Request a voucher before submitting the NVC application package

Conclusion

After July 1, 2026, the issuance of Criminal Record Certificate No. 2 may be more strictly managed according to Vietnam's new regulations. However, people applying for US settlement can still apply for a normal voucher if they prepare all the documents and do so at the right time.

The most important solution is not to wait until close to the interview date to apply for a ballot, and to check the consistency of all personal information before submitting the application. Proactive preparation will help avoid additional requests, reduce the risk of delay in DQ and limit the impact on the immigration visa interview schedule.