NAATI CCL Vietnamese Immigration & Settlement Practice Dialogues — Worked Examples

Immigration interpreting in Vietnamese involves Sino-Vietnamese bureaucratic vocabulary like thi thuc (visa), quoc tich (citizenship), and cu tru (residency) alongside French-derived terms like passeport and dossier that persist among older speakers. The pronoun hierarchy shapes every interaction — immigration officers may be addressed as anh/chi (older brother/sister) or ong/ba (sir/madam) depending on age, and applicants use toi or more deferential forms. Six-tone distinctions in names and numbers create transcription risks during identity verification. Classifier words for documents — mot cuon ho chieu (one passport), mot to don (one application form) — require correct classifiers that vary by document type. Vietnamese speakers often embed English terms like visa, PR, and Centrelink into Vietnamese sentences without morphological adaptation, and interpreters must handle this code-switching seamlessly. Topic-fronting structures like giay to, toi chua nop (documents, I have not yet submitted) require restructuring for English administrative contexts.

7 practice dialogues

Student Visa — Extension Enquiry

This dialogue is between a male international student and a Migration Agent. The student's visa is expiring soon and he is seeking advice on extending his student visa.

Seg 1Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Good morning. You've come to discuss extending your student visa. Can you tell me about your current visa situation?

Seg 2Client
LOTE → English

Tôi có visa sinh viên hạng 500, hết hạn tháng sau. Tôi cần thêm sáu tháng để hoàn thành luận văn.

Seg 3Migration Agent
English → LOTE

If you need more time for your thesis, apply for a new student visa. Your current visa must still be valid when you apply. Processing takes four to six weeks.

Seg 4Client
LOTE → English

Có, tuần trước nhận rồi. Phí nộp đơn mới bao nhiêu? Có kịp trước khi visa hiện tại hết hạn không?

Seg 5Migration Agent
English → LOTE

The application fee is sixteen hundred dollars. If you apply while your current visa is valid, you'll automatically receive a bridging visa.

Seg 6Client
LOTE → English

Tôi có thể làm việc với Visa Cầu nối không? Hiện tại tôi được làm hai mươi giờ mỗi tuần.

Seg 7Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Yes, a Bridging Visa A carries over the same work conditions as your current student visa. That means up to twenty hours per week during the academic term, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

Seg 8Client
LOTE → English

Còn bảo hiểm sức khỏe? OSHC của tôi sắp hết hạn.

Seg 9Migration Agent
English → LOTE

You'll need valid Overseas Student Health Cover for the entire duration of your visa application. You must submit proof of your OSHC extension when you lodge the application.

Seg 10Client
LOTE → English

Tôi sẽ gọi công ty bảo hiểm để gia hạn. Cần giấy tờ gì khác không?

Seg 11Migration Agent
English → LOTE

You'll need your passport, the new Confirmation of Enrolment, proof of OSHC, evidence of financial capacity, and your academic transcript. I'd also strongly recommend a letter from your supervisor about your research progress.

Seg 12Client
LOTE → English

Cảm ơn. Tôi sẽ chuẩn bị giấy tờ và nộp đơn sớm nhất có thể.

Partner Visa — Application Enquiry

This dialogue is between a man and a Migration Agent. The man is married to an Australian citizen and is enquiring about applying for a partner visa.

Seg 1Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Welcome. You've come to discuss applying for a partner visa. Is your partner an Australian citizen?

Seg 2Client
LOTE → English

Có, vợ tôi sinh ra ở Úc và là công dân. Chúng tôi kết hôn hai năm.

Seg 3Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Good. The partner visa has two stages — a temporary subclass 820 and a permanent subclass 801. You apply for both at the same time.

Seg 4Client
LOTE → English

Phí bao nhiêu? Tôi nghe nói rất đắt.

Seg 5Migration Agent
English → LOTE

The current application fee is around nine thousand dollars, paid as a lump sum. It's one of the most expensive visa fees. This covers both stages of the visa.

Seg 6Client
LOTE → English

Làm sao chứng minh mối quan hệ là thật?

Seg 7Migration Agent
English → LOTE

You'll need evidence across four categories — financial, household, social, and commitment to each other. This includes things like joint bank accounts, a shared lease, photographs together, and statutory declarations from friends and family.

Seg 8Client
LOTE → English

Xử lý mất bao lâu? Tôi có thể làm việc với visa cầu nối trước khi nhận visa tạm không?

Seg 9Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Processing times for the temporary visa are currently twelve to eighteen months. Yes, you'll receive a bridging visa with full work rights and eligibility for Medicare.

Seg 10Client
LOTE → English

Khi nào tôi nhận thường trú?

Seg 11Migration Agent
English → LOTE

The permanent stage is assessed two years after the temporary visa. You'll need to show the relationship is ongoing through photos, joint finances, and statutory declarations.

Seg 12Client
LOTE → English

Lâu, nhưng đáng. Bạn có thể cho tôi danh sách tài liệu cần thiết không?

Skilled Migration — Points Test Discussion

This dialogue is between a woman and a Migration Agent. The woman is a skilled professional discussing her eligibility for a skilled migration visa under the points test.

Seg 1Migration Agent
English → LOTE

You've come to discuss a skilled migration visa. Can you tell me about your current occupation and qualifications?

Seg 2Client
LOTE → English

Tôi là kỹ sư phần mềm, sáu năm kinh nghiệm. Tôi có bằng cử nhân khoa học máy tính.

Seg 3Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Software engineering is on the skilled occupation list. Let's look at your estimated points. How old are you?

Seg 4Client
LOTE → English

Ba mươi hai tuổi. Tôi lo điểm tiếng Anh không đủ. IELTS tổng bảy chấm.

Seg 5Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Let me calculate. Age thirty-two is thirty points. Bachelor's degree fifteen. IELTS seven overall is ten. Eight years experience is fifteen. Total seventy.

Seg 6Client
LOTE → English

Vậy tổng khoảng sáu mươi đến sáu mươi lăm? Đủ để nhận lời mời không?

Seg 7Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Sixty-five is the minimum requirement, but currently invitations are typically issued at seventy-five to eighty points or above. You can gain additional points by improving your English score or obtaining a state government nomination.

Seg 8Client
LOTE → English

Đề cử bang là gì? Được thêm bao nhiêu điểm?

Seg 9Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Each state wants specific skilled workers. A 190 visa gives five extra points but requires two years in that state. A 491 regional visa gives fifteen extra points.

Seg 10Client
LOTE → English

Tôi cũng đang xem xét sống ở vùng. Có cần đánh giá kỹ năng trước không?

Seg 11Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Yes, a skills assessment is mandatory before you can submit an Expression of Interest for the points test. For software engineers, the assessment body is the ACS. The process usually takes six to eight weeks.

Seg 12Client
LOTE → English

Được, tôi bắt đầu đánh giá ACS ngay. Cảm ơn buổi tư vấn.

Citizenship — Eligibility Enquiry

This dialogue is between a woman and an Immigration Officer. The woman has been a permanent resident for several years and is enquiring about Australian citizenship eligibility.

Seg 1Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

You've come to discuss your eligibility for Australian citizenship. How long have you had permanent residency?

Seg 2Applicant
LOTE → English

Bốn năm trước nhận thường trú. Tôi lo về bài thi quốc tịch. Bài thi bằng tiếng Anh à?

Seg 3Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

Yes, the test is in English with twenty multiple-choice questions about Australian values, history, and government. You need seventy-five per cent to pass.

Seg 4Applicant
LOTE → English

Nếu không đậu thì sao? Được thi mấy lần?

Seg 5Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

If you fail, you can retake at no extra cost, as many times as needed. Wait at least two days between attempts. Most people pass on the second try.

Seg 6Applicant
LOTE → English

Còn yêu cầu nào khác không? Cần biết gì trước khi nộp đơn?

Seg 7Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

You must have lived in Australia for at least four years, with the last twelve months as a permanent resident. Short trips overseas are fine if total absence is under twelve months.

Seg 8Applicant
LOTE → English

Không có tiền án. Nhưng năm ngoái tôi ở nước ngoài ba tháng vì công việc. Có vấn đề không?

Seg 9Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

Three months away is fine. As long as total time outside Australia is under twelve months in the four-year period, there's no problem.

Seg 10Applicant
LOTE → English

Khi nhận quốc tịch Úc, tôi có giữ được quốc tịch gốc không?

Seg 11Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

Australia allows dual citizenship. However, whether your home country permits it depends on their laws. I'd recommend checking with your country's embassy before applying.

Seg 12Applicant
LOTE → English

Được, tháng sau tôi bắt đầu ôn thi và nộp đơn. Cảm ơn.

Protection Visa — Refugee Claim

This dialogue is between a man and a Migration Agent. The man is a refugee seeking advice about applying for a protection visa in Australia.

Seg 1Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Please take your time. This interview is strictly confidential. Your safety is our top priority. Can you tell me why you fled your home country?

Seg 2Client
LOTE → English

Tôi là nhà báo. Sau khi viết bài về tham nhũng chính phủ, tôi bị bắt giam sáu tháng. Sau khi thả, họ đe dọa bắt lại.

Seg 3Migration Agent
English → LOTE

What was your treatment like during detention? Were you subjected to any abuse or torture?

Seg 4Client
LOTE → English

Có, tôi bị đánh và giật điện nhiều lần. Họ ép tôi tiết lộ nguồn tin nhưng tôi từ chối. Tôi vẫn gặp ác mộng.

Seg 5Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Thank you for sharing that. How did you come to Australia?

Seg 6Client
LOTE → English

Tôi đến bằng visa hội nghị học thuật. Tôi nhập cảnh hợp pháp nhưng không thể quay về. Nếu về chắc chắn sẽ bị bỏ tù.

Seg 7Migration Agent
English → LOTE

I understand your situation. Let me explain the process for applying for an Australian protection visa. You can seek refugee status based on a well-founded fear of persecution.

Seg 8Client
LOTE → English

Xử lý mất bao lâu? Trong thời gian chờ, tôi có thể làm việc hoặc học không?

Seg 9Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Processing usually takes twelve to eighteen months. When you lodge a protection visa application, you'll be granted a bridging visa that gives you work rights and eligibility for Medicare.

Seg 10Client
LOTE → English

Tôi không có tiền thuê luật sư. Có hỗ trợ pháp lý miễn phí không?

Seg 11Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Yes, free legal assistance is available. I'll refer you to the Refugee Legal Service. They can represent you at the hearing at no cost.

Seg 12Client
LOTE → English

Cảm ơn. Lần đầu tiên tôi cảm thấy an toàn kể từ khi đến đây.

Working Holiday Visa — Conditions

This dialogue is between a man and a Migration Agent. The man has just arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa and is being briefed on visa conditions.

Seg 1Migration Agent
English → LOTE

You've just arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa. Congratulations. There are a few things you should understand about the conditions of your visa.

Seg 2Client
LOTE → English

Vâng, tôi muốn hiểu rõ các quy định. Tôi có thể làm cho cùng chủ bao lâu?

Seg 3Migration Agent
English → LOTE

You can work for the same employer for a maximum of six months. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for permission or change employers.

Seg 4Client
LOTE → English

Tôi nghe nói phải làm nông trại để có visa năm thứ hai. Đúng không?

Seg 5Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Yes. To qualify for a second working holiday visa, you need to complete at least eighty-eight days of specified work in regional areas — such as agriculture, mining, or construction.

Seg 6Client
LOTE → English

Tôi thu thập bằng chứng thế nào? Phiếu lương có đủ không?

Seg 7Migration Agent
English → LOTE

You'll need payslips, a letter from the employer, bank statements, and workers' compensation records. All documents must include the employer's name, ABN, address, and the dates you worked.

Seg 8Client
LOTE → English

Tôi lo về thuế. Làm sao lấy TFN?

Seg 9Migration Agent
English → LOTE

You can apply for a TFN online through the ATO website. It usually arrives within twenty-eight days. Without a TFN, you'll be taxed at the highest rate of forty-seven per cent.

Seg 10Client
LOTE → English

Còn tiền hưu? Khi rời Úc tôi lấy lại được không?

Seg 11Migration Agent
English → LOTE

Yes, if you permanently leave Australia on a temporary visa, you can claim a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment — known as DASP. Be aware that a withholding tax of thirty-five to sixty-five per cent applies.

Seg 12Client
LOTE → English

Cảm ơn đã cho biết tất cả. Tôi muốn kỳ nghỉ làm việc vui vẻ và an toàn.

Bridging Visa — Travel Permission

This dialogue is between a woman and an Immigration Officer. The woman is on a bridging visa and needs to travel overseas urgently because her mother is ill.

Seg 1Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

You've come to check on your bridging visa conditions. Can you give me your visa number?

Seg 2Visa Holder
LOTE → English

BVE 1234567. Tôi đang chờ visa đoàn tụ. Tôi muốn biết có thể xuất cảnh rồi quay lại không.

Seg 3Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

Let me check the records. Your Bridging Visa E has work rights, but it does not include travel permission. That means if you leave Australia, you won't be able to re-enter.

Seg 4Visa Holder
LOTE → English

Nhưng mẹ tôi ở quê đang ốm. Tôi cần về thăm ngay. Không có cách nào sao?

Seg 5Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

I understand. You can apply for a Bridging Visa B, which includes travel permission. You'll need evidence of the compassionate reason for travel.

Seg 6Visa Holder
LOTE → English

Mẹ bệnh có phải lý do bắt buộc không?

Seg 7Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

Yes, a serious family illness is generally accepted as a compassionate reason. You'll need to include a medical certificate from her doctor, proof of your relationship, and your travel itinerary.

Seg 8Visa Holder
LOTE → English

Phí xin visa B bao nhiêu? Mất bao lâu?

Seg 9Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

The application fee is around one hundred and sixty-five dollars. Compassionate cases receive priority processing and are usually decided within two to five business days.

Seg 10Visa Holder
LOTE → English

Nếu visa đoàn tụ có kết quả khi tôi đang ở nước ngoài?

Seg 11Immigration Officer
English → LOTE

If your partner visa is granted while overseas on a BVB, you can re-enter on the new visa. Keep all travel documents and medical evidence.

Seg 12Visa Holder
LOTE → English

Được, hôm nay tôi xin BVB. Tôi sẽ nhờ gửi giấy tờ y tế của mẹ qua email. Cảm ơn.

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