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How long does it typically take for the visa status to change from 'Pending Approval' and is an interview likely?

Mar 3, 2025
a year ago
MD ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
[Update: They called for an interview this morning, but I am currently out of Laos. If I don’t attend the interview, will it cause any issues? (Just asking.)

For the requested documents, I had submitted my Laos visa and entry stamp.]

At 12:30 PM today, the status changed to 'Processing - Pending Approval,' but now, at 8:30 PM, it is still the same.

My question is, how long does it normally take for the status to change? And at this stage, do they usually call for an interview?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquired about the implications of not attending a visa interview while they were outside Laos, after receiving a 'Processing - Pending Approval' status for their visa application. The community provided mixed responses regarding the necessity of attending the interview, with some suggesting that missing it could lead to application rejection, while others downplayed the consequences. Additionally, various comments shared experiences regarding the typical duration of the 'pending approval' status, indicating it can range from a few days to weeks.
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Way ******
If you don't show up, they will reject your application.
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Paul *******
Apparently in Laos they're using a hybrid system where you everyone is interviewed meaning just staying in Laos isn't enough - you actually need to be in Vientiane (or Savannakhet) so they can see you in person.

The hybrid part is that you apply online, pay in person and will be interviewed as well but then you receive your visa via email.
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Winston ************
"If I don’t attend the interview, will it cause any issues?"

Nah, don't worry about it. Don't attend. It'll be fine. You're the boss.
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John *******
Um, yes, if they want to interview you and you are not allowing them to interview you, 100% likely you will be rejected. This is why you are supposed to stay in Laos while visa is being processed.
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Sean *******
No interview no visa.
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There *****
I‘m pretty sure it will cause issues. They wanna see you and your passport. So they‘ll see your stamps…
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MJ *******
i applied on a tuesday. the next week had an interview request for wednesday. after interview was approved in 5 mins. total 9 days
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Adrian ******
I didn't even bother looking at the status.had an email for an interview by the time I left the building I had an approval email.(Vientiane)
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Koin ******
14 working days for me
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Anonymous ******************
Yes, an interview is still possible.
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Will ************
Seen it stay at pending approval for a few weeks in some cases
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Sean *******
Could be another whole 8 hours unfortunately.
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Pyae *********
I think u may have an interview email soon. Ur interview date may monday. If u can show ur bank account from ur mobile phone at interview and u have good money evidence u may get visa on monday
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Anonymous ******************
Mine was pending approval for 4 days
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Maksym ***********
Pending approval can be 21+ day, you wrote after hours 😂
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Lee-Ann *******
In Canberra Australia, mine say on pending approval for around 10 days
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Michael ********
@Lee-Ann ******
Thanks!

I submitted mine through Canberra now, it's only been 4 days.

*I've completed over a dozen Thai visas over the past 13 years. It used to take a maximum of two days, but it now appears to be significantly slower at most consulate locations.
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Lee-Ann *******
@Michael *******
probably due to the popularity of it
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Lee-Ann *******
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Min ***********
It varies, can last from 1 to 7 working days. Mostly, it takes 2-3 working days.
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MD ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Min **********
at this stage, do they usually call for an interview?
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Min ***********
@MD **************
usually, they don't
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MD ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Min **********
thank you
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MD ***************
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