Why is my visa application status in HCMC still 'pending approval' after several days?

Many applicants in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) are expressing concern about their visa applications remaining in 'pending approval' status for more than five working days. Experiences vary, with some receiving approvals within five days, while others face longer waits. The community shares insights that applications often jump from 'pending approval' directly to 'finished,' suggesting that the approval process may not always follow a standard timeline. Some users are particularly anxious as they approach the expiration of their free visas, clarifying the typical waiting period appears to range from 5 to 7 days.