On the morning of April 25, 2025, at the Headquarters of the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV), a Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place between BIDV and the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

This event marks a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation, aiming to enhance the experience and provide effective support for Vietnamese citizens during the UK visa application process, especially for students.

According to the MoU, BIDV will launch a dedicated financial verification channel for UKVI, which will help shorten the visa application processing time and improve the reliability and transparency of customers' financial documents. The flexibility and speed of this process demonstrate the commitment to service quality shared by both parties.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Pham Phuong Lan – Deputy Head of BIDV’s Retail Banking Division – stated:
"This cooperation with UKVI is not only a strategic step for BIDV to expand its customer ecosystem, but also affirms our commitment to accompanying customers in their journey of global education and integration. BIDV believes that with its advanced technology and exceptional services, the bank will deliver a seamless and reliable financial experience for Vietnamese students heading to the UK."

From UKVI’s side, Mr. Marcus Winsley – Deputy Ambassador of the UK to Vietnam – affirmed:
"We highly appreciate BIDV's pioneering collaboration in supporting the visa approval process through financial verification. Today's MoU signing will establish an effective cooperation model between UKVI and the banking sector in Vietnam, bringing greater transparency, speed, and convenience to Vietnamese citizens applying for visas to study, work, and live in the UK."

In addition to financial verification support, BIDV also officially launched a specialized product-service package for UKVI customers, including:

• Free account opening and international card issuance
• Preferential exchange rates and international transfer fees
• Increased foreign currency cash purchase limit up to USD 5,000 per departure
• Comprehensive support throughout the UK study journey

This is the first time UKVI has signed a cooperation agreement with a bank in Vietnam, reflecting its high trust in BIDV’s capacity and reputation in the international financial-banking market.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, both parties expressed hopes to further expand their cooperation in the future, aiming to better meet the increasing needs of Vietnamese citizens in their journey of global integration and development.

Founded in 1957, BIDV is currently the oldest operating bank with the largest total assets in Vietnam. It boasts a comprehensive financial ecosystem covering banking, insurance, and securities, with nearly 1,100 branches and transaction offices nationwide and international presence. BIDV has been ranked the No.1 retail bank in Vietnam for 10 consecutive years by The Asian Banker.

 

UKVI is an agency under the UK Home Office, responsible for managing and processing all types of UK entry visas. With a focus on transparency, efficiency, and security, UKVI plays a key role in promoting educational and labor cooperation between the UK and partner countries.