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U.S. Investment Immigration

U.S. investment immigration refers to immigration programs that allow foreign investors and their families to obtain Green Cards by contributing capital to the U.S. economy. This is one of the most proactive and flexible pathways because it does not require a sponsor, does not depend on a U.S. employer, and does not require academic qualifications or English language certification.

Interimm has been providing U.S. investment immigration advisory services since 2015, supporting more than 400 Vietnamese investors and implementing over 60 EB-5 projects across key economic regions throughout the United States. To date, more than 1,000 family members have obtained Green Cards, with a 100% approval rate for I-526E and I-829 petitions.

Currently, the two most popular and suitable U.S. investment immigration pathways for Vietnamese investors are EB-5 and L-1 transitioning to EB-1C. Both programs are designed to help investors obtain Green Cards through business activities in the United States.

All essential information for investors, including the eligibility requirements and costs of each program, Green Card benefits for the entire family, the application and immigration process, and the latest policy updates for 2026, is analyzed in detail below. Register for a free consultation to receive a case assessment tailored to your family’s circumstances.

Request a Free Consultation HOTLINE: 0931 830 838
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Green Cards Secured

Total green cards Interimm has helped clients secure, mostly U.S. green cards, with a 100% approval rate on I-526E and I-829 petitions.
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Capital Raised

Total investment capital Interimm has raised from Vietnamese investors, primarily for job-creating projects in the U.S.
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Years of Immigration Experience

Interimm has advised on international investment immigration since 2015, with particular strength in the U.S. immigration market.
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Successful Projects

Investment immigration projects Interimm has carried out, the majority being EB-5 Regional Center projects in U.S. Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs).

Overview of U.S. Investment Immigration

U.S. investment immigration is an immigration pathway that allows foreign investors to obtain lawful permanent resident status, also known as a Green Card, by investing capital or expanding business operations in the United States. Among these options, EB-5 is the only official investment-based immigration program established by the U.S. Congress since 1990, providing a direct Green Card pathway for investors and their families.

In addition to EB-5, investors may consider other pathways to obtain a Green Card, such as L-1 transitioning to EB-1C, EB-3, or family-sponsored immigration. However, each category comes with its own barriers, such as management experience requirements, dependence on a sponsoring employer, or lengthy waiting periods ranging from 2 to 20 years. Therefore, EB-5 remains the most popular choice for Vietnamese investors due to its clear Green Card pathway, no academic or management experience requirements, and no need to directly operate a business in the United States when investing through a Regional Center.

For Vietnamese investors, Interimm focuses on the two most suitable programs: EB-5 for investors seeking a Green Card through capital investment, and the L-1 pathway for business owners planning to expand their operations to the United States, thereby becoming eligible to file for EB-1C after the business has operated stably.

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U.S. Investment Immigration Programs at Interimm

Interimm offers two U.S. investment immigration programs, including the EB-5 Visa and the L-1 Program. Both programs do not require a sponsor, academic qualifications, or English language certification. Details of each program are as follows:
For the EB-5 Visa Program, investors must invest a minimum of USD 800,000, approximately VND 20 billion, in a project located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), or USD 1,050,000, approximately VND 27 billion, in a non-TEA project, while creating at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Requirements

  1. Investors must be over 18 years old, in good health, and have a clean criminal record.
  2. Investors must demonstrate the lawful source of investment funds, such as business income, salary, proceeds from real estate sales, inheritance, or gifts.
  3. The investment project must create at least 10 full-time jobs, with a minimum of 35 hours per week, for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents for a minimum period of 2 years.

Benefits

  1. Spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible to receive Green Cards.
  2. Investment capital may be returned after the project is completed and meets the job creation requirements, depending on the commitment of each specific project.
  3. Children benefit from tuition-free public education from elementary through high school; university tuition is applied at the same rate as lawful permanent residents.
  4. The entire family is free to live, work, and study anywhere in the United States.
  5. Enjoy most rights and benefits available to U.S. citizens, except the right to vote.
  6. No visa is required to enter the United States, with no limit on the number of entries.
  7. Investors may apply for permanent Green Cards after 2 years and apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years.

Suitable Candidates

  • Investors with strong financial capacity who wish to obtain Green Cards efficiently.
  • Parents who want their children to benefit from lower tuition, work freely, and settle in the United States long term.
  • International students (F-1), work visa holders (H-1B), or individuals seeking to transition to a Green Card without remaining dependent on employer sponsorship.
  • Direct investment: The investor establishes or acquires a business, directly manages the business, and creates jobs.
  • Investment through a Regional Center: The investor contributes capital to a project managed by a Regional Center, where job creation is calculated indirectly through an economic model.
  • Investment capital must remain genuinely at risk in accordance with USCIS regulations, and a 100% return of capital cannot be guaranteed. The repayment outcome depends on the quality of the project and the Regional Center.
  • The average processing time is 12–24 months, with an overall timeline of 4–5 years. This program may not be suitable for investors who need to relocate to the United States immediately.

In practice, based on cases handled by Interimm, most Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued by USCIS are related to proving the lawful source of funds, rather than project-related issues. Responding to an RFE can take considerable time and may extend the overall timeline by an additional 3–6 months.

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L-1 is the most suitable pathway for Vietnamese entrepreneurs who wish to expand their business while gradually meeting the requirements to file an EB-1C petition. There are two types of L-1 visas: L-1A for managers or senior executives, who may qualify to file for EB-1C after one year of employment, and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge, which does not provide a pathway to EB-1C. The maximum validity period is 7 years for L-1A and 5 years for L-1B.

Requirements

  1. The applicant must be over 18 years old, in good health, and have a good personal background.
  2. The company must have active business operations in both Vietnam and the United States, with a qualifying relationship between the two entities.
  3. The company in Vietnam must have been operating for at least 1 year, be profitable, and have fully complied with tax obligations.
  4. The U.S. company must have a 5-year business and development plan to demonstrate the need to transfer a manager or executive.
  5. The applicant must own part or all of the company, hold a senior management or executive role, and have at least 1 year of relevant experience within the most recent year.
  6. The applicant must demonstrate executive or managerial capacity for the L-1A category, or specialized knowledge for the L-1B category.
  7. The applicant must prove that they are genuinely working for and managing the business in the United States.

Benefits

  1. Eligible to file an EB-1C petition after 1 year of managing a U.S. company under L-1A status.
  2. Authorized to work, open an office or branch, or acquire a company in any U.S. state.
  3. The spouse may obtain an L-2 visa and work legally in the United States; unmarried children under 21 may accompany the family.
  4. Children may benefit from tuition-free education at public schools in the United States.
  5. Freedom to travel within the United States and internationally.

Suitable Candidates

  • Business owners and senior managers currently operating a company in Vietnam who wish to move to the United States to establish or manage a branch or subsidiary.
  • Employees with specialized knowledge, proprietary technical expertise, or in-depth understanding of the company’s products or services that the U.S. entity requires.
  1. New Office: The investor establishes a new company in the United States that has a qualifying relationship with the parent company in Vietnam.
  2. Transfer to an Existing Company: The applicant is transferred from the company in Vietnam to an existing branch or subsidiary operating in the United States.
  • After the first year, the U.S. subsidiary must demonstrate actual business operations, including office premises, employees, and revenue, in order to qualify for extension. This can be a barrier for investors who do not have a specific business plan before filing.
  • The L-1A New Office visa is initially granted for 1 year and may be extended in 2-year increments, up to a maximum of 7 years. At each extension, USCIS reassesses the entire case, including the scale of the business and the applicant’s managerial role.

In the L-1 New Office cases handled by Interimm, the most common challenge at the second-year extension stage is insufficient evidence of actual business operations, including revenue, commercial contracts, and full-time employees. This is a decisive factor in determining whether the applicant can continue the pathway toward EB-1C.

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Unlike investment categories such as L-1 or E-2, EB-5 investors are not required to directly manage a business in the United States. The program also does not require academic qualifications, English proficiency, or management experience. With its clear pathway and flexible requirements, EB-5 is currently a popular U.S. investment immigration program among Vietnamese investors.

Although the U.S. government has increasingly tightened immigration policies, the EB-5 Program has continued to be improved to create more favorable conditions for investors.

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Benefits of U.S. Investment Immigration

There are five key benefits of U.S. investment immigration: the entire family can obtain Green Cards under a single petition, enjoy lawful permanent resident rights from the date of approval, and maintain control throughout the immigration pathway. Compared with family-sponsored categories, which often require waiting periods of 10–20 years or longer, or employment-based categories that depend on a sponsoring employer, U.S. investment immigration offers greater flexibility and control over both timeline and outcome. Below are the key benefits for investors pursuing U.S. immigration through investment:
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Green Cards for the Entire Family and a Pathway to U.S. Citizenship

The principal investor, spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21 are all eligible to obtain Green Cards under a single petition. After holding lawful permanent resident status for 5 years, each family member may apply for U.S. citizenship and retain dual Vietnamese citizenship.

The EB-5 Program allows the spouse and children to be listed as derivative beneficiaries in the I-526E petition, enabling them to receive Green Cards at the same time as the principal investor. The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) preserves the child’s legal age at the time of filing, helping prevent the child from aging out during the adjudication process. Under the L-1 pathway, the spouse receives an L-2 visa with legal work authorization, while unmarried children under 21 may accompany the family. When transitioning to EB-1C, the entire family may obtain Green Cards together.

After 5 years of permanent residency, each family member may file Form N-400 to apply for U.S. citizenship. Once naturalized, the investor and family members gain the right to vote, hold a U.S. passport with visa-free access to 179 countries according to the Henley Passport Index 2026, and sponsor parents and siblings to immigrate to the United States without numerical limits. At the same time, Vietnamese law still allows dual citizenship, so investors are not required to give up their original nationality.

Compared with other immigration categories, U.S. investment visas offer clear advantages. Family-sponsored immigration does not include parents or siblings in the same petition, while EB-3 allows dependents to accompany the principal applicant but does not guarantee independent work authorization for the spouse. In contrast, U.S. investment immigration provides full permanent resident rights for the entire family from the beginning, with a clear pathway and less dependence on external factors.

U.S. investment immigration gives investors a high level of control, from when to begin the application, selecting a project or business model, to managing the timeline throughout the Green Card process.

Under EB-5, investors can decide when to file Form I-526E, choose a suitable Regional Center project, and proactively transfer investment funds. In addition, concurrent filing of Form I-526E and Form I-485 allows the entire family to move to the United States earlier without waiting for the immigrant petition to be fully approved.

Under the L-1 pathway, investors can proactively develop their business plan, choose when to establish a company in the United States, and flexibly adjust operations to meet the requirements for transitioning to EB-1. The EB-1C pathway only begins once the company is actively operating and does not depend on an employer or any third party.

By contrast, other immigration categories provide less control. Family-sponsored immigration depends entirely on a relative in the United States filing the petition, with waiting times that may extend from 10 to 20 years or longer. EB-3 depends on a sponsoring employer, meaning that if the applicant loses the job, their visa status may also be affected. Meanwhile, the pathway from studying in the United States to H-1B depends on a random lottery system, with a relatively low selection rate and limited predictability for long-term planning.

Based on more than 400 cases handled by Interimm, EB-5 investors from Vietnam often take advantage of concurrent filing of Form I-526E and Form I-485 while holding F-1 or H-1B status, helping shorten the timeline to move to the United States to approximately 6–8 months, instead of waiting 12–18 months for NVC interview processing.

U.S. permanent residents have access to one of the world’s leading education and healthcare systems. The United States has four universities ranked in the top 10 of the QS World University Rankings 2026, including MIT (#1), Stanford (#3), Harvard (#5), and Caltech (#10). In addition, its specialized healthcare system is ranked #1 globally by U.S. News Best Hospitals. These are also two important reasons why many Vietnamese families choose to settle in the United States.

In terms of education, children of permanent residents can attend public schools tuition-free from kindergarten through Grade 12 (K-12). At the university level, average in-state tuition is approximately USD 11,000 per year, or around VND 280 million per year, while international students pay USD 30,000–45,000 per year, or around VND 760 million to VND 1.15 billion per year, at the same institution, according to the College Board 2024–2025. In addition, permanent residents may apply for federal financial aid through FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), including Pell Grants, scholarships, and student loans with preferential interest rates.

In terms of healthcare, permanent residents are eligible to enroll in health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, with premium subsidies based on income level. This allows families to access leading specialized hospital networks such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and hundreds of federally qualified healthcare centers. After 5 years of continuous tax contributions, each family member may also become eligible for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, helping significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs.

By contrast, other visa categories come with more limitations. The F-1 student visa only allows students to study and does not provide permanent resident rights or in-state tuition benefits. The H-1B work visa does not include tuition-free education benefits for children. Only after becoming a U.S. permanent resident or citizen can a family fully access the education and healthcare benefits mentioned above.

U.S. investment immigration does not require academic qualifications, English proficiency, a specific age limit, or business experience. The core requirement is proving the lawful source of funds.

EB-5 sources of funds are relatively flexible and may come from business income, real estate, gifts, inheritance, or accumulated salary, provided that the lawful origin of the funds can be documented. There are no restrictions on occupation or business sector. Under the L-1 pathway, investors must have management or executive experience, but are not required to provide IELTS certification, academic degrees, or professional qualifications. The main requirement is that they are actively operating a real business in Vietnam.

By contrast, other immigration categories have stricter requirements. EB-3 requires specific qualifications, such as 2 years of experience for skilled workers or a university degree for professionals, and also requires sponsorship from a U.S. employer. H-1B requires a university degree and employment in a specialty occupation. Family-sponsored immigration requires a clear family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as spouse, parent, or sibling.

In EB-5 cases handled by Interimm, approved sources of funds have been diverse: business income accounts for approximately 40%, real estate sales for 30%, and the remainder comes from inheritance, gifts, and accumulated salary. The decisive factor is not the type of funding source, but the ability to provide documents that continuously trace the flow of funds up to the time of transfer.

Permanent residents have the right to work, change jobs, and start businesses across all 50 states without needing a separate work permit. This right takes effect as soon as they receive their Green Card.

In terms of employment, permanent residents gain access to the U.S. labor market, which included approximately 159 million nonfarm workers according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2025. Investors can freely change jobs, negotiate salaries, and pursue career advancement without affecting their residency status. They are also not restricted by industry, sector, or geographic location.

From a business perspective, permanent residents may establish a company, open a branch, or acquire a business in any state. In addition, they may qualify for U.S. bank financing through federally backed small business loan programs, as well as enter into commercial contracts and participate in bidding for federal projects.

U.S. investment immigration provides these economic rights from the very beginning, without being tied to any specific company or individual in the United States.

U.S. Investment Immigration Process

The U.S. investment immigration advisory process consists of five key steps, from the initial case assessment to post-arrival support. This process applies to both the EB-5 and L-1 programs, with an average timeline of 2–3 years, depending on the program and USCIS processing progress.

Consultation and Case Assessment (Free)

Interimm specialists analyze the investor’s financial profile, family objectives, and recommend the most suitable program, either EB-5 or L-1, while also assessing the source of funds, family structure, and desired timeline.

The legal team conducts due diligence on the EB-5 project, including project financials, the Regional Center, and repayment track record, or reviews the L-1 business plan, including feasibility and parent-subsidiary company structure.

Immigration attorneys prepare the petition package, including Form I-526E for EB-5 or Form I-129 for L-1. At the same time, supporting documents are collected to prove the source of funds, personal records, and project documentation. The application is then submitted to USCIS.

Interimm provides case progress updates, prepares NVC interview documentation if the case is processed through a U.S. Consulate, or Form I-485 documentation if the applicant adjusts status in the United States, and supports the family in preparing for the medical examination and police clearance requirements.

After arriving in the United States, Interimm guides investors through the necessary post-arrival procedures, including obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN), enrolling children in school, opening a bank account, and settling into life in the United States. Interimm also supports the next steps, such as Green Card renewal and preparation of Form I-829 for EB-5 or Form I-140 for EB-1C.

Throughout the process, Interimm’s team of experts, from immigration attorneys to financial consultants, will accompany you every step of the way. The average processing time is approximately 2–3 years to obtain a Green Card through EB-5, and a similar timeline applies to the pathway from L-1 to EB-1C.

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Why Choose Interimm for U.S. Immigration Consulting?

Interimm is a U.S. investment immigration consulting firm specializing in the EB-5 and L-1 categories. Established in 2015, Interimm has supported clients in obtaining more than 1,000 Green Cards issued by USCIS. Interimm’s services are built on four core pillars:
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1. 100% I-526E & I-829 APPROVAL RATE

Interimm has recorded a 100% approval rate for I-526E and I-829 petitions supported by its team and approved by USCIS, according to company-published data. This result reflects Interimm’s deep experience in source-of-funds preparation, project selection, and close investor support throughout the key stages of the EB-5 journey.

More than 400 Vietnamese investors have chosen Interimm for their EB-5 U.S. immigration journey, with over 1,000 family members receiving Green Cards. This real case volume has enabled Interimm to accumulate experience in handling a wide range of situations, from source-of-funds documentation and children’s age considerations to each family’s long-term immigration plan.

Over more than a decade of operation, Interimm has participated in and advised on more than 60 EB-5 projects in the United States, with total capital raised from investors exceeding USD 200 million. This experience gives the team deeper insight when evaluating capital structure, job creation capacity, project progress, and factors that may affect both immigration objectives and capital repayment potential.

Interimm’s support does not stop at Green Card approval. The company has accompanied 22 investors through the full EB-5 investment lifecycle, helping them receive a total of USD 11 million in principal repayment. This is one of the results that clearly demonstrates Interimm’s experience in supporting investors from project selection and petition preparation through to the project’s capital repayment process.

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What Do U.S. Immigration Investors Say About Interimm?

More than 400 Vietnamese investors have completed their U.S. Green Card journey with Interimm. Below are firsthand accounts from families who have received their Green Cards, reflecting their real experience from the first consultation to the day they settled in the U.S.:

Going through the immigration process is never simple. When I first started on our application, I had many worries and didn't know what to prepare or how the process worked. Thanks to Interimm's professionalism, every difficulty was resolved. I am truly grateful for the enthusiasm and dedication your team showed at every stage of my family's case. That is how my family achieved the wonderful result we have today.
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Mr. P. & Ms. B.'s Family

U.S. Immigration Client

I would like to thank the entire Interimm team, especially those who supported my family directly throughout the application process. After 6 years with many difficult stages, particularly during the Covid pandemic, and thanks to the company's dedication, my family has now received our 10-year Green Cards and has just received our capital repayment as committed. Thank you all.
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Ms. H. & Mr. N.'s Family

EB-5 U.S. Immigration Client

In my first days in the U.S., before I had adapted to the new environment, I felt lonely and had no one to confide in. The Interimm team made me feel at home and made it easy to share my difficulties. You encouraged me a great deal, and I truly appreciate it. I am sincerely grateful that I chose the U.S. as the country to settle in, and chose Interimm to walk alongside my family.
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Ms. H.L.'s Family

U.S. Immigration Client

Our family truly appreciates your professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm in answering every question, and in providing timely information and guidance throughout our journey of more than 4 years. Thanks to your wholehearted support, our family completed the application smoothly and received the U.S. Green Cards we hold today.
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Ms. O. & Mr. S.'s Family

U.S. Immigration Client

My husband and I are no longer young, so we did not plan to immigrate ourselves; we were looking into it mainly for our children. After many trips to see things firsthand, inspecting projects on site in the U.S. and consulting several firms, we chose Interimm to handle the immigration applications for our two sons' families, and it felt meant to be. Thank you, Interimm, for your wholehearted support. Both of our sons' families have received their visas and are preparing to move to the U.S.
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Ms. L. & Mr. T.'s Family

U.S. Immigration Client

Latest U.S. Investment Immigration Policy Updates 2026

U.S. investment immigration policies are constantly evolving, directly affecting costs, processing times, and filing strategies. Below are the key policies investors should be aware of in 2026:

Investors who file Form I-526E before September 30, 2026 are protected under current law, including the current investment amounts and requirements, even if the law changes after this date. This is the most important deadline for investors considering the EB-5 Program.

Investors who are lawfully present in the United States under visas such as F-1, H-1B, L-1, and others may file Form I-485 concurrently with Form I-526E when an EB-5 visa is available. This means the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin confirms that EB-5 visa numbers are available for the investor’s country of chargeability. Currently, Vietnam is not subject to an EB-5 visa backlog, meaning visas are generally available at the time of filing. The key benefit is that investors may receive employment authorization (EAD) and Advance Parole while waiting, without having to leave the United States.

USCIS prioritizes the adjudication of I-526E petitions for projects located in Rural TEAs. The average processing time is approximately 6–12 months, based on IIUSA 2024–2025 data, significantly faster than urban projects, which may take 24–48+ months.

EB-5 fees have reverted to pre-April 1, 2024 levels after a federal court ruled that USCIS violated the RIA 2022 by increasing fees without completing the required fee study. The Moody v. Noem ruling, previously referred to as Moody v. Mayorkas, took effect on November 12, 2025.

Current EB-5 fee schedule:

Fee typeCurrent amountProposed new amount (Pending Official Regulations)
I-526E$3,675~$9,625
Integrity Fund Fee$1,000Not yet announced.
I-829$3,750~$7,860
I-485$1,440Unchanged
Biometrics$0Unchanged

The current total government fee for an I-526E petition is USD 4,675, approximately VND 119 million, including USD 3,675 plus the USD 1,000 Integrity Fund fee. For a family of four filing Form I-485 concurrently, an additional USD 5,760 applies, approximately VND 147 million, equivalent to USD 1,440 × 4.

USCIS has completed its fee study and published the proposed new fee levels through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in October 2024. The final rule is expected to take effect in mid-2026. Investors who file before the final rule takes effect will be subject to the current fee schedule.

Form I-485 fees and other non-EB-5 fees remain subject to the April 2024 fee schedule and are not affected by the Moody v. Noem ruling.

USCIS has tightened the adjudication standards for L-1 New Office petitions, requiring evidence of actual business operations, revenue, and employees. RFE rates have increased. Investors need a detailed business plan and must demonstrate the scale of the U.S. company.

The federal administration has officially introduced the Trump Gold Card Program, allowing individuals to contribute USD 1–5 million to the federal budget in exchange for permanent residency and work authorization in the United States through an expedited review process. As of April 2026, the Gold Card does not yet have an official legal framework, has not been approved by Congress, and does not replace the EB-5 Program. Investors should continue monitoring developments but should not delay their EB-5 or L-1 applications while waiting for the Gold Card.

The Act took effect in March 2022 and reauthorized the EB-5 Program until September 30, 2027. The RIA updated the investment amounts to USD 800,000 for TEA projects and USD 1,050,000 for non-TEA projects, required Regional Centers to re-register, and introduced additional investor protection mechanisms, including independent fund administration, oversight of investor fund flows, and annual audits.

Information updated as of April 2026. U.S. immigration policies change frequently. Contact Interimm for guidance based on the latest developments.

In addition to the two investment visa programs offered by Interimm, EB-5 and L-1, there are several other U.S. immigration pathways that may be suitable for different circumstances. The following section helps investors gain a broader overview before making a decision.

Other U.S. Immigration Categories Beyond Investment-Based Immigration

Beyond investment-based immigration, there are two other common U.S. immigrant visa categories that Vietnamese investors should understand for a broader overview: family-sponsored immigration and employment-based immigration. These two categories are not within the scope of Interimm’s advisory services but may be suitable for circumstances different from investment-based immigration. Details of each category are provided below:

Employment-based U.S. immigration is a program that allows foreign workers, including unskilled workers as well as individuals with advanced professional qualifications, specialized skills, or exceptional ability in their field, to obtain U.S. Green Cards through employment in the United States. The program is designed to attract talent and meet the labor needs of the U.S. economy.

$10.000 – $50.000 USD

Costs vary depending on the specific category.

1- 3 Years

Processing time varies depending on the specific employment-based category.

Key benifits

  • Access to health insurance and workers’ compensation benefits.
  • Receive a Green Card valid for 10 years.
  • Eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through Form N-400 after 5 years of lawful residence.
  • Spouse and children under 21 may receive Green Cards as accompanying family members.
  • Children benefit from tuition-free education at public schools from preschool through high school.
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Visa Categories and Eligible Applicants

  • EB-1A Visa: Individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
  • EB-1B Visa: Outstanding professors and researchers.
  • EB-1C Visa: Multinational managers and executives.
  • EB-2 Visa: Individuals with a master’s degree or higher, or individuals with a bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of experience.
  • EB-3 Visa: Professional workers, skilled workers, and unskilled workers.
  • EB-4 Visa: Certain individuals with important roles in religious or humanitarian fields, or with a special relationship with the U.S. government.

Family-sponsored U.S. immigration allows relatives in Vietnam to immigrate and live permanently in the United States through sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

$2,000 USD

Government filing fees only

6 Months – 16 Years

Timeline varies depending on the visa category

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Key Benefits

  • Granted U.S. permanent resident status (Green Card)
  • Right to live, work, and study in any U.S. state
  • Tuition-free education at public schools from elementary through high school
  • Eligibility for significantly lower university tuition compared with international students
  • Access to social security benefits and health insurance
  • Access to the U.S. healthcare system, with eligibility to participate in health insurance, social security, and unemployment benefit programs in accordance with applicable regulations
  • Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship after 3–5 years, depending on specific conditions
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Visa Categories and Eligible Applicants

  • CR-1 Visa: Spouse of a U.S. citizen when the marriage is less than 2 years old.
  • IR-1 Visa: Spouse of a U.S. citizen when the marriage is more than 2 years old.
  • IR-2 Visa: Unmarried child under 21 years old of a U.S. citizen.
  • IR-5 Visa: Parent of a U.S. citizen, where the sponsoring U.S. citizen must be over 21 years old.
  • F1 Visa: Unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen.
  • F2 Visa: Spouse and children of a lawful permanent resident, including F2A for unmarried children under 21 and F2B for unmarried children over 21.
  • F3 Visa: Married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen.
  • F4 Visa: Sibling of a U.S. citizen.

Each U.S. immigration category is suitable for different circumstances. Investors who want their entire family to obtain Green Cards directly without academic qualifications or sponsorship may choose EB-5. Business owners who want to expand into the United States may choose L-1 and later transition to EB-1C. Individuals with relatives in the United States may consider family-sponsored immigration, with waiting times ranging from 5 to 20 years. Workers with a job offer from a U.S. employer may choose EB-3, where the entire application depends on the sponsoring employer.

CHECK WHICH PROGRAM BEST FITS YOUR PROFILE

Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Immigration

Below are frequently asked questions about U.S. investment immigration:

How much money is required to immigrate to the United States?

U.S. immigration costs range from USD 3,000 to more than USD 1,000,000, approximately VND 77 million to VND 25.5 billion, depending on the immigration category. For the two programs offered by Interimm: EB-5 has a total cost of approximately USD 925,000–1,200,000, including the USD 800,000 TEA investment, attorney fees, government filing fees, and service fees, with the investment capital potentially returned after the project cycle; L-1 has initial costs starting from approximately USD 44,000, plus the operating costs of the U.S. business. Other categories include EB-3, ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000, and family-sponsored immigration, ranging from USD 3,000 to USD 8,560.

After entering the United States with an immigrant visa, the physical Green Card will be mailed within 1–2 months (4–8 weeks), provided that the USCIS Immigrant Fee of USD 220 has been paid. However, the total timeline from case initiation to receiving a Green Card depends on the immigration program:

  • EB-5 projects in Rural TEA areas may take approximately 8–18 months at the fastest.
  • EB-5 projects in urban areas may take approximately 24–48+ months.
  • The L-1 to EB-1C pathway may take approximately 2–3 years.
  • Other categories, such as EB-3, may take 2–10 years, while family-sponsored immigration may take 2–23 years depending on the category.

No. Neither the EB-5 nor L-1 Program requires English language certification, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or any other language test. During the visa interview at the U.S. Consulate, interpretation services may be used. English language requirements only apply when applying for U.S. citizenship through Form N-400, which involves the civics and English tests, and only after holding a Green Card for at least 5 years.

Choose EB-5 if you prioritize building an independent immigration pathway and do not want to depend on an employer. Choose EB-3 if your budget is limited and you are willing to accept a longer waiting period. Specifically, EB-5 is suitable for investors with financial capacity starting from USD 800,000, allowing the entire family to obtain Green Cards without academic qualifications or work experience requirements. EB-3 is suitable for skilled or professional workers and requires sponsorship from a U.S. employer throughout the process, with a waiting period of 2–10 years.

No. The E-2 visa is only available to citizens of countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. Vietnam does not currently have such a treaty, so Vietnamese citizens are not eligible to apply directly for an E-2 visa. Instead, Vietnamese investors should consider EB-5, which provides a direct Green Card pathway, or L-1, which supports business expansion to the United States.

A U.S. Green Card grants permanent resident status with no fixed limit on the length of residence. A conditional Green Card, issued under the EB-5 Program, is valid for 2 years. After that, investors file Form I-829 to remove conditions and obtain a permanent Green Card, which is renewed every 10 years with no limit on the number of renewals. The L-1A visa is valid for up to 7 years, while the L-1B visa is valid for up to 5 years. After transitioning to EB-1C, investors may obtain a permanent Green Card.

Overview of Life in the United States

Before making an investment immigration decision, many Vietnamese families want to better understand real life in the United States, including the cost of living, education system, healthcare, and living environment in each state. Interimm has compiled the following reference information:

Ready to Start Your U.S. Investment Immigration Journey?

Interimm offers free consultations for Vietnamese investors exploring the EB-5 and L-1 programs. Our specialists will assess your profile, analyze your finances and recommend the right pathway for your family.

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0931 830 838

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info@interimm.vn

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5th & 7th Floors, 22–24–26 Mac Thi Buoi Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City