USA IMMIGRATION

Education System

The United States is renowned for its liberal arts education, which ranks among the best in the world. It enables students to explore and shape their career paths based on their interests and strengths.

The U.S. education system is considered a benchmark for many countries. Prestigious global educational organizations such as QS and Times Higher Education release annual rankings, with two-thirds of U.S. universities consistently ranking among the top 10 globally.

The U.S. education system is somewhat similar to Vietnam’s, divided into three levels: Elementary, Secondary, and Higher Education.

Elementary and Secondary Education

This is a compulsory education program in the U.S., covering grades 1 through 12, and is divided into three main stages:

• Elementary School (Primary School): From ages 5 or 6 to 10.
• Middle School (Junior High): From ages 11 to 13.
• High School: From ages 14 to 18.

Starting in high school, students can select their classes, schedule, and teachers that suit them best. Literature and Math are mandatory subjects, depending on the grade level. Electives may include Science, Foreign Languages, Computers, PE, and Arts.

Higher Education

In the U.S., higher education includes undergraduate programs, master’s, Ph.D., and postdoctoral research. There are over 5,000 universities and colleges offering a wide range of fields of study, providing many options for both U.S. citizens and international students, depending on their goals and circumstances.

Typically, students spend four years completing their degree at public or private universities or colleges. However, some students choose to attend community colleges for the first two years at a lower cost before transferring to regular universities for the remaining two years.

Most U.S. institutions highly value diversity, meaning that classrooms often consist of students from various age groups, nationalities, and religions.

This creates a multicultural learning environment, allowing students to exchange ideas and gain knowledge from different perspectives, while also expanding their network of relationships.

Furthermore, the U.S. education system emphasizes practical learning. Throughout their studies, students practice applying their knowledge and theory to real-life situations.

To increase learning effectiveness, professors often encourage creativity, independent debate, and critical thinking. Instead of rote memorization, U.S. students are expected to develop skills that enable them to apply their learning in practical, innovative ways.

Social Welfare System

The United States attracts many immigrants not only because of its strong economic development and numerous job opportunities in large companies, but also thanks to its excellent social welfare system.

The U.S. is known for its advanced medical practices, many highly skilled specialists and doctors, and top-tier healthcare services.

An appealing aspect of the U.S. social welfare system is the financial aid provided by the government to workers.

Social Security

The U.S. federal social security program covers payments such as pensions, medical benefits, nursing home care, and disability benefits, among others.

Unemployment Benefits

U.S. unemployment benefits are not tied to whether a worker has savings or not. Workers are eligible as long as they have applied for unemployment.

Public Assistance

This benefit is based on an individual’s current living conditions and is available to low-income individuals, the elderly, disabled persons, and households with no income.

Unemployment Insurance

Similar to Vietnam, a portion of a worker’s monthly salary is deducted to pay for unemployment insurance. Unemployment benefits are received as a form of compensation. The management and implementation of unemployment insurance programs vary by state.

Workers’ Compensation

Business owners are required to pay insurance to the government or insurance companies. As a result, workers injured on the job receive compensation. This applies even to workers without U.S. citizenship, and it is unaffected by changes in immigration status or naturalization.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance includes prescription subsidies, home care programs, and senior care programs for immigrants.

Living Assistance for Low-Income Individuals

Some notable assistance programs include food vouchers for purchasing U.S.-produced agricultural products, providing low-cost or free meals to schools, energy subsidies for household use, affordable housing, or public housing.

Becoming a U.S. citizen requires a long process; however, if you plan to reside in the U.S. for an extended period (5 years), this is a great opportunity for you. The U.S. government ensures that all residents receive full benefits as per regulations, regardless of the field, as long as they live and work in accordance with the law.

Below is a simple summary. To learn more details, click on the specific program above.

Family-Sponsored Immigration

Currently, the U.S. government allows 5 categories of family-sponsored immigration:

• F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens.
• F3: Married children of U.S. citizens.
• F2B: Unmarried children of green card holders.
• F2A: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders.
• F1: Unmarried children aged 21 or older of U.S. citizens.

Investment-Based Immigration (EB5)

The EB5 (Employment Base Fifth) program, launched by the U.S. government in 1990, provides an opportunity for foreign nationals to immigrate to the U.S. through investment.

Currently, there are 2 types of investment:

• Direct Investment (self-investment) in any location with a minimum budget of $1,800,000.
• Indirect Investment (through regional centers) with a minimum budget of $900,000, in projects managed by Regional Centers.

Employment-Based Immigration (EB3)

EB3 (Employment-Based Third Category) is an immigration program, approved by U.S. immigration law, that allows foreign nationals to work or settle in the U.S. with their families.

This program targets skilled workers, unskilled workers, college graduates, professionals, and more. All participants receive a green card (permanent residency).

Currently, there are 4 specific categories:

• EB1: Workers with extraordinary research, leadership, or managerial abilities.
• EB2: Workers with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
• EB3: Skilled or unskilled workers.
• EB4: Religious workers.

The Green Card (permanent resident card) is considered a valuable ticket that allows foreign nationals to legally and permanently reside in the United States.

With this card, you can enjoy numerous benefits, such as free education for children under 18, access to financial aid and scholarships from major universities, and opportunities to secure credit for purchasing a car, a home, or even starting your own business.

The Green Card issued under the EB3 immigration program is valid for 10 years, and it can be easily renewed for another 10-year term.