United States skilled immigration

Introduction

The United States skilled immigration service from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) supports candidates in obtaining a Green Card through two pathways: high-skilled (no employer required) and medium/low-skilled (via employer sponsorship).
PLI assesses professional profiles, selects the appropriate visa category, connects with US employers, and coordinates with immigration lawyers to optimise success. We accompany you from the initial assessment to the day you receive your Green Card and US citizenship after 5 years.
Introduction to the US skilled immigration programme

Programme Overview

Two main pathways

High-skilled: EB-1, EB-2 NIW (no employer required). Medium/low-skilled: EB-3 (requires employer sponsorship and PERM Labor Certification). PLI provides advice on the pathway suitable for your profile.

Processing time

High-skilled: 1–2 years for EB-1A, 1–3 years for EB-2 NIW. Medium/low-skilled (EB-3): 2–4 years depending on the category and priority date.

Benefits

US permanent resident Green Card for the whole family — live, work, and study in the United States without time limits. Eligible to apply for citizenship after 5 years.

Residence requirement

The Green Card requires maintaining actual residency in the United States — no absence of more than 6 consecutive months. To apply for citizenship after 5 years, you must reside for at least 30 months within those 5 years.

Family

Includes spouse and unmarried children under 21 in the same application. All members receive the Green Card simultaneously with the main applicant, with no additional investment required.

Citizenship

Eligible to apply for US citizenship after 5 years of holding a permanent resident Green Card. A US passport provides visa-free access to over 180 countries. The United States allows dual citizenship — no need to renounce Vietnamese citizenship.

United States permanent resident benefits

Permanent resident Green Card
The Green Card grants permanent resident status in the United States — live, work, and study in any state without time limits. The card is renewed every 10 years, but the resident status is permanent.
Live and work freely
After receiving the Green Card, the applicant can take any job, change employers, start a business, or invest freely. You are not tied to the initial employer (even with the EB-3 pathway).
Citizenship roadmap
After 5 years of holding a Green Card and meeting residency requirements, the investor is eligible to apply for US citizenship through naturalisation (N-400). The US passport is ranked in the world’s top 10, with visa-free access to over 180 countries.
United States permanent resident benefits
Top-tier education for children
Children of permanent residents can study for free in the US K–12 public school system. When entering university, they enjoy in-state tuition fees that are 50–70% lower than those for international students. Opportunities to enter Ivy League schools and the world’s top universities.
The world’s largest job market
The United States has the largest and most diverse labour market in the world. Professional salaries are among the highest globally, with broad career opportunities in almost all industries, especially technology, healthcare, finance, and research.
Social security and healthcare
Permanent residents have access to the US social security system, health insurance through employers, and Medicare upon retirement. Full legal protection under the US Constitution, in a stable and multicultural social environment.

Skilled immigration pathway

EB-1A Extraordinary Ability

EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability

For individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics — recognised at a national or international level. No employer sponsorship required, no job offer needed — candidates apply on their own. Requires outstanding achievements such as major awards, membership in professional associations, scientific publications, or roles as a judge/referee. Processing: 1–2 years. Not dependent on a priority date for most countries.
EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers

EB-1B: Outstanding Professors and Researchers

For professors and researchers recognised internationally in a specific academic field. Requires a minimum of 3 years of teaching or research experience, and a job offer from a US university or research institution for a tenure-track position or equivalent. Requires employer sponsorship but no PERM Labor Certification. Processing: 1–2 years.
EB-1C Multinational Managers or Executives

EB-1C: Multinational Manager or Executive

For managers or executives who have worked for at least 1 of the last 3 years at a parent company, branch, or subsidiary outside the United States, and are transferred to a US company in a similar position. The US business must have been operating for at least 1 year. No PERM Labor Certification required. Suitable for Vietnamese business owners expanding to the United States. Processing: 1–2 years.
EB-2 NIW National Interest Waiver

EB-2 NIW: National Interest Waiver

For professionals with a master's degree or higher (or a bachelor's degree plus 5 years of progressive experience) whose work benefits the United States. EB-2 NIW allows for a waiver of the employer requirement and PERM Labor Certification — applicants may self-petition. Suitable for researchers, doctors, engineers, technology experts, and entrepreneurs who contribute to the national interest of the United States. Processing time: 1–3 years. This is currently the most popular high-skilled immigration pathway.
EB-3 Professional and Skilled Worker

EB-3 Professional and Skilled Worker

For professionals (Professional — requires a bachelor's degree) and skilled workers (Skilled Worker — requires at least 2 years of experience or training). A US employer sponsor is mandatory, and the PERM Labor Certification must be completed through the Department of Labor. Suitable for nurses, engineers, accountants, programmers, head chefs, skilled mechanics, and thousands of other professions. Processing time: 2–4 years depending on the priority date.
EB-3 Other Workers Unskilled Labour

EB-3 Other Workers: Unskilled Labour

For workers in roles not requiring high skills or long-term experience (Other Workers / Unskilled Workers). A US employer sponsor is mandatory, the PERM Labor Certification must be completed, and the position must be full-time and permanent. Suitable for workers in service, manufacturing, agriculture, and food processing industries. Expands US immigration opportunities for those without advanced degrees. Processing time: 3–6 years due to limited visa quotas.

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Programme requirements

Qualifications and Expertise

High-skilled (EB-1, EB-2 NIW): requires a bachelor's degree or higher plus outstanding professional achievements. Mid/low-skilled (EB-3): requires a bachelor's degree (Professional), a vocational certificate plus 2 years of experience (Skilled Worker), or basic skills (Other Workers).

Work Experience

High-skilled: at least 5–10 years of experience in the professional field, with international achievements (publications, awards, leadership roles). Mid/low-skilled: at least 2 years of experience directly related to the position offered by the employer.

Employer and PERM

High-skilled (EB-1A, EB-2 NIW): NO employer sponsorship required — you may self-petition. Mid/low-skilled (EB-3): MANDATORY job offer from a US employer and approval of the PERM Labor Certification by the US Department of Labor (DOL).

Finance

Proof of financial self-sufficiency during the initial period in the United States. There is no specific minimum amount required, but you must have enough to support your family until a stable income is established.

English Language:

There is no official IELTS/TOEFL score requirement for the visa application. However, sufficient English proficiency for work and the consular interview is necessary. PLI provides support for English-language consular interview preparation.

Health and background

Pass a medical examination by a USCIS-designated physician. No serious criminal record. Provide police clearance certificates from Vietnam and any countries where you have resided for more than 6 months.

Implementation process

Obtain a US Green Card through the skilled immigration route for your entire family with the team of experts at Prosperous Living Investment.

Profile assessment and pathway selection:

PLI specialists conduct a comprehensive assessment of your professional profile, qualifications, experience, and career goals. We provide advice on the most suitable pathway: high-skilled (EB-1, EB-2 NIW) or mid/low-skilled (EB-3). PLI connects you with immigration lawyers and US employer partners. The assessment is completely free. Duration: 1–2 weeks.

Professional profile preparation

PLI assists in preparing the entire file: translation and notarisation of degrees, professional letters of recommendation, lists of scientific publications, awards, and projects participated in. For EB-3: we connect you with a suitable US employer, guide you in preparing a US-standard resume, and coordinate with the employer to apply for the PERM Labor Certification. Duration: 4–12 weeks.

Visa application submission

For high-skilled: the US immigration lawyer submits Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) directly to USCIS. For mid/low-skilled: the employer completes the PERM Labor Certification first, then submits the I-140. Premium Processing may be requested to shorten the I-140 review stage to 15 business days. Duration: high-skilled 6–18 months, mid/low-skilled 18–36 months.

Consular interview and visa issuance

Once the I-140 is approved by USCIS and the priority date is current, the applicant is invited for an interview at the US Consulate in Vietnam via the DS-260 process. PLI assists with interview preparation, medical checks, and related documentation. After a successful interview, the applicant receives an entry visa to travel to the United States. Duration: 3–6 months.

Entry, Green Card receipt, and citizenship pathway

The investor enters the United States and receives their permanent resident card (Green Card) by post within a few weeks. After 5 years of holding a Green Card and meeting residency requirements: you are eligible to apply for US citizenship (N-400). The United States allows dual citizenship. A US passport offers visa-free travel to over 180 countries.
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Why choose PLI?
transparenteffectiveprofessional

Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the US skilled immigration programme. If you require more detailed advice, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

High-skilled (EB-1, EB-2 NIW) allows for self-petitioning without a US employer sponsor — suitable for professionals with outstanding international achievements. Mid/low-skilled (EB-3) requires an employer sponsor and PERM Labor Certification approval — suitable for those with stable careers but no exceptional achievements. PLI assesses your profile and advises on the appropriate pathway. Programme conditions are as announced byUnited States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

PLI provides a free initial profile assessment service. Specialists conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your qualifications, experience, professional achievements, and career goals. If the applicant has international achievements (awards, scientific publications, leadership roles) — the high-skilled route is a good choice. If the applicant has a stable career and is willing to work for a US employer — the mid/low-skilled route is more suitable.

High-skilled: EB-1A approximately 1–2 years, EB-2 NIW approximately 1–3 years. Mid/low-skilled: EB-3 approximately 2–4 years depending on the specific category (Skilled Worker, Professional, or Other Workers) and the priority date status by country. Premium Processing can be requested to shorten the I-140 review stage to 15 business days.

Yes. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included in the same application and receive a Green Card simultaneously with the primary applicant — no additional costs. After receiving the Green Card, the spouse is permitted to work without restrictions, and children can attend public schools for free.

Depends on the pathway. High-skilled (EB-1A, EB-2 NIW): NO employer required — you may self-petition. Mid/low-skilled (EB-3): MANDATORY job offer from a US employer, and the employer must obtain a PERM Labor Certification from the US Department of Labor (DOL). PLI has a network of partner employers to support EB-3 applicants.

The PERM Labor Certification is a process managed by the US Department of Labor, requiring the employer to prove that: no US citizen is qualified for the job position, and hiring a foreign national does not negatively affect the wages and working conditions of US workers. This is a mandatory step in the EB-3 (and standard EB-2) process, only waived in the case of EB-1 and EB-2 NIW.

Yes. After 5 years of holding a Green Card and meeting actual residency requirements (at least 30 months of residence within 5 years, with no absence exceeding 6 consecutive months), the investor is eligible to apply for US citizenship (N-400). The United States allows dual citizenship — there is no need to renounce your Vietnamese citizenship. A US passport offers visa-free travel to over 180 countries.

Service costs depend on the pathway (high-skilled or mid/low-skilled), the complexity of the file, and additional services. The initial profile assessment is completely free. After the assessment, PLI provides a detailed and transparent quote — including PLI service fees, US immigration lawyer fees, and USCIS government fees.