Millions of Vietnamese people have set foot in the United States, but living in the USA long-term is an entirely different experience from a short vacation or business trip. When a tourist visa becomes a Green Card, when “staying for a few weeks” turns into “living for a lifetime,” seemingly minor details become the foundation that determines your quality of life: how the healthcare system works, how taxes are calculated, how credit scores affect virtually every major financial transaction, and what mindset adjustments are necessary for true integration.
This article is not a travel guide. It is a practical overview of 10 essential aspects of living in the USA that every Vietnamese family preparing to immigrate, especially through the EB-5 investment program, should understand before beginning a new chapter of life.
1. US Entry Procedures and Form I-94: The First Step Toward Legal Residence in the USA
[Image 1 Alt Text: US customs and CBP procedures for living in the USA 2026]
For immigrants, the first day of arrival is not merely a formality, it is the official starting point of your entire journey of living in the United States.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processes nearly one million arrivals every day. An immigrant visa only grants permission to request entry; the final decision always belongs to the CBP officer at the airport.
The Form I-94 is one of the most important documents you need to understand from day one. This electronic Arrival/Departure Record (available at i94.cbp.dhs.gov) documents your immigration status upon entry.
For EB-5 immigrant visa holders, the I-94 indicates your status as a Conditional Permanent Resident, marking the beginning of the two-year period before filing Form I-829 to remove conditions and obtain a permanent Green Card.
Customs declarations must also be completed carefully from your very first trip:
Carrying more than USD 10,000 in cash (combined across all currencies) must be declared.
Food items, whether processed or unprocessed, must be reported under agricultural declarations.
2. The US Healthcare System: A Critical Factor for Long-Term Living in America
This is often the biggest shock for Vietnamese immigrants. There is no universal government health insurance and no free public hospital system. Healthcare services operate primarily through private insurance, and without insurance, medical expenses can become financially devastating.
Typical costs include:
General practitioner (GP) visit: USD 150–300 per appointment
Emergency room visit: USD 1,500–3,000 for facility charges alone, excluding tests and medications
One night in the hospital: often exceeds USD 10,000–20,000
Ambulance transportation: USD 2,000–3,000 per trip
For permanent residents living in the United States, purchasing private health insurance through an employer, the ACA Marketplace, or a private plan is not optional from a financial perspective. A family of four without health insurance could lose years of savings from a single emergency hospitalization. Practical Rule to Remember.
For non-life-threatening conditions such as:
Flu
Minor sprains
Sore throat
visit an Urgent Care Clinic instead of an Emergency Room. The cost is often 5–10 times lower and appointments are usually not required.
3. Taxes in America: An Obligation That Follows You Throughout Life in the USA
Many newcomers experience their first surprise while shopping. A product labeled USD 9.99 may cost USD 10.89 at checkout because sales tax is added separately.
Sales tax rates vary from:
The national average is generally between 6% and 8%. However, sales tax is only the beginning. Permanent residents and citizens may be subject to:
The Most Important Tax Rule
All permanent residents are required to file a tax return annually:
This is because the United States taxes permanent residents and citizens on their worldwide income.
Failure to file taxes can result in:
4. Credit Score: Your Financial Reputation in America
This concept has no direct equivalent in Vietnam, yet it influences nearly every aspect of long-term life in the United States.
A credit score ranges from 300 to 850 and reflects your personal credit history.
It affects:
Whether landlords approve your rental application
Interest rates for car loans and mortgages
Approval for credit cards
Approval for postpaid phone plans
In some cases, employment opportunities
New immigrants generally begin with no credit history, making this one of the first challenges that should be addressed.
How to Build Credit from Scratch
Open a secured credit card
Use it regularly for small purchases
Pay the balance in full and on time every month
After 6–12 months of responsible use, you can typically establish a basic credit score suitable for larger financial transactions such as purchasing a home.
5. Communication Differences That Affect Integration
When living in the USA long-term, small communication differences can accumulate into major integration challenges if not addressed early.
“How Are You?” Is Usually a Greeting
The standard response is:
"Good, thanks. You?"
It is not an invitation to discuss your health or work situation.
Direct Communication Is Expected
A clear “No” is often more respected than avoiding the issue.
Expressions such as:
“Maybe”
“I’ll think about it”
may be interpreted differently in American culture than in Vietnamese culture.
Personal Space Matters Standing too close typically within 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) may make others uncomfortable. Complaining Is Normal Americans often provide direct feedback when services fail to meet expectations. This is not considered rude. It is a standard part of how service industries improve and respond to customers.
6. US Laws That Affect Everyday Life
[Image 2 Alt Text: US laws Vietnamese immigrants should know when living in America 2026]
When living in the United States, several laws differ significantly from those in Vietnam. Not knowing the law is not a valid excuse.
Alcohol
Open Container Laws
Drinking alcohol:
is prohibited in most states.
Jaywalking Crossing the street outside designated crosswalks or traffic signals may result in fines in many jurisdictions.
Firearms Gun ownership and carry laws vary significantly by state. Non-citizens generally face additional restrictions.
Smoking is prohibited in most:
Outdoor smoking areas are often required to be at least 7–9 meters from entrances.
7. Cost of Living: A Critical Factor When Planning Life in the USA
Many Vietnamese people imagine life in America based on income levels measured in US dollars, while overlooking the fact that expenses are also paid in US dollars—and often at a high level.
The following are real costs that should be included in any long-term financial plan.
Housing Costs
In major cities such as:
New York
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost between USD 2,000 and USD 3,500 per month. Even in mid-sized cities such as:
monthly rent often ranges from USD 1,400 to USD 2,000.
Utilities, electricity, water, gas, and internet combined typically cost:
USD 200–400 per month utility expenses can increase significantly during winter in northern states.
Vehicle and Auto Insurance. In many American cities, daily life without a car is difficult. Auto insurance is mandatory and generally adds:
USD 100–200 per month or more depending on location and driving history.
Food Expenses A casual restaurant lunch generally costs: USD 15–25 per person
before taxes and tips. Cooking at home and shopping at stores such as:
can significantly reduce expenses.
Monthly Budget for a Family of Four. For a family of four, total monthly living expenses (excluding housing) often range between: USD 2,500–4,000 depending on the city. This is an important figure to consider when creating a long-term plan for living in the United States.
8. Safety in America: Different From the Movies, but Important to Understand
The United States is generally much safer than many movies and television shows suggest. However, there are practical safety principles that newcomers should understand.
Crime Is Often Location-Specific. Crime rates can vary dramatically between neighborhoods within the same city. Before choosing a place to live, review neighborhood crime statistics using:
Google Maps
Citizen App
Local police resources
911 Is for Genuine Emergencies Only. Call 911 only for:
Police emergencies
Fire emergencies
Medical emergencies
Misusing emergency services may result in penalties. Always Wear a Seatbelt Seatbelt laws apply to everyone in the vehicle. This includes both front-seat and rear-seat passengers.
Do Not Leave Valuables in Your Vehicle This is especially important in large cities such as:
Vehicle break-ins for visible belongings remain one of the most common property crimes.
Today, more than 2.3 million Vietnamese Americans live in the United States. The largest Vietnamese communities are concentrated in:
California
Texas
Virginia
Washington
These communities can provide valuable support during the first months after immigration, including assistance with:
However, long-term integration and career growth require expanding beyond the Vietnamese community. New immigrants should actively build relationships with:
This is the difference between simply being in America and truly living in America.
10. The Mindset Adjustments That Determine Long-Term Success in the USA
This is rarely discussed in guidebooks, yet it may be the most important factor for successful integration.
Independence Is the Standard
In American society, adults are expected to manage their own affairs, including:
Home maintenance
Tax filing
Medical appointments
Contract disputes
There is no widespread culture of relying on personal connections to solve problems. People are expected to research information independently and contact the appropriate organizations directly.
Time Is a Valuable Asset
Americans generally take punctuality very seriously. Being ten minutes late often requires:
“Rubber time” does not exist in professional American environments.
Contracts Are the Primary Language of Business
Virtually everything is governed by written agreements:
Apartment leases
Service contracts
Insurance policies
Subscription services
Always read contracts carefully before signing. Pay particular attention to:
Many services automatically renew and continue billing unless canceled within the required timeframe.
VITA CAPITAL: Supporting Families From Their First Day Living in America to Long-Term Immigration Success
The ten topics above form the foundation for anyone preparing to live in the United States long-term. However, families immigrating through investment programs often face additional layers of preparation involving:
These are areas that cannot be fully understood through general online articles alone. VITA CAPITAL provides exactly this level of comprehensive guidance.
Important Deadline Reminder
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is currently operating under the existing investment threshold with a deadline of September 30, 2026. After this date, the minimum investment amount is expected to increase beginning in January 2027. This is a time for action, not delay. From practical guidance on living in the United States to comprehensive immigration planning for the entire family, VITA CAPITAL serves as the legal and consulting partner you need.
Hotline: 0376 37 37 30 Email: vitacapitalglobal@gmail.com Website: tuvandimy.com
