Bringing Your Vietnamese Parents to the United States
As a US citizen, you can petition to bring your parents to the United States as permanent residents (green card holders). Parents of US citizens are classified as "immediate relatives," meaning there is no annual visa cap and no waiting list β only USCIS processing time.
Two Paths: Immigrant Visa vs. Tourist Visa
Many Vietnamese Americans first try to bring their parents on a B2 tourist visa. While this works for visits, it does not lead to permanent residence. If your goal is for your parents to live with you permanently, the immigrant visa (IR-5) is the right path.
| B2 Tourist Visa | IR-5 Immigrant Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Temporary visits | Permanent residence |
| Duration | Up to 6 months per visit | Permanent |
| Work authorization | No | Yes (after green card) |
| Path to citizenship | No | Yes (after 5 years) |
| Processing time | 2β3 months | 18β30 months |
IR-5 Immigrant Visa Process
- File Form I-130 for each parent separately (~$535 each). Include your US citizenship proof and your parent's birth certificate showing you are their child.
- Wait for USCIS approval β typically 12β18 months for immediate relatives.
- NVC processing β Submit financial documents (Form I-864 Affidavit of Support) and your parent's civil documents. Takes 2β6 months.
- Medical exam β Each parent completes a medical exam at an approved physician in Vietnam.
- Consulate interview at the US Embassy Hanoi or Consulate Ho Chi Minh City.
- Visa issued β Your parents enter the US as permanent residents. Green cards arrive by mail within 2β3 weeks.
Documents You Need
For the I-130 Filing
- Your US passport or naturalization certificate
- Your birth certificate showing your parents' names (with certified translation)
- Your parents' birth certificates (with certified translations)
- If your parents are married: their marriage certificate
For the Affidavit of Support (I-864)
- Your most recent 3 years of federal tax returns
- Recent pay stubs or employment letter
- You must earn at least 125% of the federal poverty level for your household size
Common Challenges for Vietnamese Applicants
- Birth certificate issues: Many older Vietnamese parents have inaccurate or missing birth certificates. Use our Affidavit of Birth or Affidavit of Change of Birth Date as supporting evidence.
- Name discrepancies: Vietnamese names are often recorded differently across documents. Provide all documents showing the various name spellings with an explanation letter.
- Medical conditions: The medical exam screens for certain conditions. Vaccinations can be given at the exam if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I petition for both parents at the same time?
Yes. File a separate I-130 for each parent. They can be processed simultaneously and will typically have their consulate interviews on the same day.
What if my parents do not want to give up their life in Vietnam?
They do not have to live in the US full-time. As green card holders, they must spend a certain amount of time in the US to maintain their status (generally not more than 6 months abroad at a time without a re-entry permit).
Can my parents work in the US after getting their green card?
Yes. Green card holders have full work authorization in the United States.
Will my parents qualify for Medicare or Social Security?
Not immediately. There is typically a 5-year waiting period for most federal benefit programs. However, they can purchase health insurance through the marketplace immediately.