📊 [STUDY & IMMIGRATION – USA] Cost Comparison: F-1 Student Visa vs. EB-5 Investment Immigration

Many Vietnamese families face the same question: should they send their children to study in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa or pursue EB-5 investment immigration so that the whole family can move to the U.S.?

At first glance, studying abroad costs may seem much “lighter” compared to an investment of nearly one million USD through EB-5. But when considering the total long-term costs, along with future job opportunities and immigration prospects for the children, the picture looks very different.

Here is a detailed breakdown to give parents a clearer perspective.

Studying in the U.S. or EB-5 Investment – Which path suits your family?

1️⃣ Cost of Studying in the U.S. (1–2 children)

Costs depend on the type of school (public/private), state, and level of study. The figures below are averages and do not include high-cost specialized programs such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, or MBA.

📚 Average tuition & living expenses (College Board, 2024)

• Public Universities:
  Tuition: $26,000 – $35,000/year
  Living expenses: $18,000 – $22,000/year
  Total: ~$45,000 – $55,000/year
• Private Universities:
  Tuition: $40,000 – $60,000/year
  Living expenses: $18,000 – $22,000/year
  Total: ~$60,000 – $80,000/year

💡 Specialized programs: costs can reach $100,000 – $120,000/year.

💵 Total cost for 4 years of undergraduate study

• 1 child: $180,000 – $320,000 (4-year undergraduate program)
• 2 children: $360,000 – $640,000 (4-year undergraduate program)
• 📈 If continuing to a Master’s (2 years):
  • 1 child: add $80,000 – $160,000 per person
  • 2 children: add $160,000 – $320,000

🚫 Limitations of the study abroad path

• F-1 visa is only for the student, parents cannot be sponsored.
• After graduation, staying in the U.S. depends on H-1B, but success rates are very low.
• Immigration prospects are nearly zero, and parents receive no benefits.
• All expenses only provide educational value, without opening a path to permanent residency.

2️⃣ EB-5 Investment Immigration Costs

• Investment: $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000 (non-TEA)
• Additional costs: $70,000 – $100,000
• Total upfront capital: $950,000 – $1,250,000

✅ Key benefits of EB-5

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Entire family receives U.S. green cards.
• 🎓 Children enjoy in-state tuition rates: $12,000 – $20,000/year (compared to $45,000 – $55,000 on average).
• 💼 After graduation, no need to worry about returning home; job opportunities expand as employers prioritize green card holders.
• 🏡 Parents can live, work, run businesses, and enjoy social & healthcare benefits.

3️⃣ Comparing the real costs

• Study abroad (1 child): $180,000 – $320,000 → lower short-term cost vs. EB-5.
• Study abroad (2 children): $360,000 – $640,000 → high cost, immigration prospects nearly zero.
• EB-5: $950,000 – $1,250,000 → larger upfront cost, but the whole family gains green cards, tuition savings, career freedom & full benefits.

⚡ Key differences

• 🎓 Studying in the U.S. = world-class degree, but very limited immigration opportunities.
• 💼 EB-5 = education + immigration + full family benefits (career, healthcare, social benefits).

4️⃣ Conclusion

• ✅ 1 child studying abroad, no plan to stay in the U.S.: study abroad is the more economical short-term choice.
• ✅ 2 children studying abroad or family wants U.S. residency: EB-5 stands out with optimized long-term costs & clear immigration pathway.

👉 Study abroad → prestigious degree.
👉 EB-5 → education, residency & full family benefits.

Parents who want to explore the study & immigration pathway in detail, reach out to Kathy here