USCIS Data Shows Surge in Vietnamese National EB-5 Filings for High Unemployment Areas

Analysis of USCIS data released in November 2025 reveals a significant surge in EB-5 filings from Vietnamese nationals in high unemployment area and rural projects. Vietnamese national filings increased by 34 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, with particular growth in projects located in the South and Midwest regions. The increased filing activity is attributed to favorable priority date movement in the Vietnam category and growing awareness of EB-5 program opportunities among Vietnamese investor populations.

Regional centers report strong demand from Vietnam-based investors seeking portfolio diversification and U.S. permanent residency. Several regional centers operating in rural areas reported that Vietnam-sourced capital now accounts for 25 to 40 percent of new reserved category project capitalizations in their service areas. The increased Vietnam filings have also prompted several regional centers to establish dedicated Vietnam investor programs and hire Vietnamese-language staff to support marketing and client services.

Industry analysts project that Vietnam-sourced capital will continue to represent a growing percentage of total EB-5 investment through 2026 and beyond. The acceleration of Vietnam priority date movement, if sustained, could result in visa availability for Vietnam nationals within 12 to 18 months. This favorable outlook has prompted expansion of project development activities targeting Vietnam capital sources among both existing and newly approved regional centers.