Settling in California is a familiar choice for many Vietnamese, as it is home to the largest Vietnamese community in the US. Understanding this helps you assess it. This article introduces settling in California.
Settling in California: overview
California is the most populous state and has the largest economy in the US, located on the West Coast. It is also home to the largest Vietnamese community, with about one-third of Vietnamese people in the US living there, concentrated heavily in Orange County, San Jose, and Los Angeles. So settling in California offers closeness to the Vietnamese community.
Orange County is often seen as the cultural center of the Vietnamese community in the US, with abundant Vietnamese neighborhoods, markets, restaurants, and services. This large community is a major advantage for new settlers, providing support with information, jobs, and a sense of home.
Jobs and opportunities
California has the most diverse and largest economy in the US, spanning technology, services, manufacturing, and agriculture. Under the EB-3 program – a federal skilled-worker immigrant visa based on employer sponsorship – workers can find opportunities in California if they have an employer sponsoring a suitable position in the state.
Note that EB-3 is a federal program that applies nationwide, not a program specific to any one state. Choosing California over another state depends on where a sponsoring employer is located and where you want to live. California offers many opportunities but also has one of the highest costs of living in the US.
Considerations when choosing California
To consider settling in California, prospective settlers should: leverage the large Vietnamese community for support, research job opportunities and EB-3 sponsoring employers, factor in the high cost of living (especially housing), and assess overall fit. The large community is an advantage, but the high cost is a factor to weigh.
You should refer to USCIS information on EB-3 and information from the U.S. Department of Labor to learn about the skilled-worker immigration path in California.
Summary
Settling in California is appealing thanks to the largest Vietnamese community in the US (about one-third, concentrated in Orange County, San Jose, and LA) and the country’s largest economy. EB-3 is a federal visa based on employer sponsorship, applying nationwide. California offers many opportunities but has among the highest costs of living. You should leverage the community, find a sponsoring employer, and factor in costs.
