Immigration to the U.S.: all ways to move to America

Some people move to the U.S. through an employer, others through family members, while some obtain asylum or invest in the U.S. economy. There are also special programs for highly talented professionals, scientists, athletes, entrepreneurs, religious workers, and people in certain professions.

This guide covers the main ways to immigrate to the U.S. For each option, you will find a brief overview, key requirements, advantages, and disadvantages. If you are interested in a specific pathway, you can follow the link to a detailed guide on the relevant program.

Employment-based immigration
Employment-based immigration is one of the most popular ways for skilled professionals to move to the U.S. This pathway is suitable for people with an in-demand profession, work experience, or advanced qualifications who are prepared to work legally for a U.S. company. Depending on your education, professional achievements, and field of work, you may qualify for various employment-based visas and immigration programs. Some allow you to pursue a Green Card directly, while others involve initially entering the U.S. on a temporary work visa and later adjusting your immigration status.

Most programs require a job offer from a U.S. employer, but there are exceptions, such as categories for individuals with extraordinary ability and programs that allow qualified applicants to pursue an immigrant visa without employer sponsorship. Employment-based immigration provides opportunities to build a career, obtain permanent resident status, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship, but it requires careful document preparation and meeting the requirements of the selected program.

Suitable for:

• software developers;
• engineers;
• doctors;
• scientists;
• teachers;
• construction workers;
• skilled tradespeople;
• managers;
• designers;
• IT professionals.

Eligibility for immigration may be based on various employment-based visa categories and immigration programs, including EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, NIW, H-1B, O-1, L-1, and others.

Family-based immigration
Family reunification is one of the main areas of U.S. immigration policy and allows U.S. citizens and Green Card holders to sponsor certain close relatives for immigration to the country. This pathway is available to spouses, children, and parents, and in some cases to siblings and other family members. Each category has its own requirements, processing times, and annual limits, so the length of the process can vary significantly.

Family-based immigration begins with a petition filed by a qualifying U.S. relative who establishes the family relationship and, where required, accepts financial responsibility for the immigrant. After successfully completing all required steps, the applicant can obtain permanent resident status in the U.S., the right to live and work in the country, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. Family-based immigration is considered one of the most stable pathways to the U.S. when the applicant meets all applicable requirements.

Eligible family members may include:

• spouses;
• parents;
• children;
• brothers and sisters;
• certain other relatives.

Immigration through marriage
Marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can provide a basis for obtaining immigration status and a Green Card. Although this pathway falls under family-based immigration, it has its own procedures and requires additional scrutiny. U.S. immigration authorities pay close attention to whether the relationship is genuine because entering into a fraudulent marriage for immigration benefits is against the law.

During the application process, spouses may need to provide documents demonstrating their shared life and attend an interview, where immigration officials evaluate the accuracy and credibility of the information provided. If the marriage is determined to be genuine and all requirements are met, the foreign spouse may obtain the right to live and work in the U.S. and, after the period required by law, may apply for U.S. citizenship.

Political asylum (Asylum)
Asylum is a form of protection available to foreign nationals who cannot safely return to their home country because they have been persecuted or have a well-founded fear of persecution. The grounds may include political beliefs, religious beliefs, nationality, race, or membership in a particular social group. Each application is considered individually, and applicants must support their claims with documents, witness statements, and other evidence when available.

After filing an asylum application, a person may remain lawfully in the U.S. while the case is being processed, subject to applicable rules. If the legal requirements are met, an applicant may become eligible for employment authorization, and after asylum is granted, may later apply for a Green Card and eventually U.S. citizenship. Asylum remains one of the more complex but important humanitarian pathways for people who need international protection.

Refugee status
The U.S. refugee program is intended for people who are outside their home country and cannot safely return because of threats to their lives, armed conflict, persecution, or other serious circumstances. Unlike asylum, refugee processing generally takes place before a person enters the U.S. through designated refugee programs and after an extensive screening process conducted by U.S. authorities.

After being approved for admission, refugees resettle in the U.S. with support from government and community organizations that may assist with housing, English-language learning, employment, and adjustment to life in the country. After a certain period following admission, refugees may become eligible to apply for a Green Card and, if they meet all requirements, later apply for U.S. citizenship. This pathway is governed by specific provisions of U.S. immigration law and international humanitarian agreements.

Green Card Lottery (DV Lottery)
The Diversity Visa Lottery, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is conducted annually by the U.S. government to promote immigration diversity. Entering the program is free, and eligibility is limited to individuals from countries that qualify for the program. Selected applicants have the opportunity to complete the immigrant visa process and obtain permanent resident status without needing an employer, family sponsor, or significant investment.

Although selection is random, being selected does not automatically guarantee a Green Card. Selected applicants must meet the program requirements, submit the required documents on time, complete a medical examination, attend a consular interview, and establish their eligibility for an immigrant visa. The lottery remains one of the most accessible potential pathways to the U.S., although the number of available visas is limited and selection rates vary depending on the number of applicants and the applicant's country of birth.

Investment-based immigration
Investment-based immigration is intended for foreign entrepreneurs and investors who are prepared to invest significant funds in the U.S. economy and create jobs. The best-known program is the EB-5 category, which can provide a pathway to a Green Card when the statutory investment and job-creation requirements are met. This pathway can allow the investor, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21 to obtain permanent resident status in the U.S.

In addition to meeting the financial requirements, applicants must demonstrate the lawful source of their investment funds and comply with all program requirements. After successfully completing the process, the investor obtains permanent resident status and may eventually qualify to apply for U.S. citizenship. Investment-based immigration can provide a direct pathway to a Green Card, but it requires substantial financial resources and careful documentation.

Immigration through starting a business
Starting a business in the U.S. is one option for entrepreneurs, business owners, and startup founders who plan to develop commercial activities in the American market. However, simply registering a business does not by itself provide a right to a Green Card. Depending on the circumstances, a business may support eligibility for certain visa categories and, in some cases, serve as part of a longer-term immigration strategy. This pathway can be suitable for both experienced business owners and founders of innovative projects that may benefit the U.S. economy.

Depending on the business structure, level of investment, and the entrepreneur's goals, different immigration and nonimmigrant options may be available, including investor visas, visas for executives of multinational companies, and other categories. Successful applications require a realistic business plan, evidence of sufficient financial resources, and compliance with U.S. laws. When properly structured, starting a business can provide an opportunity to live and work in the U.S. while developing a company in one of the world's largest markets.

Immigration for individuals with extraordinary ability
Immigration programs for highly talented professionals are designed for people who have achieved outstanding results in their professional fields and can demonstrate a high level of expertise. These programs may be available to scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, musicians, teachers, engineers, and other professionals whose achievements have received national or international recognition. Depending on the circumstances, an applicant may qualify for a temporary visa or pursue a Green Card directly.

One of the main advantages of this pathway is that certain categories allow applicants to immigrate without employer sponsorship and may offer expedited processing when strong evidence of professional achievements is provided. Evidence may include scientific publications, international awards, patents, participation in major projects, a high level of compensation, membership in professional associations, and other documentation. This is considered one of the more selective immigration pathways and is suitable for professionals who can demonstrate exceptional achievements in their field.

Suitable for:

• athletes;
• scientists;
• artists;
• musicians;
• directors;
• entrepreneurs;
• researchers;
• internationally recognized professionals.

Immigration through the National Interest Waiver (NIW)
As part of the EB-2 category, the National Interest Waiver allows certain highly qualified professionals to pursue a Green Card without a job offer and without going through the labor certification process (PERM), provided they meet the applicable requirements and can demonstrate that their proposed work is in the national interest of the United States. This option may be suitable for scientists, engineers, doctors, IT professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other experts whose work can contribute to the U.S. economy, science, healthcare, education, or other important fields. To receive approval, applicants must demonstrate that their proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance and that they meet the other NIW requirements.

Immigration for scientists and researchers
The U.S. actively attracts scientists, professors, and researchers who can contribute to advances in science, technology, and education. Academic professionals may qualify for specialized immigration programs that provide a pathway to employment and, eventually, permanent resident status.

Depending on their research achievements, experience, and qualifications, applicants may qualify under various visa and immigration categories, including programs for outstanding researchers and professors. These pathways can allow professionals to continue their scientific work at leading universities, research institutions, and laboratories in the U.S.

Immigration for doctors and nurses
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals may move to the U.S. through employment-based immigration programs. They generally need to demonstrate their qualifications, meet applicable licensing requirements, and satisfy the requirements of the selected visa category.

The high demand for healthcare professionals makes this pathway a promising option for finding employment, pursuing a Green Card, and eventually obtaining permanent resident status in the U.S.

Immigration for religious workers
Religious workers may move to the U.S. through special immigration programs for ministers and employees of nonprofit religious organizations. Applicants generally need an offer or sponsorship from a qualifying religious organization in the U.S. and must meet the applicable requirements.

After meeting the program requirements, an applicant may be eligible to work and live in the U.S. and, in certain circumstances, pursue a Green Card and permanent resident status.

Immigration through international organizations
Employees of international organizations, diplomatic missions, and certain intergovernmental organizations may be eligible to change their immigration status under specific provisions of U.S. law. Special immigration programs and visa categories are available for certain employees.

Depending on the applicant's position and immigration status, this pathway may provide a route to a Green Card and eventually U.S. citizenship.

Humanitarian immigration programs
U.S. humanitarian programs are intended for foreign nationals facing difficult circumstances who may need protection. These include various special programs, including Humanitarian Parole and other forms of relief provided under U.S. law.

Eligibility requirements depend on the specific program. In certain circumstances, these programs may allow a person to enter the U.S. lawfully and receive temporary permission to remain in the country, while potentially pursuing another immigration status later if a separate legal basis exists.

Examples include:

• Humanitarian Parole;
• programs for nationals of certain countries;
• special acts of Congress.

Immigration for victims of crime
Foreign nationals who are victims of certain serious crimes or human trafficking in the U.S. may qualify for special humanitarian visas, including the U Visa and T Visa. These programs provide protection to eligible victims who assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of qualifying crimes. If additional requirements are met, they may provide a pathway to a Green Card.

Immigration through the SIJ program
The program is designed for certain immigrant children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents and cannot safely return to their country of origin. Eligible children and teenagers may obtain Special Immigrant Juvenile classification and, if they meet the applicable requirements, later pursue a Green Card.

Which pathways can lead to a Green Card
These may include:

• EB-1;
• EB-2;
• EB-3;
• EB-4;
• EB-5;
• family-based immigration;
• selection in the Green Card Lottery;
• refugee status, after meeting the applicable legal requirements;
• asylum, after meeting the applicable legal requirements;
• certain special immigrant categories.

Which pathways do not require an employer
If you do not have a job offer, you may consider:

• the Green Card Lottery;
• asylum;
• investment-based immigration;
• family-based immigration;
• EB-2 NIW;
• EB-1A;
• marriage to a U.S. citizen;
• humanitarian programs.

Which pathways are available without major investments
Some options that may not require a major financial investment include:

• the Green Card Lottery;
• family-based immigration;
• asylum;
• marriage;
• employment-based visas;
• EB-2 NIW;
• studying in the U.S. followed by a potential change of immigration status.

Options that do NOT provide a basis for immigration
It is important to understand that some common misconceptions do not reflect U.S. immigration law.
By themselves, the following do not provide a basis for obtaining a Green Card:

• a B1/B2 tourist visa;
• purchasing real estate;
• having a child born in the U.S.;
• renting a home;
• opening a bank account;
• buying a car;
• staying in the U.S. for an extended period on a tourist visa;
• studying without subsequently obtaining an eligible immigration status.

How to choose the right immigration pathway
The best option depends on several factors, including:

• education;
• profession;
• work experience;
• income level;
• whether you have relatives in the U.S.;
• English proficiency;
• financial resources;
• marital and family status;
• age;
• immigration goals.

There is no universal pathway that works for everyone. That is why, before starting the application process, it is important to review the requirements of each program and choose the option that best fits your individual circumstances.