Immigrate to the United States
Most people immigrate to the U.S. through a family or employer sponsor, or by winning the Diversity Visa lottery. Each route leads toward a green card (permanent residence) — here's how they compare.
Main ways to immigrate
The most common official routes. Which one fits you depends on your situation — we help you compare them.
Family-based green card
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can petition for a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. It's the most common path to a green card.
Employment-based green card
A U.S. employer sponsors a worker, usually based on their skills, profession, or a job that can't be filled locally.
Diversity Visa lottery
A yearly program that offers a limited number of green cards to applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.
Who this is for
- People with a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or green-card holder
- Skilled professionals or workers with a U.S. employer willing to sponsor them
- Applicants from eligible countries who want to enter the Diversity Visa lottery
- Students and temporary workers planning a path toward permanent residence
How the process works
- 1
Find your category
Identify whether you qualify through family, employment, or the Diversity Visa — each has different requirements.
- 2
File the petition
Your sponsor (or you, for the lottery) files the petition with USCIS to establish your eligibility.
- 3
Wait for a visa to be available
Some categories have limited spots, so a place must become available before you can move forward. The Visa Bulletin tracks this.
- 4
Apply for the green card
Complete consular processing abroad, or adjust your status if you're already in the U.S., including medical and background checks.
Settling in after you arrive
- Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)
- Open a U.S. bank account and start building credit
- Find housing and get a state ID or driver's license
- Understand your tax obligations with the IRS
Official sources
Every step links back to the official government source. We point you to them — we never replace them.
- USCIS — Green Card
- USCIS — Family-based immigration
- USCIS — Employment-based immigration
- U.S. Dept. of State — Diversity Visa
- U.S. Dept. of State — Immigrate via a consulate
Informational guidance, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; always confirm on the official government pages above.
Frequently asked questions
- How can I immigrate to the United States?
- The main routes are a family-based green card, an employment-based green card, or winning the Diversity Visa lottery. Each leads to permanent residence. Immigrate helps you find which category fits and links to the official USCIS and State Department pages.
- How do I get a US green card?
- A green card usually starts with a petition — filed by a family member or an employer, or your own entry in the Diversity Visa lottery — followed by consular processing abroad or adjustment of status inside the US. Immigrate maps the exact steps for your category.
- How long does it take to immigrate to the USA?
- It depends on your category and the annual visa limits — some categories move faster than others, and the official Visa Bulletin tracks availability. Immigrate follows the current official estimates rather than quoting a single fixed timeline.
- Can I immigrate to the US without family or an employer?
- Yes — the Diversity Visa lottery is open to applicants from eligible countries without a family or employer sponsor. Immigrate shows whether your country qualifies and what other routes are available to you.
Ready to start your move to the U.S.?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized, step-by-step plan — official processes, costs, and timelines, all in one place.