U.S. Trends: Top 10 Countries That Receive Immigration Visas

Around 15% of the U.S. population is made up of immigrants with immigration visas, making the country home to the highest number of total immigrants in the world, at 50.6 million. 

There is a federal ceiling of 700,000 visas issued annually, and certain countries have their own specific caps on how many visas their citizens can receive.

If you’re considering immigrating to the United States, it’s important to thoroughly research the process and understand your options. 

You may also be curious to know which countries are receiving the most U.S. immigration visas. 

2021 U.S. Immigration Visas by Country

The list below, based on the latest available data from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, reveals the countries whose citizens received the highest number of U.S. immigrant visas in 2021.

Mexico took the top spot with 40,597 visas issued in 2021, followed by China with 18,501 visas. 

The Dominican Republic, Philippines, and Afghanistan rounded out the top five with 17,941, 15,862, and 10,784 visas issued, respectively. Vietnam, India, El Salvador, Pakistan, and Bangladesh also made the top ten.

It’s worth noting that Ukraine was the only European country to make it into the top 25, with 3,019 visas issued in 2021 before the Russian invasion. 

In terms of regional distribution, the majority of the highest-ranking countries are located in Asia, followed by North America, Africa, Europe, South America, and Oceania.

Overview of U.S. Visa Types

It’s important to understand that the U.S. immigration process can be complex. The process always starts with a visa, which grants permission to work and live in the United States. 

There are two types of visas: immigrant and non-immigrant. Non-immigrant visas are generally for temporary workers and do not lead to green cards or citizenship. 

Immigrant visas, on the other hand, can be either employment-based or family-based and are intended to eventually result in permanent status in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking to reunite with family, seek employment opportunities, or achieve the American dream, there are a variety of visas available to help you accomplish your goals. 

It’s crucial to take the time to understand the requirements and application process for each type of visa to increase your chances of success.

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