Start Here

Moving from Germany to the United States

Learn the various pathways of immigration to the United States, including family-sponsorship and employment from Germany.

Call: +1.416.410.7484
Online Assessment

Interested in Immigrating to the US from Germany?

Those Americans who have full or partial ancestry from Germany are often called German Americans. There are over 44 million Americans who identify as being somewhat German. This makes up about 13.7% of the American population. German Americans are the largest self-reported ancestry groups in the US.

The Germans brought many traditions to the US that people don’t even realize were from Germany. German Americans started the first kindergartens in the US, brought over the Christmas tree tradition, and introduced foods such as hotdogs and hamburgers. 

Germany Icon FlagGermany
United States of America Icon FlagUnited States of America
Germany to US

German Community in the US

There are several US communities with high percentages of people with German ancestry. The top 10 states with the highest percentage of German ancestry: 

  1. North Dakota
  2. Wisconsin
  3. South Dakota
  4. Nebraska
  5. Iowa
  6. Minnesota
  7. Kansas
  8. Montana
  9. Ohio
  10. Pennsylvania

Immigration Process

To become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, one must obtain a Green Card . Most immigrants will do so through employment , through family sponsorship , or by being an immediate relative of a US citizen, the latter being most common among German immigrants.

Icon for Work Visa hover

Worker Programs

Oftentimes, immigrants to the United States come in search of economic opportunity. The most likely way to obtain a Green Card is through employment in the US. Immigrant work visas include the EB-1 and EB-2 visas, and imply receipt of a Green Card soon after entry. Non-immigrant work visas are temporary, and include the H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-1, and TN. If an immigrant comes to the US under a non-immigrant work visa and wishes to become a permanent resident, they may change their classification and apply for an immigrant work visa while in the states. Speaking to an immigration professional is also helpful in determining eligibility, as well as which visa is right for each individual.
Icon for Family Sponsorship icon

Family Sponsorship

Many immigrants who obtain lawful permanent residence in the US do so as immediate relatives of US citizens or are eligible for other family-based preferences. Each of these visas, Immediate Relative and Family Preference, provide for unique application processes, so it is important to determine which one is most suitable for each individual’s case. Speaking to an immigration professional may be helpful in determining one’s eligibility.

Icon for Study Permit hover

Study Permits

The US has the largest population of international students in the world. There are more than 1 million students choosing the United States to broaden their educational experience. If you are coming from a foreign country and wish to enter the US to attend a school then you will be required to have an F visa. The F1 visa covers University or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or another academic instituion.
Useful Resources for German Immigrants in the US
  • American German Club – The purpose of this club would be to uphold and promote the ethnic background common to them within the framework of the USA.
  • German American Festival – The German-American Festival is the Toledo area’s Oldest, Largest and Greatest Ethnic Festival with authentic German Food, Beer, and Entertainment.
  • German American Cultural Foundation – The foundation is to promote the german language, bring German culture to the southeastern US, and educating the next generation of American business leaders.
  • American Association of Teachers of German – The AATG promotes the study of the German-speaking world in all its linguistic, cultural and ethnic diversity, and endeavors to prepare students as transnational, transcultural learners and active, multilingual participants in a globalized world.

Call Us Today

Getting started is easy. Use our eligibility assessment form or call us today at +1.416.410.7484 to speak to one of our U.S. immigration professionals.

Call: +1.416.410.7484
Online Assessment