Moving from China to the United States

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

Interested in Immigrating to the US from China?

The population of Chinese immigrants in the United States has grown nearly seven-times bigger since 1980, reaching almost 2.5 million in 2018. The Chinese were among the first to immigrate to the United States during the California gold rush and today are the largest population (23%) of Asian Americans. According to the United States Census Bureau, the various varieties of Chinese, collectively referred to as just Chinese, is the third most-spoken language in the US. 

The states with the largest estimated Chinese American populations include:

  • California
  • New York
  • Texas
  • New Jersey
  • Massachusetts
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China to US

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. Chinese multimillionaires benefited most from the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program in the US. 

Under the EB-5 program, applicants, together with their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old will be eligible to apply for US permanent residency as a group. Because the EB-5 program allows applicants to apply as a family, it has been reported to be a significant method for Chinese students to obtain authorization to work in the United States. The H-1B visa is also becoming one of the main immigration pathways for the Chinese with 9% of the approved petitions in 2016.

Useful Resources for Chinese Immigrants in the US

National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development – First national advocacy organization dedicated to addressing the community development, organizing and advocacy needs of the diverse and rapidly growing Asian-American and Pacific-Islander communities nationwide

Committee of 100 – A non-partisan organization composed of American citizens of Chinese descent. Members collectively pool their strengths and experience to address important issues concerning the Chinese-American community, as well as issues affecting US-China relations

Asian American Business Development Center – Designed to assist Asian-American businesses in strengthening their capacities to compete in the mainstream marketplace, to expand business opportunities and to promote greater recognition of the contribution of Asian-American businesses to the general economy

Lunar New Year Family Festival – Families can learn about the history of the Lunar New Year, play classic Chinese games, engage in the Chinese art of paper-cutting, watch lion dances and performance by Chinatown’s Red Silk Dancers. Activities vary from year to year.

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.