Start Here

Moving from China to the United States

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

Call: +1.416.410.7484
Online Assessment

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
China Icon FlagChina
United States of America Icon FlagUnited States of America
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.

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 to 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 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.

Call: +1.416.410.7484
Online Assessment