How many people immigrate to the US via authorized channels each year?
Data updated June 6, 2024
About 2.6 million in 2022. This is a 67.2% increase from the 1.5 million new immigrant arrivals in 2021.
Immigrants can enter the U.S. through several pathways: a green card for permanent residency, a temporary visa for a specific period and purpose, or through the refugee or asylee process for those fleeing persecution or violence.
In 2022
2.6M
people immigrated to the US via authorized channels
In 2022
67.2%
more people immigrated than in 2021
New immigrant arrivals to the US
Excluding tourism and unauthorized arrivals, most people coming to the U.S. are temporary workers, students, or individuals joining their families. Temporary workers use various visa programs, such as the H-1B for specialized occupations and the H-2A for agricultural labor. Students typically enter on F-1 or J-1 visas, contributing to American educational institutions. Citizens and lawful permanent residents may sponsor relatives to move legally to the U.S. through family-based visas.
