The 25 countries receiving the most US immigration visas

An immigrant visa is a permit issued to those looking to make the permanent move and live and work in the United States. It is the first step in the process to getting green cards or American citizenship.

Last year, the U.S. issued 285,069 immigrant visas. Here are the 25 countries where people are still aiming for the American dream and where citizens are receiving the highest number of U.S. immigrant visas.

Regionally, Asia takes the top spot, having received 111,419 visas, compared to the runner up, North America's 91,919.

Key figures

• In 2021, 3,019 people in Ukraine applied for and were issued U.S. immigrant visas.
• Nine countries had only 1 citizen each that were issued a visa to immigrate to the U.S., including Monaco and the Solomon Islands.
• The total number of immigrant visas issued by the United States is nowhere near pre-pandemic levels. Compared to the last pre-pandemic figure in 2019, the numbers are down by 38%.