Moving from Iran to the United States
Learn the various pathways of immigration to the United States, including family-sponsorship and employment from Iran
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
United States of AmericaInterested in Immigrating to the US from Iran?
Many Iranians arrived in the US after 1979, as a result of the Iranian Revolution and the fall of Persian Monarchy, with over 40% Iranians residing in the US, more specifically Los Angeles, CA. According to the 2000 US Census, there were 385,488 Americans of Iranian ancestry at that time. Unable to return to their home country, Iranians have created many distinct ethnic enclaves such as Tehrangles. The Iranian-American community has grown to be successful over the years, occupying jobs such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and technician entrepreneurs.
Iran Community in the US
From the late 1940s until now, the majority of Iranian immigrants to the United States were international students, professionals, and tourists.
According to mid-2019 UN Population Division estimates, the United States is the most popular destination for Iranians living abroad (385,000), and Canada with the second-largest Iranian population (164,000).
More than half of all Iranian immigrants in the United States live in California, and more than one-third live in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Iranians’ primary paths to permanent residence in the United States, also known as obtaining a green card, are through employment or humanitarian assistance. Iranian immigrants are far more likely to have a college degree, higher household incomes, and better English proficiency when compared to the overall foreign-born population.
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 Iranian immigrants.
Worker Programs
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.
Is There a Travel Ban for Iranian Citizens Going to the US?
An executive order was signed by President Trump in 2017 that was later revoked and replaced by Executive Order 13780. This implemented a Muslim travel ban that restricts travel to the US by nationals of several countries including Iran and bars entry for all refugees who do not possess either a visa or valid travel documents.
Useful Resources for Iranian Immigrants in the US
- Iranian American Bar Association – IABA is organized for charitable, educational, and professional purposes, including promoting the social, economic, professional and educational advancement of the Iranian American community, and the community at large.
- Iranian Psychological Association of America –
IPAA was established on June 10, 2005 and has been embarking upon its mission ever since to increase awareness regarding a variety of important mental health issues in- and outside of the Iranian community. National Iranian American Council – The NIAC is a nonprofit, civil society, NGO based in Washington, D.C. and is the largest organization representing people of Iranian Heritage in the United States.
Iranian American Medical Association – The IAMA, is a charitable, non-profit organization for Iranian-American healthcare professionals and students. IAMA is formed exclusively for educational and charitable purposes.
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.