Yes, it is possible to move to the United States permanently, but only through specific legal pathways established under U.S. immigration law. Permanent residence is not automatic, and it is not granted simply by living in the U.S. for a long time or holding a temporary visa.

To stay permanently, a foreign national must qualify for and obtain lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a green card.

This guide explains what “moving permanently” legally means, the main ways people qualify, and common misconceptions that cause confusion.

What “Moving Permanently” Means Under U.S. Law

In U.S. immigration terms, moving to the country permanently means becoming a lawful permanent resident. Green card holders are authorized to:

  • Live in the United States indefinitely
  • Work without time limits or separate work visas
  • Travel internationally (subject to residence rules)

Permanent residence is different from:

  • Tourist visas
  • Student visas
  • Temporary work visas

Those temporary statuses require proof of intent to leave the U.S. in the future. Permanent residents, by contrast, are expected to intend to remain in the United States.

Permanent residence is administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under federal law.

Lawful Ways to Move to the USA Permanently

The United States allows permanent immigration only through defined immigrant visa and green card categories. There is no general application open to everyone.

Family-Based Immigration

Many people move to the U.S. permanently through family relationships. This includes:

  • Spouses of U.S. citizens
  • Children and parents of U.S. citizens
  • Certain relatives of lawful permanent residents

Eligibility depends on the family relationship and the immigration status of the sponsoring relative. Some family categories have long waiting periods due to annual limits.

Employment-Based Immigration

Permanent residence may also be available through employment.

There are two broad paths:

Employer-sponsored green cards

  • Based on a permanent, full-time job offer
  • Organized into preference categories (EB-1 through EB-5)

Self-sponsored employment-based green cards

  • Available in limited situations
  • Commonly through:
    • EB-1 Extraordinary Ability
    • EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

These options do not require a permanent job offer but have strict eligibility standards.

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

The Diversity Visa Lottery makes a limited number of green cards available each year to individuals from countries with historically low rates of U.S. immigration.

Selection is random, but applicants must still meet education or work-experience requirements. Winning the lottery does not guarantee approval; applicants must complete the full immigration process.

Special Immigrant Categories

Certain narrowly defined groups may qualify for permanent residence, including:

  • Some religious workers
  • Certain former U.S. government employees
  • Other categories defined by statute

These programs apply only to specific situations.

Refugee and Asylum Pathways

Some individuals may eventually obtain permanent residence after being granted:

  • Refugee status, or
  • Asylum in the United States

These pathways are humanitarian in nature and involve separate eligibility standards and procedures.

Applying From Inside vs. Outside the United States

People may obtain permanent residence in two main ways:

  • Adjustment of status: applying from inside the U.S. if eligible
  • Consular processing: applying through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad

The correct process depends on the individual’s location, immigration status, and eligibility category.

How Long Does It Take to Move Permanently?

There is no single timeline.

Processing time depends on:

  • The green card category
  • Country of birth
  • Annual visa limits
  • Government workload

Some employment-based cases may be completed in under a year, while others, particularly in high-demand categories, can take several years.

Common Misconceptions About Moving Permanently

  • Living in the U.S. for many years does not create permanent status
  • Overstaying a visa does not lead to a green card
  • Temporary visas do not automatically convert to permanent residence
  • Citizenship is not immediate

Naturalization is a separate process that typically occurs years after receiving a green card

Green Card vs. Citizenship

A green card allows permanent residence, but it is not citizenship.

Citizenship:

  • Requires meeting additional legal requirements
  • Is granted only through naturalization under federal law
  • Is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

Permanent residence is usually the first step; citizenship, if pursued, comes later.

Key Takeaways

  • Yes, you can move to the USA permanently but only through lawful immigration pathways
  • Permanent residence requires a green card
  • Eligibility is limited to specific family, employment, lottery, special, or humanitarian categories
  • Timelines and requirements vary widely
  • Temporary visas do not, by themselves, lead to permanent status

Final Thought

Moving to the United States permanently is a status-based legal process, not a matter of length of stay or personal intention. Understanding which green card category applies and what it requires is essential to determining whether permanent residence is possible in a given situation.

This article is for general informational purposes only. Immigration laws and procedures can change and may vary based on individual circumstances.