2023 Immigrant Visas by Country

In Fiscal Year 2023, 562,976 immigrant visas were issued globally, reflecting diverse migration trends across regions. Key countries with high visa numbers included Nigeria (6,473 in Africa), India (32,161 in Asia), Russia (5,698 in Europe), Mexico (68,582 in North America), and Colombia (7,537 in South America). Family reunification and employment opportunities were leading drivers.

Robert Pyne
By Robert Pyne - Editor In Cheif 24 Min Read

Key Takeaways:

  • Africa issued 58,984 immigrant visas in FY 2023, with Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana leading in numbers.
  • Asia had the highest visa counts of 211,611, with India and Vietnam being top contributors.
  • North America issued 210,287 visas, prominently led by Mexico’s significant family reunification visas.

Immigrant Visas Statistics for Fiscal Year 2023 by Region and Country

How Many Immigrant Visas Were Issued in Africa During Fiscal Year 2023?

2023 Immigrant Visas by Country
2023 Immigrant Visas by Country

In Fiscal Year 2023, a significant number of immigrant visas were issued across various African states. Let’s break down these numbers:

  • Algeria received a total of 4,657 immigrant visas, with diversity immigrants making up 3,845.
  • Egypt saw 5,944 visas issued, predominantly led by 2,687 diversity immigrants.
  • Nigeria, one of the most populous countries in Africa, topped the charts with 6,473 visas, including 4,464 for immediate relatives and 1,109 for employment preferences.
  • Ethiopia had a notable 3,748 issued visas, with a large chunk (2,018) under immediate relatives category.
  • Other countries such as Kenya and Ghana also contributed significantly with 2,411 and 5,054 visas respectively.

Overall, the African region issued a total of 58,984 visas across various categories. This diversity reflects both the broad geographical spread and the variety of purposes for which individuals seek visas.

Africa

Foreign StateImmediate RelativesSpecial ImmigrantsFamily PreferenceEmployment PreferenceDiversity ImmigrantsTotal
Algeria63715135253,8454,657
Angola392154251311
Benin1871474273512
Botswana402208
Burkina Faso1781521193335
Burundi500101191162
Cabo Verde475581612191,327
Cameroon1,84712468291,4063,762
Central African Republic9030315
Chad24060102132
Comoros100034
Congo, Dem. Rep. of the5227207129661,714
Congo, Rep. of the46013477140
Cote d’Ivoire35521767266806
Djibouti1801104069
Egypt2,280198311272,6875,944
Equatorial Guinea204006
Eritrea32710972235491
Eswatini500005
Ethiopia2,018541,070305763,748
Gabon3301201863
Gambia, The5920791722710
Ghana3,85222852876285,054
Guinea581038553431,017
Guinea-Bissau18030829
Kenya553131509147812,411
Lesotho000101
Liberia786319683891,382
Libya22603621275558
Madagascar261010744
Malawi4115291692
Mali215013333264
Mauritania7001098169
Mauritius8101010
Morocco1,5348398172,7724,729
Western Sahara000000
Mozambique21013025
Namibia15027024
Niger62001018
Nigeria4,46468941,10906,473
Rwanda1760521650879
Sao Tome and Principe504009
Senegal64426623116851
Seychelles100001
Sierra Leone850019482931,345
Somalia4832945253837
South Africa440564417971,023
South Sudan290110343
Sudan72011152201,9752,878
Tanzania17122712120332
Togo607932528711,814
Tunisia182418597306
Uganda17543141209460
Zambia754243936178
Zimbabwe139557483123807

Region Total for Africa: Immediate Relatives: 26,762, Special Immigrants: 213, Family Preference: 7,195, Employment Preference: 3,838, Diversity Immigrants: 20,976, Total: 58,984

Asia

Foreign StateImmediate RelativesSpecial ImmigrantsFamily PreferenceEmployment PreferenceDiversity ImmigrantsTotal
Afghanistan1,24918,3184051057220,554
Bahrain270518353
Bangladesh5,4661019,792218015,577
Bhutan2001378102
Brunei103509
Burma95918604756592,315
Cambodia1,332343391661,925
China – mainland born7,1681503,8368,632019,786
Hong Kong S.A.R.328164171600921
India15,73818514,3391,899032,161
Indonesia37812703644540
Iran2,857361,6325321,0296,086
Iraq1,262283284344092,272
Israel387563533511
Japan9467646163921,323
Jordan3,49371,3481384715,457
Korea, North300205
Korea, South1,335133512,71304,412
Kuwait23841835660541
Laos342115547419
Lebanon9042701801061,793
Malaysia14016685416294
Maldives400004
Mongolia7133426153287
Nepal2,617704746463,3407,147
Oman171416947
Pakistan4,0201391,93437106,464
Philippines9,01910613,10712,331034,563
Qatar54282821342365
Saudi Arabia39452162762031,094
Singapore69120425137
Sri Lanka3930125638701,451
Syria1,2993623401352,100
Taiwan63193352509941,679
Thailand1,039251541384291,785
Timor-Leste400004
United Arab Emirates1643712929393716
Vietnam9,54618718,8822,537031,389
Yemen3,6132985616625,323

Region Total for Asia: Immediate Relatives: 77,527, Special Immigrants: 19,956, Family Preference: 71,703, Employment Preference: 32,538, Diversity Immigrants: 9,650, Total: 211,611

Europe

Foreign StateImmediate RelativesSpecial ImmigrantsFamily PreferenceEmployment PreferenceDiversity ImmigrantsTotal
Albania1,3732415931,5533,436
Andorra000000
Armenia9256382452,3183,676
Austria653912796
Azerbaijan19285528514797
Belarus541495611,0411,742
Belgium74143110120
Bosnia and Herzegovina1181341433200
Bulgaria28710522087456
Croatia25335642
Cyprus9235423
Czech Republic51110101082
Denmark472526585
Estonia231011237
Finland4025161376
France466159813699814
Georgia3904205337651,397
Germany86937991532391,397
Great Britain and Northern Ireland1,5092518139002,105
Greece984452843218
Hungary1075162428180
Iceland23201026
Ireland154110392206
Italy441376914267756
Kazakhstan301149721,2851,708
Kosovo256016831342797
Kyrgyzstan24264671,8872,188
Latvia482922990
Lithuania750221360170
Luxembourg800008
Moldova33226612358770
Monaco200002
Montenegro81016617120
Netherlands164714395229
North Macedonia24418138183547
Norway390314460
Poland42833157138113869
Portugal82114326135
Romania303105824122517
Russia2,116133103522,9075,698
Serbia2224424298408
Slovakia42125757
Slovenia16171227
Spain2718759423471
Sweden134621298198
Switzerland750112213121
Tajikistan189258131,6751,937
Turkey692971261561,3612,432
Turkmenistan3793327377483
Ukraine1,512124271371,6323,720
Uzbekistan6884933352,3844,044

Region Total for Europe: Immediate Relatives: 16,527, Special Immigrants: 398, Family Preference: 4,599, Employment Preference: 2,664, Diversity Immigrants: 21,758, Total: 45,946

North America

Foreign StateImmediate RelativesSpecial ImmigrantsFamily PreferenceEmployment PreferenceDiversity ImmigrantsTotal
Antigua and Barbuda8904183141
Bahamas, The141031607239
Barbados75127170120
Belize15507990243
Canada1,110742649602,039
Costa Rica41831032027571
Cuba21,183516,343280838,341
Dominica137211662263
Dominican Republic13,5325941,17546054,812
El Salvador4,415244,10810508,652
Grenada12707880213
Guatemala3,11772,07280325,308
Haiti7,772192,90686010,783
Honduras2,41471,3936503,879
Jamaica5,959185,656432012,065
Mexico43,5396123,6701,312068,582
Nicaragua1,243757313581,894
Panama215298330348
Saint Kitts and Nevis5804500103
Saint Lucia158083213265
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines8614530135
Trinidad and Tobago59323525127231,291

Region Total for North America: Immediate Relatives: 106,536, Special Immigrants: 246, Family Preference: 99,593, Employment Preference: 2,949, Diversity Immigrants: 963, Total: 210,287

Oceania

Foreign StateImmediate RelativesSpecial ImmigrantsFamily PreferenceEmployment PreferenceDiversity ImmigrantsTotal
Australia29244539978566
Fiji1302653672872
Kiribati100001
New Zealand7712173248186
Papua New Guinea2013612
Samoa22050431
Tonga35251018106
Vanuatu102025

Region Total for Oceania: Immediate Relatives: 562, Special Immigrants: 60, Family Preference: 194, Employment Preference: 137, Diversity Immigrants: 829, Total: 1,782

South America

Foreign StateImmediate RelativesSpecial ImmigrantsFamily PreferenceEmployment PreferenceDiversity ImmigrantsTotal
Argentina454312424880909
Bolivia39612022914642
Brazil2,470294132,55205,464
Chile1983643610311
Colombia5,140611,62571107,537
Ecuador3,304141,906462155,485
Guyana1,427132,9831974,449
Paraguay7002272101
Peru2,699283,286915686,672
Suriname180623083
Uruguay69516134107
Venezuela1,5371043262702,606

Region Total for South America: Immediate Relatives: 17,782, Special Immigrants: 167, Family Preference: 11,135, Employment Preference: 4,382, Diversity Immigrants: 900, Total: 34,366

Worldwide Grand Totals (Fiscal Year 2023)

  • Immediate Relatives: 245,696
  • Special Immigrants: 21,040
  • Family Preference: 194,419
  • Employment Preference: 46,508
  • Diversity Immigrants: 55,076
  • Total: 562,976

Key Insights

  • Africa: Nigeria (6,473), Egypt (5,944), and Ghana (5,054) had the highest number of total visas issued, with a significant number of diversity immigrants contributing to these totals.
  • Asia: India (32,161), the Philippines (34,563), and Afghanistan (20,554) were the leading countries, driven by high numbers of immediate relatives and special immigrants.
  • Europe: Russia (5,698) and Ukraine (3,720) were prominent, with a substantial portion of visas in the diversity immigrant category.
  • North America: Mexico (68,582) and the Dominican Republic (54,812) dominated, primarily through family preference visas.
  • Oceania: Fiji (872) and Australia (566) led the region, with family preference and diversity immigrants being the primary categories.
  • South America: Brazil (5,464) and Colombia (7,537) had the highest totals, with a significant number of employment preference visas in Brazil.

What Are the Key Immigrant Visa Statistics for Asia in 2023?

Asia saw the highest number of immigrant visas issued during Fiscal Year 2023, amounting to 211,611. Here’s a closer look:

  • India issued the highest number of visas with a total of 32,161, including a substantial 15,738 for immediate relatives.
  • Vietnam followed closely, issuing 31,389 visas, with 18,882 under family preference.
  • Significant numbers also came from Bangladesh, with 15,577 visas issued and China with 19,786 mainland-born recipients.
  • Afghanistan likewise had a notable 20,554 visas, largely comprising 18,318 special immigrants.

This data highlights the dynamic and complex nature of migration from Asia, driven by both family reunifications and employment opportunities.

How Do European Countries Compare in Immigrant Visa Issuance?

In Europe, the visa issuance statistics for Fiscal Year 2023 reveal notable trends:

  • The largest contributor was Russia with 5,698 total visas, including 2,116 for immediate relatives.
  • Ukraine followed with 3,720 visas, showcasing the significant number under family preference and diversity categories.
  • Great Britain and Northern Ireland issued 2,105 visas, predominantly under the immediate relatives category.
  • Other key countries included Germany with 1,397 visas and Italy contributing 756.

Europe’s total for the fiscal year reached 45,946 visas, reflecting diverse drivers such as family ties and employment needs.

What Are the Immigrant Visa Numbers for North America in Fiscal Year 2023?

North America’s immigrant visa statistics for Fiscal Year 2023 had remarkably high totals, amounting to 210,287. Key details include:

  • The dominant country, Mexico, witnessed a total of 68,582 visas, with 43,539 under immediate relatives.
  • Dominican Republic issued 54,812 visas, indicating robust family preference category activities.
  • Cuba followed closely with a remarkable 38,341 visas, almost entirely under immediate relatives and family preferences.
  • El Salvador and Honduras also had significant numbers with 8,652 and 3,879 total visas respectively.

This data underscores the critical importance of family connections and the sizeable numbers of individuals seeking to join family members in the region.

How Did South America Fare in Immigrant Visa Issuance in FY 2023?

South American countries had notable contributions with a total of 34,366 immigrant visas in Fiscal Year 2023:

  • Colombia led the region with 7,537 visas, showing significant family and diversity immigrant numbers.
  • Peru followed with 6,672 total visas, primarily led by 3,286 family preference visas.
  • Brazil and Ecuador also showed strong numbers with 5,464 and 5,485 visas respectively.
  • The region reflects a mix of family-driven visas and diversity immigrants, showcasing diverse migration dynamics.

What Are the Immigrant Visa Numbers for Oceania in Fiscal Year 2023?

The visa issuance statistics for Oceania are as follows, summing up to 1,782 for Fiscal Year 2023:

  • Australia led the region with 566 visas, including 292 immediate relatives and 99 under employment preferences.
  • Fiji and New Zealand also made notable contributions with 872 and 186 visas, respectively.
  • Smaller island nations such as Tonga and Vanuatu had 106 and 5.

Oceania’s total, though smaller compared to other regions, highlights the significant role of family reunification and employment opportunities driving migration.

How Many Immigrant Visas Were Issued in 2023 Worldwide?

As per the comprehensive data, the worldwide grand total for immigrant visas issued in Fiscal Year 2023 stands at 562,976. This total encompasses a wide range of categories including immediate relatives, special immigrants, family preferences, employment preferences, and diversity immigrants.

What Is the Process of Obtaining an Immigrant Visa?

To obtain an immigrant visa, one must typically follow these steps:

  1. Submitting a Petition: A U.S. citizen, or a lawful permanent resident family member, must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  2. Approval of Petition: Once the petition is approved, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
  3. Visa Availability: After determining visa availability and priority dates, the NVC sends detailed instructions for document submission and visa fees.
  4. Consular Interview: The applicant schedules and attends a consular interview in their respective country where necessary documents are verified.
  5. Visa Issuance: Upon successful completion of the interview and clearance of all checks, the immigrant visa is issued.

For official information on the immigration process and necessary forms, visit the U.S. Department of State Immigration Page.

Key Takeaways from Fiscal Year 2023 Immigrant Visa Statistics

Examining the data:

  • Diverse Migration: There is a noticeable diversity in migration patterns across regions and categories.
  • Family Ties: Family reunification remains a critical factor driving visa applications.
  • Employment Opportunities: Employment preferences show significant numbers, demonstrating the global workforce movement.
  • High Numbers in Specific Countries: Countries like India, Russia, and Mexico show consistently high visa issuance, reflecting strong migration connections.

According to VisaVerge.com, keeping track of these trends is essential for understanding global migration patterns.

Conclusively, the Fiscal Year 2023 immigrant visa statistics mirror global trends in family reunifications, economic opportunities, and the various factors contributing to individuals’ desire to move across borders. This comprehensive understanding aids in making informed decisions and preparing adequately for immigration processes.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

  1. Diversity Immigrants: Individuals who obtain visas through the Diversity Visa (DV) program, which aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by selecting applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.
  2. Immediate Relatives: A category of family-based immigrants that includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. These visas are not subject to yearly numerical limits.
  3. Family Preference: A category of immigrant visas for extended family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, including adult children and siblings. These visas are subject to annual numerical limits.
  4. Employment Preferences: A category of immigrant visas for individuals who are employed or have job offers in the United States, categorized by their skill levels and job availability. These visas are also subject to annual numerical limits.
  5. Special Immigrants: A category of visas for certain groups of immigrants, including religious workers, employees of the U.S. government abroad, and other specific categories with unique qualifications, such as those from Afghanistan under the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program.

This Article In A Nutshell:

In Fiscal Year 2023, 58,984 immigrant visas were issued across Africa, with Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana receiving the highest numbers. Algeria received 4,657 visas, Egypt 5,944, and Nigeria topped with 6,473. This highlights significant diversity and the importance of familial and employment-driven migration in the region.
— By VisaVerge.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. If you reference or use any content from this article, please attribute it to VisaVerge.com by including a link to the original source. We appreciate your adherence to our content usage policies and your commitment to giving proper credit.

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Robert Pyne
Editor In Cheif
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Robert Pyne, a Professional Writer at VisaVerge.com, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique storytelling ability to the team. Specializing in long-form articles and in-depth analyses, Robert's writing offers comprehensive insights into various aspects of immigration and global travel. His work not only informs but also engages readers, providing them with a deeper understanding of the topics that matter most in the world of travel and immigration.
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