Moving from Ireland to the United States
Learn the various pathways of immigration to the United States, including family-sponsorship and employment from Ireland.
Ireland
United States of AmericaInterested in Immigrating to the US from Ireland?
Those Americans who have full or partial ancestry from Ireland are often called Irish Americans. There are about 33 million Americans who identify as being somewhat Irish. This makes up about 10.1% of the American population. Irish immigration to the United States started in the 17th century and still heavily continue to this day.
Irish immigrants have helped shape many industries in America such as farming, railroad construction, factory working, textiles, government, politics, teaching, and religion.
Irish Community in the US
There are several US communities with high percentages of people with Irish ancestry. The top 10 states with the highest percentage of Irish ancestry:
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Maine
- Vermont
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
- West Virginia
America heavily celebrates St. Patrick’s Day just as those in Ireland do. Although the holiday originated in Ireland America celebrates with parades, parties, dyeing rivers green, and drinking green beer, all in celebration of Irish-American pride.
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 Irish 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.
Study Permits
Useful Resources for Irish Immigrants in the US
- Irish American Cultural Institute: national organization devoted to promoting an intelligent appreciation of Ireland and the role and contributions of the Irish in America.
- Boston Celtics: Professional Basketball team named after Irish culture.
- Irish American Heritage Center: The mission of the Irish American Heritage Center is to nurture and strengthen Irish culture and heritage through programs emphasizing Irish music, literature, drama, traditional dancing, fine arts and the constructive contributions of the Irish and Irish-Americans to the United States of America.
- The Eire Society of Boston: The Eire Society is one of Boston’s oldest Irish organizations. They promote knowledge of Irish culture through the encouragement of study in the arts, sciences, literature, language and history of Ireland.
- Shamrock Club of Wisconsin: Where there was a void in the cultural side of life, soon the Shamrock Club would fill it with parades, Irish dancing, an Irish festival, scholarships, and so much more.r
Call Us Today
Getting started is easy. Use our eligibility assessment form or call us today at +1.647.792.3035 to speak to one of our U.S. immigration professionals.