The total number of Nepalis who have obtained U.S. green cards has now exceeded 200,000, marking a significant milestone for the Nepali diaspora. Among them, approximately 87,000 individuals have successfully acquired American citizenship.
In the first nine months of fiscal year 2024, 9,010 Nepalis acquired green cards, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Of these, 3,170 received green cards after arriving in the U.S., while 5,840 entered directly with immigrant visas from Nepal.
The distribution of green cards to Nepalis in fiscal year 2024 varied by quarter: 2,380 in the first quarter, 2,780 in the second, and 3,860 in the third quarter. Over the past 12 years, more than 135,000 Nepalis have received green cards, with approximately 12,000 expected to gain green cards by the end of 2024.
In fiscal year 2023, 11,640 Nepalis were granted green cards. Of these, 4,080 received them after arriving in the U.S., and 7,560 entered directly on immigrant visas. Among this group, 3,375 were Diversity Visa (DV) lottery winners, and around 1,000 were granted asylum-based green cards. Roughly 8,000 received employment or family-based green cards.
In 2022, 12,010 Nepalis obtained green cards, with 2,894 through the DV lottery, 1,262 through asylum, and approximately 8,000 through family or employment sponsorship.
Looking back, the number of Nepalis obtaining green cards has fluctuated over the years. In 2013, a total of 13,046 Nepalis were granted green cards, followed by 12,357 in 2014, and a slight increase to 12,926 in 2015. The numbers remained relatively stable, with 12,851 green cards issued in 2016 and 11,610 in 2017.
In 2018, the count rose slightly to 11,953 before declining to 10,201 in 2019. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, 7,847 Nepalis obtained green cards in 2020, followed by 7,309 in 2021, showing a resilient but decreased trend amid global disruptions.
Since 2013, 206,504 Nepalis have received U.S. green cards, with around 87,000 becoming American citizens. Between 2014 and 2024, the Nepali American population saw significant growth, increasing by approximately 314%, or 4.14 times.
Including second-generation Nepalis born in the U.S., the total Nepali American population now stands at nearly 100,000
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
