Moving to the USA from Sri Lanka: Visas, Green Cards and Where to Apply

No. Sri Lanka is not among the 39 countries restricted by Proclamation 10998 (effective January 1, 2026), and it was not on the list of 75 countries whose immigrant visas were paused in January 2026.

The main current issue is worldwide: Since August 25, 2026, the State Department has paused immigrant visa interviews at US embassies and consulates worldwide while consular officers are trained on public charge reviews. Scheduled interviews were moved to later dates, and no restart date has been announced as of September 2026. Visitor, student, and temporary work visas are not part of this pause. Details: immigrant visa pause.

For an overview of every route, see our guide to US immigration and how US immigration works.

Yes. Sri Lanka is not in the Visa Waiver Program. You need a B-2 tourist visa or B-1 business visa: complete the DS-160, pay the fee, and attend an interview at the embassy in Colombo. Show your job, family ties, and funds, and explain your plans clearly. The State Department's guidance is to apply for a visitor or other temporary visa at the US embassy or consulate in the country where you live. Applying elsewhere is possible but can make it harder to show you qualify.

E-2 investor visa. Sri Lanka's investment treaty with the US entered into force in 1993, so Sri Lankan nationals qualify for the E-2 (but not the E-1 trader visa). The investment must be substantial, at risk, and in an active business that you develop and direct. E-2 visas for Sri Lankans can be issued for up to 36 months at a time under the State Department's reciprocity table.

H-1B. Since February 27, 2026, the H-1B lottery gives more entries to higher wage levels. A separate $100,000 fee on some new H-1B petitions (from a September 2025 proclamation) is being fought in court, with judges split as of September 2026. See H-1B $100k fee.

Study. Sri Lankan students often come for master's and PhD programs. Since September 15, 2026, new F-1 students are admitted until a fixed date instead of for "duration of status", so you may need to file for an extension if your program runs longer. See F-1 fixed admission period.

Health professionals. Nurses usually immigrate through EB-3 after passing the NCLEX-RN and finding a US employer. Doctors typically enter residency on a J-1 or H-1B after passing the USMLE exams, and several US states now offer alternative licensing paths for internationally trained physicians.

Past refusals or protection needs. If you were refused a US visa before, overstayed, or fear returning to Sri Lanka, talk to a licensed US immigration lawyer before applying again. See visa denials and waivers.

Family. US citizens can sponsor spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents without an annual cap. Siblings and married children wait in long queues. Sri Lankans use rest-of-world dates in the Visa Bulletin.

Employment. EB-2 and EB-3 also use rest-of-world dates, which are much shorter than India's. Most EB-2 and EB-3 cases need a PERM labor certification; the EB-2 NIW does not.

Diversity Visa. Sri Lankans were eligible for DV-2026. Entrants need a high school education or two years of qualifying work experience. The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery is paused: visa issuance stopped on December 23, 2025, and DV-2027 registration never opened. See DV lottery paused.

The US Embassy in Colombo processes both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas for Sri Lanka. Book appointments on the embassy's website, and read our visa interview guide before your appointment.

For immigrant visas, the State Department's Sri Lanka page lists:

• Police certificate: a Police Clearance Certificate from Police Headquarters in Colombo. You apply with your national identity card and passport, and the certificate is sent by registered post. People living abroad can apply too; the State Department page explains how.
• Birth certificate: from the Divisional Secretariat where the birth was registered.
• Marriage records: a marriage certificate from the Registrar General's Department or the local registrar.

Documents in Sinhala or Tamil need a certified English translation. You also need police certificates from other countries where you lived for the required period.

The best-known Sri Lankan community is in the Los Angeles area of California, where Tarzana has a "Little Sri Lanka." There are also sizeable communities on Staten Island in New York, in New Jersey, in the Washington, DC area, and in Texas. Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, churches, and Sri Lankan associations are common community hubs.