At a glance
U.S. citizens can use the Compact of Free Association, an agreement between the two countries, to seek entry, live, and take lawful employment in the Federated States of Micronesia. Entry approval and local rules still apply.
- Citizenship requirement
- U.S. citizenship; a green card alone is not enough
- Entry documents
- The required passport and entry evidence; local admission rules still apply
- Family
- Each person needs their own valid basis to enter and stay
Summary
The Compact of Free Association provides U.S. citizens a distinct basis to seek admission, live and take lawful employment in the Federated States of Micronesia. U.S. permanent residence alone does not provide that basis, and the destination still checks entry eligibility.
Confirm the procedures for the planned residence, profession or business before traveling. Local licensing and tax rules continue to apply, and each accompanying relative needs an independent valid basis for admission. The Compact does not grant local citizenship or property rights.
Eligibility
You must be a U.S. citizen. A U.S. green card or other permanent-resident status alone does not qualify.
Prepare the required passport and entry evidence. Ask the destination’s immigration authority which steps apply to your actual work or residence plans before traveling.
-
Check citizenship and entry requirements Confirm that the Compact provisions apply to your circumstances.
-
Confirm the steps for your plans Ask about registration and any work, business, or professional requirements.
-
Enter under the Compact and follow local rules Keep each family member’s immigration position and required approvals in order.
The Compact does not replace local laws or automatically cover relatives with a different nationality.
What This Route Allows
The Compact provides a way to reside and pursue lawful work, beyond an ordinary tourist stay. You must meet the admission requirements and local laws, including any professional or business licensing rules.
What This Route Is Not
This does not grant local citizenship, property rights, or a permanent-residence card. It does not remove tax obligations or replace a business license.
Family members do not automatically receive the same status. Each person needs their own valid reason for admission and stay; non-U.S. relatives cannot rely only on your citizenship.
Next Steps
- Confirm the citizenship requirement and any individual entry restrictions.
- Ask about entry, registration, and the rules for your intended job or business.
- Seek entry under the Compact and follow the local conditions throughout your stay.
Stay up to date on this pathway
Get an email when something important changes.
Discussed in these reports
- Oceania and Pacific Residence Options ComparedA move to a Pacific island may depend on a local employer, an accepted course, a qualifying family relationship, independent income, or an approved business.…
- Where You Can Move Abroad Without a Job OfferA job offer is one way to make a move possible, but it is not the only one. Some applicants can qualify through an established professional record, a…
- Which Passports Let You Live and Work in Another Country Without a Visa?Most immigration planning starts with a visa category: work, study, investment, family, retirement, or digital nomad. Special bilateral mobility agreements work…
Switzerland
Switzerland Family Residence
Switzerland's family residence framework lets qualifying partners, children, and certain other close family members join a citizen or lawful resident under…
Palau
Palau U.S. Compact Residence
U.S. citizens can use the Compact of Free Association as a basis to seek admission, reside, and take lawful employment in Palau.
Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands U.S. Compact Residence
U.S. citizens can use the Compact of Free Association as a basis to seek admission, reside, and take lawful employment in Marshall Islands.