Citizenship By Investment (USA)
US investor visa or business visa is also popularly known as EB-5 visa which originally started in the early 1990s. This visa allows investors to get a US green card and eventually apply for US citizenship through a well experienced US immigration attorney in India. This program is also one of the oldest programs in the area of residency and citizenship by investment. As of 15th March 2022, the investment amount is US$ 800,000 for businesses located in RC or where there is a high unemployment rate. In all other areas, the investment amount is US$ 1,050,000. The investor must invest this amount in a new commercial enterprise which will create 10 full-time jobs for local people. After creating at least 10 new full-time jobs either directly or indirectly through the capital investment. As per USCIS, An EB-5 regional centre is an economic unit, public or private, in the United States that is involved with promoting economic growth. Regional centers are designated by USCIS for participation in the Immigrant Investor Program.
Certain countries such as China, India and Vietnam now face lengthy retrogression delays through EB5. An effective alternative to the EB5 is the E2 visa. Investment must be “substantial” but in practice is far less than the EB5. The E2 can only be obtained by citizens of countries holding an E2 treaty with the USA. This includes options such as Grenada, Montenegro and Turkey. Investment for citizenship in these countries entitles the holder to apply for an E2. The route to residency can be faster and cheaper than EB5 although a key difference with the E2 is that it is a non-immigrant visa meaning unlike the EB5 it cannot lead to a Green Card.
A new Regional Center Program for EB5 was signed into law by President Biden on March 15, 2022. The program will be in effect for over five years through to September, 2027. The new legislation is under consideration by USCIS and we hope to have guidance and importantly new EB5 Regional Center investments for client by mid 2022. The EB5 investment amount will start from $800,000.
As with the previous Regional Centre Program, proof of the funds being legally acquired must be given, the investment must be “at risk” and the investor must have no prior criminal record. A key advantage of the EB5 Regional Centre Program was the pooling of a number of applications into an infrastructure or real estate project that allowed investors to take a passive investment with the Regional Centre managing the necessary requirement such as job creation.
The E2 visa remains an effective alternative to EB5 and can be obtained in a two step process by first obtaining citizenship in an E2 treaty country then applying for an E2 visa through investment in the USA. La Vida can facilitate both steps for our clients. The timescale is less than the EB5 route for countries facing retrogression (typically China, India and Vietnam) and the investment is typically around $500,000 covering both the second citizenship and the US residency.
The EB5 visa is essentially a green card through investment. Investors are rewarded with a green card (after two years), although these are limited to 10,000 applicants per year with 5,000 of this total reserved for regional centres. Success rates for the Eb-5 can vary and will depend on the investment type, personal situation, legal representation, regional centre and other factors. The E2 visa offers residency through substantial investment in a business.
US CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
Neither the EB5 nor E2 are themselves a citizenship by investment programme. However after obtaining a Green Card via the EB5 route applicants can apply for USA citizenship after a period of five years of Permanent Residency. A process known as Naturalization.
L-1 VISA NON-IMMIGRANT
L-1A Intercompany Transferee Executive or Managers and L-1B Intercompany Transferee specialized knowledge This visa allows a U.S. employer to transfer an employee(s) from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States
EB-1 ( C ) IMMIGRANT
Certain Multinational managers or executives can apply under this class if they are employed outside the United States for at least 1 year in the 3 years preceding the petition or the most recent lawful non immigrant admission if you are already working for the U.S. petitioning employer.
America is the country made by immigrants as it has the highest immigrants than any other country in the world.
USA ranks in top 10 best countries in the world for immigrants.
Americans are very positive, friendly and welcoming in nature.
USA is known for its medical inventions since ages. Patients can get the best hospitals and well trained staff in USA as its healthcare is one of the best in the world.
Education could be one of the top 10 reasons of moving to USA as it is having world’s renowned schools, colleges and universities no matter public or private. As per the QS ranking of universities, half of the top 20 colleges on the globe are in USA.
US dollar is the primary currency accepted by the world for the international transactions which proves the stability of its economy.
Food and housing is very much affordable in the United States in compare to other nations.
The unemployment ratio of USA is very low and even the country welcomes anyone from the world who is having the skills which they want as they have immense career opportunities.
Geographically USA is very big that it can provide more than enough space for its people to live in as well as to roam around.
So many breathtaking natural wonders are there in USA. Its spectacular beauty includes lakes, mountains, coastlines and variety of hiking places.
A person can experience all types of weather in its various provinces. Starting from so cold Alaska to so hot California. Even it has deserts as well as tropical lands too.
All different types of cuisines can be offered in USA. You name the food item from any corner of the world and USA will be able to serve. Even a small town of it will serve you delicious food.
So many travel opportunities are there in USA that one will never want to leave the country. It has some coastal areas like Florida as well as hustling and bustling city life of New York to explore. Even the Rockies and falls of USA are enchanting.