How to get USA Citizenship by Investment in 2023

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The process of obtaining USA Citizenship through investment, also known as “citizenship by investment” or “EB-5 visa,” can be a viable option for those willing and able to make specific financial investments in the United States.

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Obtaining U.S. citizenship is a coveted goal for many people around the world.

This blog post will provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program and the requirements for obtaining U.S. citizenship through investment.

U.S. Citizenship by Investment
Photocredit: Miami Today

We will also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this path to Citizenship and provide some tips and resources for those interested in pursuing this option.

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Whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply looking for a new start in the United States, this blog post will provide you with valuable information on how to get U.S. citizenship by investment in 2023.

How to Get a U.S. Citizenship by Investment

An investor can become a citizen of the United States in several ways, each with its qualifications and procedures. The options are as follows:

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  • Naturalization: This is the procedure for acquiring U.S. citizenship formally. You must be at least 18 years old, a permanent resident (commonly known as a “green card holder”) for at least five years, and fulfil several other conditions, such as speaking, reading, and writing English fluently and being of high moral character. On the website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you may find out more information on the citizenship procedure.
  • Marriage to a citizen of the United States: If you are married to a citizen of the United States, you may be eligible to apply for both a green card and Citizenship at a later date. However, you must be able to demonstrate that the marriage is sincere and wasn’t engaged just to get a green card.
  • Investment: Under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, foreign investors can receive a green card by spending a minimum of $1.8 million (or $900,000 in specific locations with high unemployment rates) in a new business that generates at least ten full-time jobs for Americans. After five years with a green card, you can apply for Citizenship.
  • Military service: Through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program, non-citizens who are willing to serve in the U.S. military may be able to get Citizenship. Through this program, non-citizens with specific essential abilities can enlist in the military and acquire American Citizenship.

Requirements for the EB-5 Visa: Investment Immigration to the USA

For foreign investors interested in acquiring permanent residency in the U.S., the EB-5 visa is a type of immigrant visa available. A candidate must fulfil the following criteria in order to be granted an EB-5 visa:

  • Investment: To be eligible, the applicant must put at least $900,000 (or $1.8 million if the investment is made in a region with a high unemployment rate) into a new business venture in the United States. The investment must result in the creation of at least ten full-time jobs for Americans.
  • Funding source: The applicant must demonstrate that the money utilized for the investment was acquired legally, such as through salary, donations, loans, or inheritance.
  • Investment management: The applicant must be active in managing the investment through day-to-day management or the creation of policies.
  • Intent to reside: The applicant must demonstrate that they intend to live in the United States.

To make sure you meet all requirements and to guide you through the application process, it is crucial to speak with an immigration lawyer if you are interested in applying for the EB-5 visa.

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Stages of obtaining Citizenship through the EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 visa is a type of immigrant visa that enables foreign investors to get a green card and ultimately become citizens of the United States by investing in a brand-new business venture here and creating or maintaining at least ten full-time jobs for qualified Americans.

The EB-5 visa’s steps for attaining Citizenship are as follows:

  • Investment: The first step is to commit financially to a brand-new American business. This can be a brand-new company or an existing one that is growing. The investment must be at least $900,000 or if the company is situated in a designated employment area, $1.8 million (TEA).
  • Petition for Conditional Permanent Residence: After investing, the investor must file a petition for conditional permanent residence with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition must include evidence of the investment, as well as proof that the investment will create or preserve at least ten full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.
  • Petition Approval: If the petition is approved, the investor will be granted a conditional green card for two years.
  • Removal of Conditions: The investor must submit a petition to lift the restrictions on their primary residence before the two-year window has passed. Evidence that the investment has been kept up and the necessary jobs have been generated or protected must be included in this petition.
  • Naturalization: The investor can seek for naturalization to become a citizen of the United States when the conditions on the green card have been lifted. They must be at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and capable of speaking, reading, and writing basic English to be eligible for naturalization.

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Investment Criteria for the E-2 Visa

To qualify for an E-2 visa, you must make a substantial investment in a business in the United States.

The investment must be substantial in relation to the total cost of either purchasing an existing business or establishing a new one.

There is no specific dollar amount that constitutes a “substantial” investment. Instead, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will consider several factors in determining whether the investment is substantial, including:

  • You must be a citizen of a nation with whom the United States has a treaty of commerce and navigation. The U.S. Department of State website contains a list of countries with which such accords are in effect.
  • You must be travelling to the U.S. to establish and oversee the operations of a company in which you have made a sizable financial investment. The investment must be significant compared to the entire cost of starting a new firm or buying an existing one.
  • The money must be under your control, and the investment must be at risk in a practical sense. As a result, you must have made an investment or be actively making one, and the investment must be at risk of loss if the firm is unsuccessful.
  • You must enter the country with the express intent of growing and managing the company’s operations. You are ineligible for an E-2 visa if you travel to the U.S. to labor for someone else or make a passive investment in stocks or real estate.

If you meet these requirements and want to apply for an E-2 visa, you must deliver several documents to the American embassy or consulate.

These documents will show your nationality, investment, and a thorough business plan detailing your investment and how your company will operate.

Conclusion

Getting U.S. citizenship through investment may be a viable choice for those wishing to become naturalized citizens.

However, it’s crucial to do your homework and fully comprehend the prerequisites, the procedure, potential hazards, and the benefits of gaining Citizenship through investment.

To guarantee that the procedure is done accurately and effectively, it is also advised to seek the advice of a knowledgeable immigration attorney.

Even while gaining Citizenship by investment may demand a substantial financial expenditure, for certain people, it may ultimately result in the invaluable advantages and privileges of U.S. citizenship.

Reference

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