The United States of America remains one of the most desired destinations for migrants and investors from all over the world. The USA has a complex immigration system, and in each instance, it is warranted to assess the individual situation thoroughly in order to establish the immigration route offering the best chances.
There are interesting residence possibilities for investors that allow immigration to the country. Under the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, you may be granted permanent resident status (a ‘green card’) within a short period of time.
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
For those who wish to acquire permanent resident (‘green card’) status, the US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is the most efficient way to acquire such status. Since 1990 when congress created this program, each year, the USA government allocates a substantial number of visas for individuals who wish to make a significant investment into the country. Under this program, individuals and their immediate family members can become permanent residents of the USA within a short period of time.
The US EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program requires that a foreign individual invests USD 1.8 million or USD 900,000(if the investment is made in a rural area or an area with high unemployment) into a new commercial enterprise and creates 10 new full-time jobs. Funds must stay invested until permanent resident status is granted (usually about four years).
Regional Center Program
A certain number of visas are set aside for individuals who apply under the Regional Center Program. There are a number of designated ‘regional centers’ in the USA, each with its own distinct industry and geographic focus. Under this program, applicants usually invest USD 900,000 into one of the designated regional center projects, thereby becoming a limited partner in that regional center’s new enterprise.
The main benefit of this option is that investors may rely on indirect job creation rather than directly hiring 10 employees. Moreover, the day-to-day management of the investment is facilitated by the regional centers so that the applicant is free to live and work anywhere in the USA.
There are no requirements as to age, language, or past business experience in order to qualify. Applicants, however, must have a net worth in excess of USD 1 million and proof must be provided that their funds come from legal sources. Furthermore, they must remain in the USA for at least 180 days each year until unconditional green card status is granted if they wish to apply for USA citizenship.
Migratz can advise and assist international clients with the selection of the most suitable regional center and handle applications.
Citizenship
After five years of legal residence from the date of receipt of the conditional green card, it is possible to acquire USA citizenship and to obtain a passport, giving the holder the protection of the most powerful country in the world. There are four ways to acquire USA citizenship: by birth in the USA or in USA territories (jus soli), by birth outside the USA to USA parents, and by naturalization.