United States of America: Residence by Investment Overview
The USA remains a highly sought-after destination for investors, offering the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program as a streamlined pathway to permanent resident status (a green card) in a relatively short timeframe.
Residence by Investment in the USA
The United States is a preferred destination for migrants and investors globally. Given its complex immigration system, it’s essential to carefully evaluate individual circumstances to identify the best immigration route.
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides an appealing option for investors seeking residency. Under this program, you may obtain permanent resident status (a green card) by making a qualifying investment.
Regional Center Program
A specific number of visas are allocated for applicants under the Regional Center Program. There are designated regional centers across the USA, each focusing on different industries and geographic areas. Applicants typically invest $800,000 into a designated regional center project, becoming limited partners in the new enterprise.
Key Benefits:
- Investors can benefit from indirect job creation, meaning they do not need to hire 10 employees directly.
- Day-to-day management of the investment is handled by the regional centers, allowing investors the flexibility to live and work anywhere in the USA.
- There are no requirements regarding age, language, or previous business experience. However, applicants must have a net worth exceeding $1 million and must provide proof that their funds come from legal sources.
Compass can assist international clients in selecting the most suitable regional center and managing their applications.
Path to Citizenship
After five years of legal residence from the date of receiving the conditional green card, it is possible to apply for US citizenship and obtain a passport, granting the holder the protection of one of the world’s most powerful countries. There are four primary ways to acquire US citizenship:
- By birth in the USA or its territories (jus soli).
- By birth outside the USA to US parents.
- By naturalization after fulfilling residency requirements.