How Can Foreign Investors Become US Nationals Without Having A Job Offer Or A Student Visa?
The United States of America is among the best countries to immigrate to in 2021. Apart from having a good standard of living and a civilized environment, the US is a place to be.
High-quality education is guaranteed for your children while you enjoy the best career opportunities. Your fundamental human rights are being upheld and you get to live in a peaceful environment.
Usually, before you can gain entry and reside in most developed countries, you have to have a clear purpose which most times can be for study, work or vacation. To buttress your purpose of immigration, you will have to apply for and obtain a US student visa, work permit or tourist visa.
However, there are also other routes to go around this. By applying for and obtaining an EB-5 Visa, you will be granted permanent residency in the United States. After residing for 5 years, you will be able to apply for US citizenship and become national.
In this blog post, you will learn how to become a US resident and eventually a legal citizen through investment. Before starting, let’s look at the benefits of getting US citizenship through investment.
Benefits Of Getting US Citizenship Through Investment
- You become a resident and then a citizen without having a studying purpose or an employment offer.
- You will be able to offer good and quality education for your children.
- You will have legal access to vote in general elections.
- You will gain the legal rights that will allow you to run for public office and be voted for.
- You won’t be deported to your home country.
- You can travel in and out of the US without encountering any restrictions.
- You become eligible to sponsor a family member applying for a permanent residence permit. No priority date requirements will be set for the applicant.
- With US citizenship, you are eligible to be a passport holder.
Processes Involved In Getting US Citizenship Through Investment
The first step here is to apply for and process the EB-5 visa. Read and follow the steps mentioned below. You need $900,000 or $1.8 million to do this.
Look Around For An EB-5 Project And Invest In It
The first step is to check around for businesses and projects that need investments. This EB-5 investment can be a direct or regional centre project.
After finding an EB-5 project you like, you should invest in it. Note that this investment is entirely at your own risk and it does not guarantee the success of the business you invested in.
You might be interested in – Luxembourg Citizenship By Investment In 2021 – All You Need To Know.
Go Ahead And File The I-526 Petition
After risking your investment, you should proceed with your intention of getting US citizenship through investment.
You should apply for an I-526, with which you will petition the USCIS for the EB-5 visa. This step is one of the most important parts that will determine whether your application will be approved.
Fill out all details correctly to prevent any delays or problems in the future.
The usual processing time for the I-526 application is between 12 to 18 months. You will be contacted by the USCIS immediately after your application has been processed.
Get A Conditional Permanent Residence For Two Years
If your I-526 application is approved, you will be able to apply for an immigration visa. You and your family members will be granted a conditional permanent residency permit for 2 years.
Throughout this period of 2 years, you must follow the country law, state law and also the immigration laws. How well you abide by these laws is what will determine if you are eligible for the removal of conditions after the 2 years is over.
Become A US Permanent Resident Through Investment
After the 2 years is over, you should submit an I-829 application. This must be done within 90 days before the 2-year period expires.
The following are the requirements to become a permanent resident in the US through investment.
Investments
You must tender proof that shows you have done the required investments. Also, that business must be approved and legal.
The documents may be bank statements, invoices and receipts, business licenses, federal or state income quarterly tax statements, federal, and state income tax returns.
Job Creation
To proceed with getting US citizenship through investment, you must prove that the project you invested in will pave way for at least 10 full-time employment opportunities.
Job Preservation
Who knows, your investment might have been a thriving one. All you just need to do is submit evidence that you have the required number of employees.
Processing Time
You will receive a message from USCIS within 6 to 8 months after submitting your I-829 application. If your petition is approved, you will be granted permanent residency in the United States.
This feat is a stepping stone to obtaining US citizenship through investment.
Apply For The United States Citizenship
After 5 years of obtaining your permanent residency through investment, you can renew it or become a legal US national by naturalization.
Requirements To Become A US Citizens Via Investment
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- You must have been living in the United States for 5 years preceding your citizenship application.
- You must have exhibited good behaviour and abided by the constitution.
- You must be able to communicate in English.
- You should be ready to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Becoming A US Citizen Through Investment
After meeting up these requirements, you should apply for US citizenship. This can be done physically or on the internet.
The USCIS will notify you about the progress of your application. You will be invited to turn in your green card and take the Oath of Allegiance. After that, you will be given a certificate of naturalization that shows you are now a certified citizen of the United States of America.
By receiving the certificate of naturalization, all your children (below the age of 18 years old) will also become citizens of the United States automatically.