Are you thinking of buying a house in the United States and wondering if this investment can grant you residency? Although it is an attractive goal, the reality is that acquiring a property does not automatically guarantee permanent residence. However, there are programs and visas that could bring you closer to this goal. Join us for this analysis to understand the options available and how to structure an effective strategy for your migration.
Buying a Home in the United States: What You Need to Know
Acquiring property in the United States is perfectly possible for foreign nationals. But what does this imply in terms of migration? Although buying a home demonstrates economic capacity and financial commitment, it does not meet the criteria for obtaining a residency visa.
However, this investment can be an initial step in building an attractive financial profile when applying for certain visas. For example, using property as assets in a well-structured business could qualify for investor visa programs.
Real options to obtain residency in the U.S.
If your goal is to immigrate, it is essential to understand the available programs that could fit your needs. Let’s look at the most common options related to investment:
1. EB-5 Visa
The EB-5 visa is one of the most robust options for investors seeking to obtain permanent residency in the United States. Designed to attract foreign capital and generate jobs in the country, this program is ideal for those with significant financial resources and want a direct path to the Green Card.
What is the EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 is an investment-based immigration program that grants conditional permanent residence to the applicant, their spouse, and their children under the age of 21. It is regulated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Main requirements:
- Minimum investment: $800,000 USD if the project is in a specific employment area (TEA), which are rural or high-unemployment regions, or $1,050,000 USD in other areas.
- Job creation: Your investment must generate at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of the project’s approval. These jobs can be direct (employees hired by the business) or indirect (generated through the economic activity of the project).
- Investment in approved projects: Although you can start your own business, most applicants choose to invest in regional centers, which are entities certified by USCIS to handle projects that meet EB-5 requirements.
Key Benefits of the EB-5 Visa:
- Permanent residency for the entire immediate family.
- Geographical flexibility; you can live and work in any state in the U.S.
- The possibility of accessing educational and employment benefits.
Key fact: According to the most recent USCIS report, 80% of EB-5 applicants achieve initial approval in less than 12 months.
2. E-2 Visa
If you do not have the necessary capital for an EB-5 visa, the E-2 investor visa is an excellent alternative. This program is designed for citizens of countries with trade agreements with the United States, such as Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Argentina, among others. Although it does not lead directly to permanent residency, it allows you to live and work in the U.S. while operating your business.
What is the E-2 Visa?
The E-2 is a nonimmigrant visa intended for individuals who wish to enter the United States to manage a substantial investment in a business.
Main requirements:
- Substantial investment: Although there is no official minimum amount, the investment is expected to be significant and sufficient to ensure the viability of the business. Generally, the amounts range from $150,000 to $200,000 USD.
- Business Control:You must be a majority owner or hold at least 50% of the shares of the business to demonstrate operational control.
- Connection with a trade agreement: Only citizens of countries with current trade agreements with the U.S. are eligible.
Main benefits of the E-2 visa:
- Indefinite renewal: The E-2 visa can be renewed as many times as necessary, as long as the business continues to be viable.
- Work flexibility: Your spouse can obtain employment authorization to work in any industry or sector.
- Education for your children: Children can access public and private schools in the United States.
Which businesses qualify?
The key to qualifying under this program is to demonstrate that your business is not marginal, meaning that it has the potential to generate significant income beyond your family’s livelihood.
Important considerations:
Although the E-2 visa does not lead directly to permanent residency, some E-2 visa holders have used their business success as a platform to qualify for other immigration programs, such as EB-5 or EB-2 (based on exceptional ability or employment).
Comparison between the two visas
The choice between the EB-5 visa and the E-2 visa will depend on several factors, such as your long-term goals, available capital, and your nationality.
If you are looking for a direct pathway to permanent residency and have the resources, EB-5 is the ideal option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more accessible investment and have the flexibility to operate a business, the E-2 may be your best alternative.
Want to explore these options in more detail? Schedule a free initial consultation with our team now.
Why buying a house in the United States is not enough to obtain residency?
Acquiring a property in the United States is a strategic decision for many people, whether as an investment, personal residence, or a combination of both. However, when it comes to obtaining permanent residency, this step, while valuable, does not meet the criteria set by U.S. immigration laws.
The Approach to Immigration Law
Immigration laws in the United States are designed with a clear purpose: to promote activities that bring tangible benefits to the country’s economy. These activities typically include:
Job creation: Programs like the EB-5 visa focus on projects that create jobs for U.S. citizens.
Business Establishment: Options such as the E-2 visa seek to attract entrepreneurs who invest in and manage viable businesses that contribute to the local economy.
Innovation and development: Other programs focus on exceptional skills or strategic investments that boost key sectors of the country.
While buying a home may be a reflection of financial stability and economic commitment, it does not generate enough of a direct economic impact to meet residency criteria.
The Economic Value of Buying a Home
While the purchase of a property does not qualify as an act that directly benefits the economy at the immigration level, it has certain benefits that can complement an immigration strategy:
- Building a Strong Financial Profile: Owning real estate in the U.S. can demonstrate economic capability and financial stability by applying for investment visas such as the E-2. This asset can be used as collateral to finance a business or meet certain investment requirements.
- Passive income generation: If you decide to rent out the property, you could generate additional income that helps you fund other investments eligible for business or residency visas.
- Reduction of personal costs: Having your own home can reduce your housing expenses and allow you to redirect those resources towards a larger project that meets the immigration criteria.
To achieve your immigration goals, buying a home in the United States should be just one piece within a comprehensive strategy.
Ready to turn your investment into a step toward U.S. residency? Schedule your first free consultation with our experts and find out how to design a personalized migration strategy for you.
