Are you considering immigrating to the United States in search of new opportunities? If so, it is important to understand the different types of residency available in the country to find the most suitable option for you and your family. Are you interested in having a temporary stay in the country, or do you prefer to put down roots permanently?
In this article, we will explore two significant alternatives to living in the United States: the E-2 visa, aimed at investors planning a temporary stay, and the EB-5 program, designed for those who want to obtain permanent residency, also known as a Green Card. Join us for this analysis to find out which of these options best aligns with your life plans and how each one can open doors to new opportunities in the United States.
Temporary residency vs. Permanent residency
Let’s continue to explore these two types of U.S. residency in detail:
- Temporary residency is granted to individuals who enter the United States for a specific purpose and for a limited time. One of the most relevant categories within this type of residency is the E-2 visa, aimed at investors from countries with which the United States has trade agreements. This visa provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and their families to live and work in the United States while operating a business in which they have made a substantial investment.
- On the other hand, permanent residency gives individuals the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Permanent residents, also known as Green Card holders, have almost all the rights of a U.S. citizen, except for the right to vote and some government jobs reserved for citizens. Permanent residency can be obtained through several pathways, including family reunification, employment, asylum, and special programs such as the EB-5 investor visa . And while getting a Green Card isn’t easy, it’s not impossible either. In fact, statistics from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) show that during fiscal year 2022, 1,018,349 Green Cards were issued.
Temporary Residency with E-2 Visa
The E-2 visa is an excellent option for citizens of countries with which the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation, as it offers the ability to live and work in the country by making a substantial investment in a local business.
To qualify for this visa, the process requires meticulous preparation and submission of documents that validate the legitimacy and potential for success of the business in question, including a business plan, evidence of the investment made, and convincing demonstrations that the business will not only support the applicant and their family, but will also contribute significantly to the local economy. This process checks the investor’s commitment to the business project and to the country that will potentially receive it.
The eligibility criteria are clear. As we have already mentioned, it is essential to be a citizen of a country that maintains an active trade agreement with the United States, to make an investment that is considered substantial in a U.S. business, and to demonstrate the intention and ability to direct and develop such business. These conditions seek to ensure that the investments made are serious and significant, and that they also have the potential to generate employment and boost the U.S. economy.
Benefits and Limitations of E-2 Visa Temporary Residency
Something important to note about the E-2 visa is the notable advantages it provides, such as the absence of a fixed minimum investment amount. This gives considerable flexibility to the investor.
Another great advantage is the possibility of renewing the visa indefinitely. As long as the business remains operational and meets the established requirements, the investor may renew the term of its ownership. However, these advantages come with significant limitations, such as the lack of a direct path to permanent residency or U.S. citizenship.
Still, there’s no reason to be discouraged. While the E-2 visa does not offer a direct path to permanent residency, it does keep open the possibility of adjusting immigration status in the future, subject to meeting certain criteria defined by immigration authorities.
So, if you’re thinking about applying for your E-2 visa and you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, don’t worry, you don’t have to go it alone. Take a free consultation with our team to receive the guidance you need. We are ready to help you evaluate your investment options, prepare your documentation, and guide you through every step of your E-2 visa application.
EB-5 Visa: Direct Investment Toward Permanent Residency
The EB-5 visa represents a direct and strategic route to permanent residency in the United States for those foreign investors willing to inject significant capital into the U.S. economy. Not only does this visa ease the path to obtaining a Green Card for the investor and their immediate family, but it also contributes to economic development by creating jobs in areas that need it most.
The EB-5 program requires a minimum investment of $900,000 in projects located in specific employment areas, known as Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), or $1.8 million in other projects outside of these areas. This investment threshold seeks to ensure that foreign capital plays a significant role in the creation or preservation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers, within two years of the investment.
Eligibility for the EB-5 visa is open to any nationality, with no restrictions based on trade treaties. This universality underscores the program’s goal of attracting as much foreign direct investment to the United States as possible. However, the process to obtain the EB-5 visa is rigorous and requires detailed documentation that demonstrates the legality of the funds invested, as well as the positive impact of the investment project in terms of job creation. We advise you to have legal and immigration advice before taking the first step in this process.
At Interlink FBC we are able to guide and assist you at every stage of your EB-5 visa application, ensuring that your investment meets the necessary requirements and maximizing your chances of approval. Schedule a consultation with our team of experts now.
Benefits and Limitations of EB-5 Permanent Residency
The advantages of the EB-5 visa are more than attractive. This visa provides a secure path to permanent residency in the United States, not only for the investor, but also for their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21.
Additionally, unlike other investment visas, it does not require the investor to actively manage the business in which they invest, allowing investment in government-approved regional centers that handle the investment project on behalf of investors. However, the EB-5 program also presents challenges, including the high amount of investment required and a process that can be complex and lengthy due to rigorous verifications and the demand for detailed evidence on job creation.
Despite these challenges, the EB-5 visa remains a viable option for those looking to diversify their investments, and secure a future in the United States for themselves and their families.
Permanent residency through the EB-5 visa is an investment that transcends the financial, and opens doors to a better lifestyle for investors and their loved ones. If you meet the requirements and would like to receive support to reach this goal, please contact us!
Investing in franchises to obtain residency in the United States
The decision to invest in franchises as a strategy to obtain some type of residency in the United States greatly simplifies the complex path to immigration through the E-2 and EB-5 visas.
Beyond accessing profitable business models and constant operational support, the franchises perfectly meet the job creation requirements and investment plans of both visa programs, representing a route aligned with the immigration policies and business goals of international investors.
We invite you to explore the success stories of those who, with our support, have seen franchising as the way to achieve their immigration and business goals:
