Are you considering obtaining USA citizenship via investment? Do you have a significant amount of capital that you are looking to invest in the country? If so, there are essential steps that you need to follow to make your dream of becoming a USA citizen through investment a reality. In this guide, we will discuss the necessary requirements and procedures for obtaining USA citizenship by investment.

Determine eligibility

The first step in obtaining USA citizenship via investment is to determine if you meet the basic eligibility requirements for the EB-5 program. To qualify, you must make a minimum investment of $1 million in a U.S. business or $500,000 if you invest in a targeted employment area (TEA), which is typically a rural area or one with high unemployment. The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that their investment funds come from lawful sources, which will be scrutinised during the application process.

Choose an appropriate investment

Once you are eligible, the next step is to choose an appropriate investment opportunity. Many investors opt to invest in regional centres, which are designated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and manage large-scale investment projects. These centres often help simplify the process by ensuring that the investment meets the requirements of the EB-5 program, such as job creation. Alternatively, you can invest directly in a new commercial enterprise that you will actively manage. Each option comes with its own benefits and challenges, so it’s essential to carefully evaluate projects.

Make the investment

After selecting an investment, the next step is to transfer the required funds to the U.S. business. This transfer must be made through a legal and transparent process to ensure the source of the funds is documented and compliant with U.S. regulations. Upon transferring the funds, you will be required to submit your application for a conditional green card under the EB-5 program.

Submit application and attend interview

Once your investment is made, the next step is to file Form I-526, the Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, with USCIS. This petition documents your eligibility and the legality of your investment. Once approved, you and your eligible family members (spouse and children under 21) can apply for a conditional green card. Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the approval process.