How to relocate to the US by opening a company
US citizenship is impossible to get by investment. An immigrant EB‑5 visa is designed for wealthy foreigners willing to invest at least $800,000. But there is a quota for this visa type, and there are always more applicants than available visas; waiting can take years.
See how a second citizenship helps to get a visa for relocation or frequent visits to the USA — cheaper and faster.
Grenada or Turkey citizenship and an E‑2 visa
Investments: $150,000+ for a passport and $100,000+ for a visa
Obtaining period: 4+ months for citizenship and 3+ weeks for a visa
E‑2 business visas to the USA are issued to those who purchase or open a business there. There is no set investment amount; applicants for this visa usually invest at least $100,000 in their companies.
Family members can get visas with the investor. Qualifying relatives include spouses and children under 21. Thus, the whole family can relocate to the USA, where the investor can run a business, their spouse can work, and their children can attend local schools and universities.
The E‑2 visa is only available to citizens of countries with trade and navigation treaties with the USA. Grenada and Turkey have such treaties, for example.
Grenada or Turkey citizenship makes it possible to get a 5-year E‑2 visa. It can be extended upon expiration if the investor’s company is still operating and bringing profits.
The minimum investment sum under the Grenada citizenship program is $150,000, and Turkey citizenship is granted for investments of at least $400,000. Getting a second passport takes several months.
Grenada citizenship to relocate to the US with the family
Nicolas wanted to expand his business and move to a prosperous country with quality educational prospects for his daughter.
The businessman contacted Immigrant Invest looking for a way to achieve his goals through relocation to the USA. We helped Nicolas and his family obtain Grenada citizenship to get E‑2 visas and start their new life in San Francisco.
Caribbean, Turkey or Vanuatu citizenship for obtaining a US visitor visa
Investments: $100,000+
Obtaining period: 1+ months for citizenship and 2+ months for a visa
Second passport can be a path to obtaining a US visa: citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Turkey qualify for a 10-year B‑1/B‑2 visitor visa, while Vanuatu citizens get 5-year visas.
Benefits of a US visitor visa. Holders of B‑1/B‑2 visitor visas can spend up to 180 days a year in the USA. They can have vacations, hold business meetings, speak at conferences free of charge, and get treatment at local clinics.
Where to get a visitor visa? The US Embassy in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, accepts applications from citizens of Caribbean countries. Vanuatu citizens apply to the US Embassy in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.Applying for a visa to these embassies is optional, as you can choose any US consulate or embassy providing services to foreigners.
Getting a US visitor visa with an Antigua and Barbuda passport
Alessandra’s children study in the USA. Before the pandemic, she and her husband visited their kids three times a year. But then the consulate in Brazil suspended its visa services.
The issue with US visas was solved with Antigua and Barbuda passport: Alessandra and her husband obtained second passports in half a year and passed an interview for US visitor visas in the embassy in Barbados.
Malta citizenship for visa-free trips to the USA
Investments: €690,000+
Obtaining period: 1+ years
Malta participates in the US Visa Waiver Program. Therefore, Maltese citizens can come to the USA visa-free, but they need to get an entry permit through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before the trip.
The ESTA permit is valid for up to two years, subject to extension. The number of trips with an ESTA is unlimited, but the period of each stay must be shorter than 90 days. ESTA holders can travel across the USA, attend business meetings and take courses that don’t lead to a degree.
An ESTA may be denied if the applicant has criminal records, previous visa denials, deportation history with the USA, or visits to high-risk states like Iran, Iraq and North Korea. In the case of ESTA denial, one must get a visitor visa to go to the USA. Maltese citizens qualify for 10-year B‑1/B‑2 visitor visas.
A visa is always required to permanently live, work, or study at a school or university in the USA. The type of visa depends on the grounds for relocation.
Practical Guide
Comparison of citizenship and residency by investment programs
Material prepared by Lyle Julien, Investment programs expert
Frequently asked questions
Rights and duties after relocation
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