Do you want to become a US resident – The United States, the land of the free, remains the number one destination from people outside the U.S. Citizens in the United States enjoy a high standard of living, with world-renowned universities and educational programs, premium healthcare and top of the line facilities.
The Trump administration has placed some limits on immigration. Do not let this be a discouragement. The road to become a United States permanent resident is still a possibility and a great opportunity for many.
There are several ways to apply for residency in USA, including the well-known green card or, if you meet the requirements, filling in the permanent residence form (I-485).
Difference between Visa and passport
The most accessible way to enter the United States as a non-US citizen, is through a student visa. Each year, the United States approves over a million student visas that allow people from outside the United States to gain entry to the country.
A student visa, or any other type of visa, is not a passport. A visa holder can only stay in the country as long as the visa allows. A holder of a USA passport can stay in the United States indefinitely.
To acquire US citizenship and obtain a USA passport you need to be born in the United States or US territories, outside the US to US parents or through naturalization.
Apply for residency in USA – EB-5 program
If you want to become a United States permanent resident, the EB-5 program is the best option. This investment program has been created in 1990 and offers a substantial amount of visas each year.
One of the biggest upsides of the EB-5 program is that, opposed to a student visa, immediate family members can also become a permanent resident of the US in a short period of time.
The requirement for the EB-5 program is a minimum investment of USD 1,000,000 or an investment of USD 500,000 in an area with a high employment rate or a rural area, with the goal to create 10 new full-time jobs. These funds must stay invested within the area until the permanent residence status is granted, which takes around 4 years.
As an investor, you do not have to hire ten employees in your own company. You can apply under the EB-5 Regional Center Program and invest USD 500.000 in one of the Regional Centre projects. This allows the investor to become a limited partner while maintaining the time and ability to live and work in the entire United States.
Get in touch with our consultants – find out in a free consultation which option suits you the best.
What are the differences – Permanent resident vs Citizen
It is important to know about the differences between a United States permanent resident vs citizen.
A permanent resident has the right to live and work in the United States for an indefinite amount of time. These rights are also referred to as the “green card”, a photo ID card that shows that the resident is allowed to stay in the country.
Unlike a United States citizen, a permanent resident does not have the right to vote and does not hold a USA passport. This also means that every single time a permanent resident leaves the country, they have to show their green card upon entry.
As a permanent resident, you are not exempt from taxes. It can therefore be a lucrative option to look at alternative visa’s, such as the L-1 intracompany manager executive transfer visas or the E-1/2 treaty investor/trader visas.
Citizenship becomes available after five years after obtaining permanent residency in the United States through the naturalization process.
If you want to become a United States permanent resident, obtain a USA passport or need help with your permanent residence form, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
