USA Golden Visa

Trump Gold Card Visa

Donald Trump has announced the launching of a US Gold Card Visa nicknamed the Trump Gold Visa. Investment is likely to be set at around $5million and the Gold Card will also offer a route to American citizenship as well as Green Card privileges. Trump has also stated that he aims to end the USA EB5 programme although any closure is likely to take some time requiring congressional approval. We will publish further details of this programme as soon as they become available.

USA EB5 Investor Visa

The EB-5 visa gives permanent U.S. residency to those investing into government-approved projects across the United States. This investment visa is popular because it allows access to the U.S. education system, the right to live, retire, work, and study in America, and the ability to receive your investment back upon project completion. Residency also extends to the investor’s spouse and children under 21. To maintain your residency, you must reside in the USA for at least six months each year.

EB-5 Investment Requirements and Process

To qualify for the EB-5 visa, investors must contribute at least $800,000 into a government-approved project. Applicants must prove their funds are legally acquired, the investment is “at risk,” and they have no prior criminal record. A major advantage of the EB-5 Regional Centre Program is the ability to pool applications into large infrastructure or real estate projects.
This structure allows investors to take a passive role, while the Regional Centre manages job creation and other requirements.

EB5 Regional Center

A new Regional Center Program for EB5 was signed into law by President Biden on March 15, 2022. The program will be in effect for over five years through to September, 2027. The new legislation is under consideration by USCIS and we hope to have guidance and importantly new EB5 Regional Center investments for client by mid 2022. The EB5 investment amount will start from $800,000.

As with the previous Regional Centre Program, proof of the funds being legally acquired must be given, the investment must be “at risk” and the investor must have no prior criminal record. A key advantage of the EB5 Regional Centre Program was the pooling of a number of applications into an infrastructure or real estate project that allowed investors to take a passive investment with the Regional Centre managing the necessary requirement such as job creation.

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USA E2 investor visa

Certain countries such as China, India and Vietnam now face lengthy retrogression delays through EB5. An effective alternative to the EB5 is the E2 visa. Investment must be “substantial” but in practice is far less than the EB5. The E2 can only be obtained by citizens of countries holding an E2 treaty with the USA. This includes options such as Grenada and Turkey. By obtaining citizenship in an E-2 treaty country and residing there for at least three years, you can apply for an E-2 visa to the USA.  La Vida can facilitate both steps for our clients. The timescale can sometimes be quicker than the EB5 route for countries facing retrogression (typically China, India and Vietnam) and the investment is typically around $500,000 covering both the second citizenship and the US residency.

E-2 Visa Benefits and Limitations

The E-2 route to residency can be faster and less expensive than the EB-5 in some cases. A key difference is that the E-2 is a non-immigrant visa, so it does not lead to a Green Card or citizenship directly. However, it still allows you and your family to live, work, and study in the USA.

E2 Treaty Countries

The E2 visa remains an effective alternative to EB5 and can be obtained in a two step process by first obtaining citizenship in an E2 treaty country, residing in that country for three years, then applying for an E2 visa through investment in the USA. La Vida can facilitate both steps for our clients. The timescale can sometimes be quicker than the EB5 route for countries facing retrogression (typically China, India and Vietnam) and the investment is typically around $500,000 covering both the second citizenship and the US residency.

Green Card Investment

The EB-5 visa is essentially a green card through investment. Investors receive a green card after two years, but only if their application is approved. The US government limits EB-5 visas to 10,000 per year. Half of these spots are reserved for regional centre projects. Success rates for the EB-5 depend on factors like investment type, personal background, legal representation, and the regional centre chosen. In addition, the E-2 visa offers residency for investors who make a substantial investment in a US business.

US Citizenship by Investment

Neither the EB5 nor E2 are themselves a citizenship by investment programme. However after obtaining a Green Card via the EB5 route applicants can apply for USA citizenship after a period of five years of Permanent Residency. A process known as Naturalization.

USA Passport and Visa-Free Travel

The US passport is one of the most powerful in the world, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. This global mobility makes US citizenship highly desirable for investors and frequent travellers from countries with more limited travel options. Whether for business, leisure, or family visits, a US passport opens doors to almost every corner of the globe, making it a top choice for those seeking maximum travel freedom.

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Retire in Europe from the USA

Retiring in Europe is the ultimate aspiration for many Americans seeking a blend of culture, comfort, and opportunity. La Vida has seen a growing demand from US clients who want to diversify their residency options and secure a lifestyle abroad. If you are considering retiring outside the USA, our team can guide you through the best European programmes.