How Much Do You Need To Invest In US To Get Citizenship?

The amount required to invest in the United States to obtain citizenship varies depending on the specific immigration program chosen. The most common pathway for obtaining USA citizenship by investment is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which requires a substantial investment in a qualifying business enterprise.

Standard investment amount:

The standard investment amount for the EB-5 program is $1.8 million. To qualify for this investment threshold, investors must invest in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. This investment amount applies to projects located in non-targeted employment areas (TEAs), which are areas not designated as rural or experiencing high unemployment rates.

Reduced investment amount for targeted employment areas (TEAs):

Investors have the option to invest a reduced amount of $900,000 if the investment is made in a targeted employment area (TEA). TEAs are defined as rural areas or regions with high unemployment rates, as designated by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). By investing in a project located in a TEA, investors can qualify for the lower investment threshold while still fulfilling the program’s job creation requirements.

Regional center investments:

Another option for investors is to invest through a USCIS-designated Regional Center. Regional Centers are entities approved by USCIS to sponsor investment projects and typically pool investors’ funds to finance large-scale development projects. The investment amount for projects sponsored by Regional Centers remains the same as for direct investments ($1.8 million or $900,000 in TEAs), but the job creation requirements can be fulfilled through indirect job creation, which may offer additional flexibility for investors.

Additional costs and fees:

In addition to the investment amount, investors should also budget for additional costs and fees associated with the EB-5 program. These may include legal fees, administrative fees, investment management fees, and other miscellaneous expenses related to due diligence, immigration processing, and project oversight.

It’s important to note that the investment amount required for US citizenship through investment may change over time due to legislative updates or regulatory changes. Prospective investors should consult with qualified immigration attorneys, financial advisors, and EB-5 experts to ensure compliance with current program requirements and to steer the investment process effectively. By carefully evaluating investment opportunities and understanding the financial commitments involved, investors can make informed decisions to pursue their goals of obtaining US citizenship through investment.