America provides several pathways for foreigners to become residents or citizens. One common pathway the wealthy take is to pursue an investor visa and buy their way into U.S. residency or citizenship. This pathway injects money into the economy and even adds more jobs.
According to USCIS, entrepreneurs need to invest $900,000 to $1,800,000 in the American economy and hire at least 10 full-time employees to qualify. Employees cannot include the investor and his or her family.
Steps for becoming an investor
Many people believe that because investor visas cater to the rich, the process may move more smoothly. Investors have their own obstacles to overcome on the path to legal migration. Basics steps noted by the U.S. Department of State include the following:
- File a petition via Form 1-526.
- When notified to do so, complete Form DS-261.
- Pay the appropriate fees.
- Submit supporting documentation, such as civil documents and visas.
- Complete medical examinations.
- Attend the visa interview.
Benefits for family members
Even though investors generally may not count family members in the employees hired for eligibility purposes, family members may still travel with them to America. In fact, the investor visa process extends immigration visas to unmarried children under 21 and spouses.
Ineligibility for investors
Some investors may lose eligibility, no matter how much money they bring to the table. These offenses may disqualify immigrant hopefuls:
- Overstaying a previous visa
- Human trafficking
- Drug trafficking
- Fraudulent documentation
Investor visas present an excellent way to enter America legally and start a new life. However, no guarantee exists that money paves an easy path into the country.