Learn How to Obtain U.S. Residency Through Investments

Buying property in the U.S. does not automatically grant U.S. residency or citizenship. However, there are some pathways where purchasing property can play a role in securing a visa or legal residency. Here are the main options:

1. EB-5 Investor Visa Program

• Overview: The EB-5 visa allows foreign nationals to obtain U.S. permanent residency (a green card) by investing in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers.

• Property Investment: While this program generally requires an investment of $1.05 million in a U.S. business or $800,000 in targeted employment areas (high unemployment or rural areas), real estate development projects may qualify if they meet the job creation requirements.

• Key Requirements:

• Invest in a U.S. business that creates jobs.

• The investment must be at risk (meaning it cannot be a passive investment in property).

• Proof that the business will create jobs for U.S. workers.

Note: Buying a residential property alone does not qualify for this visa. The property must be part of a broader business venture that meets job creation criteria.

2. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

• Overview: The E-2 visa allows citizens of countries with a treaty with the U.S. to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business and be involved in its operation.

• Property Investment: While this visa is often associated with running a business, purchasing real estate can be a viable path if the business involves real estate management, such as starting a property management company, real estate development, or commercial leasing.

• Key Requirements:

• The applicant must be from a treaty country.

• The investment must be substantial relative to the business or enterprise (the U.S. government does not specify a minimum, but it should be enough to ensure the business can succeed).

• The investor must own at least 50% of the business and be actively involved in its operations.

3. L-1 Visa (Intra-company Transferee)

• Overview: If you own a business outside the U.S. and want to expand it into the U.S., you may be able to obtain an L-1 visa, which allows foreign managers or executives to work in the U.S. at a related U.S. company.

• Property Investment: Although the L-1 visa is not directly linked to property purchase, buying property could be a step in opening a U.S. office or branch of your company. The real estate investment would need to be part of a broader business expansion plan.

4. Other Considerations:

• Tourist Visa (B-2): If you are simply looking to buy property for personal use, you can visit the U.S. on a tourist visa, but this does not give you the right to stay permanently or work in the U.S.

• Student Visa (F-1): Buying property does not impact your eligibility for a student visa if you plan to study in the U.S., though it will not grant you the right to stay long-term.

Summary:

While buying property itself does not provide U.S. residency, there are ways to leverage property purchases for potential visas (EB-5, E-2) if the investment is part of a business plan that meets certain criteria. If you're primarily interested in living in the U.S. long-term, you may need to explore visa or green card programs that are based on business investment or employment rather than just property ownership.