Why move to the United States?
Everyone has always, at least once, dreamed of living the highly glamorous lives we see on screens. While reality may be different from what is often imagined, there are multiple reasons the United States is one of the world’s most coveted countries, witnessing vast amounts of immigration every year.
Fast facts
A gift from the French, the Statue of Liberty has stood on Liberty Island since 1886, and it has become a worldwide symbol of freedom and the United States.
Yellowstone National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the home to breathtaking natural wonders was the first national park in the world, established in 1872.
Despite never having been a monarchy, the United States has one Royal Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Iolani Palace was used by Hawaiian monarchs before the government was overthrown in 1893 and the territory became part of the United States.
The iconic Hollywood sign, which overlooks the city of Los Angeles, originally read Hollywoodland as an advertisement for real estate development. The last four letters were dropped in 1949.
- Population: 341 million
- Capital City: Washington, D.C.
- Climate: Due to its vast size, the United States is one of the most climatically diverse countries in the world. From arctic conditions in Alaska to tropical climates in Hawaii, the continental U.S. spans a wide variety of climates, including temperate, desert, mountainous, and many more.
- Time Zone: EST (Eastern Standard Time), CST (Central Standard Time), MST (Mountain Standard Time), PST (Pacific Standard Time), AKST (Alaska Standard Time), HST (Hawaii Standard Time)
- Language: The United States does not have any official language, though English is the de facto and most widely spoken language in the country.
- Country Code: +1
- Currency: US Dollar
- Economy: Healthcare, technology, construction, retail, manufactured goods, financial services and real estate, energy, agriculture, etc.
- GDP Per/Cap: USD $69,185
- Borders: Mexico, Canada; maritime borders with Cuba, Venezuela, United Kingdom, the Bahamas, etc.
Lifestyle
As a cultural melting pot, there is no “standard” lifestyle in the United States. The way of life is vastly different across each state, and even more so between rural, suburban, and urban areas. U.S. citizens are community-driven and place immense importance on social gatherings and sports events. Having a car is a must in the United States, and there is a high focus on shopping, retail, and entertainment culture.
Cost of living
Due to the size of the United States, there is no set amount on the cost of living. It can vary wildly according to the location at hand. Typically, Hawaii, Alaska, Northeast, and West Coast regions of the country have a higher cost of living, while the Midwest and Southern States typically represent more affordable options.
Safety
Criminal occurrences are an everyday reality in the United States, especially in the larger, denser, and more populated cities. This is less common in the rural and more suburban areas of the country.
Healthcare
The United States has undoubtedly the best healthcare providers and infrastructure in the world, but the system governing it is tremendously complex, bureaucratic, and expensive. The system is not public, nor universal, and private medical insurance is absolutely essential for those seeking to make the U.S. their new home.
Education
With a diverse variety of options around the corner, from private to international schools, the United States has one of the best and most flexible public education systems in the world. The country is also highly renowned due to its universities, which consistently rank among the best in the world, especially the ones in the Ivy League.
Language
Though the U.S. Constitution does not determine any official language at the federal level, some states have declared English as their official language. English is the de facto every day, most spoken language in the country, though Spanish is witnessing a rise in speakers in the U.S.
Money and taxes
The U.S. dollar is the world’s most reliable currency, being the international standard and often used as a worldwide point of reference, with every major transaction usually concluded in U.S. dollars. Taxes are a vastly complex and bureaucratic subject in the U.S. and can vary according to each state.
Popular Destinations
Relocating to the United States will bring the most deliciously difficult question: which city to choose? Each of the following represents and embodies the spirit of the United States as much as the others, and there is no right answer. It all boils down to personal preference and all these cities entice millions upon millions of people to visit and settle down every year.
San Francisco
Seattle
Las Vegas
Phoenix
Denver
Austin
Miami
Atlanta
Charlotte
Get to know more on Investment Visa!
Learn about our array of services and the golden visa process in our brochure.
Download Our BrochureDo I Need a Visa to Move to the United States?
Yes. As the pinnacle of Western civilization, the United States witnesses vast amounts of immigration from people all over the world seeking a better life, a trend that increases every year. Though the country has extensive friendly relationships with many others around the world, enabling its citizens to visit the United States under a visa-waiver program, moving and living in the United States will require a visa. Obtaining a visa to move to the United States is possible, and through the EB5 investment immigration visa program, this not only becomes a reality but also bypasses several requirements by granting a permanent residency Green Card.
Moving to the United States as an EU citizen
Due to longstanding friendly relations and bilateral agreements between the United States and the European Union, nearly all EU citizens can visit the United States for up to 90 days without the need for a visa if they meet certain criteria and requirements such as filling out a form in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows individuals from countries within the EU to visit the United States and acclimate themselves to the country before deciding to move. However, there are no special benefits for EU citizens applying for the EB5 immigrant investor program.
Moving to the United States as a non-EU citizen
In the same vein, some foreign non-EU nationals can also travel visa-free to the United States, though the list is more select. Citizens from Australia, Brunei, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom are all able to travel to the United States and get to know the country under the same set of conditions as EU citizens. Furthermore, the EB5 Residency by Investment program does not impose any restrictions on nationalities. Any citizen from any country worldwide, within the EU or not, can invest in the U.S. economy and become a Green Card holder.
Moving to the United States Through Investment Visa Programs
In 1990, the United States created the EB5 immigrant investor program with the intent of stimulating the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. In exchange, the government grants the investor a Green Card, enabling them to become Permanent Residents in the country. The program is exclusively dedicated to commercial enterprises and is not available through other options, such as the ownership of Real Estate, which is an alternative commonly found in other Residency by Investment programs. Partnerships, holding companies, joint ventures, corporations, and business trusts, among other options, all qualify for the EB5 immigrant investor program. The investor may also include their family in the application.
How can I gain Citizenship in the United States?
How to obtain Permanent Residency in the United States?
While some countries, namely in the Caribbean, offer Citizenship by Investment solutions, the United States does not. The best way to secure U.S. Citizenship is through the EB5 investor immigrant mechanism, which first grants Residency, and opens the path to Citizenship via naturalization after five years. The greatest advantage of the EB5 program is that it immediately grants Permanent Residency, as opposed to going through all the requirements to gain Residency in the first place. Getting a U.S. passport is definitely worth the consideration, as the Green Card does not confer the full benefits and protections of the passport and has higher maintenance requirements than Citizenship status.
The United States legislation foresees plenty of ways a foreign national can obtain a Green Card and the associated permanent residency status. The amount of time, until the status is granted, depends on a wide assortment of factors, including the category in which the Green Card is provided, and the country of origin, among others. However, employment-based immigration visas, which include the EB5, are known to take significantly less time to be processed. Investing in the economy of the United States remains the best way to secure a U.S. Green Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Obtaining the EB5 Residency by Investment and Green Card is the most complex part of moving to the country since it can be a vastly bureaucratic process, requiring an extensive list of documents. Investment Visa can help mitigate these and set you on the path toward U.S. Residency.
There is no exact amount needed to move to the United States, as the final cost is dependent on several factors. However, one should always bear in mind the minimum investment amount, which starts at USD $800,000, and proof of a net worth over USD $1 million must be provided.
As a country built by immigrants, the United States is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. These tend to be present in larger, denser, and more populated cities, likewise enticing expats sharing the same ancestral background to come and settle in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco.
Yes. One of the greatest advantages of the EB5 immigrant investor mechanism is the opportunity for family inclusion. Through this Residency by Investment, you can bring your immediate family, including your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21.
While possible, it is not advisable. Even though English is not recognized at the federal level, it is in some states at the local level, and it is the de facto language of the country. Street signage and laws are published in English, making knowing English a must to communicate.
The country combines a variety of enticing and appealing factors, making it a worthwhile, enticing, and desirable destination for relocation. With innovation at the core of the entrepreneurial mindset in the United States, economic opportunities for gaining wealth are aplenty. This is especially true in research and development, with the United States leading the world in terms of building the technologies of the future. The country also has the best universities in the world, where the best doctors, engineers, and lawyers are trained. The healthcare provided is unparalleled, even if governed by a flawed system. Despite spanning a continent from one coast to the other, each state has its own feel, distinct from others, communication is universal in the United States, with English as the de facto language. The size of the country also allows anyone visiting or seeking to relocate to experience a myriad of climates and a truly astounding number of natural sceneries and breathtaking vistas.
Paul Smith
Investment Advisor
Talk to one of our experts
With a wealth of experience, knowledge, and networks, our team of professionals strives to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes and continuously seek innovative and unique solutions.
Schedule a Meeting
