As an entrepreneur, you might be curious about the possibility of relocating your business to the United States and eventually obtaining United States citizenship. Specifically, you may ask whether you can move your business to the U.S. and get citizenship based on your business.
Pathways for noncitizen entrepreneurs
The U.S. offers various pathways for noncitizen entrepreneurs to establish and operate businesses. Key options include the International Entrepreneur Rule, E-2 Treaty Investor visa and the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program. Each has distinct requirements regarding investment amounts, ownership percentages and active roles in the business.
The international entrepreneur rule
This rule allows certain foreign entrepreneurs to work in the U.S., if they have substantial ownership in a start-up, demonstrate potential for rapid business growth and secure significant U.S. investor funding. It is a temporary option, but it provides a renewable stay of up to 5 years.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 visa is available to citizens of countries that the U.S. maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation. Entrepreneurs must invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. While this visa can be renewed indefinitely, it does not lead directly to permanent residency.
Pathway to citizenship
Starting a business in the U.S. can facilitate obtaining permanent residency (a Green Card), which is a prerequisite for citizenship. After you complete the residency requirements of the Green Card, you can become a U.S. citizen.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
A prominent pathway is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This program grants permanent residency to those who invest $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) in a new commercial enterprise, which created at least 10 full-time jobs. After securing a Green Card through this program, you can apply for citizenship after meeting the residency requirement.
EB-1C Visa for Multinational Executives and Managers
The EB-1C visa is another viable option. It is intended for executives or managers transferring to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their foreign company. Successful applicants can transition to permanent residency and subsequently apply for citizenship.
Conclusion
While moving your business to the U.S. provides a pathway to permanent residency, it is not a direct route to citizenship. Achieving U.S. citizenship requires first obtaining a Green Card through one of the investment or business-related visa programs, followed by fulfilling the residency requirements. Though, by carefully planning your investment and business activities, you can set a strong foundation for eventually becoming a U.S. citizen while growing your enterprise in the vibrant American market.
