How EB-5 Fits Into the Global Trend Toward Second Residency

The past few decades have seen unprecedented growth in worldwide demand for second residency and citizenship, particularly recently. This increasing global demand for second residency is not merely a social trend. It embodies the human drive for a better and more secure life.

Many countries have responded to this demand by creating immigration programs that facilitate economic development while offering foreign nationals a way to obtain second residency. Opportunities for second residency are now available to entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) of all backgrounds.

The U.S. also has one such program—the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. This program offers U.S. permanent residency to foreign nationals seeking the American dream of freedom and security in exchange for their investment in the U.S. economy.

This article explores the reasons propelling the global trend toward second residency and how EB-5 fits into this trend.

Why the New Trend Toward Second Residency?

While political, social, and economic tensions continue to rise globally, the uncertainties and insecurity they create are more prevalent in some countries than others. To avoid the repercussions of these issues, individuals from more uncertain regions seek ways to escape these regions and build a more secure life. This search for a better life has increased the global demand for second residency.

While security is a top reason for persons from conflict-prone areas seeking a second residency, other drivers have also contributed to this trend. For those from developing nations, access to better education and career opportunities and improved quality of life are among the primary motivations. In contrast, business expansion is typically one of the top motivations for savvy entrepreneurs.

Why the New Trend Toward Second Residency?

The EB-5 program grants U.S. permanent residency to foreign nationals (and their dependent family members) who invest at least $1,050,000 in a U.S. new commercial enterprise (NCE)—or $800,000 if the NCE is in a targeted employment area. The investment must also create full-time jobs for 10 American workers.

The United States remains one of the top destinations for families seeking a better life. An EB-5 Green Card allows these families to live, work, and study in the U.S. permanently and benefit from the numerous opportunities available in the country. Thus, the EB-5 program offers a straightforward solution for most of the issues that drive the increased global demand for second residency.

Below are some of the specific ways EB-5 fits into the global second residency trend.

Security and Stability

The EB-5 program grants access to the largest and one of the most stable economies worldwide, providing unlimited opportunities to create wealth and enjoy financial security.

Beyond financial security, the U.S. also offers social security and political stability.
Individuals in the U.S. enjoy better rights, personal safety, and freedom of choice and enterprise than those in most nations. EB-5 offers an escape route to individuals from regions with oppressive governments and limited opportunities, providing a means for foreign nationals to safeguard their personal rights and freedom and build a secure future for themselves and their children.

Pathway to Citizenship

The EB-5 program offers a route to U.S. citizenship, which qualifies you for a U.S. passport, one of the strongest passports in the world. A U.S. passport grants visa-free access to over 180 nations, including the Schengen area.

Eligible EB-5 Green Card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship by naturalization after five years of residing in the country. This is one of the greatest benefits of the EB-5 visa, as most residency by investment programs in the world do not offer a straightforward pathway to second citizenship.

Better Educational Opportunities

Improved access to educational opportunities is one of the critical drivers of second residency demands. It is also one of the major reasons foreign nationals with children participate in the EB-5 program.

The U.S. has some of the best colleges and universities in the world, and residents enjoy better access to these schools. An EB-5 Green Card increases investors’ (and their children’s) chances of acceptance into these schools since they won’t be subject to international admission quotas. They may also enjoy lower in-state tuition and better access to grants and scholarships to fund their education.

A U.S. education also improves your career prospects, and employers are more willing to hire permanent residents than to go through the hassles of sponsoring a non-resident worker.

Improved Career Opportunities and Quality of Life

As mentioned above, the American economy is the largest in the world. With this size comes boundless opportunity.

The U.S. is home to many of the top organizations worldwide, offering numerous opportunities for career growth. And unlike individuals on certain non-immigrant visas, such as an H-1B visa, U.S. permanent residents can work for any employer they want, opening them up to endless career advancement possibilities.

One key reason individuals from developing nations seek a second residency is to improve the quality of their lives.

Due to a variety of reasons, including those discussed in this article, the U.S. has one of the highest standards of living worldwide. An EB-5 Green Card allows foreign nationals to benefit from this high standard of living.

Access to World-Class Healthcare

Healthcare is an essential component of quality living, but it isn’t always easy to access quality healthcare. As a result, HNWIs from developing countries often source their healthcare needs abroad. And a second residency in a developed country like the U.S. makes it easier to access quality healthcare services.

Some of the top medical institutions and hospitals worldwide, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Mayo Clinic, are in the U.S. The EB-5 program gives foreign investors easier access to these world-class medical facilities for their healthcare needs.

Business Expansion

Many savvy entrepreneurs get a second residency as a means of expanding their businesses into new markets.

On an EB-5 visa, foreign entrepreneurs can start new businesses or open branches of their existing overseas companies in the U.S., gaining access to one of the most diverse markets in the world. The EB-5 Green Card also improves investors’ access to business financing opportunities in the U.S. This enables them to meet the entrepreneur’s dream—raising sufficient capital to run their businesses while profiting from a broad and diverse market.

Diversity

The U.S. has one of the most diverse populations of any country. You can find people of all nationalities in most U.S. states, creating unique communities and varying cultures. This makes it easy for foreign nationals both to assimilate into society when they immigrate to the U.S. and to find familiar spaces while living there.

Diversity in the U.S. is not only limited to its population—its landscape and climate are also incredibly diverse. From picturesque beach towns to bustling cities to scorching desert expanses to the quiet countryside, the U.S. has the right environment for everyone.

Get U.S. Permanent Residency Through the EB-5 Program

The trend toward second residency is mostly fueled by a search for stability, security, better quality of life, and financial freedom. The EB-5 program offers all these benefits and more, making it an ideal choice for foreign nationals seeking a second residency.

However, the EB-5 process can be complex, and you’ll need professional guidance to succeed in your journey. This is where EB5AN comes in.

EB5AN can guide you through the process of obtaining a U.S. second residency. In 10+ years of operation, we’ve successfully helped over 2,300 families obtain U.S. permanent residency.

For more information about the EB-5 program, book a one-on-one consultation with our experts today.