GARANT.in Emigration Center: The path to the E-2 US visa through Grenada citizenship on the example of a specific case.

The desire to live and do business in the USA - a rich, free and democratic country - is quite understandable. In turn, the United States is also open to wealthy foreigners - there are as many as three investment programs here which allow you to obtain long-term business visas.

Having such information, Russian entrepreneur Valentin K. approached us. He voiced clear goals:

1. To move and start his own business in the U.S;
2. the opportunity to travel the world without visas;

The client's available budget - within 500 thousand dollars.

We offered Valentin to consider all 3 programs:

• EB-5 visa. It is necessary to invest 500 thousand dollars in the regional center for 5-7 years. In addition - 100 thousand dollars for fees, lawyers and so on;
• L-1 visa. To get it, you need to hold a managerial position for more than a year in a company located outside the United States. The firm must have been in operation for more than three years;
• E-2 nonimmigrant visa

The first option did not suit the investor in terms of amount. In addition, he was not satisfied with the requirement to freeze the funds for more than 5 years. Also, the review process lasts approximately 2 years. During this period of time, the investor cannot reside in the United States.

The L-1 visa option was not suitable, as the company where Valentin works is younger than three years. The classic tourist visa did not suit the investor, as it does not allow him to work in the United States and allows him to stay in the country for no more than 6 months a year.

The E-2 visa turned out to be the best way. It allows you to stay in the country 365 days a year, and the amount of investment is from 100,000 dollars. In addition, the right to work in the USA is granted to all members of the investor's family.

But there was a serious obstacle on the way of our client....

The fact is that only citizens of those countries with which the United States has signed a special Cooperation Agreement can apply for an E-2 visa. The list of such countries is limited and, alas, does not include the Russian Federation.

...which we managed to overcome!

The company's migration experts suggested that Valentin pay attention to Caribbean island countries where citizenship can be obtained in exchange for investment. Grenada stands out among them - it has signed the aforementioned treaty with the United States of America. Hence: to be able to apply for an E-2, you must obtain a Grenada passport! Since this state recognizes second citizenship - no problems arise.

Briefly about Grenada citizenship for investment

The investment program of this country offers a potential investor 2 options of financial investments to choose from:

1. non-refundable contribution to the national Transformation Fund - from 150 thousand dollars;
2. purchase of government-approved real estate for the amount of 220 thousand dollars;

Real estate can be sold after 5 years, retaining citizenship for life.

The term of registration of Grenada citizenship for investments - within 3-5 months.

Attention should be paid to the wide range of relatives who can apply for citizenship. In addition to children, parents and ancestors, even siblings of the applicant are entitled to citizenship.

Assistance in going through the procedure

Our client chose the first option - non-refundable contribution.

The company's lawyers provided assistance in going through the procedure:

1. Prepared a package of documents with translation and apostilization.
2. The correctness of filling in the application form was checked.
3. The documents were sent to the migration service of Grenada.
4. Valentin underwent a medical examination in a reliable clinic recommended by us.
5. After successful security check, biometrics was taken.
6. After 3 months, a response was received from the Grenadian authorities on the approval of the citizenship application.
7. Valentine made the investment.
8. Some time later our client received a Grenada passport delivered by courier service.

The whole process of obtaining citizenship took 4 months.

Now Valentin could safely go to the US Embassy with his new passport with the intention of obtaining an E-2 visa.

For reference:

The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows you to stay in the country for an unlimited amount of time.

The holder cannot get a green card, but he has the opportunity to work in his own company, he gets a social security number, and family members can be employed

The visa can be obtained either by starting a business or by buying a ready-made business. 

In addition to the possibility to apply for an E-2 visa, Valentin received other undeniable advantages...

• visa-free travel to more than 130 countries, including Schengen countries, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Singapore, China;
• the opportunity to reside in the UK for up to 180 days each year and the right to benefits when children study at universities in this country;
• use of Grenada as a major offshore center;
• the ability to make deposits and hold assets in trusted banks around the world;
• guarantee of confidentiality of the second citizenship; 

The procedure for obtaining citizenship does not require passing an examination on the knowledge of the national language. There is also no need to reside in Grenada.