The EB-5 visa is a pathway to US permanent residence, which is not the same as US citizenship. Some differences between the green card and citizenship include:

  • The right to vote, hold the US passport, and hold some public offices and jobs are restricted to citizens. Such rights won’t be available to the EB-5 investor and their family members.
  • Citizens cannot be deported, need not maintain status, and can travel and stay outside the US without restrictions. Green card holders can be deported, must physically reside in the US to maintain their legal status, and may lose their green card if they violate applicable laws and rules for maintaining status..
  • Green card holders can sponsor only their spouse and unmarried children while US citizens have wider sponsorship privileges.
  • A US citizen can pass on citizenship to their children. 
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Green card holders can apply for US citizenship for themselves and their family members after five years of residence in the US and by fulfilling other applicable eligibility requirements.  

Don’t miss these: Preparing for Immigration to the U.S. | When To Expect Your Green Card | Can I Recover My EB-5 Funds?