As the immigration debate rages on, foreign investors–and their cash–continue to be more than welcome in the USA. Today we’re talking investor visas.
LRI’s Quick Hits
- For business travel, the B-1 Visa is most foreign real estate investors’ best bet.
- Permanent residency is possible but involves investments of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Citizens of many countries may not need any visa at all for short-term stays.
Warning Shots
- Stringent requirements, possible system reforms, and lengthy wait times can make traveling here for business difficult.
- Fraud is a rare but legitimate concern for foreigners investing in the U.S., making stateside representation before and during your visit a must.
The internet is a wonderful medium for exploring real estate investment opportunities all over the world, but there’s no substitute for witnessing a luxury property in person. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, when the time comes to conduct market research, meet with your top-notch team of attorney-realtors, or close a deal in the States, you’ll need to have already begun the process of applying for a visa.
There are several ways to travel to the United States as a real estate investor, and which option is best for you depends on your financial means and how long you need or want to stay. Let’s take a look at the avenues available: