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Citizenship by investment (CBI) refers to the legal process where a foreign national can obtain citizenship or permanent residency in a country by making a substantial financial investment. In the United States, the closest equivalent to CBI is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which grants lawful permanent residency or a "green card" to qualified investors and their immediate families. San Rafael, California, does not have its independent CBI program, but residents and local legal professionals often help clients navigate the federal EB-5 process and related immigration investment avenues.
The process of obtaining residency or citizenship through investment in the United States is highly regulated, complex, and subject to frequent legal changes. Individuals in San Rafael may need legal assistance for a variety of reasons, including:
A qualified immigration attorney can both protect your interests and help optimize your chances for a successful application.
San Rafael follows both California state law and United States federal immigration law. For citizenship by investment, the relevant laws include:
Because San Rafael is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, investors may also find unique regional centers approved for EB-5 projects. However, all applications are evaluated by federal authorities. California consumer protection laws can also play a role, particularly when evaluating potential investment partners or projects.
The main program is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which grants lawful permanent residency based on qualifying investments and job creation in the United States.
The US does not offer immediate citizenship by investment. Instead, investors can obtain a green card and may apply for citizenship through naturalization after meeting certain residency and legal requirements.
The minimum investment amount is currently 1,050,000 US dollars, or 800,000 US dollars if investing in a targeted employment area, subject to future adjustments.
A regional center is a designated organization that sponsors capital investment projects for EB-5 investors. There are several in the broader Bay Area. Legal advisers can help identify which are approved and suitable for investment.
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can be included and receive lawful permanent residency if the main applicant’s petition is approved.
Timelines change frequently but usually range from two to five years, depending on factors such as processing backlogs and country of chargeability.
Risks include potential loss of investment capital, immigration petition denial, project failure, and falling victim to fraud. Legal advice is critical to address these risks.
You are not required to live in the same location as your investment project. However, you must maintain US residency requirements for the duration of your conditional green card.
Yes. US immigration authorities review source of funds and your background. Past legal or financial issues can impact eligibility.
You must file to remove conditions on your residency after two years, demonstrating your investment fulfilled EB-5 requirements, such as sustained funds and required job creation.
If you are seeking further information or assistance, consider the following resources:
If you are considering citizenship or permanent residence through investment in San Rafael, it is wise to take the following steps:
An initial consultation with a qualified legal professional in San Rafael can help you understand your options, minimize risks, and guide you confidently through the immigration process.
