Caribbean Passport and Citizenship Programs

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The Caribbean has many passport and citizenship programs in countries such as Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, and many more. These citizenship by investment in the Caribbean programs are hugely popular with investors around the world due to their affordable nature, and short timelines to a second passport and citizenship.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship in the Caribbean by Investment

Applications for Caribbean Investment Immigration Programs are typically processed in 3-4 months from the time of application submission. The associated costs with the Caribbean programs are usually between $200,000 to $300,000, making them a more affordable option for investors looking for secondary citizenship.

EB-5 Visa Eligibility Criteria

What are the key benefits of Caribbean Investment Immigration Programs?

There are many reasons people look to invest in Caribbean citizenship. The laid–back culture, beautiful year-round weather, low cost of living, and friendly population are all big draws for the region. Not to mention, it is also an ideal location for a secondary/holiday home. 

These programs also give investors the opportunity to achieve their secondary citizenship in a matter of months rather than years, providing them with visa-free access to over 100 countries across the world, including major global countries such as Canada, Singapore, the UK, and the EU Schengen area countries.

Benefits of Caribbean Citizenship by Investment:

  • Visa-free travel to over 100 countries
  • Political & economic stability
  • Easy access to the EU and USA
  • English speaking
  • Beautiful year-round weather
  • Low cost of living
  • Colourful and diverse culture
  • Natural Beauty
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Caribbean Med Schools

Over the last decade, Caribbean medical schools have become more popular among foreign students who wish to complete their medical education in less time than it takes in the U.S. and Canada. Often, students can enter a Caribbean medical school straight from completing a high school degree, and do not need to complete a pre-medical university program first (as they may have to in the U.S. and Canada). 

Many of these Caribbean medical schools have become accredited, meaning that graduates will be eligible for licensure in most countries across the globe, including the U.S., Canada, and European countries. 

Over the last few years, the quality of education has greatly improved qualifying many doctors and physicians, some of whom have gone on to specialize and work in some of the top hospitals in the world.

Can I still apply for Caribbean Investment Immigration Programs?

Yes, Step Global and our team of licensed lawyers and attorneys will be accepting Caribbean applications until further notice, provided that the client has sufficient funds for the investment and all of the necessary documents are in order. For more information on the Caribbean Investment Program requirements, please click here.

The Caribbean is known for its year-round warm, tropical climate. It is home to stunning white-sand beaches and beautiful landscapes, making it a paradise for those who love the outdoors.
The Caribbean culture is a blend of African, European, and Indigenous influences, making for a fascinating culture. Festivals like ‘Carnival’ in St. Lucia and Antigua are famous celebrations across the world that bring the community together with music, traditional dancing, and delicious food.
Some Caribbean nations, such as Dominica and St. Kitts & Nevis, offer excellent tax incentives for foreign nationals; these incentives include no capital gains or inheritance taxes. This, combined with an extremely affordable cost of living, make it a hub for expats and investors alike.
The Caribbean is home to some of the world’s best diving spots. Whether you want to explore beautiful coral reefs or marine reserves, it’s a dream for nature lovers. There are also stunning hikes through rainforests, sailing opportunities, and ample areas to snorkel. In the Caribbean, outdoor adventures are always at your doorstep.
Many Caribbean nations have embraced (& often pioneered) the remote work trend. In places like Barbados and Antigua, digital nomad programs and coworking spaces are commonplace, offering an idyllic work-life balance for global professionals who have the opportunity to work remotely.
From centuries-old forts in Antigua to the majestic Pitons in St. Lucia, the Caribbean has plenty of natural wonders with a rich history to match. Each island has its own unique story to tell, adding a great deal of intrigue to anybody who lives there, as there is always a new story to be discovered.

F-1 Student Visa Vs. EB-5 Visa

The EB-5 visa offers a solution to most of the concerns faced by international students seeking to study in the United States. Here are some of the most compelling reasons families from the UAE and across the GCC choose the EB-5 Program over other US immigration routes such as the F-1 visa or H-1B visa.

It is well known that the tuition fees for international students in US universities can be exorbitantly high. US public universities offer varying tuition rates for in-state, out-of-state, and international students under F-1 visa. Unfortunately, international students with an F-1 visa application pay on average three times more than domestic students. However, obtaining a green card through EB-5 and becoming a US permanent resident, can be a way for students to achieve domestic tuition rates. These savings can amount to more than $35,000 per year depending on the university, which can be particularly beneficial for families with multiple children or for children who will go on to do multiple degrees in the US.

Every foreign applicant to a US university is competing with students across the globe for a limited number of scholarships available. However, with an EB-5 green card, students are eligible to apply to a larger number of scholarships offered only to US residents, thus increasing the probability of being selected. The various states and the US government also provide grants and 0% loans which are not available to international students but are accessible only for Green Card holders and US citizens.

International students may face difficulties in finding positions both off-campus and on-campus during their education, whether paid or unpaid. F-1 students are limited in the number of hours they may work during their education, are sometimes limited to employment only on campus, and can many times only apply for unpaid positions. 

Green card holders and US citizens are not subject to such restrictions and can work freely, thereby, allowing them to enter a greater employment pool, and also avail themselves of useful work experience opportunities that could help in obtaining employment post-graduation. For example, many of the top law firms in the US will only hire students who have worked for them summer upon summer as an intern.

One of the biggest advantages of a green card via the EB-5 program, is that it removes all the stress of securing an H-1B work visa and employment after graduation. Many F-1 students become increasingly disappointed and frustrated when they find they are forced to leave the US after their studies because they are unable to secure an employer to sponsor them or they are not selected in the H1-B lottery.

F-1 Student Visa Vs. EB-5 Visa Program

EB-5 Process

Select an Immigration attorney who has Experience with the EB-5 Visa

Step 1: Select an Immigration Attorney who has Experience with the EB-5 Visa

Placing the EB-5 visa application in the hands of reputable immigration firms and attorneys reduces the risk of denial or rejection, which could easily cost you precious time and money. At this stage, EB-5 golden visa specialists in Dubai will determine if you meet general admissibility requirements. They will also determine if any areas of concern need to be addressed and discuss those with you and your family. Compilation of the I-526E petition and project investment
Compilation of I-526E petition and project investment

Step 2: Compilation of I-526E petition and project investment

This is your application for a conditional US green card. At this stage, the Step Global team will compile your initial petition to be filed with USCIS. Step Global immigration lawyers will collect your civil documents and review your personal and financial documents to ensure we can adequately demonstrate that your source of funds comes from a legitimate and clear source. At this time, you will also review approved EB-5 projects from the top regional centers.
Become a Conditional Permanent Resident

Step 3: Become a Conditional Permanent Resident

Once your I-526E application has been approved, there are two options to obtain your conditional green card. If the investor is outside of the US, an interview appointment will be booked by the Step Global lawyers at the nearest US embassy. Upon a successful interview, the embassy will provide you and your dependents with a visa that allow you to travel in the United States for the first time as a US person. For those already in the US, the document will be filled for an adjustment of status within the United States.
Fill the I-829 for unconditional green card

Step 4: Fill out the I-829 for an unconditional green card

After holding your conditional green card for two years, the legal team will fill an I-829 petition on your behalf for the removal of conditions on permanent resident status. At this stage, the US government will verify that you made a full investment in the project and that a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for US workers have been created by the project. Once the I-829 application is approved by USCIS, the immigration process is complete, and you and your family are issued a US green card (permanent resident status).

EB-5 FAQs

No, to date there are no language requirements to apply to the EB-5 program.

No, to date there are no age restrictions for the EB-5 program. 

The transfer of your capital is made once the legal team has completed compilation of your I-526E application and immediately prior to its submission with USCIS. The confirmation of your transfer will be included in your application. However, Step Global, an immigration consultant in Dubai, may ask for partial finance and payment plans for our clients depending on the project. This provides investors the flexibility to enter the application queue immediately with a deposit while continuing to fund the total investment in installments over time through a payment plan. 

Should any or all parts of your investment be returned, it can only happen after the sustainment period and/or I-829 petition is filed to ensure to the US government that your funds remained invested. The terms of repayment should be specified in writing within the project offering documents and legal contracts signed between the Regional Centers, developers, and investors at the time of the initial investment.

If your application I-526E is denied, the capital investment which was placed in the U.S. escrow account will be returned to you within a commercially reasonable period of time. The terms of return of capital investment should be specified in writing within the project offering documents and legal contracts signed between the Regional Centers, developers, and investors at the time of the initial investment. Any Sponsorship, legal, and consultancy fees will be deemed non-refundable upon payment.

Yes, a student who is also a green card holder is considered a domestic student and thus pays significantly less for college and university tuition than international students. For instance, undergraduate residents at the top public university in 2022 – the University of California – Los Angeles – paid approximately $13,268 in annual tuition, compared to approximately $43,022 for international students. This means that you can save approximately $30,000 on a yearly basis per child. A student holding a U.S. green card and willing to obtain a master’s degree will save up to $150,000 within five years. This benefit is especially helpful for families who choose to send multiple children to the US for post-secondary education or children who are obtaining multiple degrees.

Yes, you can travel in and out of the US while the EB-5 application is in the process if you have a valid visitor visa. Once your I-526 petition is approved and a conditional green card is issued you can live in the US while awaiting the approval of your I-829 petition for you to become a US permanent resident.

As of March 15, 2022, the US government also introduced the concept of Adjustment of Status (AOS) Concurrent filing for EB-5 applicants. This means that those already in the US on any legal visa status can apply to adjust their status from within the US while waiting for their EB-5 application to be processed. Along with this submission, they can submit for an Employment Authorization Card and Travel Document. Within months, the applicant will have the ability to legally live and work in the US without employer sponsorship while they wait for their EB-5 green card application to process and their visa to be obtained.

In order to apply for US citizenship, you must stay in the US for two and a half years out of five years as a permanent resident/green card holder. This is easy for students who are already studying in the US.

Step Global is an immigration consultancy and advisory firm based in Dubai specializing in facilitating the Canada Startup Visa Program and the Portugal Golden Visa Program, which grant permanent residency in Canada and Portugal, respectively.

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Comparisons of Caribbean Passport by Investment Programs

St Lucia Citizenship

St. Lucia

  • Processing Time: 4+ Months
  • Minimum Contribution: $240,000
  • Free Travel: UK, Hong Kong, Schenghen Area, Singapore
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

Antigua-Barbuda

  • Processing Time: 4+ Months
  • Minimum Contribution: $230,000
  • Free Travel: UK, Hong Kong, Schenghen Area, Singapore
Dominica Citizenship

Dominica

  • Processing Time: 4+ Months
  • Minimum Contribution: $200,000
  • Free Travel: Hong Kong, Schenghen Area, Singapore
Grenada Citizenship

Grenada

  • Processing Time: 4+ Months
  • Minimum Contribution: $235,000
  • Free Travel: UK, Hong Kong, Schenghen Area, Singapore
St. Kitts Nevis

St. Kitts

  • Processing Time: 4+ Months
  • Minimum Contribution: $250,000
  • Free Travel: 150+ Countries Visa-free Travel

How to apply

To apply for Caribbean citizenship by investment, simply fill the form here, and one of our qualified lawyers will be in touch to assist you further.