Which country is more cost-effective for investment immigration?

With the rise of globalization, more and more high-net-worth individuals are seeking investment immigration opportunities to access better living environments, educational resources, and tax advantages. Australia, Canada, and the United States are among the most popular investment immigration destinations globally, drawing the attention of countless applicants. However, each country has its own unique investment immigration policies, making it a challenge for prospective immigrants to choose the most suitable path.

The investment immigration projects of Australia, Canada, and the United States have significant differences in investment amount, application conditions, and the way of obtaining identity. Therefore, the flexibility of capital operation is even more important. Through a multi-asset wallet like BiyaPay, you can manage global assets more conveniently and make international remittances at any time. Understanding the policy characteristics of each country can help applicants find a more suitable direction in the complex choices.

Basic Condition Comparison

When choosing an investment immigration option, understanding the basic application requirements of each country is crucial. The investment immigration programs of Australia, Canada, and the USA each have distinctive features tailored to different types of investors and families. Below is an overview of the main investment immigration options for each country.

Australia’s 188 Visa Stream

188A Business Innovation Stream: Suitable for entrepreneurs with a business background who need to establish or purchase a business in Australia and invest the minimum required funds. Applicants must actively participate in business management and demonstrate the business’s contribution to the local economy.

188B Investor Stream: For investors willing to invest in government-designated funds, typically requiring an investment of AUD 1.5 million (approximately USD 950,000).

188C Significant Investor Stream: Targeted at high-net-worth individuals, requiring an investment of at least AUD 5 million (approximately USD 3.15 million). This stream has no specific language or age requirements, making it relatively accessible for affluent investors looking for a fast-track route to residency.

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Different provinces have distinct requirements; for example, some focus more on entrepreneurship, while others aim to attract investors in specific fields. Applicants must demonstrate their positive economic impact on the province, with investment amounts ranging from CAD 200,000 to CAD 2 million (approximately USD 150,000 to USD 1.5 million).

United States EB-5 Investment Immigration Program

EB-5 Program: Requires an investment of USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or USD 1.05 million in other areas, with a requirement to create at least 10 full-time jobs locally. Recent policy changes have extended processing times, but the economic opportunities and appeal of a green card continue to make this program popular.

Comparison of Application Requirements

Investment Amount (in USD):

Australia: Minimum of approximately USD 950,000 (188B) to USD 3.15 million (188C).

Canada: Varies by province, typically between USD 150,000 and USD 1.5 million.

United States: USD 800,000 to USD 1.05 million.

Residency Requirements:

Australia: Must reside in Australia for a certain period each year, depending on the visa subclass.

Canada: Must reside in Canada for at least two out of every five years to maintain permanent residency.

United States: After receiving a conditional green card, continuous residency is required to meet the requirements for status adjustment.

Job Creation Requirements:

Australia: Some 188 visas require managing a business in Australia and creating employment.

Canada: Entrepreneurship or PNP streams typically require economic impact but are more flexible in job creation.

United States: EB-5 explicitly requires the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs.

Each country’s basic requirements and target audience differ, so applicants need to choose the most suitable path based on their circumstances.

Investment Costs and Requirements

Investment Amount and Complexity of Proof of Funds

Australia: The 188B and 188C streams have relatively high investment amounts, particularly the 188C Significant Investor Stream, with a threshold of AUD 5 million (approximately USD 3.15 million), which requires proof of legal source of funds.

Canada: PNP programs vary by province, with typical investments ranging from CAD 200,000 to CAD 2 million (approximately USD 150,000 to USD 1.5 million).

United States: The EB-5 program requires an investment of USD 800,000 to USD 1.05 million and requires detailed proof of funds.

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Flexibility of Investment Types

Australia: The 188 Visa streams generally require applicants to run a business in Australia or invest in government-designated funds.

Canada: The PNP offers more flexibility in investment type, including entrepreneurship, business acquisition, or other investments.

United States: The EB-5 requires investment in a qualifying commercial enterprise that must create jobs, with both direct and indirect options for employment creation.

Consideration of Fund Security and Investment Returns

Australia and Canada: Investment programs generally focus on fund security and contribution to the local economy, favoring safer investments compared to high-risk commercial ventures.

United States: The EB-5 program often relies on Regional Center projects, which may involve risk, requiring careful evaluation of the investment project and associated risks.

Residency and Citizenship After Immigration

Residency requirements and pathways to permanent residency (PR) are key factors for applicants to consider. Australia, Canada, and the USA differ significantly in terms of residency requirements, citizenship pathways, and waiting periods.

Requirements for Obtaining Permanent Residency

Australia: The 188 Visa streams generally allow applicants to convert to PR after fulfilling specific investment and residency requirements. For the 188A and 188B visas, maintaining the investment and living in Australia for at least two years are typically required.

Canada: PNP programs usually require applicants to reside for a specified period after investment to obtain PR, with timelines varying by province.

United States: The EB-5 program grants a conditional green card for two years, after which applicants can apply for permanent residency.

Residency Duration Requirements

Australia: Requires visa holders to spend a certain amount of time in Australia each year while holding a temporary visa.

Canada: Permanent residents must reside in Canada for at least two out of every five years to maintain their PR status.

United States: Conditional green card holders must continuously reside in the US to qualify for a permanent green card.

Pathways to Citizenship and Waiting Periods

Australia: Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after meeting specific residency requirements.

Canada: Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after residing in Canada for three out of the past five years.

United States: Green card holders can apply for citizenship after maintaining PR for five years, with specific residency duration requirements each year.

Summary and Recommendations

By comparing the basic requirements, investment costs, residency requirements, and citizenship pathways of Australia, Canada, and the United States, it is evident that each country offers distinct strategies to attract immigrants.

Australia’s 188 Visa streams cater to entrepreneurs and investors from various backgrounds, offering flexibility with investment thresholds ranging from moderate to high. Canada’s PNP programs are ideal for those with entrepreneurial aspirations and a desire to contribute to the local economy, offering a wide range of options. Meanwhile, the US EB-5 investment immigration program, with its straightforward financial requirements and appeal of a green card, remains the go-to choice for investors seeking entry into the US market.

Each country’s investment immigration policies have unique advantages. Applicants should choose the most suitable path based on their family situation, financial standing, and future plans.