Living costs are
often lower in the USA. Even after taking account of specific items such
as healthcare insurance many immigrants have discovered significant
financial advantages living Stateside. Some parents have discovered its
pointless paying fees for private schools when particular areas of the
USA have state schools that rival the best schools in the world.
Most people need between four and 12 months to investigate options, make
the decision and then organize their affairs. Interest in the EB5 visa
has been increasing and looks likely to continue growing as the desire
to immigrate gains momentum, stimulated no doubt by increased awareness
of the advantages offered by the USA such as a year round outdoor
lifestyle, (Florida and Southern California) certain school areas, taxes
etc.
Approximately 130 British/Irish citizens have taken the EB-5 (pilot
program) route. Outside the UK and Ireland there have been many more
EB-5 (pilot program) visa applications.
One of the British couples making an investment in return for a Green
Card were Michael and Pamela Green.
The couple were among the first dozen Britons to immigrate to America
following amendments to the visa system. The Greens bought into a retail
project. They receive an annual return and did not have to live in the
area where they had invested.
For the first two years, their Green Cards had conditions related to
maintaining the investment which can then be reviewed and removed. After
five years, they can seek citizenship.
They left to move permanently into the holiday home they bought in
Lakeland, Florida, 12 years ago and sold twin bungalows with a swimming
pool, in Bath, Somerset, to move to their bungalow in a complex beside a
golf course fairway. "There is a swimming pool, a fitness centre and the
same amount of land but other people take care of it," said Mr. Green.
"I don't have to cut the grass or clean the pool."
He added: "We now enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, a very nice climate,
with English-speaking people, and a low cost of living. The investment
is a small amount to pay for that benefit." "The sun shines through the
window virtually every day."
Mr. Green, a 12-handicap golfer, and a former managing director of a car
dealership, added: "The comparison in the cost of living is incredible.
Petrol is $3 a gallon.
The couple have a son, a grandchild, and another grandchild on the way.
"At my stage of life my family can come to me," Mr. Green said.
David and Fran Hodgkinson
Retired from top local government consultancy posts before moving two
years ago via the investment visa option. They spent several months
thoroughly researching the various options and felt it was imperative
they immigrated via a green card route, feeling after stressful high
pressure jobs, relaxation in the sun with their dogs was the key
consideration rather than having to set up and maintain a business in
Florida which was a requirement of the other visa options.
Fran had retained great memories of America after student days as a camp
councilor with BUNAC and the thrill was reawakened on holidays to
Florida including Disney.
Having looked at a shortlist of options in Florida they chose a ranch
style home with 6 acres of land in Myakka several miles outside Sarasota
as the ideal move from their home in small Sussex village.
Having personally cleared their land of scrub to design their garden
Fran returned to her roots with a summer job at the world famous
Bollettieri Academy and again they feel their Florida lifestyle has
given them even more than they expected.
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