Retiring to the USA - can it be done?

mdh141 · Newbie Joined: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 1

We were hoping to retire to the USA in the future but thought it wise to do the research well in advance. We hold British passports but would emigrate from Italy where we reside currently. However it would seem from the information available that it isn't possible as a green card is essential and they are not available for retirees, let alone ever being able to take the next step.
Does anyone know if it is possible to retire on a 365 day basis and what to apply for?

Kirstie

The short answer is no unfortunately. There is no such thing as a retirement visa. To be able to reside in the US all year around you would need some sort of employment or investment visa. If you are looking to literally retire - i.e. not be involved in a business, or be an employee - your best option is the EB5 visa but this does require a minimum investment of $500k.

Otherwise purchasing a business and getting an E2 visa which requires somewhere in the region of $150k depending on where in the US you plan to live.

Lastly there is the B option where you can spend up to 6 months in the US as a "tourist"

Hope that helps answer the question. Feel free to email or respond to this post with additional questions.

Twofilas

I recall a news item on American TV that addressed this subject. The lady in question was restricted by the tourist visa but couldn’t get a permanent residence in Florida on the basis of retirement. Local politicians that were interviewed commented and were of the opinion that ‘something’ should be done given that this would be a positive thing for the economy provided that such persons would not be a drain on the system.

In my neck of the woods, Brazil, there is provision for retirees provided that they can demonstrate a monthly income of $2000.

Ferndell · Newbie Joined: Jun 04, 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Ireland

I currently spend six months of each year in Florida on a B2 visa. During my last visit the immigation official informed me that I was entitled to enter the USA as often as I wanted on my "multiple entry" B2 visa provided I did not stay more than six months at any one time.

THIS IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE STATEMENT THAT "YOU CAN ONLY SPEND SIX MONTHS IN ANY TWELVE MONTH PERIOD IN THE USA" WHICH SEEMS TO BE PREDOMINANT ON THIS SITE.

Twofilas

Ferndell wrote:

I currently spend six months of each year in Florida on a B2 visa. During my last visit the immigation official informed me that I was entitled to enter the USA as often as I wanted on my "multiple entry" B2 visa provided I did not stay more than six months at any one time.

This implies that one could exit the country on an ‘away day’ to Canada or Mexico or wherever to qualify for a further six months of residence?