Grenada: The Smart U.S. Shortcut After Trump’s $100K H‑1B Fee

In September 2025, the Trump administration shook up the U.S. immigration landscape by introducing a one‑time $100,000 fee for new H‑1B visa applications. That’s a dramatic jump from the usual cost and it’s forcing entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and global investors to rethink their U.S. mobility strategies. Many are now setting their sights on Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program as a smarter, leaner path to U.S. access, thanks in large part to Grenada’s unique eligibility for the E‑2 Treaty Investor Visa.

• What changed
  • The new fee is a one‑time surcharge added to new H‑1B applications (not renewals or existing holders).
  • It substantially increases the cost of bringing new foreign talent into U.S. companies, even for highly skilled professionals.
• Why it matters
  • Startups and small firms may struggle to absorb the extra burden.
  • The fee may shift the calculus: instead of sponsoring talent via H‑1B, some may encourage relocation or alternative routes.
  • For individuals, it means the cost of working legally in the U.S. via conventional channels just got much higher.

In that environment, alternative routes particularly those blending citizenship + visa privileges become much more attractive.

• Why Grenada?
  • Grenada is one of the few Caribbean nations whose citizens are eligible for a U.S. E‑2 Treaty Investor Visa.
  • Its Citizenship by Investment program offers visa‑free or visa‑on-arrival access to ~140+ countries, including the Schengen Area, U.K., China, and more.
  • The program imposes no residency requirement: you don’t need to live in Grenada permanently.
  • You can include dependents – spouse, children, even parents in some cases.
• How E‑2 works (for Grenada citizens)
  • As a Grenadian citizen, you can apply for an E‑2 visa to live and operate a business in the U.S.
  • The E‑2 visa is renewable indefinitely (as long as the business stays operational).
  • Your spouse can also get work permission; children (under 21) can live and study in the U.S.
  • While there is no legally fixed minimum amount, many E‑2 applications use $100,000+ investments as a benchmark.
  • The E‑2 visa is not a direct path to a U.S. green card – but it is a stable nonimmigrant route.

In short: you obtain Grenadian citizenship → you become eligible for the E‑2 visa → you invest in and manage a U.S. business → you get U.S. living/work rights while maintaining global mobility.

1. Cost Efficiency vs. H‑1B
   • Under the new rule, the H‑1B route becomes extremely expensive up front.
   • The Grenada + E‑2 path allows you to bypass that spike, offering predictability and control.
2. Speed & Certainty
   • Grenadian citizenship via CBI is relatively fast (varies by case) and doesn’t demand lengthy time in-country.
   • E‑2 processing is usually faster than many employment-based visas, with fewer layers of approval.
3. Mobility & Flexibility
   • Grenadian passports grant entry to ~146 countries visa‑free or visa‑on-arrival.
   • No requirement to permanently relocate to Grenada.
   • You retain the option to live in the U.S. under the E‑2 visa while keeping global movement flexibility.
4. Family Inclusion
   • The program often allows you to include a spouse, children, and sometimes close relatives in your application.
   • Your spouse under E‑2 may get work authorization in the U.S.
5. Reputation & Stability
   • Among Caribbean CBI programs, Grenada is unique in aligning with U.S. E‑2 treaty status, which adds credibility to your plan.

• Not a Green Card Shortcut: The E‑2 is a nonimmigrant visa. It does not directly grant permanent residence.
• Business Risk Required: Your E‑2 stays valid only if your U.S. enterprise is a viable, operating business.
• Due Diligence & Compliance: Citizenship by investment programs are heavily vetted. You’ll need clean, transparent financial history.
• No Guarantee of Approval: Even with citizenship, E‑2 applications can be denied for weak business plans or insufficient investment.
• Country Risk & Policy Changes: Immigration policies can shift. Grenada’s treaties or U.S. rules might evolve.
• High Capital Outlay: The combined cost of Grenadian CBI plus setting up a U.S. business is nontrivial.

1. Assess your U.S. ambition
   If your goal is to live/work in the U.S. with minimal barriers, the Grenada + E‑2 path becomes much more attractive when H‑1B costs spike.
2. Calculate total costs
   Factor in the CBI fees, business startup investment, legal and visa processing fees. Compare that against the nominal cost of the traditional route and the new $100K surcharge.
3. Do strategic planning
   Work with migration and business advisers to build a strong business plan, corporate structure, and cash flow model that supports E‑2 scrutiny.
4. Time your moves
   If you already hold an H‑1B or are in process, assess what changes you might need to make before the fee takes effect.
5. Stay updated
   Monitor U.S. immigration and Grenada CBI policy updates, treaty statuses and visa rules can shift.